Notes January 22-12

24th ANNUAL “KIELY MONUMENTAL” COLLIGAN CUP

CONOR BLACKWELL TAKES THE HONOURS

The 24th annual Colligan Cup sponsored by David Kiely of Kiely Monumentals took place last Sunday at the well-known Colligan Wood. The juvenile race got underway at 1 p.m. and at 2 p.m. the clock was started and worked in reverse until all the runners were on the course. It was the usual case of watching all those in front of you, trying to maintain as even a pace as possible and deciding whether to stay with those in your group or to move it on. Of course no watches were allowed and there was great camaraderie and fun as the runners covered the 5 mile course and as like all the previous 23 years, it was over the last lap that it got tricky. All the runners were at this stage within 200-300 metres of each other and all edging closer and closer to the finishing line and despite everyone’s best intentions to stick to an even pace throughout, it’s always the case that when other runners are so close in front of you, the natural thing to do is to pick up the pace which so many did but not Conor Blackwell who stuck to his guns despite the huge crowd of runners around him and just as the clock struck 0.00 it was Conor who crossed the line and the loud cheer that erupted for Conor alerted all the other runners to get to the finish line pronto but for Conor the job was done and the title was his and his name will now be on the plaque in the wood along with all the previous winners. Commiserations go to Tom Mansfield who was a mere second slower than predicted, so close Tom. Just 4 seconds separated Pat Connaughton from winning and only 5 seconds outside his time was Tony Ferncombe. It has been a great start to the year for Tony as he was 4th in the Colligan Cup and he also won the Victor Mullins special prize. Each year, Victor awards a prize to the first person on the right side of the clock who has never run in the Colligan Cup before and this went to Tony, well done Tony. Former winner, Maurice Boland, almost recorded a double as he was just 6 seconds slower. As always, there are some runners who were most misfortunate as another second or two faster or slower would have seen them win the cup but that’s what makes the race the success that it is. Trevor Walsh was most unfortunate as he was just one second too fast, so unbelievably close Trevor, next year! Jacinta Sheil was also so close, 2 seconds slower and the cup was hers and Larry Kennedy of Waterford was just 4 seconds too fast, it’s not too often we are told that we are too fast!! Well done to all.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER VICTORY AT COLLIGAN CUP

This year saw the largest female entry for the Colligan Cup which meant stiff competition for the ladies shield which is awarded to the first lady to cross the line after the clock reaches 0.00. Still on a high after her daughter Gillian won the juvenile race was Anne Whelan who recorded a family double for the day by taking the prize for the first lady. To the best of my knowledge this has never been recorded before and now both the juvenile cup and the ladies shield will rest in Colligan for 2012, well done to you both. Anne was just 7 seconds outside of her predicted time and just one second behind Anne was Linda Bradfield who will be glad to hear that she almost had her pacing to perfection. It was no surprise to see Onra Power in the winner’s enclosure once again this year as she generally gets it right and last Sunday was no exception as Onra finished third in the ladies category and was only 10 seconds off her time and in 4th place was Clare Walsh who was only 11 seconds slower. Finishing off the top 5 list was Mary Whyte who was only 13 seconds off the mark, well done to all.

MANY THANKS.

