Club's pride at progress of Commonwealth Games athletes

No fewer than six of the 10-strong panel for Delhi have come through the Antrim Forum-based club, made famous by the efforts of husband-and-wife coaching team Sean and Maeve Kyle.

Three of the members of the 4x400 metres relay team - Jo Patterson, Christine McMahon and Joanna Mills - are current members, while middle-distance runner James McIlroy has also been back with Ballymena and Antrim since last Easter.

As well as that, Kelly Kirk, the other relay team member, is the daughter of club vice-president Mark Kirk, while Sean Kyle also coached middle-distance runner Kelly McNeice in her formative years.

"It's a great source of pride to the club to see our former and current members going on to represent their country at the highest level," Ballymena-based coach Maeve told Times Sport.

And while those athletes go off in search of medal glory, the next generation of potential Commonwealth stars will continue to hone their skills under the watchful eye of Sean, Maeve and their dedicated team of coaches.

The omens already look good with Athletics Ireland selecting Ballymena and Antrim to represent Ireland in next year's European Junior Club Championships, on the back of some impressive performances at junior and juvenile level this year.

The club's Fundamentals programme is also flourishing with up to 100 kids of primary school age learning the basics of athletics while enjoying the benefits of physical exercise.

Club winter training begins on Tuesday, October 5, at St Louis Grammar School and for under-12s at Antrim Forum on Thursdays from that same week.

The club is also looking forward to its AGM and prize night in Antrim Enterprise Centre on October 20.