Notes June 20-10
Last Updated on Thursday, 15 July 2010 10:13 Written by James Thursday, 15 July 2010 10:10
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES
18th ANNUAL MOONEYS PUB RAS NA RINNE
RAIVIS ZAKIS RECORDS THIRD VICTORY AT RAS NA RINNE
Now in its 18th year the annual Ras na Rinne or the Cunnigar Race as it’s more commonly known saw another fine entry as despite the terrain and the tough conditions this race steadfastly continues to be one of the most popular races of the series. The inaugural race at the Cunnigar all of 18 years ago saw 34 runners taking part with many surmising that it wouldn’t last and yet 18 years later it’s as strong as ever with runners from all over the county and beyond travelling to An Rinn for the race where they really get to test their mettle, strength and stamina. All those in search of a challenge were there last Friday night and a challenge they got as the varied terrain and underfoot conditions made it a real test and yet enjoyable in parts! The absence of Sandis Bralitis who has been a clear winner in the previous 5 races of the summer series meant that the race would be between Raivis Zakis and the ever improving Brian Murphy of Carrick-on-Suir. Most races with a downhill at the start generally tend to start off fast but all those with previous experience of the Cunnigar know to play it safe and so it was a conservative start by one and all. It was Raivis and Brian that led out the field of 153 runners and they led it out running shoulder to shoulder down the hill, across the stream, out the loop and back by the sand dunes and yet the two runners were still very close with Raivis looking to record back to back victories as he won last year and likewise this was Brian’s closest opportunity to claiming his first victory of the series. Upon reaching the stream and making their way out onto the road both were beginning to feel the effects of the run and yet both had to contend with the steep incline home and yet there was still nothing between the two at this stage. However with 800 or so metres to go it was Raivis that was feeling the stronger of the two and with more experience of running this course he pulled away at a steady rate and so over the final 200 metres and rounding the final bend Raivis was in no danger of being caught and crossed the line a worthy winner in a fine time of 30.53. This was well outside Raivis’ time from last year but with the course differing year after year in terms of underfoot conditions it was still a great time. Raivis was seven seconds clear of Brian Murphy who battled bravely right to the finish line who in turn was well clear of Shane Mullaney of Thurles Crokes who was the third finisher on the night. The Ras Na Rinne record is held by William Harty at 29.14 and so it stands for yet another year. Rory Moloney finished in 4th place and Kevin Kenneally finished in 5th which meant that West Waterford had three runners in the top 5 places which was a great club achievement. The club also fared very well in the age categories with Michael Dunford who finished in 19th place overall which won for him the 0/40 category. It was worth the spin from Youghal for Kevin Curtin who made it a double by winning the 0/45 category for the second year in a row. Colin Lyons who has been featuring very strongly in the 0/50 category of late added another success to his credit with a fine time of 38.03. Joe Gough also ran a very impressive run to finish 8th overall in the race and first in the 0/55 category and it was John Foley of West Waterford that claimed first 0/60 in 45.20. It was a powerful display of running from the first junior runner, Damian Murphy, who finished in a very credible 12th position and he well deserved this spot after a very brave and courageous run and the pressure was on as he was being chased by Tommy Falconer and John Leahy all the way to the finishing line and just about got there before the two lads so well done to all. The team prizes were chosen on a handicap system and prizes were awarded to three teams with five to score on each team. The winning team consisted of Patrick Riordan, Tom Leahy, Gerard Murray, Trevor Walsh and Cliona Hurley. The second team comprised of Eoin Dullea, John Riordan, Sylvie Mahony, Bernie Laherty and Seamus Manahan. The third and final team was made up of Ray Burke, Richard Griffin, Kevin Casey, Tomas Murphy and Marie Walsh.
