MINNIES FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE
ITS SUNSCREEN AND SUNGLASSES IN THE EVENING SUN.
The 6th round of the Minnie’s Fit4Life league took place last Tuesday evening in brilliant sunshine and soaring temperatures. Indeed temperatures in the Friary were as hot as anywhere on the continent and this made conditions tough for the runners on the night. When you take into account also that many of the runners had participated in the Touraneena 5k on the previous evening and again under extreme heat this made their task on the Tuesday all the more difficult. But these runners are a tough bunch and 107 of then took to the Friary College to partake in the league. Of course, when the run was over they were more than delighted to see the full churn of water at the finish line to quench their thirst! There are 2 nights remaining in the league, June 9th and 16th so, if you have not got round to joining in so far you are more than welcome to join us in the Friary on Tuesday evening at 6.45. Just call along to the club van and we will get you on your way. If you ran some of the early nights of the league and have missed a few, don’t worry you are more than welcome to run any night you can. It’s never too late to start so, see you Tuesday!
1 LAP
PASCAL RECORDS HIS THIRD WIN OVER 1 LAP
Pascal Proctor (9.16) has run 5 out of the 6 nights to date of this league and his effort and consistency have been rewarded with 3 wins and 2-second place finishes. Pascal is now in pole position to take the overall win in this league with 7 points while Michael Mc Carthy (9.34) who was second on the night is also second on the tables with 13 points. In third place Micheál Phelan (9.49) broke the 10-minute barrier for the first time and also recorded his highest finishing position in the league to date. The first lady finisher was Jane O Sullivan (9.54) in only her second outing of this league and Jane showed how it’s done with a fine run and a 4th place finish. There was another p.b. In 5th spot from Caroline Lenihan (10.16) taking 1 second from her week 5 time. That’s precision timing Caroline, well done. Indeed the 1 lap league this week really bucked the trend with 12 athletes recording their best times to date in the league, which was extraordinary under the warm conditions. Apart from those already mentioned congratulations also to Mag Budds (10.18) who broke the 11-minute barrier for the first time and also to Ita Mason (10.56) who did likewise. Louise Conroy has run every night of this league and while last week she broke the 11-minute barrier for the first time, this week she took another 13 seconds off running 10.37. Sheila Budds also was not to be outdone and she recorded her fastest time of 11.33 while Ann Lyons (12.51) broke the 13-minute mark for the first time. Bernie Kirwan and Pamela Gould are an example to us all of how to run together and bring each other along. They have run every night and from 17.19 and 17.20 respectively in week 1 down to 14.40 and 14.39 in week 6 they have encouraged each other all along the way. There was another p.b. For Pearl Veale (11.01) who will surely target the 11 minute barrier next Tuesday. Well done also to newcomers Aisling O Connell (10.27) and Fiona Clancy (13.05) who took it all in their stride and to Danielle Lyons (11.42) who took a minute off her previous time. So well done to you all and keep up the brilliant effort because it’s really paying off.
2 LAPS
JOHN BEHAN TAKE’S VICTORY IN 2 LAPS
32 athletes completed the 2.4 miles of the Friary College last Tuesday evening and on this occasion the excellent young K.C.K. athlete, John Behan, led them home in a time of 13.20. This was also the fastest time recorded for the 2 lap league this year. Second home on the night was Liam Kavanagh in 16.49 while Peter Fitzgerald, on only his 3rd night of the league was next home in 17.07, almost 30 seconds faster than his week 5 time. Our French visitor Corinne Le Gal also had a p.b for week 6 of 19.38 and this led her to a 4th place finish on the night. Newcomer Scott Lyons had an excellent run to finish in 5th position in 19.42.
So despite not running Shane Power is still in front on the 2 lap league tables with 6 points from 5 nights ran from, also with 5 nights ran, Liam Kavanagh on 19 points.
