26th ANNUAL FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.
€1,200 RAISED AT FORDE’S DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE CHARITY NIGHT.
It was another great night for round 5 of our winter league last Wednesday evening, It was also of course our annual charity night at the league and the runners of the league once again as they always do, dug very deep in the auld pockets and came up with a whopping sum of 1.200 Euro for our two chosen charities this year St john’s Special school and The post heart bypass rehabilitation fund, These two charities were part of a joint effort by Tony Ryan and Michael Tutty in their charity drive over the past few months where both men raised a large sum which was evenly divided between the two charities.Our sponsor Kevin Forde handed over the cheque on behalf of all the runners which we can be sure off will go to good use in these two charities. Next Wednesday evening is the final night of the league before the Christmas break, and we will have a special visitor we hope from the North Pole and hopefully some goodies for the good boys and girls on the league. Make sure to keep up the training over the break, even if it’s only the odd run or two it will make all the difference when the league resumes in 2019 on Wednesday, January 8th.For now from all at the Forde’s Daybreak winter league,may you and your loved ones have a lovely Christmas and we hope to see you all in the new year for the 2nd half with another 5 rounds to be completed.
CONDITIONS IDEAL FOR THE RUNNERS ON WEEK 5 OF THE SHORT COURSE.
It was a cool, crisp, still evening and again near perfect for running as the runners gathered for last weeks Fordes Daybreak Winter League. Once again a great crowd of 74 runners gathered in Dungarvan Sports Centre before heading out on the 2.4 mile run. Again this week there were more new people registering along with the league regulars. This section of the league has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. Even if you haven’t come along up to know, maybe its a challenge you could take on for the new year. After registering make sure to check your start time on the sheets posted on the wall. This Wednesday (18th December) is our last night for 2020 before the league resumes on the 8th January. The overall tables are starting to take shape and will be available in the coming weeks.First back on the night was Joey Miller who ran round in 26.14. Joey was followed by Heather Aherne in 24.46 and Fergus Kett in 19.01. next was Natasha Dee in 24.56 followed by Shirley Walsh in 24.55. Given the ideal conditions many excellent times were recorded. Theresa Curran clocked 25.00 with Jamie Organ running an excellent 14.25. Conor Mulhall clipped round in 24.13 with Noell Nolan running 22.42. Others to record good times included Kellie Duggan (24.24), Conor O’Neill (18.41), Patricia Mulcahy and Marie Aherne (both 22.17). Michael Coakely fresh from his run in America ran 20.11 and will surely dip under 20 minutes soon. Fastest time on the night was recorded by Ciaran Frisby (14.24) and fastest lady was Linda Foley (16.40).Well done to all who took part, and remember newcomers are always welcome. Just come along to Dungarvan Sports centre on Wednesday Night at 6.30 to register – Also thanks to all out Stewards out on the course and our crew in the hall and at the Finish Line. Last week was our annual charity night in aid of St. Johns School and Post Heart Rehab Fund with €1200 raised.Tonight (18th December 2019) is our last night for 2019 with the league recommencing on 8th January 2020.
The league tables are starting to take shape with the top 10 on short route being
Kim Daly
Darren Mulcahy
Linda Foley
Ita Mason
Orla Browne
Caroline O’Brien
Cait Verling
Liam O Donnell
Barbara Duff
Eileen Campbell
We currently have 8 from the top 10 placings field by the Ladies with just 2 men in the mix, but plenty to play for yet ,early days. Full tables will be posted after Christmas break but of course there’s lots to play for yet.
LONG COURSE RUNNERS START TO SHOW THEIR COLOURS.
We had another superb night last week for our league which was also our Christmas charity night at the Forde’s Daybreak Winter League with just this coming week remaining now before we take our annual Christmas break. Well done to all the runners for their generosity on our charity night. The course last week on the long run was altered and the distance covered was 4.7 miles. Joey Miller lead the troops home in ideal conditions in a time of 41.46 and he was followed in by Patrick Beausang in 41.17 with the mighty Joe Gough next home in a time of 44.51.The Ladies were well represented on the night also and first home Ellen Nagle 46.29 she was followed by Mairead Murphy in a time of 46.54 and 3rd past the post last week was Claire Moffat in 40.10
Alan Kinsella and Michael Ahern were the fastest runner’s on the night on the 4.7 mile route used with brilliant times of 27.27 and 27.28 respectfully. Just a quick reminder to all our runners to be careful out on the course and obey the stewards at all times. REMEMBER THAT THE ROADS ARE NOT CLOSED SO BE CAREFUL OF TRAFFIC. For safety, high vis must be worn. Also the rules of the league prohibit the wearing of watches. Anyone not wearing high vis or caught wearing a watch won’t be included in the results. Best of luck to all tonight and why not bring a friend along.
LEAGUE LEADERS ON LONG COURSE.
Mike Wyley
Joanne O Neill
Geraldine Lacey
Sinead Ní Fhaolain
Liam Beresford
Jason Radley
Natasha Lanigan
Ciaran Murphy
Patrick Ryan
Noel McKenna
After 5 weeks of the league we have four ladies in the leading 10 position’s and six men, but as we know the real test comes after the Christmas break and you can expect to see many changes at the top end of affairs before this league is finally over.
GREAT RUN BY PAT HENNESSEY IN ALL IRELAND CROSS COUNTRY.
