MEDALS GALORE AND A NEW RECORD FOR WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES AT MUNSTER TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The recent Munster Senior, under 23 and Junior, Track and Field championships were held at C.I.T.Cork.The meet was a very successful day for our athletes with medals galore and a new Munster record for the club. In the Senior Men’s we had three athlete’s and all three came home with gold medals to their credit, Liam Houlihan got proceedings under way for the club and indeed for the Houlihan family when taking gold in the Pole Vault with a vault of 4 meters, While down the other end of the infield the Men’s Discus was proceeding and here Frank O’Brien took gold with a throw of 37.49, Next up was the 800 meters with the flying James Ledingham in the line up, after a somewhat slowish first 400 the pace really picked up with James leading affairs and he duly came home in a time of 1.57 to clinch the gold medal, He later ran the 1.500 meters and finished 4th in a time of 4.07.27 in a very strong field. If our Senior Men were on a role then so were our under 23 Men and Women, Sean Stilwell took gold in the 2k steeplechase with a time of 6.28.6 Sean will be well pleased with this having finished in the silver medal position in 2008, He later in the day had a go at the 5.000 meters where he finished 6th, The clubs newest race walker on the block Rory Moloney picked up his very first Munster walk medal when taking the 5.000 meter event with a time of 28.47,Rory also won a silver medal over 3.000 meters when running a time of 9.50.6,Another of our pole vaulter’s Mark Bannon also won gold with a vault of 3.80 meters and its good to see Mark back to winning ways after a spell away on army duty overseas,. The clubs sole Lady representative in the under 23’s Eadaoin Ashe took a well-earned gold in the Discus with a throw of 29.26, Eadaoine’s other sport of trampolining obviously keeping her very fit and strong over the winter months.
In the Junior’s we had 3 ladies participating with Kate Veale once again rewriting the record books with a time of 14.14 over the 3.000 meters walk smashing the old mark of 15.38 with some to spear, Zoe Scanlon had a long and a busy day when taking part in three events, Discus, Shot and Javelin .Zoe took silver in the Discus with a throw of 35.46,this was a new personal best throw and her first time to break the magic 35 meters mark so well done on that achievement, She also won bronze in the Javelin when recording a throw of 29.95 , she was just outside the medals in her third event the Shot on this occasion, Lisa Houlihan vaulted 2.50 to win a silver in the Pole Vault and in the Triple Jump with a jump of 10.23 took the bronze medal. Our final group of athletes were in the Junior Men’s events and more medals were brought Déise side here, Once again the dominance of the Houlihan family in the Pole Vault was evident when Thomas took gold with the best vault of the day recording 4.20 retaining his Munster crown, Thomas will be delighted to have, at least on this occasion vaulted a higher height than his older brother Liam, (sorry Liam it had to happen sometime). Another of our walkers Joe Conway is really improving with each outing and he retained his junior walk crown over 5.000 meters with a time of 25.33. Dale Kennedy was in action in the Discus and Shot taking bronze in both events and our final participant who had a long wait for his competition, but a worthwhile wait, Brandon Barry recorded a fine gold medal jump of 10.65. It’s very evident that Track and Field is alive and well in West Waterford from the above results with one of our largest turn out of athletes ever at these championships. Congratulations to all and much thanks to those who gave up their bank holiday Monday to travel to C.I.T. to look after the team.

