“WILEY” GER WINS 21ST ANNUAL KIELY MONUMENTAL COLLIGAN CUP
Ger Wyley emerged victorious in the 21st annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup which was devised by Victor Mullins all of 21 years ago and is as strong as ever as is evident by the number taking part despite the weather. Out of a total of 125 runners, Ger was the one and only to get it spot on, on the day. As with this type of run, momentum began to gather on the last lap and indeed the pace certainly quickened for many of us but Ger kept his cool, stuck to his guns and became the 21st winner of the renowned Colligan Cup run. It was a day, which was memorable in more ways than one. For the second year running we had a large number of runners who were much faster than predicted. We thought the weather, which many of us won’t forget in a hurry, would slow the pace down somewhat but it seemed to have the opposite effect. Last year, 109 were too fast and this year’s tally was almost as high. It must be all the training for the other races in the series that has this effect. Out of 125 runners, a whopping 85 were too fast or to look at it in a more positive light, 85 of the 125 runners are better than they thought, how bad! The time frame for those that were too fast ranged from just one second to over five and a half minutes. The crew at the finishing tunnel at one stage were wondering if anyone was going to be on the right side of the clock but along came the “Wiley” Ger and a winner was declared for 2009. Well done to Ger. Pretty soon, your name will join all the previous 20 winners of this prestigious and enjoyable race. Gary McCormack slowed down ever so slightly on the home straight and this cost him the title but nonetheless he will be delighted with second place, Gary was just one second slower. Mick O’ Shea might have been late in getting to the wood for the race but he more than made up for it by finishing in third spot, only three seconds slower. For the 2010 Colligan Cup, my money is on Billy Coleman and indeed on the day we’ll all be following him all the way round as he has proved to be one of the most consistent runners around. He was 4th last year and was 4th again this year, only four seconds slower. To do that twice in one year proves what a pacer he really is and will definitely be the one to watch. Michael Dunford is another who always manages to get the timing right, Michael was second best at the winter league last week and was 5th after the clock on Sunday. He was only four seconds outside of his time; the same as Billy but Billy was in the tunnel first. The next finisher was Michael Moloney who also claimed a prize, as he was the first person to be on the right side of the clock that hadn’t taken part in the Colligan Cup before. Just as we have those who were a second or two slower, we also had others that were a few seconds too fast and on another day could have been the winner. Josie Ui Chuirrin is always there or thereabouts thanks to her steady running and was unlucky not to walk away as the winner as she was just one second too fast, next year Josie. Betty Sheehan was in the tunnel just ahead of Josie and was three seconds outside of her time, well done Betty. John Leahy, having passed out his brother Tom was only four seconds out. Kerry man Johnny O’ Connor was going for a double success on the day. Before the race began, a draw was held for a pair of runners among all the participants and Johnny O’ Connor was the sole individual to be going home with a clean pair of runners on the day. Johnny almost had the title going home as well as he was just 5 seconds too fast. Gerry O’ Connor was 6 seconds out and if Vincent Tutty had slowed down by 7 seconds the cup would belong to a Tutty for another year as last year’s winner was Michael Tutty.
BRIGID BY A WHISKER- TO CLAIM COLLIGAN SHIELD.
It couldn’t have been closer in the ladies competition as the first two ladies finished at the exact same time, Brigid Coffey and Karen Ryan both crossed the line ten seconds slower than they predicted but Brigid was ahead in the tunnel and so won the shield for 2009.Brigid is our athlete of the year for 2008 and last Sunday added yet another accolade to her growing list of club achievements, Being only ten seconds out, both ladies could have been in the shake up for the overall shield but will be well pleased with the result. Interestingly enough, there were just four women slower than predicted, the rest of them were on the other side of the clock, which makes the girls’ achievements all the more remarkable. Brigid and Karen finished in 14th and 15th place respectively and the third lady was Bridget Hynes. Bridget along with husband Michael, are the generous sponsors of the Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series, which the Colligan Cup is part of so all were delighted to see Bridget take 3rd spot in the ladies section and 30th spot overall. Our fourth lady finisher on the day was Ursula Murray who was only a further 8 positions behind Bridget, finishing in 38th spot overall.
