Notes January 15-12

ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE 2011

THE WINTER LEAGUE GAINS MORE MOMENTUM

Last Wednesday night was absolutely ideal for all the runners at the winter league with perfect conditions for running, it was a beautiful mild night with very little wind which served to help all the runners post fast times and has made the competition even hotter so the next few weeks should prove to be most interesting. The names at the top of the leader board have changed in the long run but not in the short run which was exactly the case this week last year but with 5 weeks remaining it really is all to play for. After tonight, the names may very well change again and someone else will take the lead, it’s anybody’s guess at this stage so watch this space. There was 4 minutes between the groups last week which meant we were all motivated to stay with our group and were eager not to be left behind so well done to all that posted their fastest time to date and here’s to more great running tonight. The league kicks off at the usual time of 7.20 p.m. sharp and all those who have yet to be issued with a number should aim to be there around 7 o’ clock. Please remember to park only in the designated areas and not to obstruct any traffic. Don’t forget your number and your bib and the starting times will be on display in the hall.

STARTING TIMES FOR TONIGHT-THE CHASE IS ON!

Fast times are guaranteed tonight as the 15 seconds between the groups will make sure of that, no sooner will one group have started when the next group will be lining up ready to make chase so it really will be a case of watch your back! Each runner will be aiming to catch the runners that have a 10 second lead on them while at the same time ensuring that the group that are 10 seconds behind don’t catch up to them and if one group passes you out you will need to try and stay with the pack, all part of a day’s work! Best of luck to you all tonight!

MICHAEL RYAN LED THE LONG ROUTE RUNNERS HOME AS KEVIN HICKEY MOVES INTO THE LEAD FROM JAMES O’ DONNELL

What a night it was for great times last week, with each and every runner pulling out all the stops from start to finish but at the end of the day it was Michael Ryan who took the title for best improver on the night with a great time of 37.05 so he will surely break 37 minutes tonight. Second home and the best female improver was Sinead de Faoite with a great time of 50.37 and so sub 50 minutes is on the cards for her tonight. Pat Frisby was the third best improver with 41.45 and the others to make the top 10 list were Tom Longan (46.12), Paul Twomey (47.02), Zuzana Malikova (48.15), Jim Fleming (42.45), Conor Blackwell (43.07), Onra Power (50.50) and Rita Cronnolly 55.29). There were many other impressive runners outside of the top 10 also. Tom Gilligan is very close to dipping under 52 minutes after clocking 52.02, Sinead O’ Rourke was only  off 55 minutes, Ray Hahessy got very close to 39 minutes and Conor O’ Neill was very close to 40 minutes with a time of 40.07. It’s a case of knocking off seconds now each night as most people are more or less at their limit but with a bit of concentration and determination those seconds can be knocked off and even a few seconds can make all the difference, you never know what you can do unless you give it a go. Kevin Hickey has now moved into the lead as the previous leader James O’ Donnell didn’t run last week but it’s only a 37 point lead and it’s one that James can regain after tonight and it may also be that Kevin holds onto the lead or that we will have a completely new leader after tonight, watch this space! The following are the top ten in division one and the leaders in the subsequent divisions:

DIVISION ONE
Kevin Hickey   449
James O’ Donnell 486
Luke Cunningham 495
Michael Dunford  500
Jason Dee   517
Catherine Mooney 529
Pat Fitzgerald  536
Micheal O’ Chuirrín 542
Paul Brunnock  546
Jim Barry  586

Division 2 Trevor Walsh
Division 3 JohnLeahy
Division 4 Tom Veale
Division 5 Johnny O’ Connor
Division 6 Gary McCormack
Division 7 Derek Barry
Division 8 Rita Cronnolly
Division 9 Natalie Shaw Hamilton
Division 10 Marie Seaward
Division 11 Liam Power
Division 12 Michelle Fitzgerald
Division 13 Ray Bannon
Division 14 Eamon Phelan
Division 15 Pearse Moloney
Division 16 Sinead O’ Rourke
Division 17 Niall Flynn
Division 18 Caitriona Keating