Meier Clivia moved up to the 2 laps in week 6 and had no problem with the extra distance recording 19.56. Another athlete rewarded for his efforts was Declan Hayes who has run every week to date and in week 6 he set his fastest time of the league when he broke the 20 minute mark to finish in a time of 19.59. Well done Declan and also well done to Helen O Brien who returned to the 2 lap league in week 6 and what a return it was when she took almost a full minute from her previous best time to record 21.30. Alison O Brien also had a p.b. in week 6 of 23.07 and the 23 minute barrier beckons for Alison next week. Noelle Quann was also rewarded for her dedication to the league when she recorded a p.b. of 23.24, while another to run her fastest time of the league to date was Siobháin Mc Grath when she took 3 seconds off to run 24.12. Well done to everyone who ran the 2.4 miles last Tuesday and keep up the excellent effort.
3 LAPS
DECLAN SETS FASTEST TIME TO DATE FOR 3 LAPS
Declan Mc Grath who up until this had only ran over the 2 lap circuit moved up to the 3 laps and posted the fastest time to date for the 3.6 mile distance. Declan ran a very fast 21.37 which is great running for this distance. Yevgenniy Chizhikov who has ran every night to date was second through the finishing tunnel in a time of 23.13 and this second place finish see’s Yev in control of the league tables with 10 points from his 6 nights ran to date. Yev leads from George Tutty who has 29 points from his 6 nights out in the league. Alan Lyons swapped over to the 3 laps and ran 23.34 while Trevor Hennessy was 4th man home in 24.04. Alan Hickey (25.37) and Philip Harty (25.39) (fresh from their excellent third place finish in the relay event at the Cork Marathon along with Michael Dunford, Brian Byrne and Shane Power) also ran the 3.6 miles while James Casey had a p.b. for the distance of 26.34. Another man to have a personal best time on the night was Noel Mc Kenna when in a time of 28.19 he was almost 30 seconds faster than week 5. Michael Deegan is continuing his rehabilation from a long lay off with injury and he will be delighted with his fastest time to date of 29.38. Conor Blackwell may only have taken to the fields of the Friary in recent times but his is also making great progress and from a time of 33.13 on his first outing he is now down to 30.53 which is very close to the 10 minute lap mark which is real progress. Well done Conor. Richie Power (29.40) and Patrick Lyons (28.47) both improved their times from their previous night and in the very warm conditions this is also a great achievement. Once again congratulations to everyone who ran the 3 laps last Tuesday evening and well done to you all.
4 LAPS
SEAN MAKES IT 6 FROM 6
Each week of the Minnies Fit4Life league we bring you news of Sean Stilwell’s achievements over the 4 lap distance. To date Sean has taken on all comers and he has not been beaten over the 4.8 miles. For the record his time this week was 28.07 and each week Sean has recorded times every one under the 29 minute mark which is a consistently high level of running. This week his competition came in the form of young Rory Moloney who despite his excellent 4th place finish in Touraneena on the previous evening put in another great performance to run 28.20 on the night while 13 seconds later Kevin Kenneally crossed the finish line. Kevin has also ran under 30 minutes each night and indeed under 29 minutes on 4 occasions. 4th place on the night went to Patrick Riordan in 30.11 which was Patrick’s fastest time of the league to date.
Six wins from six sees Sean in control of the 4 lap tables with the minimum 6 points while in second place at the moment is Kevin Kenneally with 12 points from 5 nights ran. The holder of the 3rd place at the moment is Michael Dunford who has 21 points form 4 nights of running. Des Feeney has ran all 6 nights and has 23 points while Patrick Riordan has 28 points from 5 nights.
For the 6th week in a row Corinna Walsh (33.19) was first lady home in the 4 lap league which was consistant running from Corinna considering she had a tough run in Touraneena taking first place over the 5k distance. Another to run well was Gerry O Connor (34.31) who once again has run every night to date and was rewarded with a p.b. on the night. Pat Morrissey (38.17) was only 2 seconds down on his time of the previous week so in the heat of the night he will be delighted with that. Pat was followed through the finishing tunnel just 1 second later by Mick Verling which was also a p.b. Well done to all 27 who took part in the 4 lap league which was tough going on the night but they stuck to their task and were glad to finish and even more happy to get the drink at the finish line!
