Notes January 08-12

ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE IS BACK ON TRACK

Last Wednesday night saw the first night of the winter league for 2012 take place and it’s back to normal for us all and all the talk is about starting times, finishing times, results and division tables. It was a great start to the New Year with well over 200 runners taking part. It’s never too late to sign up to the winter league so if you have yet to join just come along tonight at 7 p.m. to the Sport’s Centre. Many were delighted with their times because if truth be known I think everyone was a little bit nervous after the Christmas break but that hurdle is well and truly conquered and it’s very much back to business for the remaining weeks. It will be all systems go from now on and the league tables may change weekly which will make the league so very interesting and enjoyable and all the more reason to come along and join in the fun. Don’t forget your reflective bib and your number and to park only in the designated areas. Thanks once again to all the crew who help out each night and to our loyal sponsor Pearse Moloney of the All Rounder Sports Shop.

LONG ROUTE NUMBERS ON THE RISE WHILE MARIE SEAWARD RECORDS A DOUBLE VICTORY

Marie Seaward started 2012 in the same way as she finished 2011 by winning the title of best improver once again. On the last night before Christmas she was the third runner home and the two athletes in front of her were running for the first time so she bagged the crown of best improver and it really was a case of deja vú all over again for Marie as once again she was the third runner to cross the line but again the two runners ahead of her had only signed up that night so she claimed best improver once again, the question is now if she will go for the treble again tonight? Never say never at the winter league! Well done Marie, keep up the good work. Marie had plenty of company while making it to the finishing line and close behind her were Triona Wall (45.37), Conor O’ Dwyer (41.53) and Clare Meehan (56.11). While many of us would have settled for recording the same time as before Christmas Paul Casey had other ideas. Before Christmas Paul clocked 49.11 and he now has that time whittled down to 47.27, great running for the first night back. James Fitzgerald (47.23) is getting very close to 47 minutes; good conditions could take care of that. Irene Dee is continuing to make great strides in the long run and deservedly so and after bringing her time down to 55.03 from 55.55 she will surely be in the sub 55 minute group tonight. Jason Dee is well and truly in the sub 45 minutes group after clocking 44.34 last week and sub 57 minutes is beckoning for Helene Hayes (57.20), Denise Nugent (57.21) and Rita Cronnolly (57.22). Michael Moloney improved by a minute so well done to you and well done also to Padraig Begley (48.41) and to Eugene Lynch (44.14). There’s only 6 weeks left so it’s time to start pulling out all the stops!

TOUGH BATTLES IN THE SHORT ROUTE

It really was a battle to the finish for all in the short route. Sharon Murray was the first home but as this was her first night in the short route she was followed home by Tom Hogan who was under 21 minutes with 20.53 so he gets the title of best improver with last week being his second night of the league and Claire Broderick clocked 25.59 to take second best improver and she too was on her second night. There were many who signed up for their first night last week and all are very welcome and we hope to see you all again tonight. Amongst those in the top division  it was a right battle as many of them were in the top 20 home and as the winner will be the person with the least points being in the top 20 will help keep them in the top division. Current leader Tony Ferncombe finished 8th overall which was great running but finishing just ahead of him was Paul McGrath who is still a major contender for the overall prize. Lawrence Hanrahan who is also in division one finished just behind Tony so with these three finishing one after another means it will be very interesting over the next few weeks. Other runners to impress on the night were Ray Burke (16.26), Shane Power (16.09), Mag Budds (19.36), Wayne Hayes (18.39) and Brett Lynam (16.26). With only 6 nights remaining in the league each and every runner will have to be at their best. Some might think that there’s no way that they can run faster and yet they always do so, so go on and give it your all over the coming weeks. It’s possible to gain 60 -70 points even on one night so the overall winner could be just anybody.