PLENTY OF NEWCOMERS IN THE SHORT ROUTE BUT IT’S TONY FERNCOMBE THAT REMAINS IN THE LEAD

Firstly, welcome to all the newcomers from last week, was great to see you all last week and we hope to see you again tonight. Your starting time tonight will be based on your time from last week and we hope you all have a great run. Aside from the newcomers who were first across the line there were some magnificent performances and each and every runner in the short route most certainly stepped up to the job in hand and pulled out all the stops to get home first. Claire Broderick once again makes it to the top of the list with a great time of 24.08 and next on the list were Paula Collins (24.20) and Tom Hogan who is another runner to make it in the top 10 list on more than one occasion. Last week Tom clocked 20.53 and no doubt sub 20 minutes was his target but not even he could have predicted that he would run as fast as he did with 19.41, great running Tom! The next best improver was John Coleman with 20.41 and then Niamh O’ Mahoney with 22.17 and John Power with 19.39. Tony Ferncombe, the current leader finished in 15th place overall, but right behind him was Martina Power who is currently in second place; the league is really gathering momentum now! Both improved significantly on their times from the previous week, Martina went from 20.54 to 19.55 and Tony went from 16.45 to 16.03 and with 5 nights remaining all eyes will be on these 2 to see how things pan out. As we already have mentioned, it’s possible to gain 40, 50 or 60 points even in one night so all those in division 1 and even in division 2 are still very much in contention so it’s your best foot forward for everyone over the coming weeks. The following are the runners in division 1 and the current leaders in the other divisions.

Division 1
Tony Ferncombe 303
Martina Power  358
Paul McGrath  386
Thomas Hallahan  392
Brett Lynam   403
Sinead Moore   410
Lawrence Hanrahan 444
John Power   450
Joe Nunan  451
Ray Burke   455

Division 2 Shelly Curran
Division 3 Shane Power
Division 4 Sharon Higgins
Division 5 Jason O’ Riordan
Division 6 Adrian Fitzgerald
Division 7 Claire Cashin
Division 8 Hannah Doyle
Division 9 Eilis Ni Arta
Division 10 Padraig Begley
Division 11 Liz Bullen
Division 12 Karen Kiely
Division 13 Deirdre Mason
Division 14 Peter Cloona

THANKS

The winter league wouldn’t be the success that it is without the help of our very loyal and dedicated sponsor which is Pearse Moloney of the All Rounder Sports shop who has provided great support and assistance at the league each and every year and it’s very much appreciated by all at the club, thanks so much. Thanks also to the background crew that look after the entries, the times and the results and the parking and of course thanks so much to our dedicated crew of stewards without whom there could be no league and who do a great job night after night, thanks so much indeed.

24th ANNUAL KIELY MONUMENTAL COLLIGAN CUP THIS SUNDAY

The 24th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan cup takes place next Sunday January 22nd in Colligan wood. Yes it’s all of 24 years since Lismore’s Willie Henry back in 1989 lifted the Kiely Monumental Colligan cup as the inaugural winner. Willie who was a keen runner at that time was the first winner when the unique timing system was introduced for the very first event by Victor Mullins. Willie we are glad to report is hail and hearty and enjoying his second love after running and that’s golf in his club Lismore where he has served in many capacities over the years. Little did Willie, Victor or any of us think that the exact same system without change would be still in use all these years later. The Colligan cup is a unique event in that any runner on a given day can win the event and this fact has played a huge part in the on-going success of the race which seems to grow in the numbers participating each year.The unique timing handicap system is used for this race and this makes the Colligan cup so appealing to all levels of runners. All it takes is for you to know to the second exactly how long it will take you to cover 5 miles of the Colligan wood circuit. The Colligan cup as is now traditional is the first race of the four race Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series, please note that entry to this series is free for 2012. There are three more races to follow in the series and these are the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 on Sunday January 29th at 1 p.m., The Bausch and Lomb Kilmacthomas 5 on Sunday February 19th with a starting time of 11 a.m. and the final race in the series The Dungarvan Business Centre 10k on Sunday March February 26th at 11 a.m. also.

SPONSOR

Our club has been more than fortunate to have had the loyal support and sponsorship for all of the past 24 years from David Kiely of Kiely Monumental works. David incredibly has never missed a Colligan cup event in all these years either. And speaking of sponsorship, the same goes to Ger Wyley of Wyley Sports and Footwear who have donated a pair of Running shoes for as many years, which are raffled among all participants each year. The entry fee to Sunday’s adult race is €8 .The five-mile adult run will start at 2 pm and it will be preceded by the Juvenile event over a distance of 2 km at 1 pm. Please note that all prizes will be presented immediately after the race in Colligan Wood.

