GER WYLEY/NIKE SUMMER SERIES 2009
ENTRIES AT BULERSTOWN SURPASS ALL EXPECTATIONS
Unprecedented numbers thronged to the Butlerstown venue for the second race
of the Ger Wyley/Nike summer series. It has always been a popular race but
last Friday night’s entries far exceeded what we thought was beyond the
bounds of possibility. Given the weather conditions, it was hoped that a
figure similar to the 2008 entry of 219 would be reached but one look at the
long queue of athletes registering for the race was a strong indicator that
the numbers were on the increase. Shortly before the race start at 7.30 p.m.
Fintan Walsh announced that a grand total of 313 entries had been taken for
this very popular 10K road race. A new course had been in operation since
last year and it has definitely added to the success and popularity of the
race and also to the summer series itself. It was a race that was also
celebrating a milestone achievement in that it was 25 years in existence, an
admirable accomplishment and a credit to all those that have been involved
in hosting and organising the race these past 25 years. It has certainly set
the tone for what looks likely to be the biggest and best summer series yet
both from a numbers perspective and high-class talent. As with the Marine
Climb, a host of talented athletes were present to run the 3 laps, both in
the men’s and the ladies section. The ladies made up 90 of the 313 entries
and our own club had a grand total of 92 athletes so well done to you all
for making the effort to travel and participate. It was all systems go on
the night with our background team of Breeda, Megan, Liam and Bernie
ensuring that all was under control with the entries, results and finishing
tunnel. Conor, Jamie, Tony and Michael looked after the cones and stewarding
and as usual a great job was done. They are to be commended on a job well
done given the huge entry. Race organiser Pat Hennessy was also on hand to
ensure smooth proceedings and at 7.30 p.m. all that remained was for the
race to begin with Fintan Walsh doing the honours. Our sincere thanks to
all those who helped out in any way and a special word of thanks must go to
the ladies that provided the teas, coffees and sandwiches after the race. It
was a big undertaking with such a huge crowd but they did a fabulous job and
all the athletes were well fed and happy on their way home.Our thanks also to Butlertown G.A.A.club for the use of their facilities for entries changing showers etc.
RUN AWAY VICTORY FOR SANDIS
Having lost this race to fellow Latvian Raivis Zakis last year and looking
for two wins in two weeks, Sandis grabbed complete control of this race and
within 400 metres of the race start it was clear that this was going to be a one
man parade, a trait now so common with Sandis. He has totally dominated the summer series over the past number of years and it will take an athlete of immense talent to knock him off this throne. As each lap passed, the gap widened all the more
between Sandis and the rest of the field and Sandis came home an easy
winner, almost 2 and a half minutes ahead of second placed Sean Stilwell.
The Paris marathon seems to have had no effect whatsoever on Sandis as he
recorded a faster time than last year. Sean was 3rd in this race last year
so will be delighted to have improved his finishing position. Sean is really
reaping the benefits of his training and looks set to feature significantly
in the series. Sean was well clear of Danny Smyth of Ballynonty who had a
tough battle throughout the race with Phillip Harty. PJ Guinan finished in
10th place last year and improved this year finishing in 6th position,
taking 40 seconds off his time in the process. Johnny O’ Connor continued
his winning streak for the second week in a row by claiming the 1st O/40
prize. Others to improve their times and finishing positions were Michael
Dunford, Yevgeniy Cgizhikov, Kenneth O’ Donnell and Richie Kelly. One
athlete most worthy of a mention here due to the remarkable improvement he
has made in 12 months is Sean Dwyer. 2009 saw him record 41.08 for 10k and
on the exact same course last year he clocked 47.01, great running Sean.
The following are the overall men’s results.
1st Sandis Bralitis WWAC 31.49
2nd Sean Stilwell WWAC 34.12
3rd Danny Smyth Balluonty 34.40
O/40: Johnny O’ Connor WWAC 36.15
O/45 Martin McCarthy WWAC 36.50
O/50 Larry Lacey St.Joseph’s 37.36
0/55 Joe Gough WWAC 37.02
O/60 Joe Grinsell Clonmel 47.19
PAULINE LAMBE SMASHES TWO COURSE RECORDS IN TWO WEEKS
Although the men’s result was predicted with ease before the race start, the
level of talent present in the ladies meant this wasn’t the case. We
literally had to watch and wait with anticipation to see who the eventual
winner would be. From the gun, Madeline Loughnane went into the lead as it
was well within her capabilities to win this race. Madeline has firmly
established herself as one of the top if not the best long distance runners
in Munster, having recently won the John Buckley Sports Munster Classic for
the second year in a row. She maintained her lead over the first lap but on
the second lap Pauline Lambe was soon hot on her heels and it was a case of
cat and mouse as both attempted to gain the upper hand and dictate the pace.