MEN’S RESULTS
1. Raivis Zakis West Waterford AC 30.53
2. Brian Murphy Carrick-on-Suir 31.00
3. Shane Mullaney Thurles AC 31.49
0/40
Michael Dunford West Waterford AC 36.28
0/45
Noel Curtin Youghal 34.34
0/50
Colin Lyons West Waterford AC 38.03
0/55
Joe Gough West Waterford AC 34.55
0/60
John Foley West Waterford AC 45.20
Junior
Damien Murphy N/A 35.37
RAS NA RINNE LADIES RECORD STANDS FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Last year when Pauline Lambe ran in the summer series she set many a course record over the summer months and when she didn’t break the course record she equalled it which was the case at Ras na Rinne last year. Given that Pauline has managed so far to break the records that she set in the 2009 series already in this year’s series it was expected that the course record which has been held since 1994 would be broken. The record was set by Lori Stitch, an American athlete, who ran the course in 35.14 and since that day no female athlete has been able to break the record. Pauline of course set out to do this and going on her current form it was well within her capabilities and this year she would have had the added experience of knowing the course but knowing the Cunnigar also means knowing that the conditions change and vary so much from year to year and with the breeze on the way out to contend with it was going to take a great effort to do this. Pauline was certainly on track throughout the whole race to break the record and such was her efforts that she finished 10th finisher overall which is a remarkable feat. Unfortunately for Pauline who rounded the final bend with the clock approaching 35 minutes and despite all the encouragement and support from the crowd who egged her on all the way it was just not enough on the night. Pauline certainly gave it her best shot but the legs were tired from battling on the sand and so she finished on 35.20, a mere six seconds slower than the record and such a performance surely means that in the not too distant future the record will be broken and it will be Pauline who will be the new holder of this record, Pauline will surely make this her goal for 2011. The consolation prize was that she was still a clear winner of the race and has recorded two victories in a row at this race and has also secured another victory in this year’s series which if she manages to run two more races will see her be crowned ladies champion of the 2010 summer series. Clonmel AC athlete Angela McCann who broke 3 hours at the Cork Marathon the previous week also ran in the Cunnigar for the first time and she took the course all in her stride to take second place in the ladies. Heading out the beach Angela was in third place as Marie Triona Keane of Tullamore Harriers was in second spot but shortly before reaching the point Angela moved into second and from there on she was to open a considerable gap on Marie Triona Keane and was never in any danger of being caught. For the record Angela finished in a time on 36.46 in 22nd place overall ad Marie Triona Keane finished third in 38.26. It’s always encouraging to see new names on the winner’s list which we had at the Cunnigar. Liz Nhyan who has proven her capabilities week after week at the Minnie’s League picked up the 0/35 prize and deservedly so with a terrific run clocking 42.55. Cait Caulfield who finished 3rd last year picked up the 0/40 prize and she was 4th overall with her time of 39.06. A busy day of baking post-race cakes and buns didn’t have any ill effects on Josie Ui Chuirrin and she won for herself the 0/45 prize and her club-mate Bernie Prendergast was successful in the 0/50 prize. Carrick-on-Suir athlete Bernie Sexton was the 0/55 with a time of 48.47 so well done to all the ladies.