RACE TIMING SYSTEM

The following is how the handicap timing system works, the run begins when the clock starts with the time of the slowest predicted runner’s time, say 60 minutes. As the clock counts backwards down to zero every runner begins when his or her predicted time shows up on the clock. The runner with the fastest predicted time will be the last runner to start the race. The winner of the Colligan Cup is the runner who is the first person to cross the finish line after the clock reaches zero-it is that simple. All you have to do is get your prediction right. Remember, no watches allowed or music head phones. So if you would like to become part of local athletics history and have your name inscribed on the now famous Colligan plaque which was erected in the wood some years ago by the race sponsor David Kiely of Kiely Monumental come along next Sunday. We must also mention and thank Coillte for their permission and help in letting us hold the race, We urge all going to Colligan on Sunday to please allow plenty of time as parking will be restricted on the road to one side. Please do not park where your car might obstruct the flow of traffic or interfere with the runners.
This is a great family event with something for everyone. The Colligan cup itself will be awarded to the winner of the senior race, while the Shield will be awarded to the first lady finisher. Likewise the Juvenile Shield will be presented to the Juvenile winner. The Junior race is organized by the club’s Juvenile section over one lap of the Colligan circuit and it gets under way at 1pm sharp and this too is a guess your time handicap event. All are welcome to participate.

FREE ENTRY TO MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES

A reminder to all that the Michael Roche Carpets sponsored Spring Series also kicks off this Sunday at the Colligan cup.  Please note your best three from the four-race programme will count in the overall standings.

ROLL OF HONOUR

COLLIGAN CUP WINNERS (1989-2011).

1989 Willie Henry
1990 Nicky Sheehan
1991 Richie Moore
1992 Martin Geoghegan
1993 Liam Rossiter
1994 Gerry Cantwell
1995 John Lyons
1996 Tom Meehan
1997 Colin Lyons
1998 Kathleen O’Connell
1999 Tom Fitzgerald
2000 John Whelan
2001Ray Dwyer
2002 Ann Cronin
2003 Tony Shalloe
2004 Michael Dwyer
2005 Mark Langford
2006 Brian Collins
2007 Maurice Boland
2008 Michael Tutty
2009 Ger Wyley
2010 Kelly Cantwell
2011 Liam Sandford

LADIES SHIELD WINNERS (1994-2011).

1994-Monica Power
1995 Paula Keohan
1996 Paula Keohan
1997 Frankie Devlin
1998 Kathleen O’ Connell
1999 June Twomey
2000 Ann Cronin
2001 Martina Budds
2002 Ann Cronin
2003 Kathleen O Connell
2004 Helene Hayes
2005 Annette Long
2006 Josie Uí Chuirrin
2007 Catriona Mulcahy
2008 Diane Behan
2009 Brigid Coffey
2010 Kelly Cantwell
2011 Aine Lombard

JUVENILE SHIELD WINNERS (1993-2011).

1993 Alan Moore
1994 Darren Harty
1995 Ronan Dennehy
1996 Rosemarie Curran
1997 Dervla O’ Connor
1998 Rosemarie Curran
1999 Brian Kelleher
2000 David Buckley
2001 Natasha Behan
2002 Mary Ryan
2003 Lorraine McCarthy
2004 Sarah Flavin
2005 Michelle Norris
2006 Lughaidh 0’Mahony
2007 Rachel French
2008 Aaron Whelan
2009 Bobby Landers
2010 Sean Patmore

THE VICTOR MULLINS SPECIAL PRIZE (2009-2011)

2009 Michael Moloney
2010 Mark Cliffe
2011 Aine Lombard

HUGE ENTRY FOR JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN TEN MILE ROAD RACE