The hills of the Marine Climb stood to Pauline from the previous week as it
was on the hill that she upped the tempo and drove on with fierce
determination and intensity and came home in a most convincing manner. She
broke the course record at the Marine but was beaten into second place by
Siobhain Doherty. No doubt this was on her mind as she attacked the last
hill with remarkable courage and was intent on making up for the last week.
Such was her incredible performance, she finished in 7th place overall in a
field of 313 runners. The previous course record for the 10K had been held
since 1996 by Catherine Hennessy with a time of 37.35. Pauline’s time of
36.10 completely obliterated the previous record and it’s possible that it
may take as long for anyone else to get near Pauline’s time. Superb running
indeed and it wasn’t confined to Pauline. Madeline Loughnane also finished
impeccably in a time of 36.27 and in 9th place overall. To have two ladies
in the top ten of a high class field accurately highlights the top class
standard in ladies running at the moment. Angela McCann was the third lady
finisher on the night, a repeat of last year but with one difference-she was
almost a minute and a half faster this year than last year. Should she
maintain this top quality running she will also be another major contender
for the series. Last year’s winner Corinna Walsh was 4th on the night with a
similar time than last year and with the shorter distance races coming up
soon on the race programme she will also be in the running for the top spot.
Will Pauline go for 3 out of 3 at the Waterford-Tramore race? The current
record was set by Muriel Cummins last year in a time of 45.52 and having
already broken two course records, it seems very likely that Pauline will go
for the hat-trick. We’ll just have to wait and see. This race had probably
one of the highest female entries of any race so well done to all.
1st Pauline Lambe Tullamore 36.10
2nd Madeline Loughnane Thurles 36.27
3rd Angela McCann Clonmel 38.06
0/35 Corinna Walsh WWAC 38.51
0/40 Cait Caulfield St. Senans 42.57
0/45 Una Ni Mhuirithe 43.11
0/50 Anne Fitzgerald WAC 43.05
0/55 Hilary Collins Coolquill 50.17
CAN YOU GET 10 FROM 10?
Are you up for the ten out of ten challenge? As part of this year’s summer
series, anyone who runs all ten races in the series will receive a €75 Nike
voucher redeemable at Ger Wyley Sports Shop in Dungarvan. This is the second
year this has been in operation and over 20 people achieved 10 from 10. Why
not give it a go for 2009. As with other years, a €25 voucher will be
presented to all those that run any six out of the ten races, so it’s busy
times ahead for all series participants.
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES –RACE NUMBER THREE
40TH ANNUAL WATERFORD TO TRAMORE (7.5 MILES)
The third race in the Ger Wyley Sports/Nike Summer Series will be held on
Saturday May 9th beginning at Waterford and finishing out at Tramore. This
race has always proved very popular in the past and should see a big turn
out just like the first two races in the series. If the recent Butlerstown
race is anything to go by, we should see a record entry yet again. This year
also sees the introduction of chip timing for this race. The entry fee is
€10 and it’s possible to pre-enter for the race. Click onto the Waterford
A.C. website for details. We ask that all athletes travelling to get there
in plenty of time as the race will have to start at 7.30 p.m. sharp. With a
few weeks break between now and the race, we’ll all be able to get in plenty
of training for what promises to be a great event in the 2009 Ger Wyley Sports/Nike series 2009.
MINNIE’S FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE
The club’s annual summer running league began last night in the grounds of
the Friary College by kind permission. This league has always proved very
popular and is one where many newcomers come along and take the first steps
to fitness and health. The beauty of this league is that it caters for all
sorts of runners, from the well-seasoned runner through to the complete
beginner. As part of the league, each person can choose to run either one,
two, three or four laps of the grounds of the Friary. Every year, we see
many come along and try the one lap and their goal is to run one lap without
stopping, which they all achieve. Many even move from running one lap to two
laps and some venture to running the three-lap course. Don’t let the fact
that you have never run before put you off, we all have to start somewhere.
For the first few weeks, you can run a small bit and walk and then run
another bit. There will be plenty in the same boat and plenty of
encouragement and support will be provided. The fee each night is €2 and
water is provided for all runners at the finish. The league itself gets
underway at 7p.m. and registration will begin from 6.30 onwards at the club
van. If you have any queries or questions, we will be available at the van
or alternatively you can call league organiser Tony Ryan on 087 7657805. All
you need is a pair of runners and a bit of determination and you’ll be well
on the way. Why not convince a friend or work colleague to join up with you,
the more the merrier. The league itself is held every Tuesday night at 7pm
and with last night being the first night, there are seven nights remaining
so you still have plenty of time to join. You don’t have to run every night
of the league, just come along whenever you can. Pretty soon, we will have
division tables in place for each of the laps and it’s your best six out of
eight nights that will determine your overall score in the end. We ask that
all participants park at the rear of the college to facilitate other
activities on at the same venue. Thanks once again to the O’Brien family of
Minnie’s for coming onboard again this year as sponsors.