SPONSORS AND THANK YOUS
Once again thank you to the O Brien family of Minnies Bar Abbeyside who are our sponsors for this league and a great supporter of athletics in West Waterford. To Tony, Shirley, Michael, Liam and James we would also like to say thank you and well done for your smooth running of the league and for turning out each night. Finally we would like to thank St Augustines College for the use of their facilities each week for which we are extremely grateful.
GER WYLEY SPORTS / NIKE SUMMER SERIES.9th ANNUAL OLD STILL BAR CLASHMORE 5 THIS FRIDAY EVENING.
Race number 5 and believe it or not the half way point in the 2009 Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series will be held on this Friday evening June 12th at 8 PM.The race this years see the welcome return of our previous sponsor in The Old Still Bar Clashmore, Race entry fee is 8 Euro and entries will be taken at the Old Still Bar from 6.30 PM. The race course will remain unchanged and changing and showers will be available by kind permission at the Clashmore G.A.A.club grounds, The presentation of prizes will take place in the Old Still Bar after the race, where refreshment’s will be available to all runners.
PRIZE CATEGORIES IN CLASHMORE.
Thanks to our sponsors, The Old Still Bar a very attractive array of prizes will be on offer for this year’s race.1st 5 Senior Men, 1st Masters over 40,45,50,55,60 and 1st Junior Male. And the ladies prizes are 1st 3 Senior, plus Masters over 35,40,45,50,55 and 1st junior lady. Team prizes will also be awarded to the first Men’s club team outside the individual winners and the same for the ladies with three to score. There will be plenty of spots for down the field finishers.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GER WYLEY/NIKE SUMMER SERIES
The summer series is well and truly underway with three races of the ten race programme already held with the fourth to be held this coming Friday. Pretty soon we will be at the half way stage with Rás Na Rinne on June 19th. So far, a grand total of 130 have joined the series, which is well up on the figure for last year. For all those of you who are new to the series, entry to the series is separate to the races. It costs €7 to enter the series. What do you get for joining the series? Firstly, anyone who runs any 6 out of the 10 races will receive a €25 Nike voucher redeemable at Ger Wyley sports shop. Any athlete that does all ten races will receive a €75 voucher. Added to this, league tables have been drawn up with everybody’s finishing positions of each race. At the end of the series, each runner’s best 6 races will determine their overall score and prizes will be awarded to the top ten men and every tenth men after that and in the ladies, prizes will be awarded to the top 5 with every fifth woman after that also receiving a prize. The Dromana 5 mile race on June 26th is the last date for entering the series, entry to the series closes after this race so if you’re interested in the series make sure you get your entry in. From now on, we will also have a copy of the league tables on display at the races. If you have joined the series and you don’t see your name please contact Ann Dunford or Norma Wall and let them know. Over 20 people managed to do all ten races last year so why not give it a go this year and be rewarded with a €75 voucher for your efforts, go on give it a go.
TRAINING SCHEDULE
For all those that are training for our 5-mile races, the time is drawing ever so close. Our first 5 mile race is on this coming Friday and we know that a few of you will be giving this a go. It’s very important not to go off too fast at the start. The start of this particular race is downhill and the temptation is there to go off mad but try and hold back, especially if this your first attempt at a 5 mile, it’s more important to finish strong and enjoy the race. It’s as time goes by and you get used to running 5-mile races that you can afford to push the pace that bit more. The following schedule is for the week beginning Monday 15th and Monday 22nd. The schedule for the second week takes into account the scenic Dromana 5 mile race which has one slight hill in it so if at all possible when out training over the next few weeks choose a route that has a little hill or two, nothing too strenuous and this will stand to you in the run.Monday 15th 4 miles Tuesday 16th 3 or 4 laps of the Minnie’s LeagueFriday 4.5 milesMonday 22nd 4.5 milesTuesday 23rd 3 laps of the Minnie’s LeagueFriday 26th Dromana 5 mile race
MOONEY’S PUB RÁS NA RINNE ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH.