Our thanks to all concerned with last Sunday’s Kiely Monumental Colligan cup race which was held on a really good bright dry day with the wood looking its very best. Sunday was the 24th unbroken year of sponsorship by David Kiely of Kiely Monumental, David and the Kiely family have been true supporters of local athletes for all these years and we at West Waterford AC are most great full for this support and hope it will continue for another 24 years it’s been a great partnership that has lasted the test of time between us and the Kiely family bringing this great and unique running event to the magnificent surrounds of Colligan wood each year. We thank Margaret Kiely for her attendance Sunday as David on this occasion was unavoidably absent at a prior engagement, Margaret congratulated all the winners and presented all of them with their prizes which we are most grateful for. To the numerous people who looked after the entries, results and timing especially Aoife and Megan, a big thank you. Thanks to Ann Dunford for looking after the prizes for the race. Thanks to Victor and Liam for all their work on the day with the timing and to Tony and Michael on van duty and Conor and Jamie on the finishing tunnel etc. To all our stewards a big thank you. Our thanks this year once again to Ger Wyley of Wyley Sports and Footwear for again sponsoring a pair of Nike runners which were drawn among all participants, this year’s winner of the runners was Tony Hamilton (hope they will get good use Tony). Victor Mullins four years ago introduced another element to the race. Victor of course is responsible for the handicap system used every year in the race and he sponsored a Perpetual cup which is awarded to the first finisher on the right side of the clock who hadn't ever ran the event before and the winner of this cup this year was Tony Ferncombe. Our sincere thanks go to Victor, Marie and Emma Mullins. Finally, our thanks also go to Coillte for their co-operation with the use of the Colligan Wood for the event without this partnership with Coillte we couldn’t have the event at all.

ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE

CONDITIONS COULDN’T HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR ROUND 11 OF WINTER LEAGUE

It was hard to believe that we were running in the winter league last week given that the conditions were so mild and with not a puff of wind in the air it was a safe bet that great times were on the cards which was exactly what was achieved. There are now only 3 nights remaining but we still had plenty if people sign up again last week so if you have been watching the runners on a Wednesday night and following the notes on the paper why not come along to the Sport’s Centre on Wednesday nights and check it out for yourself, all you have to do is come along around 7 o’clock and we will issue you with a number and give you advice and then you will run/jog with the other runners. It’s really very simple, so just put on your tracksuit and runners and come along, you will be glad you did! Well done to all those that took part in week 11, as we said before you really don’t know your limitations until you really try and you sure did try last week and no doubt there is more to come now that the end is almost in sight! Here’s hoping that the weather tonight will once again be in our favour, see you all at the Sport’s Centre tonight.

PAT FITZGERALD TAKES THE HONOURS FOR WEEK 11 AS THE GAP CLOSES IN AT THE TOP

The 15 seconds between the groups certainly served to drive the runners on and none more so than Pat Fitzgerald who was the first runner home and the best improved. Pat is in division 1 and so this provided the motivation needed so well done Pat. The second best improver and the best female improver was Joanne O’ Neill in 42.17 and showing that her training is going spot on for the 10 mile is Tracy Dwyer who finished as third best improver and into the bargain she now has her time down to 46.06, watch out Dermot! Jim Fleming got his pacing to perfection and was fourth home on 40.59 and finishing in 5th was Martin Hayes with a time of 36.26. The division tables have only changed ever so slightly. Kevin Hickey is in the lead for the second week in a row but as predicted James O’ Donnell who missed the previous week was back and he has narrowed the lead to just 22 points from 37, the competition has well and truly begun! It very well may be one of these two lads at the top after tonight but there is also every chance that it could be Jason Dee, Catherine Mooney, Pat Fitzgerald or any one in division one, we will just have to wait and see.

Division one:

Kevin Hickey               492

James o’ Donnell          514

Jason Dee                    528

Luke Cunningham         557

Micheal O’ Callaghan 567

Catherine Mooney        575

Pat Fitzgerald               612

Michael Dunford           614

Eoin O’ Riordan            630

Josie Ui Chuirrin           642

 

The other division leaders at the moment are Paul Brunnock, Jim Barry, Liam Budds, Tom Veale, Ted O’ Leary, Kevin Hayes, Joe Gough, Deirdre Hahessy, Michelle Fitzgerald, Pa Reilly, Karen Coleman, Ray Bannon, Paudie Crotty, Michele Durand, Micheal Callaghan, Edward Moore and Sharon Murray.

