ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE IN CRUISE CONTROL.
Last Wednesday night saw the 6th round of the Allrounder Winter League with 116 runners taking part in the short course of 2.5 miles and 147 taking on the longer 5.7 mile route. The forecast may not have been the best but thankfully everyone was well finished before the rain came down. The light showers did not deter the 263 hardy souls giving it their all in a quest for personal fitness. Congratulations to each and everyone who has participated in this league to date and don’t worry if you haven’t got the chance to run yet or are worried that the league is on too long now and it’s too late to join well, there is still room for you, we welcome everyone at any stage right up to the last night. The venue is The Sports Centre, Quanns Wednesday’s at 7.15. Come along and we promise you a welcome and encouragement to get you started.
Six nights have and come and gone already but as we always say time flies when you are having fun. Just to let everyone know there will be 2 more nights before the Christmas break. These will be the 10th and the 17th December and then a break until our first night back after Christmas which will be on the 7th January. The league will continue each Wednesday until the 18th February. This will be the 15th and final night. If you are worried that you may lose your new found fitness over the holidays then don’t worry as we will be holding a charity run on St Stephens Day in conjunction with Dungarvan G.A.A. club. This event is about raising money for charity. It is no- competitive and is all about participation and as many will walk don’t worry if you haven’t run 5 miles before, you can run and walk. It’s all about taking part, giving it a go and raising money for charity. Once again it starts at Dungarvan G.A.A. grounds at 11 am on St Stephens Day.
CIARAN’S CLEAN SWEEP
Ciarán Lane, an excellent young athlete took on the 5.7 mile challenge last Wednesday evening for the first time and due to the fact that newcomers went off at zero many of us met Ciarán on his way home as we were only beginning our run! Ciarán ran 39.11 and I’d say he will take that time down quite a bit before the league is over. Fresh from his run in the Munster Masters Cross Country in Killeagh the previous Sunday Michael Mc Carthy was next through the tunnel in a time of 43.43. Ray Burke may have ran the Dublin Marathon only a few short weeks ago but he is running well at the moment and recorded 39.49 for his second run in the league. In 4th and 5th places we had 2 newcomers, John O Shea who ran 45.36 and David Knight who went around in 46.20. Jamie Organ moved up from the short course to take on the longer route and had no bother in completing the course in 46.27. Luke O Brien came home in 7th place and it’s not surprising as he recorded 51.49 which was 3 minutes and 18 seconds faster than his previous best time. Next was Sean Stilwell in an excellent time of 35.10, which again was 2 minutes and 46 seconds faster than his previous best. In 9th place was Keith Redmond who also took well over 2 minutes off his time from the week before. Finally the 10th person to finish was Pat O Connell who is improving week on week and once again improved his time of week 5 which was 51.28 to run 49.06 on week 6.
So once again the list of the top improvers which changes from week to week is:
1.Ciarán Lane
2.Michael Mc Carthy
3.Ray Burke
4.John O Shea
5.David Knight
10.Pat O Connell
20.Martin Curran
30.Brendan Walshe
40.Darren Healy
50.Michael Dee
60. Seamus Manahan
70. Paul Brunnock
80. Martina Walsh
90.Tomas Coleman
100.Liam Kavanagh
The overall tables are really interesting and are changing week to week but the obvious change after week 6 is we have a new leader. Angeline Drennan has taken over top spot from long time leader Keith Kenneally and with a time of 50.06 Angeline is a serious contender for this competition. She takes over from Keith who ran 41.55 for week 6, a time which gave him a finishing position of 129 whereas Angeline finished in 27th place which allowed her to jump from her 3rd place last week to number 1. The aforementioned Pat O Connell has also jumped up the leader board from 8th place after week 5 to the number 2 spot. Brendan Walsh is also on the way up from 4th to 3rd.
So once again the top ten on the tables for the 5.7 route and their points total are as follows:
1.Angeline Drennan 309
2.Pat O Connell 326
3.Brendan Walshe 333
4.Alice Fitzgerald 341
5.Keith Kenneally 353
6.Paul Mc Grath 356
7.Cyril Flavin 359
8.Noel Hogan 359
9.Kenneth O Donnell366
10.Liam O Brien 368
ACE PERFORMANCE BY AOIFE
The first person home in the 2.5 mile short route was Aoife Moloney who led home the top 10 improvers in a time of 24.01. Following Aoife across the line was Amanda Murphy who had a great run to come home in 23.35. Izabela Gadowska was the 3rd person home to make it a clean sweep for the ladies in the top 3 positions in this league. Her time was 23.08 over a minute and a half faster than her previous best. The first man to enter the finishing tunnel was Brian Collins who ran 18.29 on the night indeed Tom Mansfield matched this time exactly and finished fifth. Paul O Dwyer and Joe Collins filled the 6th and 7th spots and they also took over a minute off their previous best. Three more ladies filled the last three positions in the top ten with Michelle O Connell (27.23), Catherine Dunne (27.24) and Clare O Brien (24.29).