We will be well and truly past the half way point in this years Ger Wyley sports/Nike summer series when on Friday week next June 19th we are in Ring for the 17th Annual Mooney’s Pub sponsored Rás Na Rinne 6 miler, We would like to sincerely thank Tom and Ann Gough for their ongoing sponsorship of this event now in its 17th year., and the local establishment have sponsored this race all of those 17 years which the organisers are most grateful for, The race this year is race number 6 in the series and it will start at 8 PM.Changing facilities and race entry will be at Halla Phobail Na Rinne from 7 PM.with entry fee 8 Euro. The following are the prize categories for the race 1st 3 Senior Men, 1st over 40,45,50,55,and 60,1st Junior, and 1st Local.1st 3 Senior ladies, 1st over 35,40,45,and 50.and 1st three teams with 5 to score using the handicap system for selecting teams. West Waterford club policy as usual regarding prizes, one prize per athlete. There will also be plenty of spots for non prize winners on the night, and of course the winner will be presented with the O’ Droma family perpetual shield. The presentation of prizes will take place in Moonie’s Bar after the race.
LITTLE SOUTH 4.
West Waterford had a small contingent of athletes taking part in last Sunday’s Little South run in Kilmacow.The race was won by runner up in 2008,Clonliffe’s Sergiu Ciobanu in time of 19.16 very good running over this very fast circuit, this was 19 seconds faster for the winner than his time of last year, It must be said he didn’t have it all his own way as it was only after the half way mark of the race that he opened up an advantage over West Waterford’s Sandis Bralitis and Raivis Zakis who are in very good form considering their recent Marathon exploits with both athletes clocking under 5 minute’s per mile for the race.Sandis did manage to draw away from Raivis over the final part of the race to record a time of 19.30 and finish second and Raivis recorded a personal best 19.36 to beat KCH athlete Brian Maher for the first time in a road race, Maher was clocked at 19.48.The Ladies race was won by again the runner up in 2008 Lucy D’arcy from Sportsworld, but what a ding dong battle she had with Pauline Lambe of Tullamore Harries with just 5 second’s separating the two at the line D’arcy 23.30 and Lambe 23.35.The winner had to be at her best to pull this one off and she was 13 seconds faster than her time of last year. Jim Fleming made a guest appearance in Kilmacow and he finished 68th in a time of 27.27 not bad running, under 7 minute mileing Jim. What about the run of our next finisher Inese Melne she also clocked around the 7’s finishing 77th in 28.14 that’s an average of slightly over the 7’s per mile an excellent run and a big personal best for the birthday gir. Athlete of the year 2008 Brigid Coffey also gave a very good account when finishing 93rd a top 100 placing with a time of 29.29.Bridget can be well pleased here as she clocked 29.51 in 2008,She also took second in the over 35 category, just behind Brigid was Bernie Prendergast 97th in 29.36 and Bernie was 2nd over 45,In 123rd place was Michael Deegan and his time was 31.27 Michael Wade finished 112th with a time of 30.24 In 123rd place came Mick McCarthy whose clocking up the athlete of the year points big time,finishing 141st in 32.51,Onra Power also made the journey a worth while one finishing 154 with a good time of 33.45, Onra also had a course P.B. As last year she clocked a time of 34.10.She also took second over 35,so all in all a good days work all round.