WEST WATERFORD TRACK AND FIELD FUN NIGHT-TRY SOMETHING NEW!
Aimed at beginners and regulars, our 4th annual Track and Field sports
evening will be held in St. Augustine’s College, by kind permission, on
Friday week May 8th from 6.30 p.m. onwards. A good turn out is expected for this sports evening, which is open to everybody over 16 years of age. It is aimed at juniors, seniors and Masters in both the beginners and regular’s categories. The evening’s programme is designed to try and suit all levels and tastes. The events are:
100 metres, 400 metres, 1 mile, shot putt, long jump and the 800 metres
cycle. The aim is to take part in all the events for which you receive
points based on your finishing position but there is no pressure on anybody
to take part in an event that they are not comfortable with. This proved to
be a great night of fun the last three years and we expect the same this
year so be sure to come along and have a bit of craic with West Waterford
A.C.
2008 Sports:
Highlights of last year’s sports include the win by Joe Conway in the
bicycle race by 200th of a second from Alan Lyons with Colin Lyons in third
place. In the senior category, Sean Stilwell won four events to claim the
overall title while Yevgeniy Chizhikov did likewise to win the male master’s
title by three points from Michael Dunford with Colin Lyons and Paul
Brunnock in third and fourth position. The ladies category was even closer with Karen Ryan winning on eight points from Diana Chizhikova on ten points and Brigid Coffey on twelve points.Karen secured two wins and 3-second placings.
The sports are part of the Comeragh Crystal Athlete of the Month and year
competitions.
MUNSTER TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR SENIORS-JUNIORS-UNDER 23’S ON
MONDAY.
The club has a very strong team for next bank holiday Monday’s Munster Track
and Filed Championships for Seniors-Juniors and under 23’s which is being
held in Cork I.T. Competition has always been of a very high standard at
this event and so all our athletes will have to be on top form on the day.
We have athletes competing in a wide variety of events throughout the day
and we should have plenty of good performances to report of next week.
Junior Men:
Dale Kennedy Discus and Shot
Brandon Barry Triple Jump
Declan Power 3000 metres
Thomas Houlihan Pole Vault
Junior Women:
Lisa Houlihan Pole Vault and Triple Jump
Claire Collins High Jump and Triple Jump
Zoe Scanlon Shot, Discus and Javelin
Kate Veale 3K walk
Meg Fitzgerald Hammer
U/23
Sean Stilwell Steeple Chase
Padraig Healy Steeplechase
Mark Bannon Pole vault
Eadaoin Ashe Discus
Seniors:
James Ledingham 800 metres
Sean Stilwell 5000 metres
Liam Houlihan Polevault
Frank O’ Brien Discus
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES IN LONDON MARATHON
Regarded as one of the world’s best marathons, the London marathon took
place last Sunday morning. No marathon is complete without a West Waterford
athlete and this year we were represented by Andrew O’ Leary, Ann Moroney,
Terry and James Gough, all four well used to the route of this marathon and
so performed admirably over the gruelling distance. Conditions were good on
the day but towards the end it got very warm which makes their achievements
all the more remarkable. Well done lads and enjoy the well-deserved rest.
Andrew O’ Leary 3.08.25
Ann Moroney 5.07.20
James Gough 5.14.44
Terry Gough 5.16.34
COMMITTEE MEETING
The club’s next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday night, May 5th in
Minnie’s Bar at 8.30 p.m.
RUNNING QUOTE
Running is a gift I give myself almost every day. Even on those days when
things haven’t gone great, I can come home and give myself the
accomplishment of a 30- or 40-minute run.
THE JOE HOURIGAN MEMORIAL MIDLETON 5.
The Annual Joe Hourigan Midleton 5 miler takes place on Thursday evening
7th May at 8 pm. Changing and entries will be taken at Midleton
G.A.A.Pavilion.Entry fee is `10 Euro with two Euro donated from the entry to
Midleton Community Hospital support fund. Prize categories are Men 1st 6,1st
3 over 40-45-and 50.1st 2 over 55 and 1st over 60 and 65 plus 1st and 2nd
Junior. Ladies 1st 6,1st 3 over 35-40 and 45,1st 2 over 50 and 1st over 55
plus 1st and 2nd Junior. Please note that headphones are not allowed and
those found to be wearing them will be disqualified from the race. We urge as
many West Waterford athletes as possible to please support this race as
Midleton AC are dear and old friends and great supporters of all our event
here Déise side.