RACE 3 OF GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES

40TH ANNUAL WATERFORD TO TRAMORE ROAD RACE

It’s not too many events that can last more than a decade or so but the Paddy Flanagan Waterford to Tramore road race has certainly stood the test of time and has increased in numbers and popularity with each passing year over the last four decades. Last year, the entry of 277 was a record entry not only for the race itself but also up to the race in 2008 it had the biggest entry of any of the Ger Wyley/Nike summer series races. Well, this year it has gone a step further with a record entry yet again of 354. Indications that it was going to have unprecedented entries became apparent at the Butlerstown 10k 2 weeks previously with 313 entries. The organisers of the race and the series were delighted so see the increase in numbers and it looks as if the 2009 series will be one of the best ever. The conditions were excellent for the run with the race beginning from City Hall out the Tramore road to the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, a distance of 7.5 miles. With the exceptionally large crowd and huge volume of traffic in the city, a large team of stewards and gardaí were on hand to ensure smooth proceedings and the safety of the runners. They are to be commended on a job well done, not an easy task by any means. The presentation of prizes and shower facilities were at the Tramore G.A.A. club and our thanks to them for the use of their facilities again this year.  The race itself was organised by Waterford AC who hosted it for the third year running. A fine spread awaited all the tired and weary runners and it was very much appreciated by all. Thanks to Fintan on P.A., those who provided the water stops, and to Mrs. Flanagan who was present on the night as she has been every year that the race has been in existence.

SANDIS BRALITIS RETAINS HIS TITLE FOR THE FOURTH YEAR

Sandis Bralitis claimed his fourth victory in a row for the Waterford to Tramore road race. He has certainly laid down his markers at this early stage for overall winner of the series and it’s going to take some athlete to alter these plans. Having had three wins from three, Sandis was obviously the pre-race favourite. Ger Clancy who finished in second place on the night and second last year looked to be the only one who might rattle Sandis but this wasn’t to be the case. Sandis went into his customary early lead which he was to maintain with considerable ease from gun to tape and on the final stretch from the roundabout to the Majestic Hotel; it looked like a one-man race as he was the sole individual to be seen by the large crowd of spectators making his way to the finishing line. His time of 38.45 was considerably slower than that of last year when he set a course record in a time of 37.53 but having recently competed in the Paris Marathon, this was expected. Sandis was happy with an easy win on the night. Ger Clancy (DMP) as already stated had a repeat of last year by finishing in second position with a time of 39.31, well clear of Tommy McElwaine of Sliabh Bhuide Rovers in 41.03. From our own club perspective, it was a great night as it saw Sean Stilwell finishing in 4th place and Philip Harty in 5th. This was great running indeed from the lads who are improving with every outing. For the 6th year in a row, West Waterford has also won the men’s team prize. This year’s winning team was Shane Power (14th), Martin McCarthy (15th) and PJ Guinan (19th). Can we make seven out of seven? Declan Power also repeated his win from last year by claiming the top junior spot in 44.58. The following are the winners on the night:

1st  Sandis Bralitis  WWAC 38.45
2nd  Ger Clancy   DMP  39.31
3rd  Tommy McElwaine  SBR  41.03
4th  Sean Stilwell   WWAC 41.32
5th  Philip Harty   WWAC 41.53
O/40 PJ Carroll    43.12
O/45 Gabriel Murphy   43.42
O/50 Larry Lacey St. Joseph’s A.C.  43.20
O/55  Con Kelleher   WAC   51.18
1st Junior Declan Power  WWAC  44.58

PAULINE LAMBE ONCE AGAIN SMASHES COURSE RECORD

Having broken the course record in the previous two races of the series, it was no surprise to anyone that Pauline Lambe recorded a hat trick at the Waterford to Tramore race last Saturday. The course record was set last year by Muriel Cummins of Kilgobnet in a time of 45.52 and Pauline’s time of 44.08 meant she has written herself into the history books of Waterford athletics as it looks like a record to remain untouched for quite some time. Once again, a number of highly talented female athletes were present on the night and the finishing positions echoed that of Butlerstown with the same 4 athletes filling the top 4 positions. Pauline had a 40 second lead over Madeline Loughnane who finished second in 44.48. Pauline finished in17th position overall out of a field of 354 and Madeline in 20th position overall. Angela McCann of Clonmel A.C. was 5th in this race last year and will be pleased with the improvement in her finishing position this year as she finished 3rd lady overall and will be even more delighted with her time. Last year’s overall winner Corinna Walsh will be thrilled with her performance which saw her finishing 4th overall in a super time of 46.50. The next few races in the series vary in distance and terrain and so we may very well see someone else take the top spot or even set yet another new course record. With 7 races remaining in the series it’s interesting times ahead for the ladies section of the series. For all those with an eye on the next race of the series, the Touraneena 5K, the ladies record was set in 1997 by Veronica Molloy in a time of 17.51. Something tells me that we will most definitely see another course record broken but by whom? We’ll just have to wait and see.