LADIES RESULTS
1. Pauline Lambe Waterford AC 35.20
2. Angela McCann Clonmel AC 36.46
3. Marie Keane Tullamore Harriers 38.20
0/35
Liz Nhyan N/A 42.55
0/40
Cait Caulfield Waterford AC 39.06
0/45
Josie Ui Chuirrin West Waterford AC 42.19
0/50
Bernie Prendergast West Waterford AC 45.33
0/55
Bernie Sexton Carrick-on-Suir 48.47
THANKS
Overall it was a very successful race with the numbers taking part holding up well and on par with the entry for 2009. Our behind the scenes team under the stewardship of Gerry Cantwell the clubs road racing coordinator had everything in ship shape once again with the result that the night’s racing went off without a hitch. Our sincere thanks must go to our team who were on hand to do the entries, Liam, Breeda and Megan. Thanks also to Michael and Tony in the van who as usual had everything in control and to Conor and Jamie out on the course who had a fine job done prior to the race and to Joe who was on camera duty on the night and thanks to Albert and all those at the finishing line who all worked ever so efficiently to ensure a great race once again. Thanks to our stewards on the night for a job very well it was great to see our club President Paddy Joe Curran in his usual spot at the top of the Cunnigar looking after all the athletes as they left and retuned to the road section of the race. Special thanks also to the Crotty family who once again provided the water station on the Cunnigar, it was much appreciated. To our race sponsor Ann Gough of Mooney’s Pub for their generous sponsorship once again this year. Indeed the club is indebted to her for the continued sponsorship over the last 18 years of the event. All our athletes were well looked after with the post race refreshments in Mooney’s Pub. Special thanks to Breda Cantwell and Seamus O’ Droma for making the sandwiches and to Josie Uí Chuirrin for her delicious array of cakes. Thanks to Paudie Breathnach of Spar who sponsored the food for the sandwiches yet again this year and to Ann Dunford who had her usual superb array of prizes, thanks Ann. Thanks must also go to the O’ Droma family represented by Seamus and Liam who were on hand to present the O’ Droma family shield to the winner on the night. A sincere thanks also goes to Comhairle Phobail na Rinne for providing the use of their fine hall for taking the entries and the changing areas, this was greatly appreciated by all the club, many thanks to one and all.
18th ANNUAL DUNGARVAN LEADER DROMANA 5 THIS FRIDAY
The 18th Annual Dromana 5 mile road race takes place this coming Friday, June 25th at 8 pm. This eagerly awaited race has always proved to be most popular given that great times are always recorded at this race as well as the beautiful scenery and the fabulous array of prizes that are on offer courtesy of Colm Nagle of the Dungarvan Leader who is the annual sponsor of this prestigious race and has always proved a most supportive and generous sponsor. The race itself starts at 8 pm in the village of Villierstown and is an A to B course as it finishes in Cappoquin. A bus will depart Cappoquin at 6.30 pm to bring runners to Villierstown where the entries will be taken. The Dungarvan Leader Dromana 5 is one of the club's best supported races and both the club and the sponsors are looking forward to another bumper turn out this Friday evening along the famed Dromana Drive. The race is number 7 in this year’s Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series and we ask all runners to please note this race is the last opportunity to enter this year’s series as entries close on Friday evening in Dromana.
DUNGARVAN LEADER-CASH BONUS FOR COURSE RECORDS
Our sincere thanks to Colm, Linda and all at Dungarvan Leader for their ongoing support of the race and through their generous sponsorship there will be a large array of prizes on offer for the race which will include the 1st 10 men, 1st 3 men’s teams of 4, (Both Men's and Ladies team prizes are outside of individual prize winners) 1st 5 ladies and 1st ladies team of 4. A €100 bonus will be awarded to the first man to break the course record of 23.49 (set by John Tracey) and another €100 will be awarded to the first lady to break the Ladies record of 29.08.The usual spot prizes will also be given out at the presentation to the winners which this year will again be held at the Central Bar Cappoquin by kind permission of Danny and Nora Flynn, also shower facilities will be available for all here and refreshments will be provided for the runners. Our thanks also to Ger Mason Cappoquin for his kind association with the race again this year, much appreciated Ger. Trevor Mason, our race director for this race, has all the groundwork done at this stage now and we hope that the weather will be kind to Trevor and his team in Cappoquin, which will help to bring out a big turn out of runners which is what they deserve for their efforts in organising the race.
ENTRIES TO GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES CLOSES IN DROMANA
A reminder again to all runners that entry to this year’s Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series will close at registration this Friday evening at the Dromana race. Entry fee to the series is 7 euros, you must pay to enter each race - if you would like to join the series, then you must pay €7 separately. For those that join the series, we keep track of your finishing position in each race that you do and your final score will be your best 6 races. You must do a minimum of 6 races to be part of the series. After the final race, prizes will be awarded to the top ten men overall and also to the 20th, 30th, 40th man, every 10th position. In the ladies, prizes will be awarded to the top five women overall and also to the 10th, 15th, 20th finisher, every 5th finisher. A €25 Nike voucher (redeemable at Ger Wyley Sports Shop) will be awarded to any runner that takes part in any 6 of the 10 races. For those that run in all ten races, they will receive a €75 voucher so make sure and join the series if you will get 6 or ten races done.
