DAVID MC CARTHY BECOMES THE FIRST WATERFORD MAN EVER TO BREAK THE MAGIC 4-MINUTE BARRIER FOR THE MILE.
We predicted some time ago that it was going to happen at some stage, But to
be honest i for one never thought it was going to happen as soon as this and
with such an overwhelming and decisive stamp of approval. Last Valentine’s
day, Saturday when many were celebrating with roses and Chocolates one young West Waterford man David McCarthy was celebrating a big day for him in his own formidable way by making local athletics history by becoming the very first Waterford person to break the Magic 4 minute mile when in Boston at the Valentines Invitational Indoor meet he took a huge leap forward in his running career with a resounding 3.57.75 mile effort, David also becomes the 37th Irish man in history to achieve this feat, and one of the youngest Irish athletes ever to run a sub-four minute mile .The West Waterford Athletic Club’s star athlete also set a track record with his efforts breaking the old standard by some 2 seconds and to crown the day for him he also won he race itself. David two weeks or so ago ran 4.01 in a very tactical race but on Saturday last he took the race by the collar knowing that he was in
top shape to try and firstly make the qualifying time for the Nationals and
also to break the four minutes for the mile. A late night E Mail from David
Saturday night revealed his obvious delight at achieving this goal at such a
young age, and he was delighted also to have made the qualifying time for the
nationals which was his goal from the outset, In his own words he said that
he just went for it today no messing about, I needed to get a time in order
to make those nationals, now that i have that done the pressure is off
somewhat and i can just go out there now and race my upcoming races and not
worry about having to make the qualifying time,
The race he went on had a pace maker in place to keep the lap tempo at a
high level, The plan was for him to go to the 1.000 meter mark and for fellow Providence team mate and training partner Hayden Mc Laren and me to take up the pace from there, With David and Hayden in such form coming into the race and the pace a tad slower than they expected the pace maker decided at 800 to drop out as the two chasers were hot on his heels, From there David took up the pace before Hayden took over with 400 remaining, then coming off the final bend David kicked past Hayden to record a famous victory and as we said, also broke the track record with his 3.57,The old one was 3:59.McLaren clocked 3.57.78 to finish a very close second. So what’s next, on this Saturday coming the Big East Conference championships are on and David will be competing in the longer 3k race and is in the form to even have a clip at the qualifying time for the nationals there also. What ever the outcome of that particular race David McCarthy is a name that you will her of more and more frequently in the future. At the very same meet in Boston last weekend it was memorable day for Sligo’s Mary Cullen when she broke Sonia O’Sullivan’s Indoor Record for 3000m, which Sonia set in 1997 with a run of 8.43.74,taking over half a second off O’Sullivan’s twelve-year-old standard. This time now places Cullen 3rd in the IAAF World Top List. Across the water it was also an exciting weekend for Irish athletes when competing as guests in the Aviva UK Champions and European Indoor Trials in Sheffield. Kelly Proper of Ferrybank set a new Irish long Jump record with a brilliant leap of 6.44 meters to win the event. At the same Sheffield meet Zoe Brown had an excellent performance to place third with a vault of 4.05 meters breaking the Indoor Irish Pole Vault Record.
MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES.
WATERFORD HOSPICE TO BENEFIT FROM 6TH ANNUAL BAUSCH AND LOMB SPONSORED KILMACTHOMAS 5 THIS SUNDAY.
On Sunday next February 22nd at 11 AM the 6TH Annual Bausch and Lomb sponsored Kilmacthomas 5 mile road race and 2.5 mile fun run/walk will take place. All Proceeds from the race again this year will be donated to a most worth cause, Waterford Hospice. Held over the fast Kilmac 5 mile course the race organisers urge runners and walkers alike to come along and support this year’s benefactors, The event is also race number three in this years Michael Roche Carpets spring series of road races which will attract its own share of interest Sunday as there is just one event left in this series the Eason Dungarvan 10k on Sunday March 1st at 11AM, The organising committee under the stewardship of Nicola and Michael Dee have all the ground work done for this race now so we request all our members to come along and support their efforts on the day. Entries will be taken at the community hall Kilmacthomas at the top of the town from 9.30 am, with the entry fee 8 Euro. The walk will start at 10.30 am, Shower facilities will also be available in this hall after the event for both Men and Women. With the help of the very generous sponsorship very kindly given by Bausch and Lomb a very attractive prize fund will be on offer for the top competitors and plenty of spots for down the field finishers.