1st  Pauline Lambe  Tullamore A.C. 44.08
2nd  Madeline Loughnane  Thurles Crokes  44.48
3rd  Angela McCann  Clonmel A.C.   45.57
4th   Corinna Walsh  WWAC   46.50
5th  Sylvia Malone  WAC    49.00
O/35  Brea Cooke   WAC    39.20
O/40  Cait Caulfield   St. Senans  49.38
O/45 Liz Nolan   WAC   52.18
O/50 Anne Fitzgerald WAC    51.26
1st Junior Rebecca Maher  WWAC  62.55
Waterford A.C. won the ladies team prize this year. The winning athletes were Joan Mahony, Mary Burke and Suzanne Dullaghan.

RACE 4 IN THE GER WYLEY/NIKE SUMMER SERIES

DUNFORDS LOUNGE BAR TOURANEENA 5K.

The next race in the summer series is the Touraneena 5K which will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday, June 1st at 7.30 p.m. The race this year is sponsored by Dunford's Lounge Bar. 2009 will be the 14th year of this race which is a great achievement and a testament to the effort and contribution played by the organising committee in Touraneena. A large crowd is expected for this race, which starts and finishes in the village. As well as the 5K race, the popular walk will also take place at 6.30 p.m. with the Anne Power memorial trophy being presented to the walker that most accurately predicts their finishing time.  More on this race over the next few weeks but for the meantime make sure and add it to the diary.

HAVE YOU JOINED THE SERIES YET?

Just a little reminder to all those that intend on joining the series but have not yet done so: entry to the series is separate to the races. It’s €7 to join the series and may be done at any of our races up to the Dromana Race where entry closes. The Dromana race is on Friday June 26th and is race 6 in the series, so please get your entry in soon. The series takes into account everybody’s best 6 races, it can be any six of the ten races so if you have yet to run any of the races, there is still plenty of time to join.
All those who enter and complete 6 races will receive a Nike voucher to the value of €25, redeemable at Ger Wyley sports shop (series sponsor). For all those who complete the ten races they will receive a €75 voucher, so all those that have ran the previous three races so far this year why not make this your target for the summer?

MINNIES FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE

NUMBERS GO UP AND UP FOR THIS ENJOYABLE LEAGUE

Well, if this league got off to an excellent start in week 1 we are delighted to report that the second week was even better with an unprecedented 132 runners taking part.  Take a bow everyone who ran, jogged or walked around the fantastic circuit that is St Augustine’s College or the Friary, as it is affectionately known.  West Waterford Athletic Club strives at all times to promote running in all of areas of West Waterford.  We aim to be all-inclusive and want and encourage newcomers to try running and make it part of their daily lives.  We don’t require you to join our club (but of course you are most welcome to do so) indeed you don’t need to be a member of any club to take part in any of our leagues or races.  Participation is our goal and everyone is welcome.  So, anyone who wants to give this running lark a go needs to just turn up next Tuesday evening as this league will continue for the next 5 weeks, 19th and 26th May and 2nd, 9th and 16th June.  It’s never too late to start, just come along around 6.45 and register, by this we mean give your name to Tony at the club van and indicate which distance you would like to try.  If at the end of 1 lap you want to continue and try 2 laps just let Tony know when you finish.  It’s that simple, give it a go and you’ll be glad you did.