 

NIAMH O’ REGAN LED THE SHORT ROUTE RUNNERS HOME AND TONY FERNCOMBE EXTENDS HIS LEAD BY A FURTHER 3 POINTS

 

The competition in the short route is every bit as intense as in the long route and all runners more than stepped up to the mark last week. It was Niamh O’ Regan who was crowned the best improver on the night with a time of 22.08 and she was followed home by Tom Hogan in 18.15. Liz kennedy has been making great strides in the winter league since she joined up and so it was no surprise to see her make the top 3 in the list of best improvers with a great time of 22.18. Sorcha Dunphy will be delighted to learn that not only did she break 27 minutes with 26.55 but she also was the 4th best improver on the night and completing the top 5 was Paul McGrath who had a super run to clock 17.32 which certainly helped his position in division 1. Tony Ferncombe has managed to stay at the top of division 1 for another week and he has extended his lead by a further 3 points but all in division 1 need to give it their all. Tony finished in 15th position last week but Martina Power who is in second place finished in 20th so there is very little between the two, watch this space as it may very well change after tonight.

 

Division 1:

Tony Ferncombe          320

Martina Power             378

Paul McGrath               391

John Power                  460

Lawrence Hanrahan      462

Sinead Moore              463

Thomas Hallahan          464

Brett Lynam                 464

Joe Nunan                    491

Ann O’ Donnell            522

 

The other division leaders at the moment are Shelley Curran, Joanie McGrath, Rosaleen Curran, Damien Casey, Kevin Harty, Paul Veale, Michael Ryan, Richie Power, Eoin Walsh, Pat Curran and Paula Reddy.

 

STARTING TIMES FOR THIS WEEK

 

The runners will be divided into three large groups in both the long route and the short route. In the long route the first group will head off at 2.30, the second group at 7.30 and the third group at 15 minutes. In the short route the first group will start at 0.00, the second group at 5.00 and the last group at 10.00. It’s crucial that all runners are at the door in plenty of time, best of luck to you all.

 

THANKS TO ALL

 

Once again we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the crew that are involved in the running of the league, without their help the league would not be the success that it is. To all the crew that look after the signs and the parking, the finishing line and registration and to all the stewards that are out in all types of weather to ensure the safety of the runners we just want to say a huge thank you, it is really and truly appreciated. Thanks so much to our loyal sponsor Pearse who is on hand each week to lend a helping hand.

 

 

D DAY IS HERE AS WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB HOSTS THE 21ST

 

ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 THIS SUNDAY

 

The town of Dungarvan and its people will honourably host the largest road race ever held in these parts this coming Sunday when 1,500 runners come to the auld boro to participate in the 21st Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race. An event that started all of 21 years ago when Limerick’s Robert Costello was an augural winner, how the event has grown from those minuscule beginnings into what is now regarded by many as one of the premier 10 mile road races in the country. A big team effort from the committee right through to the members of the club to many who have no direct association with the club all rowing in behind the race for the good of our town. This effort by so many has been going on for many months now and all is in readiness for Sunday. At this stage our hope is that the weather will play its part too showing the many visitors our town looking its very best. The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 is the first race in the John Buckley Sports Munster classics series and it is also race number two in this year’s Michael Roche Carpets sponsored Spring Series of Road Races. Well before our scheduled entry closing date in January our full house sign was up as by December 22nd we had reached our target of 1,500 runners and the demand for entries after close of entries was very encouraging for the future of this event. Just to mention also that there will be strictly no entries on race day. At this stage all participants should have received their race day pack including their race number which must not be folded or cut down in any way because on the back it contains your race day chip. If this number and chip are not worn you will not be recorded at the finish line, when finishing the race you can remove your number and on the return of this chip in the goodie bag area each runner can pick up their goody bag. Substantial cash prizes will be awarded to all the usual race category winners, with a big array of spots to be distributed among all participants. To organise such a mammoth event needs lots of support and good sponsors and we are fortunate to have such from our race partners Waterford County and local authorities, Waterford Sports Partnership, Glaxosmithkline, Flahavans, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, Nike, Glanbia, Optimum Nutrition, and a huge input by many local businesses around the town who have all come on board making it a real community effort. It is of course expected that Dungarvan and its environs will benefit hugely from the event as the travelling runners and their supporters from all parts of the country and beyond will be making the trip to the south east for what promises to be an occasion of immense importance not alone for West Waterford AC but for the town of Dungarvan. The club would like to invite all with an interest in athletics to come along to the start line at the Youghal road or to view the race anywhere on the course and cheer on the country’s finest road runners plus of course the record local entry on the day. We can also keep a close eye out for one of Waterford’s greatest, John Treacy, not alone does this race honour John but true to his on-going support for the event he will be participate in the race and will be wearing race number 1, a fitting race number to a legend in the sport.