With the entries now completely full for the club’s premier road race of the year, namely the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile which will be held on Sunday January 29th at 1 pm. The scene is set for what is going to be a fantastic day for our club and town and it’s all hands on deck now to ensure that all race day systems are in place for the big event. It has been a very busy few weeks, indeed months preparing for the event, the race in many respects has been a slow burner we knew some years ago that we had a quality product in the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 and our aim was to have 1.500 runners running the event in a 3 year time span, well that’s exactly what’s happened as 3 years down the road 1.500 runners is what we have with many more requests to entry the race after the full house signs went up. We can now without question proudly advertise this event as being one of the top 10 milers in the country.
We are delighted that such a big field of runners will be on the starting line on the Youghal Road Sunday week. It’s a tribute to John Treacy, to the sponsors, to Waterford sports Partnership our co organisers of the race and of course to our own club committee and members who have put in so many hours behind the scenes preparing for the day. Hopefully now the weather will play its part too. We are also delighted to report that we have a huge local entry which is very encouraging and for all those for whom this will be their first ten mile, keep up the good work your almost there now. We guarantee it will be a day you won’t ever forget especially if it’s your first 10 mile race.

NOTICE

The numbers will be posted out and you will all receive your number at the beginning of next week along with all the information you need to know regarding the race. This means of course all you have to do on race day is to be at the start line no later than 12.45 p.m. with your number pinned to the FRONT of your club running singlet. When you have finished the race and cross the finish line you will be asked to remove your race number, on returning your race number at the goodie bag area you will receive a substantial goody bag with lots of treats for you to enjoy after the race and you will also receive a high quality dri-fit Nike running top. After the race refreshments will be provided in the sports centre. On the subject of refreshments, just to say once again, this is one race where the club really relies on the goodwill and the support of our loyal club members. This race is the biggest undertaking by the club each year and as a result we rely heavily on your support. At the winter league last week and tonight forms were handed out to all the runners as we are seeking people that might be in a position to help out in any way. We need people to steward the course and also to make sandwiches for after the race. If you haven’t already filled out one of these forms and may be able to help out, we would appreciate you filling one out. Each runner is asked to state in what capacity they will be able to help out and to give us their contact details. We will in turn contact you.  The club needs as many members and friends to help us make this a great race and a great day for West Waterford AC and for our town.

WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES CLAIM GOLD AT NATIONAL MASTERS

A packed programme of competitive indoor athletics action took place in the Nenagh Indoor Stadium last Sunday at the Woodie’s DIY Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships. It was a memorable day and not for the first time for Terri Gough in the Women’s over 65 category where Terri took home 4 gold medals in the 200-400-800- and 1.500 metres and a silver in the 60m dash. Micheál Downey once again proved what a sprinting and jumping talent he is when he took 2 gold medals in the very competitive over 35 long jump and 400 meters and he also added two great silvers in the 100 and 200m sprints. The inevitable Joe Gough was in terrific form in the over 55 400m and he strolled to yet another national gold medal unbelievably his 60th national gold medal and he is still only 59 years young.
Des Feeney was impressive when competing in his first national Masters indoors as he took silver in the over 35 800 metres. Dzintars Klava was in action in the over 35 3.000m which was a very hotly contested event. Dzintars took silver here in a fast 9.14. All in all a very good weekend for West Waterford athletes at National Masters indoors and a big thanks you and congratulations to club co-ordinator here Triona Wall for all her work behind the scenes.

SENIOR-JUNIOR AND MASTERS COMBINED EVENTS AND JUNIOR INDOORS ON THIS SUNDAY.

Club athletes Joe Gough and Claire Collins are entered for this Saturdays AAI games and combined events which will be held in Nenagh and Kate Veale is entered for 3K walk and Lisa Houlihan the 60 meters hurdles for Junior’s at the Woodies DIY National Indoor Championships in Nenagh on Sunday. No entries accepted on the day. Best of luck to all.

SENIOR INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ODYSSEY ARENA, BELFAST

The Woodies DIY sponsored A.A.I. Senior Indoor Championships will be held over the weekend of February 11th and 12th. Entries need to be sent in shortly, if you intend running in these championships please contact Triona Wall on 087-9954373 with your event details. Closing date for entry here is January 27th.

6th ANNUAL ANNE VALLEY 5 MILE CHALLENGE.