ONE LAP
MICHAEL MAKES THE 1 LAP HIS OWN

Michael Mc Carthy is making all his travelling and racing pay off and he led the one lappers home last Tuesday evening in a time of 8.34 which was 24 seconds faster than his week 1 time.  Second home on the night was Pascal Proctor in 8.49.  The first lady finisher followed Pascal through the finishing tunnel and this was Andrea Gaffney who also took 23 seconds from her week 1 time.  Newcomer Micheál Phelan took it all in his stride to finish 4th in 11.17 closely followed by the second lady home on the night Louise Conroy in 11.19 who also took 22 seconds from her previous time.  It was marvellous to see so many of the people who turned up in week 1 continue their quest for fitness and follow through on their commitment and come back last Tuesday evening for more.  Keep this effort up and in no time you will start to enjoy yourself.  Nobody ever said it was going to be easy but as the saying goes “slow and steady wins the race” so take it easy at the start, let the crowd go and you will finish better in the end.  There were so many more people who improved their times it would be impossible to mention them all but here are just a few of the improvers class
Yvonne Whelan week 1 (12.09), week 2 (11.25)
Martina Coonan week 1 (12.51) week 2 (12.43)
Máiread Hickey week 1 (14.07) week 2 (12.45)
Ann Lyons week 1 (14.22) week 2 (13.25)
Mary Rose Drummy week 1 (16.29) week 2 (15.20)
Once again well done to all and keep up the effort.

2 LAPS
SHANE POWERS HOME

For the second week in a row the 2 lappers were led home by Shane Power who is really back to peak fitness at the moment and who always seems to run with a smile on his face which is great to see.  Running 14 11 in week 1, Shane smashed that time to run 13.40 in week 2.  Second man home on the night and great to see back running again was Declan Mc Grath who obviously has not lost any of his speed running the 2.4 miles in 14.13.  Third home was another of those talented young athletes in the club, Ciarán Lane in a time of 14.24.  Just 2 seconds behind Ciáran was Joe Gough in 11.26.  Some of the athletes moved up from 1 lap to 2 which was great to see and two of these were James Casey (18.29) and Hugh O Connor (18.34).  Margaruite Mc Carthy was first lady home for the 2.4 miles in 19.21.  A fantastic total of 52 runners took on the 2 laps in week 2, which is testament to the popularity of the Minnie’s Fit4Life league.  So if you enjoyed it tell a friend and drag them along too, they might not thank you the first night but if they persevere and stick with it before the league is over they will be grateful for the push.  Some of the improvers in the 2-lap class were: Marion Troy who took 11 seconds off her time from the previous week to run 20.26.  Christine Mc Carthy ran 22.53 in week 1 and 21.42 in week 2.  Well-done ladies.  Others to impress were Helen O Brien who was a minute faster in 22.55 while Paul Gray (23.09) must have been delighted with his progress.  Claire Cotter (23.09) likewise took almost 1 minute from her time while Siobhain Mc Grath stepped up from 1 lap to 2 and will be delighted have run 25.35 for the 2 laps.  Sharon Nugent (25.30) also smashed her time from the first week while others to move from 1 lap to 2 were Susan Mc Grath (26.25). Sheila Budds (30.14) and Mag Budds (30.15).  Well done everyone.

3 LAPS
YEV’S TRAINING PAYS OFF

Yevgenniy Chizhikov is a man who works hard at his running putting in great training and is always willing to represent the club at various events.  He gets his reward in his races and for the second week of this league Yev was 6 seconds faster for the 3.6 mile route in a time of 23.18.  Geraldine Heffernan made her debut in the league in week 2 and an excellent debut it proved to be with Geraldine running the 3 laps in 27.33.  George Tutty was second man home in 28.25 and he also took 15 seconds from his time in week 1.  Linda Bradfield was 2nd lady home for the 3 lap course and is continuing her progress running almost 1 minute faster in week 2 with a time of 29.04.  Michael “Dixie” Deegan swapped from 4 laps to 3 and clipped around in 30.06 continuing his quest for fitness after a long layoff through injury.  Going the opposite way was Liz Nyhan who moved from 2 laps to 3 and ran an excellent 30.33.  Allrounder Pearse Moloney will take some beating in the improver’s class, as his time of 31.49 was all of 2 minutes quicker than his week 1 time.  Catriona O Brien (32.08) and Eileen Heffernan (32.13) will be delighted with their progress, as will Michelle O Connell, (34.57), Marion Moloney (36.18) and Mary Riordan (36.17).