 

THE JOHN TREACY CLUB CHALLENGE

 

First held last year as part of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10, was the introduction of the John Treacy Team Challenge, which went down a treat with the clubs who battled it out in both the men’s and women’s competition. West Waterford AC was the inaugural winners here in the men’s event while Eagle AC from Cork brought the honours Lee side in the Ladies race. Who will it be in 2012? The local outfit will be battling well in the men’s to try and hold onto their crown, a difficult task one feels against the might of Clonliffe Harriers, Donore Harriers, DSD AC the big Dublin clubs who will be here in force and from Cork we have Eagle AC, East Cork AC, Leevale AC St. Finbarrs AC and Midleton AC among others. We will also see strong representation form Wexford, Kilkenny Limerick Tipperary etc etc. If we think the men’s team challenge is going to  be hot just watch with baited breath at the ladies challenge with teams from all of the above clubs mentioned. Teams will consist of 3 club runners regardless of category whose combined finish times will be added together. Individual/Category prize winners can also count for the John Treacy Team Challenge. This Challenge Cup competition is separate to the race team prizes. Specially commissioned Comeragh Crystal mementoes will be awarded to the winning teams and of course they will have the honour of having their club name inscribed on the magnificent John Treacy silver challenge cups.

 

THE FLYNN HOTEL GROUP SPECIAL PRIZE

 

Our thanks to the Flynn Family of the Park Hotel for coming on board to help the club celebrate the 21st running of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile with a very kind sponsorship package. We are delighted to announce that the 471st finisher next Sunday will be the recipient of the weekend for 2 including an evening meal in any hotel in the Flynn Hotel group. This number 471 is a very significant number in Irish sport as it was the number worn by John Treacy when he won that famous silver medal at the LA Olympics 1984 in the marathon. This gesture by the Flynn family is greatly appreciated by the club and is indeed a superb prize for whoever will be lucky enough to claim that finishing place.

 

RACE DAY DETAILS

 

Dungarvan Sports centre Quanns will once again this year be our race headquarters and we are very thankful to Dungarvan Town Council and the centre management and staff for the use of this fine venue again this year. Changing for all men will be available at the Sports centre and we also have by kind permission the use of the Dungarvan Boxing Club pavilion for changing for the ladies. Showers will be available at both centres also. The presentation of prizes and refreshments will be at the Sports centre also. All stewards are asked to please come along as early as possible to the centre and to contact Tony Ryan steward co-ordinator on your arrival. We hope to see all local runners participating on Sunday but if for whatever reason you are not running you might be available to come along and give a hand with stewarding the course or making sandwiches. All help will be greatly appreciated. The course used last year for the first time proved most popular with all participants and this year we will be using the same route, starting at the Youghal Road the race will do a short loop around Mitchell St. down Collins Road, back out the Youghal road taking a right turn down past GlaxoSmithKline to the Spring roundabout, taking a left turn past the former Crystal factory out to Bushy Park, and left down to the canal Road coming out at Ring cross, back in Youghal road finishing in the Industrial estate at the back of Microchem laboratories. This course is regarded as very fast and is a course where that personal best time could very well be recorded over the classic 10 mile distance.