The categories are as follows:
MEN-1st 2nd and 3rd, 1st over 40,45,50,55.
LADIES- 1st 2nd and 3rd, 1st over 35,40,45,50,
Presentation of prizes will take place by kind permission at Kirwans Bar on the Main St. where sandwiches and refreshments will be available to all.
27th ANNUAL EASON DUNGARVAN 10K.
The fourth and final race in the Michael Roche carpets spring series the Eason Dungarvan 10 k will take place on Sunday March 02nd next at 11am, Details of this year’s event were announced during the week at the race launch in the Eason store at Dungarvan Shopping Centre and all is now at the ready for what will be a great days athletics around the streets of the town. To have a successful race we need good sponsors and here again for the 27th Annual race one of the oldest on the athletics calendar in the area Pat Whyte and the Whyte family of Eason Dungarvan have once again kindly continued their association with the club and with this race in particular. As we said its now in its 27th year and is always one of the more popular races on the busy West Waterford calendar as a number of perpetual trophies will be presented on the day and we will be using the fast Canal circuit with the race head quarters at Dungarvan G.A.A.club by kind permission.
RACE CATEGORIES FOR EASON DUNGARVAN 10K.
The following are the race categories for The Eason Dungarvan 10k.
Men’s 1st 3 seniors, 1st Junior, 1st over 40,45,50,55,
Team event, 1st 3 Senior Men’s teams, plus 1st over 40,45,50 men’s team’s with three to score on each team.1st Ladies team.1st 3 West Waterford beginners Men’s and Ladies.
1.Overall individual winner of Men’s and Ladies race can come from any category.
2.Athletes are confined to the category they enter in.
3.Teams consist of 3 athletes.
4.Each team confined to own age category.
5.Plenty of spot prizes will be raffled among non-prize-winners.
6.One prize per athlete applies.
7.Entry fee is 8 Euro
FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES.
Just a little reminder to you all that the Kilmac race this Sunday is your last opportunity to enter for the spring series. The entry to the series is separate to that of the races that are in the series and when registering for the Kilmac race just let us know and we can enter you for the series. After Sunday, the entry to the series closes.
ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE FINALE ON TONIGHT –DON’T MISS IT
Tonight sees the final night of our winter league after 15 weeks. It began at the end of October 2008 and tonight sees the culmination of fifteen weeks of effort and determination and running and pacing. It certainly has been a journey for many of the athletes involved with so many reaching well beyond what they imagined themselves capable of. There were many who had no previous experience in running and the same people are recording personal best times over the last few weeks, it shows that when you really put your mind to it, anything is possible. There will be a mass start tonight with all athletes beginning together outside the sports centre at 7.20 p.m. The 3-mile route will go of first and after 5 minutes the runners in the long route will start. There will be no handicap times tonight so please be on time.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY
Never before has that phrase been more apt than at last week’s winter league. In fairness, by week 14 many of us would have reached our peak and even to maintain that time would take considerable effort but this was not the case for week 14 at the league. The amount of personal best times recorded was phenomenal to say the least and each and every athlete out there ran ever so convincingly. With only 5 people in each division and with little or nothing between some athletes in their respective divisions, it was a battle to the finishing line with some determined to hold onto their lead and others with the intention of moving up a place or two so it’s no wonder that so many improved their time considerably. Now all that remains is a repeat performance for one last time as we reach the end of what has been a very popular and enjoyable winter league.