4 LAPS
SEAN IN CRUISE CONTROL

4 Laps of the Friary College is 4.8 miles in total that is around the outside of all pitches (no cutting corners!) but indeed it is well known that after training in the Friary it is easier to run a 5 mile road race.  That’s why over the summer months so many take to the Friary to train and run the leagues on offer.  In week 2 of the Minnie’s Fit4Life league 33 took on the 4-lap challenge with the first 4 running under 30 minutes.  That’s great running over this course.  They were led home once again by Ardmore man Sean Stilwell who seems to be everywhere at the moment.  In a time of 28.27 he was just 2 seconds ahead of Kevin Kenneally (28.30), which was an improvement of almost 1 minute on his week 1 time.  Jim Fleming (29.13) and Des Feeney were the other athletes to breach the 30-minute barrier while Michael Dunford was just 25 seconds outside the magic mark.  First lady home was once again Corinna Walsh (31.16) who took 44 seconds off her week 1 time.  Doc was right behind Corinna in 31.17 while Earl Navin who is running very well at present finished in 31.23.  Tom Moroney (34.51) was happy with his improvement while Fergal Connolly (35.09) must also be delighted to have taken 44 seconds from his time of week 1.  Ann Whelan (35.46) meanwhile was another to take almost a minute off.  Gerry O Connor’s improvement from 38.24 in week 1 to 35.56 gave him the best improver tag on the night just ahead of Pearse Moloney.  Tom Scanlon (37.09) and Mick Verling (39.27) are progressing nicely as is Thomás Murphy (39.16).  Micheál O Chuirrin stepped up from 2 laps to 4 this week and it was no problem running 41.04.  Well done to everyone who ran the 4 laps and hope to see you all back again next week for more

DIVISIONS

Runners will be divided up into divisions of 5 in their own distance.  You must run 6 out of 8 nights to figure on the tables and it must be all in 1 distance.  There will be movement between divisions and men and women will be on the same tables.  For newcomers who have any questions about the tables don’t hesitate to ask any of the officials of the.
league and we will be delighted to answer.

SPONSORS

Thank you once again to our sponsors the O Brien family of Minnies whom we are delighted to have on board yet again.  Sponsors are more and more valuable in present times and we are lucky to have some of the best so thanks once again.

LEAGUE ORGANISERS

Every club has them, the people who turn up to each event and without whom such events could not take place.  It’s easy to turn up and run because you get something in return but hats off to those who turn up each night and make the league enjoyable for everyone.  So thanks to Tony who looks after the club van takes the registrations and gets to know everyone’s name!  To Shirley for continuing her good work from the Winter League who takes the names in the finishing tunnel and Liam with the clock to take the times.  Thanks also to James who takes the photos each night and to Michael who is always on hand to help with the clock and put out the bollards. 

COME RUN WITH THE LEGEND
JOHN TREACY 10 MILE CLASSIC AND 5K FUN RUN/WALK ON THIS SUNDAY.