KNOCKBOYS -BOBBY LANDERS CLAIMS THE MC GRATHS NEWSAGENTS JUVENILE COLLIGAN SHIELD.
A large number of young athletes numbering 63 in total took part in the 2 kmrun for Juveniles last Sunday in Colligan.The event this year for the firsttime see’s a brand new sponsor in McGraths Newsagents Mitchell St and wewould like to thank Albert for taking up the sponsoring of this event forour Juvenile club. The weather for the Juvenile race which preceded theSenior race wasn’t too bad as the early morning rain had cleared, well for awhile any way, It was latter to come down in bucket full’s just after theSenior event started. The Juvenile race was down to start at 1 pm and whenthe bell struck one, the first runner was on duly on his way crossing thewooden bridge at speed, After a local winner Aaron Whelan claimed the titlelast year the odds were stacked against there being another local winner sosoon, However if i were a wise betting man i would have had a few shillingson a local double as that’s exactly what happened when the shield wasclaimed for 2009 by a young man from just up the road in Knockboy, Ballinamult,Bobby Landers, Bobby a new comer to the athletics is a keenG.A.A. player with his local club St.Pats,and both his sister Aoife andhimself were participants for the first time in last Sunday’s Juvenileevent. So it’s bragging rights for the next twelve months at least for Bobbyin the Landers household. Well done and keep up the good work. In secondplace and just a second off the mark was young Sean Curran, third was LiamReilly, fourth Ross Browne and fifth went to Alex Lai. Well done to all theyoung runners who participated in the event and thanks to the West WaterfordJuvenile committee for organising the Juvenile race. Again thanks to AlbertMcGrath of McGraths Newsagents For his kind sponsorship and to Colleen Hayeswho presented the Juvenile prizes on behalf of the sponsor.
THANKS TO ALL.
Our thanks to all concerned with last Sundays race held on a day when it would have been much easier to be at home in front of the fire watching match of the day, A day when you wouldn’t even put out a milk bottle. But us runners are made of tough stuff and Colligan Wood is where we were and sure where else or what else would you be doing on a wet Sunday afternoon on the 4th Sunday in February. We were celebrating the 21st edition of the modern day Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup.Yes 21 years is a mighty long time and for all of those 21 long years David Kiely of Kiely Monumental has been our loyal sponsor of the event,David despite his recent injury, (which we wish him a speedy recover from,)still made himself available in Colligan to present the winners with theirprizes on the day a gesture much appreciated. To the numerous people wholooked after the entries, results, timing etc. Thanks’ to Ann Dunford forlooking after the prizes for the race. Thanks also to Ann, Norma and Liam onentries, results etc. Thanks to Victor and Liam for all their work on theday with the timing. Tony and Michael on van duty and Conor and Jamie onfinishing tunnel etc. To mark the 21st year of the race through thegenerosity of our sponsor Kiely Monumental a weekend away in Kerry wasraffled among all participants and the popular winner here was Mary Harney,Congratulations Mary enjoy,Our thanks to this year’s overall Colligan Cup winner Ger Wyley of Wyley Sports and Footwear for again sponsoring a pair of Nike runners which were the second prize in the draw among all participants, this years winner of the runners was Johnny O’Connor well done to Johnny. Put them to good use now mind, To celebrate the 21st year of the eventthe man responsible for the handicap system used every year Victor Mullinsput up a beautiful Cup. The Mullins Perpetual cup to be awarded to the firstfinisher on the right side of the clock who hadn’t ever ran the event beforeand the winner of this cup for the first time was Michael Moloney, thanks toVictor, Marie and Emma and well done to Michael. To local event organiser’s Pat and Ann Dunford and their team well done, and Pat had the thinking hat on when hesaw the bad weather Sunday morning, great idea Pat it did the trick superbly and you kept two fillies very dry and happy. To all our stewards on the course many thanks, Finally our thanks to Coillte for their co-operation with the use of Colligan Wood for the event.
