The Northern Ireland Orienteering Championships Night Championships 2025 took place on Saturday 5th November in Castlewellan Forest Park. It proved to be a fantastic evening of navigation, competition, and camaraderie. This event had been postponed from February, when storm Eowyn wreaked havoc in the park, destroying many of the mature trees , with several trails still impassable. Competitors were treated to 3 challenging courses that tested map-reading precision.
Written by Carol Black and Joe McClure (Organisers).
Hosted by Lagan Valley Orienteering Club, the event attracted participants of all ages and abilities, from first-time night explorers to seasoned elites. Clear weather provided ideal running conditions.
Course planner Mark Earnshaw and Controller Greg McCann designed routes that made the most of the park’s varied terrain — from dense woodland and open clearings to the intricate path network near the castle grounds.
Many competitors commented on the excellent map quality and well-placed controls, which encouraged careful route choice and fast decision-making.
The finish area buzzed with post-race chatter as runners compared route choices and times. Congratulations went to the category winners:
Men’s Open – Dan Earnshaw, LVO
Men's Vet – Ric Gamble, LVO
Men's SuperVet – Stephen Gilmore, LVO
Men's UltraVet – Michael Murphy, LVO
Women's Open – Sam McNeilly, LVO
Women's Vet – Sharon Dickenson, LVO
Women's SuperVet – Stephanie Pruzina, LVO
Women's UltraVet – Helen Baxter, LVO
Special thanks were extended to the volunteers who handled registration, timing, and control collection — their efforts ensured a smooth and enjoyable event. And also to the park manager, Joleen McKinney, and ‘The Well ‘Castlewellan for their hospitality.
More Blog Posts
Night Orienteering for beginners
1 December 2025
Scottish Students 2025
1 December 2025