SEAN SETS NEW RECORD AGAIN AS LOUISE LEADS THEM HOME
The short route runners really and truly upped their game for the penultimate night of the league. Practically everyone improved immensely on their time from the previous week. Sean Stilwell once again showed what fine form he’s in at the moment when for the third week running he set a new course record. Week 11 saw him record 12.36, a new course record, he himself held the previous record. It certainly wasn’t unlucky 13 for Sean when on week 13 he broke his own record again, clocking 12.32 and week 14 saw him smash the record once again when he duly crossed the finishing line in 12.25. What a roll he is on at the moment and I have no doubt that with the mass start tonight, Sean will lead from gun to tape to give it all he has to once again break this record, watch this space!! Sean was not alone in breaking records last week, in fact there were many went home amazed at their own performance. The fact that the league is so close to an end is really bringing the best out of so many and no doubt tonight will see even more fabulous performances. Will Louise Curran’s performance of last week be equalled tonight? Although there were only two different starting times in both the short and the long route after our timekeeper Liam Crowe made all the necessary adjustments it transpired that Louise Curran was the best improver on the night and a very deserving winner of this accolade she was as she knocked a massive 2.24 off her time, this was a remarkable achievement and a great display of running from Louise, well done. The following are the top five improvers on the night:
Louise Curran 16.58
Brian Hourigan 20.35
Raymond Bannon 16.06
Anne Dennis 23.19
Ita Mason 22.10
As a result of a personal best time last week and Bernard Macken unavailable to take part, John Foley holds a convincing lead on the three mile route. He now has a 127-point lead, which is more than enough to see him take a comfortable win for 2009. Bernard Macken, John Dillon, George Tutty and Carmel Hourigan will all have to battle it out for the minor placings in the first division. Paul O’ Dwyer holds a 14 point lead over Ray Bannon in division 2 but both will have to pull out all the stops to secure victory as with so little in the difference it could go either way. There’s even less of a margin in division 3 with just 10 points between Louise Curran and Brian Hourigan, both of whom were in the top improvers list for last week. Michael Hennessy looks set to maintain his lead over Micheal O Cuirrin as does Tom Longan over Martin Quinlan in division 5. Marie Mulcahy and Sharon Nugent have only 6 points which means it’s far too close to speculate as to who the eventual winner will be but the best of luck to both girls. John Kelly looks safe enough in his division but the same can’t be said for Seamus Casey and John Hanlon with only three points separating the two of them. Geraldine Barry won’t be able to rest on her laurels tonight as Aisling Hourigan is only 24 points in arrears in division 9. Onra Power is presently leading division 10 and a good run from her tonight could see her hold on to that lead. We wish the very best of luck to all participants tonight and judging by last week’s performances we’re all in for another great night of running.
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT IN THE LONG ROUTE
Great times were the order of the day in the long route last week, which has had a knock on effect of narrowing the margins in many of the divisions. The overall leader is Angeline Drennan once again but there is only ten points separating her and second placed Bernard Walshe. The two of these have dominated the top two positions for many weeks now and after tonight it will be either Angeline or Bernard that will become the winter league champion for 2009. Both Angeline and Bernard had pb’s last week and will need to reproduce the same form tonight with so much at stake. Not only will the title rest on their own individual performances but it also rests on the performances of everyone else in the league. All the runners in the long route will start together and it’s only afterwards when all times have been recorded that Liam will work out who improved the most on the night which basically can be anyone on the route, the last person to cross the line could be the most improved person. The most improved will receive the highly coveted one point, the second most improved will get two points and so on down the line until all runners have been allocated their respective points. It’s then and only then that the winner will be revealed and we’ll all have to wait until the Mystery Tour on Friday night to find out. The suspense is mounting already, not just in division 1 but also in the divisions further on down the line. Des Feeney had only 3 points to spare over PJ Curran so both of these will have to pull off a great performance again tonight. Padraig Flynn and Jim Barry will have to do likewise with Padraig being 12 points ahead. Division 4 is the closest of them all with Andrea Gaffney just 2 points ahead of the Doc and with both of these achieving record times last week, it will be a fight to the end for them both. Eamon Flavin should be aware that Helene Hayes is running her best ever at the moment and may well close the gap to take division 5. Earl Navin should be safe enough in the next division but a large crowd tonight could change a lot of things and could work in Denis Coffey’s favour so it will be full effort from both of these. Tom Moroney and Pat Morrissey could be either winner of their division with just 14 points between them. Michelle Flynn and Mark Radley will be fighting for the lead in division 8 as will Johnny O’ Connor and Amanda Mansfield in the next division. The two Toms, Shanley and Leahy will have to bear in mind that just 17 points is all that’s between them in division 10. Libby McGinn Murphy is safe in her division as is Paula Earley, Mary Harney, Mary Riordan, Josie Ui Chuirrin, and Jacinta Sheil. Brigid Coffey and Pat Frisby have just 9 points between them, Tomas Coleman and Eoin O’ Brien have 21 points and Caroline Russell and Nicola Dee have 27 points between them. It promises to be a great and exciting night tonight, a night not to be missed so see you all tonight. Don’t forget that it’s a mass start tonight.
LUCKY DIP WINNERS
Congratulations to Marie Mulcahy and Libby McGinn Murphy who were the lucky dip winners last week. Just let us know at the desk tonight and you will get to try your luck at the lucky dip. Well done.