EAGERLY AWAITED QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 ON THIS SUNDAY.
“The entries are in and were rearing to go.”D day has arrived “almost” when on next Sunday the town of Dungarvan plays host to the largest road race ever held in these parts when 1.000 runners will descend on the Old Boro to participate in the 18th Annual Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race. An event, which started out with fewer than 200 runners in its infancy, has now grown into one of the premier road races in the country. Along with the financial support from our great sponsor Quantum Life and the help also attained this year from Dungarvan Town Council plus a very active promotional campaign put in place by the race committee we will see the benefit of all the months of work when a huge influx of athletes descend on the town for the weekend with many staying over night on the Saturday night, It is expected that Dungarvan and its enviers 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, From an organisational point of view all is in readiness and hopefully the weather will now play its part too showing the many visitors our town looking its very best and of course also give us a good day for running. 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 (see course map) and chair on the countries finest road runners plus of course the record local entry on the day. The race itself is race number two in this year’s Michael Roche Carpets sponsored Spring Series of Road Races which got off to the proverbial flyer with last Sunday’s Colligan Cup event, Next Sundays race is also race two in the John Buckley Munster 10 mile spring classics series.
DUNGARVAN SPORTS CENTRE IS NEW RACE HEADQUARTERS.
Because of the increasing numbers participating in this race we decided this year to change our race Headquarters to Dungarvan Sports Centre Quanns, This venue will now give us much more parking space and will be much more comfortable for the ever increasing number athletes taking part, We also have by kind permission the use of Dungarvan Boxing Club pavilion for changing for the Ladies, So we are going to have the sports centre itself solely for the Men’s changing. Registration for those entering on the day will take place in the main hall as will collection of Goodie bags and Race Long sleeved shirt. Please note registration on race day will strictly close at 12.15 am. Tea and sandwiches after the race will be served at Dungarvan sports centre hall where the presentation of prizes will also be held. All stewards are asked to please come along as early as possible to the centre and to contact Tony Ryan steward coordinator 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 a few sandwiches. All help greatly appreciated.
Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 Mile Road Race
Interesting Facts And Figures!
Ok so all the pre entries are in, the on-line entry is closed, the usual few
stragglers got their entry in at the Colligan Cup and we’re good to go! We now have 627 pre entries, an unprecedented amount that is almost double the pre entry from last year, and with the timing chip, this should help with in no small way with the final results.
Looking through the entries it’s interesting to see the details of the runners and where they are from. In total 79 different clubs are represented and an amazing 190 are not a member of any club. Being the host club West Waterford is well represented with 111 entries, the next biggest entry is from Waterford A/c with 42, others include:
Midleton A.C.32
Clonmel 15
Mallow A.C.13
St. Finbarrs 11
Slaney Olympic 10
Grange Fermoy 9
Youghal A.C. 9
Kilkenny City Harriers 8
Waterford Triathalon Club 5
The Male/Female divide is also interesting with 422 male runners and 205 females entered. So heres how the entries break down:
Senior Male 244
0/40 Men 80
0/45 Men 52
0/50 Men 17
O/55 Men 21
0/60 Men 5
0/65 Men 2
Junior Male 1
Senior Female 95
0/35 Female 39
0/40 Female 28
O/45 Female 25
0/50 Female 14
0/55 Female 1
0/60 Female 2
0/65 Female 1
CHIP TIMING TO BE INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
At West Waterford Athletic Club we are always looking to improve our club and our events and with this in mind we have decided this year to introduce chip timing to our 10 mile race, This is another first for the club as to me knowledge we are the only race in the country to-date using this chip timing system for a 10 mile road race. So what is chip timing,? A plastic micro chip is attached to each runners shoe and is started as the runner crosses the start line, like wise as the runner passes the finish line it is also recorded, this makes for the runners timing to be completely exact down to the 100th of a second. This will increase the profile of the race and will also make life much easier for the printing of race results which will be now available very soon after the final runner crosses the finish line. The Chip timing is being handled for the race by Des Colbert of Colbert timing systems Waterford.