WEST WATERFORD AC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
The Mooney’s Bar sponsored Ras Na Rinne last Friday evening was the 6th race in this year’s Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series of road races and as we are now past the half way point things are starting to heat up in the club’s member’s championships event. From our last report there are no changes on the leader board, please remember you must complete 8 races of the 10 race programme in the summer series to score in the championship. So for now, its 6 races down and 4 races to go!
Male
Senior Bralitis, Sandis
Over 40 O'Connor, Johnny
Over 45 McCarty, Martin
Over 50 Lyons, Colin
Over 55 Gough, Joe
Female
Senior Wall, Norma
Over 35 Wall, Triona
Over 40 Dunford, Ann
Over 45 Whelan, Anne
Over 50 Prendergast, Bernie
Over 55 no member can do 8 races
Over 60 Gough, Terry
MINNIES FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE
FINAL NIGHT SEES SOME GREAT TIMES RECORDED
The 8th and final night of the Minnies Fit4Life Running League took place last Tuesday evening in the Friary College and once again we had a great turn out. A feature of this league each week has been the fantastic turn out of runners who took part this year. In fact this summer a record was set in the 3rd week when 158 runners took part and this number never went below 100 even despite some inclement weather on a few evenings. We held the prize giving for this league last Thursday evening and again the O Brien family were our hosts. Our Chairperson Tony Ryan welcomed everyone and thanked all the league helpers for their assistance with the running of the league and of course our sponsors the O Brien family of Minnies and the runners for their attendance on the night. It was a great evening and once again a big thank you to Paddy for presenting the prizes. We will have a full report on the final league tables next week. This being the final night of the league we will take a break this week (June 22nd) and we will resume next week with the Amber Petroleum Garage Predict Your Time League which will once again run for 8 Tuesday’s right up to August 17th. We look forward to seeing all the participants in the Minnies league turn out once again for another enjoyable league and also for any newcomers this is another great league for you as anyone can win each week and you certainly do not have to be the fastest to finish first here. We will explain the way the league works and if you have any questions just come along to the Friary next Tuesday around quarter to 7 to register and we will get under way at 7pm. It’s just €2 each night and once again we will provide the water at the finish line.
1 LAP
RONAN MAKES IT 7 WINS FROM 8
Ronan Proctor took part in this league on 7 out of the 8 nights and on every night he took part he finished in first position. This week Ronan’s time was 7.23 while in second place this week was John Whelan who swapped over from the 4 laps on the final night and showed he too has some speed in the legs recording a time of 8.15. Geraldine Heffernan was once again the first lady finisher in 8.28 while Margaret Whelan (10.07) may only have started this league recently but this did not deter her and on her final week she took a minute from her previous best. Last week Colleen Hayes went very close to breaking the 11 minute mark well this week she smashed that barrier when she recorded 10.10. Well done Colleen. Kevin Tutty (10.52) also kept the best for last as did Karen Coleman who ran all 8 nights starting with 13.23 and took this down to 11.09 on the final night. Similarly Lucinda Shrubb started with 16.22 in week 1 and finishing with 12.37 on the final night, so well done ladies. Mary Power (12.39) took almost a minute from her best time in the final week while Louise Kenneally who must have thought the 13 minute barrier was unbreakable, accomplished this on the final night running the 1.2 miles in 12.45. Well done to everyone who ran the 1 Lap league over the 8 weeks, you can be more than proud of your perseverance and achievements.
