West Waterford Athletic ClubWest Waterford Athletic Club

Notes – December 14th 2008

ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE.

BRYAN KIRWAN AND JOHN DILLON CLAIM THE HONOURS

Last week’s winter league saw the first hosting of the famous “Colligan Cup” style run for this year’s league. The Colligan Cup style run is a run whereby each athlete predicts the time that they will run and the winner is not the fastest person but the person that runs the closest but not faster than the time they predicted. It makes for an interesting night’s running and all athletes on the night have an equal chance of winning. There was much debating, consulting and inferring going on in the hall last week as each athlete deliberated over the time they should start running. Advice was sought from running colleagues and officials alike and all 228 athletes began their run in the hope of running as accurately as possible to the time they predicted. Of course, no watches were allowed. In theory, if we all ran in the time we guessed, we should all have crossed the line at exactly the same time but this was not the case as some were faster and others slower and others were there or thereabouts. At the end of the day, there could only be 2 winners, one from the short route and one from the long route and the lucky two were Bryan Kirwan and John Dillon. John and Bryan couldn’t have won by a smaller margin as both were successful in crossing the line at the exact second that the clock reached 0.00. So, there were just two runners who were successful out a total of 228 runners which makes their achievement all the more remarkable. Well done to you both. There will be another night of the colligan cup style run at some stage in the New Year and going on last week’s run all eyes will be on Bryan and John. Along with receiving a voucher from the Allrounder Sports Shop for being so accurate, there was also 50 bonus points issued to the two winners which have moved them considerably up the ladder. We’ll all have to start working on our pacing in anticipation for the next night of this type of run. There were a number of runners who were also very close to reaching the magical 0.00 and they also received bonus points for being very close.Winners of the weekly lucky dip prizes were Diana Chizhikova 2.5 mile course and Alan Hickey 6 mile course.

SO CLOSE FOR AVRIL AND GILLIAN

Avril Doocey and Gillian McNamara were oh so close last week as both finished their run just three seconds slower than they predicted. Hot on their heels was Brigid Hickey who was four seconds outside of her predicted time and Aisling Dalton who was only five seconds out. Well done girls, bonus points for you all which will see you all climb well up on the division tables. On the other side of the clock, that is those who were just a tad too fast were Tom Curran (2 seconds too fast), Angela Bradatan (5 seconds), George Tutty (6 seconds), Ritchie Power (8 seconds) and Ita Mason (9 seconds). Next time lads!! For the record, 86 took part in the short route last week and out of those 86, 56 were slower than their predicted time and 29 were faster and John Dillon was the sole individual to get it just right.
A tactical run by John Foley last week saw him extend his lead at the top of the division tables. Last week he had a 30 point lead over second placed Bernard Macken but by virtue of the fact that he was slower by 7 seconds last week, he now has a 67 point lead over Bernard. Bernard still hangs on to second place with Kilbrien’s Michael Dunford now in third place having moved up from fourth place as a result of being only 11 seconds slower than predicted on the night. Pat and Ann will have him well tuned for the next night and so he could be the one to watch on the next Colligan cup night. John Dillon’s win last week has pushed him into fourth place and increased his chances of becoming the overall winner all the more. Eileen Moore has been a regular in the top ten with the last few weeks and this week sees no change. She has moved up one more spot on the league tables and is currently in fifth place. With tonight being the last night before Christmas, Eileen will surely begin 2009 still in the top ten. The following are the top ten in the overall division tables.

1. John Foley   156
2. Bernard Macken  223
3. Michael Dunford  246
4. John Dillon   254
5. Eileen Moore  260
6. George Tutty  262
7. Carmel Hourigan  284
8. Ita Mason   307
9. Paul O’ Dwyer  307
10. Annette Whelan  332

FAST AND FURIOUS FINISH FOR 6 MILE

The timekeepers were kept busy last week for the league as the clock was approaching 0.00 with so many being very close to their predicted time. As already mentioned, Bryan Kirwan proved to be the one and only to get it right on the night but there were quite a few others that almost had it just right. Only three seconds separated the five athletes that finished after Bryan. Michael Dunford was just one second out, John Flynn and Brett Lynam were both two seconds slower and Mark Radley and Maurice Foley were only three seconds slower than predicted. This was great accuracy indeed. There was a similar margin of error for those on the other side of the clock, those who were just that little bit too fast. It’s not that often that we are told that we are too fast, so savour the moment!! It was no surprise whatsoever to learn that Corinna Walsh was just one second too fast. Corinna more than proved herself as an expert pacer at the TQS league which was held during the summer. Each night the athletes had to predict their time and by the end of the league, Corinna was watched with eagle eyes by all! Having run in the New York marathon earlier in the year certainly hasn’t slowed down Rosarie Kealy in any way as she was 3 seconds faster than predicted on the night and her fellow training partner Joanne Dunford also shows no signs of slowing down after the Dublin marathon being 6 seconds too fast. It was a good night for the Dunford household with Joanne and Michael both being fairly close. Pa Reilly was just seven seconds out and Marie Murphy will be glad to learn that she was nine seconds faster than she thought she was. Kevin Hickey from Kilbrien made the move from the short route up to the long route last week and proved that he is more than capable of the 6 mile route, judging by the fact that he was a whopping 2.32 faster than he predicted, Noelie Drohan is some trainer!! Keep up the good work! After last week, there are four new faces in the top ten. Angeline Drennan remains at the top for yet another week and the new entrants are Michael Dunford, Maurice Foley, Bryan Kirwan and Gary McCormack. The following are the top ten in the long route for this week which no doubt will change after tonight.