2009 OUTFIELD SPORTS/ASICS 3 COUNTIES RUNNING SERIES
The first race of the Outfield Sports/Asics 3 counties series took place in Rathgormack last Friday evening. The series itself consists of four races held in 3 counties over the summer months and the increase in the numbers from last year indicates the popularity of the series and its individual races. Last Friday night’s race began at 7.30 and a large field of 153 athletes assembled at the start line to tackle the undulating course that makes the Rathgormack 5 mile race. With the last few months, Sergiu Ciobanu of Clonliffe Harriers has been dominating many events and this race was no exception. Sergiu came home a clear winner in a time of 26.01, 23 seconds ahead of second placed Dwaine Farrell of Tinryland. Shane Mullaney crossed the line in third place in a time of 26.31. West Waterford’s Phillip Harty had a super race on the night, clearly showing the immense talent he possesses and had a titanic battle over the final stretch to finish in a very credible fifth place. Phillip finished in 5th position as well last year but this year had a remarkable difference, Phillip finished in the same position but was over 30 seconds faster this year and to improve your time over a tough and hilly course is no mean feat, well done Phillip. In fact, we had many club members produce quicker times from last year. The summer series certainly makes you stronger and fitter which is good news for all. Most athletes have had a season or two where they are at their best and after that it takes a lot of hard work to maintain the same level, not so in the case of PJ Guinan. PJ had a most fantastic season last year in the summer series and other races and 2009 sees him in the same form if not better. Having recently entered the 0/40 category (belated birthday greetings!!), PJ was second 0/40 on the night, only 8 seconds behind Ritch Osifchin who claimed the prize. Third in the same category was Joe Kelly who was only 3 seconds behind PJ. Gary McCormack, winner of our spring series was 3rd 0/45 in 30.43, much improved from his 2008 time of 31.19. Fresh from international duty, Joe Gough performed well on the night to claim first 0/55 which is a given at all the races Joe takes part in. The ladies performed well on the night with Pauline Lambe finishing in 14th place overall in 29.39, to finish under 30 minutes in any 5 mile is a remarkable accomplishment and one which Pauline seemed to do at ease. Madeline Loughnane finished 17th overall and second lady in 30.08. West Waterford’s Corinna Walsh, winner of this race last year finished third overall. While she may not have retained her title, she will be more than consoled with the fact that she was 40 seconds faster this year than last year, a great indicator of form, so well done Corinna.
The remaining three races in this league are as follows:
Race 2: The Champion Kiely Ballyneale 5K Friday July 3 at 7.30 pm
Race 3: Morris Oil Piltown 10K Friday July 17 at 7.30 pm
Race 4: Carraig Hotel Deadman’s 5 Friday August 7 at 7.30 pm
Congratulations to the organisers on a well organised race.
West Waterford AC finishers at Rathgormack 5
Phillip Harty 26.55
Pj Guinan 29.03
Joe Kelly 29.33
Joe Gough 30.28
Gary McCormack 30.43
Corinna Walsh 30.48
Earl Navin 32.29
Tomas Coleman 32.27
Richie Kelly 33.39
Tom Moroney 33.54
David Connors 36.18
Brigid Coffey 36.29
Gerry O’ Connor 37.04
Geraldine Heffernan 37.58
Angeline Drennan 38.23
Ray Curran 38.37
Claire Walsh 40.15
Michael McCarthy 42.51
Onra Power 42.52
Amanda Mansfield 44.59
Albert McGrath 45.00
Tommy Lenihan 45.00
Terry Gough 49.42
NATIONAL LEAGUES
Round one of the National Leagues will be held in CIT Cork this coming Sunday, June 14. The club has a number of athletes competing in a variety of events throughout the day. We will be competing in the premier division against Leevale, St. Abbans, Tullamore Harriers, Athletics Meath, Menapians and DSD. Unfortunately at the time of going to press, the timetable was unavailable but as soon as it does we will contact all athletes as soon as possible. The venue for the second round has yet to be confirmed but it will either be in Santry or Athlone on July 5. The final will be held in Tullamore on August 8.We extend the best of luck to all athletes competing.
RUNNING QUOTE.
The more energy you expand in running, the more energy you have.
IMPRESSIVE VICTORY FOR JAMES LEDINGHAM IN 800 METERS.
West Waterford’s James Ledingham was in personal best mode during the week when at the Dublin graded Track and Field meet in Irishtown running the 800 meters the Army man recorded an excellent 1.52.60 to win from a very strong field. James who is now currently at college in University Limerick has been working hard over the past couple of months at his training and now is reaping his just rewards. There was actually 71 athletes competed over the 800 distance on the night in various races and James time was the quickest recorded. James will now be a key member of the club’s team for the upcoming National leagues. Well-done Jimmy.