SUBSTANTIAL PRIZE FUND OF 3.000 EURO ON OFFER.
The winner of Sundays race will receive The Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 perpetual trophy, which was presented to the winner at last years race for the first time. The trophy which was made by local Dungarvan artist Mac Riordan is made from wood and copper. The piece depicts a runner as he run’s over the causeway towards the town bridge with Bridge House in the back round, The winner each year will have his or her name inscribed on the trophy. The race organisers have this year increased the prize fund for the race substantially with 3.000 Euro now on offer covering a wide array of categories. The course see’s a slight chance this year with the start and finish areas in a different location from previous years. The race will start at the Youghal Road and do a short loop around Mitchell St. down Collins Road, back out the Youghal road and down Fr.Twomey’s road to The Spring roundabout, up to the Kilrush roundabout and down to turn left at Mc Donalds roundabout, Up past the industrial estate taking a left onto dump road taking another left onto Cappoquin Road and down Boureenarua, 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, Indeed at the elite end of the scale there would also of course be the possibility of a new course record. The Men’s is currently held by our own Sandis Bralitis West Waterford AC 50.08 and the Ladies by Sligo’s Lucy Brennan 58.42.As well as the fist Male and Female runner on Sunday who will each receive 400 Euro for their efforts, a bonus of 250 Euros is on offer to the first athlete to break either of these course records. As we said a very substantial prize fund is on offer throughout all categories thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. The race will of course cater for all the usual Masters categories and teams also. All participants will also receive the now famous Dungarvan 10 goody bag and its value alone is worth more than your entry fee to the race, along with a race long sleeved Shirt which will also be presented to all entrants, This year also the organisers along with the goody bag and T shirt for all participants will have a draw for a substantial hamper plus a second prize of a pair of running shoes and if your not lucky enough to claim any of these prizes we will have plenty of Spot prizes to be raffled among all non-prize-winners also, so all in all both elite and fun runners alike are more that catered for on the day, as has always been the West Waterford Athletic Club policy. So our final word is 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)1993 Noel Richardson (Donore Hrs)1994 Jimmy Mulligan (Waterford)1995 James Sullivan (Waterford)1996 Michael Hassett (Tipperary)1997 Cormac Finnerty (Mullingar Hrs)1998 Peter Duggan St Joseph’s (Kilkenny)1999 John Kearney (East Cork)2000 John Kearney (East Cork)2001 Peter Duggan St. Joseph’s (Kilkenny)2002 Paul Deegan D.S.D. (Dublin)2003 Philip Harty (K.C.K.)2004 George Murray (North Cork)2005 Sandis Bralitis (Ballynonty)2006 Sandis Bralitis ( West Waterford AC ) 50.08 course record.2007 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC) 2008 Sergiu Turea (Clonliffe Harriers)
HELP WANTED FOR THE QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 RACE.
We are delighted to report that we have had a great response to our appeal for help for the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race, which will be held on Sunday next, February 1st at 1 p.m. However, with approximately 1,000 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 for us. All those that have given us their name will be contacted towards the end of the week. If you think you may be able to make some sandwiches or 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 weeks end with details of times to drop off sandwiches etc, Thanks very much.
MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES.
The 17th Annual Michael Roche Carpets spring series got under way with the Kiely monumental Colligan Cup last Sunday. This series has something to suit runners of every standard. As in previous years, the series will cater for regular runners and beginners with prizes on offer for all levels of competitors. If you didn’t enter in Colligan you can enter again next Sunday at the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10. The series is like a league and your finishing positions in each of the races are recorded. It’s not necessary to do all the four races, just three. For those who complete 4 races, their best three finishing positions count. You pay to enter each race the same as you always do but entry to the series costs €5 extra. After the four races, the scores are recorded and the runners are put into divisions of five and prizes are awarded accordingly. Entry to the series closes after the Kilmac race, which is the third race; so if anybody is interested in doing the series please get your entry in. We will be taking entries for the series at the next two races which will be the Quantum Life Dungarvan ten mile this Sunday and also at the Bausch and Lomb Kilmac 5 on February 22nd. Please note the deadline, entry to the series will not be permitted after the Kilmac race.