1. Angeline Drennan  323
2. Brendan Walshe  335
3. Michael Dunford  345
4. Pat O’ Connell 365
5. Cyril Flavin  369
6. Paul McGrath  376
7. Maurice Foley  386
8. Bryan Kirwan  395
9. Gary McCormack  398
10. Liam O’ Brien  401

3 MINUTE HANDICAPS FOR TONIGHT

It’s back to handicap times for tonight with an added twist. People will head off at three minute intervals. There will be a group heading off at 0.00, another group at 3.00, a third group at 6.00, another group at 9.00, 12.00 and 15.00. The same format applies for the long route but there will be some people heading off at 18.00, 21.00, 24.00 and 27.00. Please check your time tonight and ensure that you are heading off at the right time.

FUNDRAISING NIGHT TONIGHT IN AID OF SOUTH EAST RADIOTHERAPY TRUST

Tonight is our annual fundraising night and the benefactors this year is the South East Radiotherapy Trust. This organisation through its volunteers transports patients to hospital for treatment. I’m sure you’ll all agree that it’s a very worthy cause. Each runner’s fee of €2 or €3 will be donated to this cause and we ask that people dig deep into their pockets tonight and add a bit more to their weekly fee to help us raise a substantial sum for S.E.R.T. Thanks very much, all donations will be greatly appreciated.

WINTER LEAGUE 2009.

The winter league will resume in the New Year on Wednesday January 7th and remember its never too late to come along and join the league, maybe it could be a new years resolution, what ever motivates you come along and bring a friend or two,
All at West Waterford Athletic Club would like to wish all the league participants a very happy and healthy Christmas and the very best for 2009.  We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every one of our stewards and back up team, without their help the Winter League would not be possible.  It is these people that ensure the smooth running of the Winter League every night and their loyalty and commitment is commendable. The club is extremely fortunate to have such a group of willing and supportive people and for this we are entirely grateful. The stewards, people taking the entries, putting out the cones, the finishing tunnel and the clock, taking the numbers, gathering the signs, doing the results and the staff at the Sports Centre- we thank them all.

 

OLD PARISH TURKEY TROT

The very first Old Parish Turkey Trot took place last Sunday morning at Pulla, Ring. It was a fine, clear and crisp morning for a run and a total of 60 runners turned up to support this worthy cause. It was the idea of club president Paddy-Joe Curran who wanted to hold a race to raise much needed funds for cancer research. Paddy Joe was delighted with the response and thanked all athletes for their support on the day. He also thanked all those outside of the runners who donated generously to the fund.
The race course itself was chosen by our road-racing co-ordinator Gerry Cantwell and Gerry and his crew had a busy morning making sure that everything was in place for the race. Jamie and Conor had the route well under control and Liam and Triona took care of the entries and the finishing line, thanks to you all for your help.  Thanks to Christy and Helen O’ Neill of the Marine Bar. The entries were taken at the Marine where a grand fire warmed up the runners and officials both before and after the race. The refreshments after the race were also provided by Helen and Christy and there was a welcome cup of tea and sandwiches for everyone.  The race itself began at 11 a.m. by Tony and Michael in the club van. Following a short stint on the main road, the runners took a left off the main road which brought them on a loop back to the marine bar where the race started. It was a course that had a bit of everything, uphill, downhill and some flat ground. Speaking to some of the athletes afterwards, many of them stated that it was a good course and they were happy with the route. In fact, some runners couldn’t get enough as Paul, Liam and Billy went around a second time! Well done lads. West Waterford dominated in the prizes with the first three athletes being Ravis Zakis, Sean Stilwell and Kevin Kenneally. Sean and Raivis were the only two to run under 30 minutes for the 5 mile course. They seem to be on a roll since winning county gold medals at the All-Ireland Novice cross country championships last weekend. Kevin Kenneally will also be pleased with his time of 30.09.  Corinna Walsh was the ladies winner in a time of 32.33 and the second lady on the day was Martina O’ Dwyer of Carrick-on-Suir in 34.58. Hockey star Brenda Hunt was third lady in 37.12.