DUBLIN GRADED MEET 800 METERS RESULTS.
1.James Ledingham West Waterford AC 1.52.60
2.John coughlan Metro/St.Brigids AC 1.52.95
3.Michael McDonald Clonliffe Harriers AC 1.53.21
4.Anthony Leigio Tallaght AC 1.53.52
5.Darragh Green Dunleer AC 1.54.05
6.Kevin Moriarty Raheny Shamrocks AC 1.54.58
7.Darragh Flynn Raheny Shamrocks AC 1.56.17
8.Andrew Brennan Metro/St.Brigids AC 1.56.39
9.Andrew Connick Kilmore AC 1.56.58
10.David Keogh Lurcan Harriers AC 1.56.77
CLUB REGISTRATION.
Club registrar Michael Tutty has asked us this week to remind all club runners that the 2009 registration fee is long long overdue, 25 Euro is the fee this year and can be paid to Michael at any club event, Final notice.
COMERAGH CRYSTAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH FOR MAY IS BRIDGET COFFEY.
The May winner of the Comeragh Crystal Athlete of the Month (and the current athlete of the year title holder) was Brigid Coffey with a score of 12 points. Points scored were for 4 nights of the Minnie’s league in the Friary, 3 races of the Tipp Challenge – The Commons 5k, Bulmers 10k and Poulmucka 8k; John Treacy 5k, Cheetah 4 mile in Fota Wildlife park, Emer Casey 10k, Ballyandreen 5 mile, and Tom Jordan 5 mile in Portlaw.In the Athlete of the Year competition one man is well clear of the field and that man is Mick McCarthy. Mick has already ran in 8 counties so far this year, all six counties of Munster plus he has also taken in races in counties Kilkenny and Wexford. In fact on 17 May he managed to take part in two races in two different counties. First he took part in the John Treacy 10 mile road race in Villierstown and later that evening he donned the running shoes again and took part in Rising Sun ‘Straight Mile’ in Ballinahassig.For the month of May, Mick scored 15 points bringing his overall total for the year so far to 53. The athlete of the year competition is now in its 8th year, and only once since the beginning of the competition has the previous years winning total not been broken, by all accounts it looks like lasts years total of 132 will be well and truly broken.
The top 5 in the competition so far are
Mick McCarthy 53
Brigid Coffey 33
Clare Walsh 32
Angeline Drennan 32
Onra Power 31
June is a busy month with 8 events organised locally, events that have yet to take place include the last night of the Minnie’s league in the Friary on June 16, the first night of the Amber Garage League on Tuesday, June 30 There are also three races of the Nike Ger Wyley summer series, this Friday night is the Old Still 5 mile in Clashmore, on June 19 its out to the Cunnigar for Ras na Rinne and on Friday June 26 it’s the second road race in Villierstown this year with the Dromana 5 mile.
CROHAUN MOUNTAIN RUN.
The recent Crohaun Mountain run was held on a 10k course over the peek of the famous local monument rising to over 500 meters and overlooking the town and western side of the county. Held under the banner of the I.M.R.A. Irish Mountain Running Association and ourselves the event drew a smallish crowd with 27 runners completing the difficult course. Keith Heary was the overall winner with a time of 33.38 with Cian Jennings second 33.47 and Donal Coffey third 33.49.the Ladies winner was Mary Ryan Jennings who finished 22nd in 52.31.The club had three runners taking part and first home was Conor Murray who finished a creditable 7th in a time of 38.13 hot on his trail was Earl Navin who did very well for his first mountain race when coming in 8th place in 40.56 and again a first timer Tom Moroney was 14th in 47.40,Our thanks to local race coordinator Tadhg 0’Foghlú for organising the event on the day. Anyone interested in getting involved in mountain running can log onto the Web site imra.com