MYSTERY TOUR
After 15 weeks of running in the winter, we all deserve a night out and so this coming Friday night, February 20 our annual mystery tour will take place. We will meet in the Anchor Bar at 7 p.m approx. and when all are assembled we will be picked up by coach that will transport us to a destination known by one man and one man only and he isn’t talking. At this unknown venue, there will be music and dancing and the prize giving for the winter league will take place. The overall winners will be presented with their prizes, as will the leaders in all the subsequent divisions. It always has been a great night every year and this year will be no different. Our mystery tour organiser has left no stone unturned to guarantee us all a great night. If interested in the mystery tour, you need to give us your name at the winter league tonight and €5 secures your seat. As we will need to confirm numbers for the bus before Friday, please let us know as if you turn up on Friday night there may not be enough space and we will only be able to take those that have paid.
CLUB SOCIAL
The club social will take place on Friday March 27 in the Park Hotel. Our last social was in 2007 and so we’re all eagerly looking forward to this year’s social. The music will be provided by the very popular “Never Heard of Them” with a disco to follow. The tickets will be on sale at the league tonight and are €35 each. After tonight they will also be available from Ann Dunford, Triona Wall, Norma Wall and James Veale.
THREE FROM THREE FOR RAIVIS AS CORINNA CLAIMS HER FIRST AT ANNEVALLEY 5.
The Anne Valley 5 mile road race in aid of the south East Cancer foundation and helping funding for the Solas Centre was held in brilliant running conditions last Saturday morning in Dunhill. The club had a good number of athletes taking part among the field of 240 finishers, we provided both the men’s and Ladies race winners on the day. In the Men’s race the top two positions were filled by West Waterford athletes indeed the very same two athletes finished in the same order last year. On last Saturday Raivis Zakis took the win again for the third year in a row with a time of the undulating course club mate Sean Stilwell followed him home with a time of 27.22. The very inform Corinna Walsh who had a terrific run in the recent Quantum Life 10 miler kept the flag flying for the Ladies when taking a decisive victory in her first AnneValley 5 Corinna clocked a time of 31.16 on this tough course, proving that she will be capable of fighting it out at the top end of affairs at the upcoming Munster Senior road championships in Limerick. We also had two category winners with Garry Mc Cormack winning the over 40 section in 30.54 and Eilish Ní hAodha won the Ladies over 45’s with a time of 35.40. There were also good performances from Shane Power 32.19, Michael Moloney 33.17, Karen Ryan 36.46, Brigid Coffey 37.21, Bernie Prendergast 38.28, Michael McCarthy 39.11, and Onra Power 45.22, well done to all.
THOMAS HOULIHAN WINS JUNIOR POLE VAULT TITLE.
Brother and sister Lisa and Thomas Houlihan were in action Sunday last in Santry at the All Ireland Junior Pole Vault championships. Thomas recorded a new personal best vault of 4.20 to take gold in the event and inch that little bit closer to qualifying for the European Youth Olympic Festival in Finland in July, Lisa vaulted 2.40 in the Ladies section to bring home a bronze medal. Well done to both and their coach Br Patrick Lennon.
MARTIN FAGAN ATHLETICS IRELAND ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Athletics Ireland announces during the week its inaugural Athlete of the Month Award scheme, which will recognise the outstanding performances of Irish athletes throughout the year. Athletics Ireland will name a monthly winner who will be selected by a panel of well-respected athletics experts with a wide knowledge and understanding of all disciplines of the sport. The selected athlete will be presented with a special commemorative trophy. The January Athlete of the Month is Martin Fagan of Mullingar Harriers. Fagan is a worthy recipient following his impressive winning performance in the Austin Half-Marathon in Texas, USA where he set a new course record of 61: 05 minutes, just outside John Treacy’s long standing Irish record of 61:00 minutes. Fagan will be looking to build on this performance over the coming months and put behind him some of the traumas he has experienced of late, including a stress fracture which forced him out of completing the Olympic Marathon in Beijing and a fall at the European Cross Country Championships while in contention for a medal placing, Fagan is an exciting talent and he will no doubt later this year be targeting John Treacy’s Irish Marathon record of 2:09:15.
RUNNING QUOTE.
Running changed my life and brought it into balance. I now feel as though my entire essence, body, and soul is centered.