CHANGES TO DIVISION TABLES

We said last week that the tables change weekly and we weren’t kidding and they will change even more after tonight. Before last week James O’ Donnell in the long route was in the lead with 124 points over Luke Cunningham but heading into tonight James has just 24 points to spare over Luke. John Leahy has gone from 3rd to 7th place and will have his work cut out for him to remain in division 1. Kevin Hickey has gone from 4th to 3rd and Catherine Mooney has managed to hold onto 5th position. New to division 1 are Jason Dee, Paul Brunnock and Jim Barry with just 17 points between these three and dropping out of division 1 after last week were John Foley, Tom Veale and Micheal O’ Chuirrin but a good run by any of these three may very well see them back in division one. Remember it’s possible to gain 80-90 points in just one night so we may very well see new names in division one after tonight. The short route is proving to be very close indeed with Tony Ferncombe still in the lead and he has extended his lead by a further 11 points with Martina Power still in second place with 342 but rest on her laurels she cannot do as a mere four points behind is Paul McGrath who has moved from fourth to third place. Ray Burke has moved from sixth to fourth and in fifth place is Thomas Hallahan after dropping down from third place but he may well move back up the ladder after tonight, watch this space!

LONG ROUTE DIVISION ONE
James O’ Donnell  355
Luke Cunningham  379
Kevin Hickey   431
Michael Dunford  464
Catherine Mooney  469
Pat Fitzgerald  486
John Leahy   498
Jason Dee   503
Paul Brunnock  508
Jim Barry   520

SHORT ROUTE DIVISION ONE
Tony Ferncombe  288
Martina Power  342
Paul McGrath   346
Ray Burke   356
Thomas Hallahan  366
Brett Lynam   383
Sinead Moore   386
Lawrence Hanrahan  407
Joe Nunan   433
John power   436

FULL HOUSE FOR JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE
 
The clock is quickly ticking down for this year’s star rating event of the year. Registration is well and truly finished for the 21st annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race. When we sat down in 2009 our event plan was for 3 years and it was that we would build this race slowly and targeted 1.500 runners by 2012, well we closed the race entries at the end of December almost a month ahead of schedule with the full house 1.500 runners registered.  The race is on Sunday two week’s January 29th at 1 p.m. All finishers of The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 will receive the now famous West Waterford AC goody bag, plus a Nike dry fit running top will be awarded to all finishers. Shower facilities will be available at the Dungarvan Sports Centre for men and the Dungarvan Boxing club pavilion (by kind permission) for the Ladies.  All race Goodie bags and Shirts will be awarded when runners cross the finishing line. Presentation of prizes will take place at the Sports centre where teas and sandwiches will be provided. The event organisers were delighted to once again be associated with Waterford Sports Partnership in hosting this event. This year's race once again will see substantial cash prizes for the top runners with the first lady and man getting €400 each plus €250 to the first athlete to break either course record. Substantial cash prizes will follow down throughout the categories. Our club are also delighted this year that Dungarvan Town Council, Waterford County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, Glaxosmithkline, Flahavan’s, Tipperary Water, Glanbia, Nike, Optimum Nutrition plus many local stores have also joined us in the organisation of this event which will see a huge influx of runners and their families descend on the town over the weekend of the race. So all is now set for what we expect will be one of if not the biggest 10 mile road race ever held in Co. Waterford.

THE JOHN TREACY CLUB CHALLENGE

Last year as part of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 we introduced for the first time the John Treacy Club Challenge Cup for men’s and ladies teams. This competition proved a huge success on the day so much so that we will again this year have the event. This Challenge Cup is a separate club competition to the race team prizes. Any clubs best 3 combined finish times, regardless of category will count on their team. All individual/Category prize winners can also count for the John Treacy Team Challenge. As well as the perpetual cups for men and women beautifully specially commissioned crystal mementos will be awarded to the winning teams. This is a very special and unique club event and teams from the four corners of the country will be putting their best foot forward trying to follow the inaugural winners of last Year West Waterford Men’s team and Eagle AC took the Ladies title.  The cups will be presented by the great man himself John Treacy on the day.

HELP WANTED FOR JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 ON JANUARY 29TH

The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race is the biggest and most prestigious event in West Waterford’s event calendar. As with all sporting activities, it will be a case of “all hands on deck” in order to ensure the smooth running of this race. We would like to call on all past and present club members, runners and friends to help out in any way that they can on the day. Even if you can only be available for an hour or so, we would really appreciate your help. If you are available on the day for stewarding, helping with the teas and sandwiches after the race, helping at the finish line etc please let us know. Thanks so much, it’s very much appreciated.