2 LAPS
DAVID TAKES THIRD VICTORY
31 runners took part in the 2 Lap league last week and an incredible 12 of these runners recorded their fastest times of the league to date. There was some excellent running from all 12 but the other 19 were also very close to their best times too. First home again and taking his 3rd victory here was David Earley in 14.45 while second to finish was Trevor Walsh in 16.22. Trevor was just a few seconds outside his p.b. but Tommy Keniry (16.35) had a massive run this week in the 2 laps as he only moved up to this distance last week and took nearly 3 minutes off his time. Brian Hourigan (17.38) will be delighted with his progress in this league as he set a new p.b. for himself as will Tom Scanlon (19.06) and Sinead de Faoite (19.40) who broke 20 minutes for the first time. Richie Power (19.51) too broke 20 minutes while the 21 minute mark was the target for Lorraine Walsh and she achieved this in some style recording 20.31. Others with the 21 minute mark in their sights were Carol Whelan (20.53), Ann Crowther (20.54) and Geraldine Barry (21.00) as each of these ladies all set their fastest times of the league. Marie Kennedy (22.43) ran 6 out of 8 nights and each night she was faster than the previous one as she maintained this high standard right up to the last night. Claire Murray (24.03) ran the 3 lap league on the first 4 nights and at the half way stage she changed over to the 2 laps, this strategy paid off for Claire as she had her fastest run on the last night. Last but not least well done to Regina Cunningham who started running the 2 lap league on the third week in 28.28 and on her last night she ran the 2 laps in 26.58. Once again, well done to all 31 runners here and congratulations to you all on your achievements.
3 LAPS
GARY TAKES CONTROL
Since this league began Gary Mc Cormack (22.27) has been in control of the 3 Lap distance and last Tuesday evening he finished first for the 4th time in the league and with his fastest time as well. Patrick Lannon finished second this week in 24.43 exactly 5 minutes faster than his time on the first week. Madeligo man Kevin Walsh (24.57) was a full minute faster than his previous best while Athlete Of the Month for May, Onra Power went from 34.31 in week 1 to breaking 30 minutes in week 8 which is excellent progress. Caroline Lenihan (31.48) broke the 31 minute mark for the first time while Rita Cronolly who ran the 3 laps in 33 minutes each night until the very last when she broke the 33 minute mark running the 3.6 miles in 32.28. Well done to all the runners who ran the 3 lap distance over the 8 nights.
4 LAPS
KEVIN TAKES VICTORY
In the 4 lap distance this week Kevin Kenneally recorded his second win of the 8 nights that he participated in the league. In a time of 26.39 he led home the field of 41 runners on a great evening for running. The Murphy brothers from Carrick filled the 2nd and 3rd place places with Brian recording 26.40 while Martin finished with a flourish recording his fastest time of 28.28. John Leahy (28.59) kept the best for last as he broke 29 minutes for the first time. A total of 19 out of the 41 runners recorded p.b.’s last Tuesday evening which is excellent running. Some of these p.b.’s were recorded by Colin Lyons (33.11) who was just ahead of a large group of runners consisting of Paul Brunnock (33.12), Pat Earley (33.13) and Liam Kavanagh (33.30). Peter Fitzgerald (33.44) and Richard Griffin (33.57) got in on the act too as Richard in particular took his time down from 38.39 in week 1 to 33.44 on the final night. The ladies did not leave all the fast times to the men as they too recorded some excellent times, these included Josie Ui Chuirrin (34.12) who ran an excellent race in Carrick the previous Friday to storm home last Tuesday as did Triona Wall who also finished very strongly in the last lap recording 34.33. Karen Ryan (35.06) will be delighted with her time as will Liz Nyhan (35.15) who is really running well at the moment. The next p.b came from Angeline Drennan as she was just under a minute faster than her previous best recording 35.42. John Foley (37.23) and Tomás Murphy (37.32) will also be delighted with their fastest times while Marie Walsh (42.37) deserves a special mention as she participated in her first Rás Na Rinne last Friday evening and had no problem with the tough course. We promise they are not all as tough as that one Marie! Finally here we have to congratulate Alison O Brien and Kate Organ again this week as they finished with a flourish having started in week 1 with 48.10 and finishing in week 8 with 43.34.