REMAINING RACES IN SERIES. RACE 2.
–Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 Sunday February 1st at 1pm.
RACE 3. –5th Annual Bosch and Lomb Kilmacthomas 5 Sunday 22nd February at 11am.
RACE 4. –27th Annual Eason’s Dungarvan 10 k Sunday March 01st at 11am.
Divisions will be set up and prizes will be awarded at the final race on March 01st. Your best three results from the four races count in the overall.
ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE CATHERINE DUNNE AND EOIN O’ RIORDAN CLAIM THE HONOURS
Last week’s winter league was run according to the “Colligan Cup” style whereby the winner of the race is not the fastest or most improved but the person that runs the closest to their predicted time. The winners on the night were Catherine Dunne in the short route and Eoin O’ Riordan in the long route. Both were not only fortunate enough to win but both also crossed the line at the exact time the clock reached 0.00. They were neither too fast nor too slow but were both spot on. This was great pacing indeed and both were awarded for their efforts with a voucher from the All Rounder sports shop. To be the one and only from a large group of runners is a great achievement so well done to you both. The winner of the Colligan cup each year at the winter league gets bonus points. As its least points is best, both will have 50 points subtracted from their total from the previous week so both will begin round 12 tonight with fewer points than they had in week 10. This also will push Catherine and Eoin well up the division tables. This is Catherine’s first year at the league and already she’s dong very well indeed. Keep up the good work. Tonight is round 12 and with a total of 15 nights in total the end is in sight so it’s all to play for from here on by everybody.
SO CLOSE FOR ORLA AND LOUISE
A total of 60 took part in the short route and as already mentioned Catherine Dunne was the sole individual to do the deed. It was a battle to the finish however as hot on her heels were Orla O’ Mahony and Louise Curran who were a mere second slower than they predicted. Both Orla and Louise crossed the line together with Orla ever so slightly ahead. Orla has signed up for the ten mile on Sunday and no doubt the training for this has much improved her accuracy. Well done to you both, bonus points for you. It’s usual to have Corinna Walsh in the top 5 or so when it comes to pacing but on this occasion she was denied by brother Kevin who was just two seconds slower. Well done Kevin, we’re sure you enjoyed your moment of honour. Mark Cliffe is no stranger to the winner’s podium at these types of runs. He was the overall winner at last year’s colligan cup and he almost claimed a double on the second stage so it’s no surprise to see his name in the top 5 again this year. Mark was just three seconds out and right behind him was one of the main contenders for this year’s overall winner, Bernard Macken. Bernard is one of the fortunate 5 to receive bonus points so he has now closed the gap on John Foley who is the current leader. There are exciting times ahead for us all.
The following are the top 5 overall in the league.
John Foley 226
Bernard Macken 299
George Tutty 371
John Dillon 375
Paul O’ Dwyer 401
ANGELINE MOVES TO THE TOP
An accurately paced run by Angeline Drennan for last week’s winter league sees her move to the top of the overall league divisions. Very little separated herself and Bernard Walshe who had been leading with several weeks but by virtue of the fact that Angeline was only 6 seconds slower, she is now in command. The leader up to this stage, Bernard Walshe is now in second place but only by 13 points, which can be made up in one night. Michael Dunford was only two seconds slower and his bonus points have also worked to his advantage and he’s now in third spot on the league. Another battling for the top spot on the night was Marie Murphy who was 3 seconds slower, almost had it Marie, next year. Tony O’ Mahony was just four seconds slower which now puts him on even points with Bridget Blackwell in their division. The following are the top 5 in the league at the moment.