Next Sunday May 17th at 12.30 p.m. all walkers/joggers/strollers/runners/athletes and
just about everyone else is invited by Waterford County Council, Waterford
Sports Partnership, West Waterford AC, Waterford AC and the local community
of Villierstown to come along and be part of the celebrations to honour one
of the countries father figures of athletics, John Treacy, who 30 years ago
this year won his second World cross country title on Limerick race course.
Honouring his athletic achievements which include a silver Olympic marathon
medal and two gold world cross country titles the above mentioned are
holding the inaugural John Treacy 10 mile classic and 5k fun run/walk in
John's home village of Villierstown. John and the organisers are inviting all
to come along and take part in the 10 miler and if that distance is a tad
out of reach there’s the 5k, which is open to all. Proceeds from both events
will be donated to John’s nominated charity Concern. The deadline has passed for postal and online entries but for those still interested just come along on the day and enter then. The entry fee on the day is €20 for the ten mile run. It promises to be a great day for all involved, the runners and walkers, the family and the local community. It would be great to see as many as possible come out and recognise the achievements of the great John Treacy, one of Ireland’s finest athletes, and to run or walk in the footsteps of a champion. With a large crowd expected on the day, we appeal to all runners and walkers to arrive in plenty of time.
Entry fees:
10 mile  €20
5K Run/Walk  €5 for over 16’s, €3 for under 16’s. All those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Further details may be obtained on the website: www.johntreacyclassic.com or at www.westwaterfordathletics.org.

4TH ANNUAL CLUB TRACK AND FIELD SPORT’S EVENING

The club’s fourth annual Sports Evening was held at St Augustine’s College (by kind permission) last Friday evening, May 8th. The events for the night’s programme were 100 metres, 400 metres, 1 mile, long jump, shot putt and the 800 metres cycle.
When all athletes had gathered it was decided to have four different categories, which were Senior Ladies and Senior Men, Masters Men and Junior. James Veale and Brother Lennon got proceedings underway and all lined up for the 400 metres which was the first event of the night.  John Behan of K.C.K went into a commanding lead over the distance and was well clear of the field with Sean Stilwell finishing second. Harry O’ Brien and Johnny O’ Connor also had a great battle with Harry getting the nod on this occasion. The second event was the shot putt which was demonstrated and supervised by our track and field extraordinaire Bro. Lennon. Each athlete had three attempts with their best throw counting. Yevgeniy Chizhikov had the best throw at 10.35, slightly better than Harry O Brien who recorded 10.28. In the senior section, John Behan recorded another first placing with 9.35 as opposed to Sean Stilwell’s 8.68. Diana Chizhikova’s best shot was her final throw at 8.93. Brandon Barry was first in the junior section with Alex Lai second and David Early third.
Yev won the 100 metres, just pipping Harry on the line. Johnny O’ Connor and Michael McCarthy were 3rd and 4th respectively. David Earley picked up a first placing here, getting in ahead of Alex Lai and Brandon Barry. Yev was well clear in his section in the Long Jump (4.44 metres), again your best jump out of three counted. John Behan recorded the best jump on the night, recording 4.84. David Early just about won his section here, recording 4.46 with Brandon Barry recording 4.44. Sean Stilwell managed to turn things around and record two firsts in the mile run and the 800 metres cycle. Johnny O’ Connor survived a late surge from Yevgeniy Chizhikov to win the cycle race and the mile race. Following the cycle race, the results were totted up and the winners announced. In the senior section, we only had 2 athletes and John Behan was the winner this year on 8 points and Sean was second on 10 points. It was a very close contest in the Master’s men as 3 of the 4 athletes finished with 11 points each and the fourth person finishing on 12. With this, it was decided to do a count back, look at all the results and the person with the most first placings was Yev who was delighted to learn that he had retained his title from last year. The junior section finished in a similar fashion in that the three athletes all finished on 12 points each. As David Earley had the most wins, he was deemed the winner on the night. Bro. Patrick presented all the athletes with their prizes. Our thanks firstly to Norma Wall who did the entries and results on the night and to Bro. Patrick for his help and advice with the events, it was much appreciated. Thanks also to Pascal Proctor, Jamie Mills and Conor Norris who’s help ensured the smooth running of the event. Thanks once again to the Friary College for permitting the use of their fine facilities.