JOHN TREACY DUNGRAVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE MEETING

The final meeting before the 10 miler will be held in Minnie’s bar on tomorrow Thursday 12th at 8.00 pm. All those involved in the organising of the event or anyone who might like to become involved are requested to attend.

TONIGHT AT THE WINTER LEAGUE

Tonight after the winter league, we will be handing out forms in relation to making refreshments for the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile race. Each year, we ask that as many runners take a form and if they can to help make sandwiches/buns/cakes for the race on Sunday January 29th. All you have to do is fill in your name and contact number and then before the race starts on the day, we ask that you drop the food down to the centre. By filling in the form, it gives us an idea as to the quantity of food available on the day as well as the number of people for the various jobs. These past few years, we have been most fortunate with the generosity and support from the winter league runners which makes the race the success that it always has been and the refreshments have always received favourable comments from all the runners .This year we will have another 500 runners to look after at the sports centre so we need every bit of support from you all. We look forward to hearing from you all.

FREE ENTRY TO THE 20TH ANNUAL MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES

The club’s next race series is about to kick off shortly with the Michael Roche Carpets sponsored Spring Series which swings into action with the Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup Sunday January 22nd at 2 p.m. Because of the current financial climate for us all, we are looking at making the participation in our events financially as easy as possible for all. With this in mind the committee have decided that we are slightly changing the spring series entry format this year with a no entry fee policy for the event, so no entry fee is required however you will be  have to participate in 3 of the 4 events as per normal for this series to count in the overall standings. The first man and woman in the overall standings will receive prizes and after that all those who have participated in 3 of the 4 events will be eligible to be included in a free draw for vouchers; this draw will take place at the final race in the series the Dungarvan 10k. The series events will include the Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup on Sunday 22nd January at 2 p.m, The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile on Sunday 29th January at 1 p.m., The Bausch and Lomb Kilmacthomas 5 on Sunday 19th February at 11 a.m. and the final event is the Dungarvan Business Centre Dungarvan 10k on Sunday February 26th at 11 a.m. Once again West Waterford Athletic Club thanks Michael and Bridget for their continued support to the club by sponsoring this series now in its 20th year. As always we urge or members to support all our sponsors when appropriate.

RACE 1 –24th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup Handicap race January 22nd 2 p.m.
RACE  2 –21st Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Sunday January 29th at 1p.m.
RACE 3 –10th Annual Bausch and Lomb Kilmacthomas 5 Sunday 19th February at 11 a.m.
RACE 4 -30th Annual Dungarvan Business Centre 10 k Sunday February 26th at 11 a.m.

24th ANNUAL KIELY MONUMENTAL COLLIGAN CUP

The Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series gets our racing scene for 2012 under way on Sunday week when we host the 24th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup. The Juvenile race starts at 1 pm. The senior race is over the usual 5 miles Colligan wood circuit and Juveniles will have a 1-mile circuit to run. The Colligan cup is a unique event in that it is run on a handicap basis where you simply predict your finishing time over a 5 mile run, with the winner being the person who is nearest to that predicted time. This makes the race open to all no matter what your standard is, everyone has the same chance of taking the title. Now in its 24th year we would like to thank sincerely our sponsor for all of those 24 years David Kiely of Kiely Monumental for his on-going support for the local running club West Waterford AC. So for a great fun event on the yearly running calendar Colligan is where you need to be come Sunday 22nd.

COMERAGH CRYSTAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER GOES TO PASCHAL PROCTOR

Two athletes finished the month on 6 points, Corinna Walsh and Paschal Proctor. So we have to look back to November to decide who the winner will be. Paschal had 6 points in November and Corinna had 5 so Paschal is the winner. Well done to Paschal who earned his points by completing 3 nights of the winter league, the Turkey Trot, The Baldy Man and the Waterford Half Marathon. Next week we will announce the overall winner and the category winners.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Your club membership for the year 2012 is now due and can be paid to club registrar Pascal Proctor at any club event including the winter league every Wednesday night. The sub will remain the same as it has been for the past couple of years at just €25.

WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION

Kilkenny City Harriers are hosting a very special event on Wednesday 18th January 2012 in the Watershed Kilkenny from 6.30pm - 9.30pm. World renowned coach Micky Ruben, strength and conditioning coach to top Jamaican and American athletes including Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell will host a workshop demonstrating the following:
 
Pre comp warm up / post comp cool down
Weights and ploy matching for speed
Mobility for jumps and hurdles with speed
Core strength for different age levels
Question and Answer session
 
Admission is €20 per adult and €10 per student. This is a fantastic opportunity for athletes to witness a coaching session with the world’s best. Please book places by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BRITTON AT HER BRILLIANT BEST AS VEALE TAKES TEAM SILVER

Fionnuala Britton, the current European cross country champion, was at her brilliant best once again last Saturday at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country race over 6k around the famous Hollyrood Park where 3 years ago the same course was used for the World cross country championships. Britton absolutely stormed home leaving a class field in her wake and at the finish line was hardly out of breath. She dominated the race with impressive front running from the start, crossing the line in 21.32 minutes a huge 20 seconds ahead of Britain’s Gemma Steele and Elle Baker (GBR) in third. West Waterford’s Kate Veale was also in action in her final cross country race of the season as she now concentrates on her race walking preparations as she will be hoping to get the qualifying mark in a few months’ time for the World Juniors which will be held in July in Barcelona. Kate was in action in  the Junior Ladies race in Edinburgh held over the 4k course and Kate ran very well to finish 4th in the Celtic Event helping the Irish team to Silver team medals behind Scotland with Wales taking the bronze. In the under 23 event KCK’S Laura Behan had a solid performance in 7th place as the Irish team also brought home the Silver team award here and Aisling Quinn Ferrybank celebrated  her 15th birthday in style finishing 2nd and leading home the Irish under Girls 17 team to the gold team medals. In the senior men’s race, Joe Sweeney of Dundrum South Dublin AC finished in 11th place following on from his impressive fifth place finish at the European Championships.

GOOD DAY FOR WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES AT MUNSTER INDOORS

The indoor season got off to the best possible start for the club in Nenagh last Sunday when the Munster Indoor Championships were held for Juniors, Seniors and Masters. Terri Gough brought home 3 medals with gold going her way in the 200 and 800 and silver in the 60 metres all over 65. Joe Gough took the 3.000m over 50 gold in 10.17 with Harry O’Brien doing likewise in the over 45 800m with a time of 2.14. His daughter Lucy was also in action in the Junior Ladies 800 metres and Lucy ran well to claim silver. Clare Collins in the Senior High Jump took a deserving gold medal just 2 centimetres off her p. b. with a jump of 1.65m. We also took 2 silver medals in Des Feeney over 35 800m with a time of 2.12 and Brendan Moran over 50 in the 60m.time of 2.12 and Brendan Moran over 50 in the 60m. Micheal Downey was in sparking form also taking gold  in 60m over 35 in 7.50 and gold also in the 200m. Well done also to Ciaran Dee who was 6th in a very competitive junior men’s walk over 5000 metres.

WOODIES DIY MASTERS INDOOR THIS SUNDAY

The following club entries have been sent in for the Woodies Masters DIY indoors to be held this Sunday in Nenagh. Please note no entries will be accepted on the day.

Joe Gough O55 60m, 200m, 400m and 800 m.
Brendan Moran O50 60m, 200m
Micheal Downey O35 60m, 200m and long jump
Dzintars Klava O35 3000m
Richie Power O50 200m, 400m and 800m
Des Feeney O35 800 m

UPCOMING INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS
 
Junior Indoors in Nenagh on Sunday 22nd of Jan. Closing date on 16th of January.

Senior, Junior and Masters Combined Events on Saturday 21st.  Closing date is 18th of January.

Woodies DIY Senior Indoors on 11th and 12th of February in Belfast. Closing date is 27th of January.

All club entries to be sent to Triona Wall 087-9954373 before the closing date.

RUNNING QUOTE

I love to go running. It's a way for me to stay centred, to lose the stress of the world around me, and to just be present. I recommend it to everyone, especially if you're looking for a way to find peace and focus in your life.

SYMPATHY

West Waterford Athletic Club extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Eddie Coleman 3 Mc Carthy Ville, Abbeyside who passed to his eternal reward last week. May he rest in peace.