TRAMORE 10K RESULTS.
We have just this week being able to attain the results of the Tramore 10k
,which was held on 5th April. A handful of West Waterford athletes took part
on the day over the very hilly Tramore 10k course. Sean Stilwell faired best
from the club taking 2nd place in a time of 34.29 with Philip Harty hot on
his heels in 3rd place 34.43,Shane Power took a top 10 finishing position in
8th place with a time of 37.08.well done to all those who took part.
2 Sean Stilwell 34.29
3 Philip Harty 34.43
8 Shane Power 37.08
22 Alan Hickey 40.35
24 David Wade 40.47
35 Anthony Dwyer 42.32
89 Michael McCarthy 47.32
DAVID MC CARTHY RUNS FASTEST MILE.
At the Penn Relays last weekend David McCarthy ran in the 4X1 mile relay, clocking an excellent time of 4:02.1, This was the fastest mile time recorded by any athlete in the finals,Davids efforts helped his college Providence to third overall.
Penn Relays
1 Arkansas 16:16.11 Alex McClary (4:04.9), Michael Chinchar (4:05.3), Dorian Ulrey (4:03.2), Andy McClary (4:02.7) B
2 Virginia 16:22.49 Sintayehu Taye (4:05.5), Kevin Tschirhart (4:04.7), Emil Heineking (4:07.7), Andrew Jesien (4:04.6) J
3 Providence 16:22.95 Richie Yeates (4:06.8), David McCarthy (4:02.1), Dom Channon (4:10.7), Hayden McLaren (4:03.4)
CARRICK ON SUIR ROAD RUNNERS SERIES.
Carrick on Suir A.C. recently announced the details of their third annual
Outfield Sports/Asics 3 Counties Challenge, which takes place in the Sunny
South East between June and August this Summer. The first race takes place
under the scenic Comeragh Mountains in Rathgormack ,Co. Waterford on June
5th (4 Miles from Carrick). All the proceeds from this 5-mile race go to the
Irish Cancer Society. Race 2 takes us to the picturesque Co. Tipperary
village of Ballyneale (2 miles from Carrick) for the Champion Kiely 5 Km on
3rd July. This race, on a flat fast course, is held in honour of one of
Irelands greatest Olympians, Tom Kiely. For race 3 the series visits Co.
Kilkenny for the Piltown 10km on July 17th, which is partly run in the
grounds of Kildalton Agri College. This proved to be our biggest race last
year, no doubt helped by the scenic lake surroundings of the college. The
Last race in the series finally arrives in Carrick on Suir on August 7th for
the Deadmans 5 mile race. All the races are held on Friday Nights with 7:30
starts.As in previous years the series will attract a good mix of
competitive and fun runners. On the elite side, there is a total series
prize fund of €6,000, as well as course records prizes. All races can be
entered on line at www.runireland.com <http://www.runireland.com/> . and
further information can be viewed at www.carrickroadrunners.ie
<http://www.carrickroadrunners.ie/> .
STRIDE BY THE TIDE.
The Annual stride by the tide B.H.A.A.race took place recently on Youghal
beach and the club had seven runners participating with Sean Stilwell
leading them home when finishing 2nd in a time of 22.18, Philip Harty took
5th place in 22.52 followed by Brian Byrne in 14th spot 24.12.Joe Gough was
next in 15th place 24.30 and Ciaran Lane was 18th 24.42.Alan Hickey was 32nd
26.02 and Conor Murray was 50th 27.51.well done to all who supported this
race.
SEAN STILWELL WINS ROCKWELL COLLEGE 10K.
Its been a very busy week for club member Sean Stilwell, after finishing
third up the Marine on Friday, he went on to finish 2nd in Butlerstown on the
following Friday night. It really was a case of three-two-one i suppose as on Sunday he was the club’s sole representative in the Rockwell College 10k with 400
runners taking part, Sean made the trip a worth while one as he won the event
with a time of 35 minutes .The race was held mostly within the grounds of
the College and included a bit of cross country and road running, The course
unmeasured was a tad over the 10k so all in all a great win for the popular
Ardmore man.
WINTER LEAGUE STEWARDS NIGHT OUT.
Our Annual thank you night out for our winter league stewards and helpers takes place this coming Friday night in Merries Bar,All the above mentioned will be invited guests of the club on the night but of course all are welcome to come along, starting at 8.30 PM.