 400 m Shot putt 100 m Long Jump Mile 800 m cycle
Senior Men      
John Behan 1st 1st 1st 1st 2nd 2nd
Sean Stilwell 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 1st
Masters Men      
Yevgeniy Chizhikiv 3rd 1st 1st 1st 3rd 2nd
Johnny O’ Connor 2nd 3rd 3rd  2nd 1st
Harry O’ Brien 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd
Michael McCarthy 4th  4th  4th 
Junior Men      
David Earley 1st 3rd 3rd 1st 1st 3rd
Alex Lai 2nd 2nd 2nd 3rd 2nd 1st
Brandon Barry 3rd 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 2nd
Ladies      
Diana 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st

EUROPEAN YOUTHS OLYMPICS QUALIFYING MARK FOR THOMAS HOULIHAN.

All things come to those who wait comes to mind in the case of West Waterford’s Thomas Houlihan who was these past couple of weeks trying to reach the height of 4.50 in the Pole Vault which is the qualifying mark for the upcoming European youth Olympics, Our very promising young pole vaulter did the business last Sunday when he reached that qualifying mark for the European’s at the C.I.T. track in Cork where he was a guest athlete at the Cork country championships. Thomas who has been working hard at his sport over the past couple of months with the goal of reaching the qualifying mark for the Europeans very much on his mind. Last Sunday he went for broke when he decided to come in at the 4.50 meters taking no lower height jump and this was a gamble that paid dividends as he cleared the height well on his very first attempt. The European Youth’s are to be held in Finland in July so it’s hoped that the selection committee will include Thomas now in the squad for the games. Well done Thomas on reaching a new personal best of 4.50 and congratulations to you and your coach Br.Patrick Lennon on reaching the Qualifying standards for the Irish team for Finland. Keep up the good work.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Club membership is now overdue and may be paid to Michael Tutty at any of our club races and events. From now on, only paid up members will feature in team prizes at races. The yearly fee is €25.

JOE GOUGH WINS OVER 55 IN CLONLIFFE.

Joe Gough ran last Sundays Clonliffe Harriers 2 mile road race and recorded and excellent time of 10.42.This event is the oldest road race in the country now in it’s 118th year this year and Joe was not alone the fastest over 55 which is his age category, but he also finished with a best time for the over 50 section also. Well-done Joe.

MIDLETON 5

The club had six athletes competing at last Thursday evenings Midleton 5 miler. Joe Kelly took third over 40 when finishing 32nd in a time of 30.48.Michael Dwyer was next in 36th place 31.04.Anthony Dwyer was 116th 35.32 and Michael McCarthy was 165th 37.25.Martin Veale was 177th 38.20 and Josie Ui Chuirrin 192nd with a time of 38.54.

CLONMEL 10K.

A field of 331runners and walkers completed last Sundays Clonmel 10k and West Waterford had 12 athlete’s taking part, fresh from his triumph the previous night in Tramore Sandis Bralitis this time had to settle for the runner up spot behind Clonliffe’s Sergiu Turea.Sandis was clocked at 32.39 Sean Stilwell finished 13th overall in a time of 37.49 and just one place behind and running a very fast 37.51 was the inform Des Feeney, Gerry Cantwell despite a slight blip during the race went on to win the over 50 category finishing 19th in 39.12.Tom Moroney who also ran Tramore the previous night finished 59th in 43.59 with Jim Fleming on home soil next in 82nd place 45.27,Inese Melne was in a top 100 placing when finishing 96th  in 46.48.Our athlete of the year from 2008 Brigid Coffey was 102nd in 47.34 and Angeline Drennan was 138th in 50.39 with Claire Walsh 177th in a time  of  55.26.No ill effects from these two Ladies after Tramore either, Michael McCarthy was 183rd 56.21 and Ann Moroney 57.22 in 189th place, our final finisher on the day was Terri Gough like Ann was fresh from her London Marathon effort 208th in 62.52

RUNNING QUOTE.

Life is complicated. Running is simple. Is it any wonder that people like to run.