 

INTERNATIONAL CLASS FIELD ASSEMBLED

 

The race has grown in size and so has the quality of the field, especially the ladies field assembled for this year’s race with some of the top road racers on the Island around Dungarvan next Sunday. Siobhan O’Doherty of Borrosokane our course record holder is back to see if can she better her magnificent 56.28 from 2011. International marathon and cross country runner star Marie Mc Cambridge Letterkenny AC is running and one feels could very well be installed as race favourite as she is in terrific form presently and a sub 56 is well within her capabilities, then there’s Liz Hussey West Limerick, Mary Hanley Na Fianna, Valerie Vaughan St Finbarrs and the fantastic Lizzie Lee is running, Angela Mc Cann Clonmel’s pocket rocket, Catriona Jennings Sports world AC Dublin and of course Corinna Walsh and  Norma Wall from the host club West Waterford AC who are both showing terrific form presently. The men’s event sees Alan O’ Shea Bandon AC as one of the hot favourites but he won’t have it all his own way with Mick Bolger Rathfarnham AC Dublin and Garry Crossan former national marathon champion from Letterkenny AC. There’s George Waugh from Bandon also in the line-up and of course not forgetting the locals, Sandis Bralitis (5 times winner of the race) and Raivis Zakis won’t be far from the top end of affairs, but one to watch out for is Clonliffe Harriers Brian Mc Mahon and Limericks Ruairi O’Donnell both who will be in with a big shout also. One thing’s for sure both the Ladies and the Men’s races will be top class and it will be a treat for us to watch these top road runners in action on our own door step. As we said a very substantial prize fund is on offer throughout all categories, so all in all both elite and fun runners alike are more than catered for on the day, which has always been the West Waterford Athletic Club policy. So our final word is to enjoy the run if you’re participating and if not come along and lend your support to those who are running.

 

FOR THE RECORD

 

 

Previous overall winners of this race are as follows:

 

1992 Robert Costello (Limerick AC)

1993 Noel Richardson (Donore Hrs AC)

1994 Jimmy Mulligan (Waterford AC)

1995 James Sullivan (Waterford AC)

1996 Michael Hassett (St. Catherines AC )

1997 Cormac Finnerty (Mullingar Hrs AC)

1998 Peter Duggan (St.Josephs AC )

1999 John Kearney (East Cork AC)

2000 John Kearney (East Cork AC)

2001 Peter Duggan ( St.Josephs AC )

2002 Paul Deegan (DSD A.C.)

2003 Philip Harty (K.C.K.)

2004 George Murray (North Cork AC)

2005 Sandis Bralitis (Ballynonty AC)

2006 Sandis Bralitis ( West Waterford AC )

2007 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC)

2008 Sergiu Turea  (Clonliffe Harriers AC)

2009 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC)

2010 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC )

2011 Mareks Floroseks Latvia  49.26 (course record.

 

HELP WANTED FOR JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 RACE

 

We are delighted to report that we have had a great response to our appeal for help for the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race. However, with approximately 1,500 runners expected to take part it’s a case of all hands on deck for the day. We are still on the look-out for more helpers on the day or people to make some sandwiches or do a bit of baking for us. If you think you may be able to help out down at the centre on the day, please fill out a form with your contact details, the forms will be available at tonight’s league. All those who did fill out forms will be contacted towards the end of the week with details of times to drop off sandwiches etc. Thanks very much.

 

SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND AT INDOORS

 

It was a very successful weekend for our athletes at the Woodies DIY combined events indoors. Joe Gough was first off the mark and added yet another national gold medal to his ever growing collection when he won the over 50 combined events with a score of 1561 points, Joe recorded wins in the 60m dash and the 1.000 metres. Also in action on Saturday was Clare Collins in the High Jump and Clare showed that she is in terrific form when clearing 1.65 to take the gold medal. On Sunday the Junior championships were held and Kate Veale made her first outing of the new season a winning one taking the national Junior 3.000 walk in a healthy 13.29.vLisa Houlihan was just outside the medals in the 60 metres hurdles when finishing 4th also.

 

RUNNING QUOTE

Running and song writing share similar principles. When it doesn't feel good, you just work through it.

 

SYMPATHY.

 

West Waterford athletic club extends sincere sympathy to the families and friends of George Byrne  Boolabeg, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, Wexford and Kathy Sheehan, 9 St. Martin’s Terrace, Dungarvan who passed to their eternal rewards. May they rest in peace.