Angeline Drennan 429
Bernard Walshe 442
Michael Dunford 483
Linda Bradfield 561
Paul McGrath 566
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE TO STARTING TIMES FOR TONIGHT
The starting times tonight are varied slightly on previous weeks. We will not be having 30 second intervals as usual but instead people will be going off in two separate groups.
SHORT ROUTE
The short route has two different starting times for tonight. The first group will start at 0.00 and the second group will start at 10.00.Please don’t arrive late as you don’t want to miss your starting time, if you are late for the first start you will not be able to start until the second start. Please only go off at your intended starting time, by going off at a different time and not informing an official you are distorting the results and it’s not fair on the runners or those making out the results. Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
LONG ROUTE
The long route has two different starting times for tonight. The first group will start at 5.00 and the second group will start at 15.00,Please don’t arrive late as you don’t want to miss your starting time, the same as mentioned above for the short route, if you are late for the first start you will not be able to start until the second start. Please only go off at your intended starting time, by going off at a different time and not informing an official you are distorting the results and it’s not fair on the runners or those making out the results. Your co-operation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
LUCKY DIP WINNERS
Our lucky dip winners for last week were Corinna Walsh and Camille Mulhearne. Both finished in 21st spot last week and so get to chance the lucky dip. Tonight’s winners will be the two to finish in 28th position tonight in both routes. Best of luck to all.
DAVID MC CARTHY 3RD IN BOSTON UNIVERSITY TERRIER INVITATIONAL.
West Waterford’s David McCarthy took an excellent 3rd place last weekend at the 3.000 Meter Boston terrier invitational indoor meet. The race was won by David Nightingale in 8.00.11 with Jean-Pierre Weets 2nd in 8.01.47 and Mc Carthy was third in 8.02.42.This was an excellent time for David over this distance and a great finishing place among the 14 starters.
MUNSTER MASTERS ON FEBRUARY 8TH
The above Munster Masters Indoors Championships will be held in Nenagh on Sunday February 8th. The deadline for entry to the above is tomorrow Thursday 28th. All those interested in going are asked to contact Norma Wall on 087 9385965 as soon as possible.RUNNING QUOTE.“I can’t imagine living and not running.”
ANNEVALLEY 5.
The 3rd Anne valley 5 mile challenge will be held on Sat Feb 14th at 12noonYou can register for the event on line at annevalleyrunning.webs.com.with 10euro the entry fee, Or enter on the day of the race from 10 am at Harneys pub Dunhill, The event is sponsored by Waterford road runners and Dunhill rural eco park. The prizes are 1st three Men and Women, 1st Under 18 Male and Femal, 1st over 35 and 40 Female and 1st over 40 and 50 Male plus lots of spot prizes there is also a new team prize category with teams of 4.One prize per person, Refreshments after in Harneys pub. And all proceeds go to the southeastern cancer foundation.
FAGAN JUST OUTSIDE TREACY’S RECORD.
Martin Fagan of Mullingar Harriers turned in one of his best everperformances last Sunday when winning the Austin Half-Marathon in Texas, USA inthe highly impressive time of 61 minutes 05 seconds-a new course record andjust outside John Treacy’s long standing record of 61:00 minutes.Fagan, who is training for the Boston Marathon in April, will be wellpleased with this positive performance. The Mullingar man suffered a bitterdisappointment when injury forced him to drop out during the OlympicMarathon in Beijing. He suffered another set-back when he took a bad fallwhile up with the leaders in the European Cross Country Championships inBelgium at the end of 2008. His Austin, Texas victory should now put Faganon positive track for the big Boston event.Keep a check on this one his something special, I predict a huge year for the man from the West.Men:Martin Fagan 01:01:05 (Ireland)Monder Rizki 01:01:47 ( Kenya)Andrew Lemoncello 01:01:52 (Scotland)Eric Chirchir 01:01:53 (Kenya)Worku Beyi 01:01:57 (Ethiopia)