THANK YOU
Thanks once again to Charmaine for the lovely orange slice and the bottles of water which were much appreciated last Tuesday in the evening sun.
PRIZEGIVING NIGHT
The prize giving night for this league was held last Thursday evening in Minnies Bar Abbeyside, home of our sponsors the O Brien family. Tony Ryan our Chairman welcomed everyone to the venue and thanked all the runners for their presence, the finish line officials for their work in the holding of the league and of course the O Brien family for their generous sponsorship and in particular Charmaine who attended the league most nights and also supplied the runners with oranges and water again on the final night. Paddy O Brien was on hand to present the prizes and everyone enjoyed the occasion and of course the food so thanks once again to all the O Briens.
AMBER PETROLEUM LEAGUE
We are taking a break this week Tuesday 22nd and we will resume with the Amber Petroleum League on Tuesday 29th once again with a start time of 7pm. This league is a Colligan Cup style league where the clock works in reverse and the runners begin their run when they see the time they think they might run their chosen distance in. If you are unsure of the way the league works don’t worry we will explain it to you on the first night, just ask at the van.
WOODIES DIY JUNIOR AND UNDER 23 NATIONAL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THIS SUNDAY.
The Junior and under 23 track and field championships are being held this Sunday in Tullamore and get under way at 11.00 am .West Waterford have a strong team travelling to the championships and all are asked to make sure to be on time for their check in. please see athletic Ireland web site for your particular event time.
The team is as follows.
Rory Moloney, Ciaran Lane .Thomas ,Laurence and Martin Houlihan, Declan Power
Lisa Houlihan, Zoe Scanlon. Leanne Herlihy, Claire Collins Kate Veale and Michelle Kennelly. Eadaoin Ashe
NATIONAL TRACK AND FIELD LEAGUES
Round one of the National Leagues was held in Tullamore recently and it was a most successful day for the ladies team that represented the club. Following on from fine performances from all the team, West Waterford finished the day with 119 points which placed them in the lead in pool B of division 1. Galway County finished with 124 points in Pool A which means that from all the teams gathered on the day West Waterford AC are second overall. On the same day that the leagues were held in Tullamore its counterpart was held in Antrim for the Northern teams and the highest score here was 115 which places West Waterford ahead of all these teams which will make a great start for round two of these leagues which will take place on Sunday July 18th at a venue yet to be decided but as soon as the venue has been decided we will inform all relevant athletes so in the meantime keep up the training as we are sure to do as well in round two.
PHILIP HARTY TABLE QUIZ NIGHT
A table quiz will be held in Minnie’s Bar, Abbeyside on Wednesday night June 30th at 8 pm. The quiz is organised by the friends of Philip Harty who was recently chosen on the Irish Hill running team for the European hill running championships which are being held on Sunday July 4th in Bulgaria. On the night it will be tables of four and its 30 euro per table. There will also be a raffle on the night with lots of prizes on offer. All proceeds will go towards the cost of Philip’s trip to the European Championships and your support would be greatly appreciated.
SHANAGARRY 5 THIS THURSDAY JUNE 24TH
Our second trip to Ballycotton this summer will take place on Thursday 24th of June for race two in the Ballycotton running promotions Nike summer series when the Shannagarry 5 takes place at 8 pm. The following are the prize details for the race.
PRIZES: First 10 men (M); First 3 M40; First 3 M45; First 3 M50; First 2 M55; First M60; First M65; First M70; First 2 under 20 (MJ).First 2 teams (3 to score, excluding prize-winners). First 6 women (F); First 2 F35; First 2 F40; First 2 F45; First F50; First F55. First team (3 to score, excluding prize-winners).
RUNNING QUOTE
I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!