The following are the category prizes.
Men’s categories
O/40 Johnny O’ Connor
O/45 Liam Kavanagh
0/50 Colin Lyons
0/55 Michael Deegan

Ladies categories
0/35 Brigid Coffey
0/40 Carol Whelan
0/45 Josie Ui Chuirrin
0/50 Ann Moroney

QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10

The entries are pouring in at a steady rate for the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race on February 1st . Entry to the race can be done online via the club website or alternatively the entry form can be downloaded from the site for a postal entry. We will have a night or two at the winter league after Christmas where we will have a special desk for entry to the race. The closing date for postal entries is Friday 23rd of January but entry is also available on the day for those that are still unsure. There are currently almost 200 entries in so far and on the day over 1,000 runners are expected so make sure to get your entry in for what promises to be a great race. So far we have received entries from athletes from Cork, Kerry, Galway, Belfast, Derry, Tyrone and Dublin. Dungarvan will most certainly be the place to be on Sunday, February 1st for the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile run. Mark it in the diary!

LOOKING TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF A TEN MILE RUN

We had a great response last week from those who have signed themselves up for their first ever 10 mile road race. As mentioned in last week’s notes, we are available each week for help and advice for those undertaking their first ten mile road race. Just ask for Triona, Ann, Gerry, Tony, James or Norma and we will give you all the help you need. It’s worth mentioning that all those that signed up for their first ten mile run last year are all back for more this year with many of them having their sights set on the Dublin Marathon in October 2009. So it really can be done. For all those doing the short route, try and increase the distance that you run from now on. At this stage, aim to run 3.5 or four miles about three to four times a week. Please remember that the pace is nice and easy, don’t think that you have to run the longer runs at the same pace as the winter league, the exact opposite is the case. Take the run nice and handy and in this way you will find it more manageable and enjoyable. Seek us out tonight and we’ll set you on the right path to running your first ten mile.”The classic distance”

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU

A meeting was held last week to discuss the various aspects involved in the staging of the 18th Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race which will be held on Sunday, February 1st.  As with all major sporting events, a significant amount of help and volunteers will be needed on the day. People will be needed to help out with stewarding, catering and other roles that go with such a race.  Are there any of you out there that may be able to help out for a few hours on that day? If so we would love to hear from you and anybody else that feels they could help. Tony Ryan is the co-ordinator for stewards and can be contacted at 087 7657805 and Eileen Proctor is in charge of the catering crew.If available to help with the catering Norma is taking the names and can be contacted 087-9385965.

ST.STEPHEN’S DAY JOLLY JAUNT FUNDRAISER IN AID OF CHERNOBYL IRELAND.

The annual St. Stephen’s Day fun-run/walk in association with Dungarvan G.A.A. will take place on St. Stephen’s morning at 11 a.m. The charity to benefit this year is Chernobyl Ireland and the entry fee for this race is at the runners own discretion. We would ask that people give generously to this worthy cause. There are two routes on offer- a two mile route or a 5 mile route. The entries will be taken at the Dungarvan G.A.A. clubhouse where showers and changing facilities will be available. Post-race refreshments will also be provided in the clubhouse. Bring along a friend or two and walk/run the distance for this worthy cause.

MUNSTER JUNIOR AND SENIOR INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

The above championships will be held in Nenagh on Sunday, January 4th with the first event beginning at 11 a.m. The events on the day are as follows:
60mH, 60m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, 3K Walk, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Shot, 56lb + 14lb. The entries for these events need to be in before the end of the month. Any club athlete that intends taking part must contact Norma Wall at 087 9385965 as soon as possible.

ENGAGEMENT

Congratulations to winter league runners Paula Nugent and Joe Collins who announced their engagement recently. Health and happiness to you both in the years ahead.

EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY.

By his own admission it was not a great day at the office for West Waterford’s David Mc Carthy at last Sundays under 23 European cross country championships in Brussels, Coming off the back of  a very promising Collegiate championships in America where he finished in a top 20 place David was the first to admit that it wasn’t a great day for him last Sunday ,There wasn’t a lot in the thank over the final few K’s where it appeared that the last couple of weeks hard racing in the States just took its toll,David was in a top 10 position for the early part of the race ,but when the pressure came on the engine wasn’t firing on all cylinders and he came home in 24th place leading in the Irish challenge.Lorraine,Davids sister was 33rd in the Junior Girls race,This was great experience for both of the McCarthy’s and they will learn and progress from here. Mary Cullen Sligo had a great run in the senior women’s race.Well placed from the start she took the lead at an early stage and continued to dominate the pace. As the race progressed she faded a little, but continued to fight for the bronze medal. It was not to be however and she finished the race an excellent fourth, Martin Fagan was running his usual aggressive race at the head of the senior men’s field until disaster struck about 4k into the race. Turning a sharp corner he fell and this put paid to his chances of individual honours.Irish cross country champion Linda Byrne was another to lead at an early stage. Competing in the under 23 contest she took on the field from the start but faded as the race progressed to finish a commendable 10th.

SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL.

The committee of West Waterford Athletic Club extends seasons greetings to all our members, our sponsors and the editor and staff of this newspaper.  To all, may the New Year bring all that you wish for plus injury free running.We wish all good running for 2009.

 RUNNING QUOTE

You train best where you are happiest.

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