Hugh congratulations to Pat Hennessey who just finished 9th in the Irish Life Health national novice cross country in Dunboyne Co Meath. A very competitive field raced hard over a very sticky mucky tough course and Pat was in the thick of it throughout. This rounded off a super year for the Lismore man having won the Munster intermediate two weeks ago and our Greenway half marathon in September.
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB HOLDS ITS 26th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The club’s AGM was held in Lawlors Hotel last Thursday where a review of a very successful and productive year took place. It was very encouraging to see a good turnout for this year’s annual meeting. The chairman Tom Leahy opened proceedings thanking all the committee for their work over the past 12 months, he also thanked all our sponsors, the Friary College and the coverage the club has in both local papers and he thanked those involved in the club face book and website and the many people outside of the committee who contribute so much to the success of the club on a daily bases. Tom gave special praise to three committee members stepping down this year Fiona Ormond,Catriona Kiely,Gregory Fitzgerald and Irene Clark who have all contributed greatly to the club over the years, we are delighted also to report that all three will still be actively involved with our club going forward. Our secretary Ann Dunford then gave a full comprehensive report on what was a busy year for the club covering all the major events and accolades won by our members and there were many. Treasurer Sharon Duggan gave a very detailed book of accounts and it see’s us in a healthy financial state after a busy year. As mentioned above we thank outgoing committee members for their contribution while on the committee and we welcome on board new committee member’s Trevor Mason ,Jim Fleming Declan O’Callaghan and Brian Ormonde. We look forward now to yet another year in the life of West Waterford AC, its 27th in 2020.
Tom Leahy ( Chairman )
Liam O’Donnell ( Vice Chairman )
Ann Dunford ( Secretary )
Shirley Flynn ( assistant Secretary )
Sharon Duggan ( Treasurer )
Ray Burke ( assistant Treasurer )
James Veale ( pro )
Gerry Cantwell
Brian Ormond
Declan O’Callaghan
Trevor Mason
Noel Hogan
Jim Fleming
10K KILMACTHOMAS GREENWAY FUN RUN IN AID OF IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION.
A 10k fun run and 5k walk will be held on Sunday January 5th at 11 am in Kilmacthomas with a proceeds donated to the Irish Wheelchair Association. Entry fee is 10 euro or donation if preferred. Prizes will awarded to the first 3 men and ladies plus lots of good down the field spots on the day. Registration at Kilmacthomas Rainbow hall in the Village from 10 AM with run starting at 11 am. All are welcome, a cuppa will be available for all after event. Come along and bring a friend to support this worthy charity. Main sponsors are Brennan Refrigerated Transport Fews and associate sponsors are Kirwans Pharmacy Kilmacthomas.
26th ANNUAL MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SERIES.
The club’s 26th annual Michael Roche carpets series is well and truly under way with the first of 4 races done and dusted the Brickey 4 miler and race number 2 the recent Turkey Trot completed. The entry fee to the series is only 2 euro and it is still open for entries. The series will continue after the festive season with the Kiely Monumental Colligan cup on Sunday January 19th .Race 4 will be the Kilmacthomas 4 on Sunday 16th February,this will be the final race in this series. Runners will have to complete3 of the 4 races in the series to figure among the tables
January 19th 32nd annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup 5 mile,
February 24th 18th O Reilly Butchers annual Kilmacthomas 4 mile,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.
On behalf of the officers at West Waterford Athletic Club we extend season’s greetings to all our members, sponsors and friends. Remember when running over the Christmas season be safe and be seen. Blessings to you, your families and all your loved ones.
LADIES RUNNING GROUP.
Following on from the success of the inaugural ladies social running group in Autumn 2019 we will continue with this initiative into 2020.The focus for this group is on general fitness not performance but for anyone who needs a goal we will be working towards the Kilmac 4 mile race in mid February. If you enjoy running and can jog for 20 mins then you will be well able for this group. We offer 2 routes 3k or 5k and you progress at your own pace. If you want to walk / jog that is fine and if you want to run fast that is also fine. YOU decide what works for YOU on the night. There is no such thing as too slow.If you finish work at 5pm you can have your run done at 5.30pm and be home by 6.30pm. If you finish work later we also have a 6.30pm group.If you struggle to get out on your own and find running on your own hard come and join us on Monday nights. Nobody gets left behind and we all run with a buddy so the run is over before you know it.For further information and to book your spot contact Irene on (086) 8242348
CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2020.
The club membership for 2020 can now be paid now. The club membership is for the calendar year January to December. The membership stays unchanged at 25 euro. You can pay your membership at any club event or download a membership form on club web site www.westwaterfordathletics.org and send to registrar Gerry Cantwell Helvick, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Also you can now pay your club membership online at www.westwaterfordathletics.org
RUN TO IMPROVE YOUR JOHN TREACY 10 TIME..
We are heading onto the last few weeks of training for the John Treacy 10 mile race.
If this is your first time running 10 miles or you need to get some structure into your training why not join us for January.
WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR ? Anyone who can currently run 8k, at any pace, and wants to train to either increase the pace or the distance they can run to complete the John Treacy 10 mile race.
WHAT DO I GET ? A coached running session on a Tuesday evening, training plan for the rest of the week and online support. You will also have the support and camaraderie of the group which makes training ,much easier
If you have any questions by all means contact us. Claire Kennedy 087 911 6997 or Jim Fleming 087 288 1151
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Alice Walsh Mc Carthy Ville Abbeyside and John Costin Sheskin, Cappoquin,who passed to their eternal reward last week ,may they rest in peace.
RUNNING QUOTE.
There are few instincts more natural than the body in full motion as it races across a field or through the trees.
