From Athletics Northern Ireland website We cannot allow Derek Cowan to ease out of the “results side” of our sport without some reference to his contribution to Athletics Northern Ireland. His input has been invaluable. For almost 20 years now he has supplied local athletics with accurate results in a detailed and speedy manner. Whether an athlete finishes first or last in a race he or she will always wish to know their placing and finishing time, and this is where Derek provided an invaluable and unrivaled service.
This function was delivered in a calm, pleasant and unruffled manner and was officially recognised last year when Derek was the recipient of a UKA Monopole award.
He will not be lost to our sport however as he now intends swopping the laptop for the road shoes and competing in as many local races as possible, particularly later this year when he moves into a higher veteran age category.
Athletics NI wish him well.
Letter from Derek:
I wish to advise all clubs and organisations that I am retiring from providing the Race Results Service with immediate effect.
Naturally, I will honour those events already agreed (listed below).
I want to spend more time on my favourite hobbies – mountain biking and ski (spend the kids inheritance) holidays and even return to competitive running. However, I found in 2008 that I was finding this more and more difficult due to being tied up with races, hence my decision to retire to free up my weekends (sadly, I still have to do the Monday to Friday job). Mid-week events are less of a problem and I will be happy to continue to provide the results service for those if required.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those clubs and organisations who chose me to provide the results service over the last 15 and more years. A particular vote of thanks goes out to the girls at the Athletics Office (Clare, Clare, Jenni and Margaret in particular). And who can forget the sterling work every Saturday, come wind and rain, of Eddie, Pam, Tommy and Phyllis – my work was made much easier due to their efforts on the Finishing Line.
Finally, a special thanks to my friends and colleagues who assisted me – Ivan Watton from East Antrim Harriers during those early years and, most recently, Glen McCabe.
I hope that I have given sufficient notice to clubs/organisations who had anticipated using my services for events in the future but are not listed below. If not please contact me directly on DekeCowan@hotmail.com and I will try to accommodate you.
Best wishes for the future.
Derek
AGREED EVENTS LIST
Date Event Venue
14/01/09 Inter Schools XC Lurgan
17/01/09 NI&Ulster Jnr XC Stormont
31/01/09 NI&Ulster Snr XC Gransha
03/02/09 District ‘B’ Schools XC The DUB
05/02/09 District ‘A’ Schools XC Delamont
25/02/09 Ulster Schools XC Mallusk
27/02/09 Primary Schools XC Grove Park
06/03/09 Primary Schools XC Orangefield
11/03/09 Primary Schools XC Falls Park
30/03/09 Primary Schools XC Final Ormeau Pk
03/07/09 Ards Half Marathon Newtownards
[Pictured: Derek Cowan receiving his award at the Athletics NI Awards Night]