The 6th Annual Anne Valley 5-mile Challenge will take place on Valentine’s weekend, Saturday 11th Feb and proceeds this year will be donated to a number of commendable organizations, the Jack & Jill Foundation, the Sacred heart pre-school.  This year’s event is set to be even bigger than last years! Record numbers took part in the 5th Anne Valley 5-mile Challenge in 2011, 380 in the main race, 88 juveniles in the 2 km and 200 walkers and fun runners. All proceeds raised went to the very worthy Jack and Jill Foundation.  Over the past four years just less than 22,800 euro has been raised and donated to different charities. We urge people of all abilities to partake and you can choose from the run/juvenile race/walk.
If you would like to partake in the Anne Valley 5-mile Challenge you can enter online now at www.annevalleyrunning.webs.com and the first 50 people to register will receive an exclusive dri-fit race t-shirt. You can also register on the day in Harneys Bar, Dunhill. Walker’s will leave at 10am and the Juvenile 2-mile Challenge will start with the adult race at 12 pm so come and register early on the day.
For more details. Contact: Tricia Quinn
Tel. 086 3905991 or 051 396849
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TED O’ LEARY WINS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR FOR 2011

Congratulations to Ted O’ Leary, the newly crowned athlete of the year for 2011. It was no surprise to hear that Ted was the winner as even as early as last February or March Ted had laid down his marker and as the months slipped by it was becoming apparent that he was not going to be beaten. Ted amassed a massive 109 points for the entire year, last year the competition was won with 85 points so Ted looks likely to hold the record for some time. The vast majority of Ted’s points were collected from competing in road races as well as the summer leagues in the Friary. Ted is a most deserving winner and will be delighted to finally learn he is the winner for 2011. Well done Ted, a well-deserved award for your mighty efforts. As Ted is the overall winner, the title of Master Athlete of the Year goes to Paul Brunnock on 87 points, 2 more than his total from last year which saw him win the title, well done Paul. The club’s Female Athlete of the Year goes to Onra Power on 84 points; Onra represents the club on a regular basis and so richly deserves this award. It’s a double for Tom Leahy as he has claimed the Senior title for the second year in a row and this couldn’t have gone to a more dedicated and committed athlete, Tom has had a fantastic season in 2011 and ended it on a perfect note, well done Tom. The Senior Female Athlete of the Year also goes to a well deserving athlete, Clare Walsh. Clare has competed in a wide variety of races and will be delighted to pick up another award. Well done to all.

RUNNING QUOTE

Running is just you, the work you put in, and the clock. You can't cheat yourself. If you don't put in the miles, you can't go to the starting line thinking you're going to pull a miracle out of nowhere. You get out exactly as much as you put in.

SYMPATHY

West Waterford Athletic Club extends sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Dottie Flynn, the Park Hotel. Dungarvan who passed to her eternal reward last week. May she rest in peace.

HUTCHINSON ACHIEVES OLYMPIC MARATHON QUALIFICATION.

Ava Hutchinson (D.S.D.AC) put in a top performance today to achieve the qualification standard for the London Olympic Games when competing at the Houston Marathon in America, running ‎2:35:33 (inside the Olympic A standard of 2:37). Hutchinson was well on track throughout the race and ran consistent splits throughout unlike at the Dublin Marathon in October last when she was on track for the qualification time but faded in the final stages to finish in 2:42:48. The National Half Marathon champion joins her club-mate Linda Byrne who also achieved the standard running 2.36.21 at the Dublin Marathon

ART O NEILL ULTRA CHALLENGE COMPLETED BY ANTHONY WHELAN

This ultra marahon retraces the epic journey of Red Hugh O Donnell and Art O Neill on their escape from Dublin Castle in 1592 where participants depart Dublin Castle at 2 in the morning and run/walk/trek over the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains to finish in Glenmalure Valley, South Wicklow.Described on their website as a “tough ultra, everything about it is challenging, the route, terrain, darkness, time of night navigation and the weather all factors to be considered when entering”.West Waterford A.C. was represented by Anthony Whelan from Mc Carthyville, one of the brave souls who began their run on Dublin’s Dame Street at 2 in the morning and 8 hours and 13 minutes later Anthony finished safe and sound.Considering the record for this event is 6 hours 45 minutes Anthony was delighted with his time and as he said himself there was too much wading through mud at times and not enough running!Anthony is now looking forward to his next ultra in Connemara where this time he will be joined by not one but 2 more club mates when Paul Brunnock and Trevor Mason will be joining Anthony over the 39 mile distance.  Well done to Anthony, another big one under the belt