The top improvers were as follows:
1.Aoife Moloney
2.Amanda Murphy
3.Izabela Gadowska
4.Brian Colins
5.Tom Mansfield
10.Clare O Brien
20.Louise Curran
30.Michael Dunford (72)
40.Anne Massey
50.Niamh O Sullivan
60.Raymond Bannon
70.Marie Mulcahy
80.Orla O Mahoney
90.Avril Doocey
100.Joan Navin
The overall tables for the 2.5 mile route are also interesting and see a reversal in fortune for the top two from last week as John Foley who last week sat in the number 2 spot ran a time of 20.39 last Wednesday evening. He finished in 13th spot and jumped to the top of the table overtaking Bernard Macken. Bernard has improved his time to 16.08 which is fantastic running and saw him take 77th place last week. The 3rd spot is filled by George Tutty who is also running really well at the moment and finished with a time of 16.57. Others on the way up are Michael Dunford from 7th to 4th , Eimear Radley from 12th to 5th, Eileen Moore from 8th to 6th,Ita Mason from 9th to 7th and last but definitely by no means least is Paul O Dwyer who jumped 19 places from 28 spot up to 9th due to his 6th place finish on the night.
The top ten for the 2.5 route are follows and their points:
1.John Foley 153
2.Bernard Macken 183
3.George Tutty 207
4.Michael Dunford (72) 234
5.Eimear Radley 248
6.Eileen Moore 249
7.Ita Mason 250
8.Carmel Hourigan 265
9.Paul O Dwyer 285
10.Paula Lenihan 291
LUCKY DIP
As last week was December 3rd, the third runner to finish in the long and the short route were the winners. These were Ray Burke in the 6 mile and Izabela in the 2.5 mile. Well done to both. With tonight being December 10th, those lucky enough to finish in 10th position tonight will get to try their luck at the lucky dip.
“COLLIGAN CUP STYLE” TONIGHT AT THE WINTER LEAGUE
The format changes tonight for the winter league as we hold the first of what’s well known as the “Colligan Cup Style” run. Devised by Victor Mullins many years ago, it’s a system whereby each runner starts running at the time they think they will run the route in. There will be two clocks in operation tonight, one for the 6 mile and another for the 2.5 mile. The clock will work in reverse, starting at 30minutes for the short route and 60 minutes for the long route. There will be no staring times displayed in the hall tonight. Instead, each person must keep an eye on the clock and start running when the clock reaches their predicted time.To win the Colligan Cup system, you must try and run the route at the time you predicted but not run faster than it. If you can run the short route in 24 minutes, you should ideally start your run at 23.50 approx so that you don’t risk running it faster than 24 minutes. As stated already, the clock is working in reverse to 0.00.As soon as the clock reaches 0.00, the next person to cross the line is the winner. All those that cross the line before the clock reaches 0.00 were too fast and will receive penalty points. The first few to cross the line after 0.00 will receive bonus points. The main thing to remember here is that you don’t want to cross the line before the clock reaches 0.00. This format is highly amusing as if everyone accurately predicts their run, we should all cross the line together, but some will be too fast (not too often that we’re too fast!), some will be slower and only one will be spot on. No watches are allowed and the big clock that’s usually on display at the finishing line will be well and truly out of sight. (We’re not going to make it easy for ye!) This race will test your pacing to the utmost! The very best of luck to everyone
WINTER LEAGUE FUND- RAISING NIGHT ON DECEMBER 17TH
In keeping with tradition, the last night of the winter league before Christmas is always a fund raising night. A different charity is chosen each year and the €2 and €3 entry fee from each runner on the night goes to this charity. This year, the benefactors of the fundraising night will be S.E.R.T, the South East Radiotherapy Trust. This organisation comprises of volunteers that drive patients in need of treatment to the hospitals. At the moment, the organisation is heading a big campaign in order to raise much needed funds for this very worthy cause and the club are delighted to be associated with this campaign. December 17th is the night for this, so please keep the date in mind and give generously. Remember, all proceeds go to the cause and if you can put a little bit extra with your €2 or €3, it would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
ST.STEPHENS DAY CHARITY RUN/WALK.
In association with Dungarvan G.A.A.club our Annual St.Stephens day walk and run will take place from the G.A.A.club house at 11.00 AM The distance’s are two miles and five miles, so depending on how you feel after the Christmas festivities, you can choose which distance is suitable for you on the day, This years Benefactors of this years run will be announced In next weeks notes.Entry fee is at your own discretion. A number of spot prizes will be presented and the traditional soup and sandwiches will be served thanks to Dungarvan G.A.A ladies committee.
CLUB ANNUAL
The club’s yearly annual has gone to the printers and should be ready for publication in the next week or so. The annual details the entire club’s activities and events on a monthly basis for the year 2008 and will make for a great read, a must for every member. Matt Houlihan of Printmaster, has kindly come on board this year as sponsor of the annual and the club would like to thank Matt for this kind gesture. We would also like to thank Matt for his assistance and guidance in the process so far and now we can all look forward to the finished product.
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB’S A.G.M.
The senior club held its A.G.M. in Minnie’s bar last Thursday night. A good crowd attended for the 15th annual A.G.M. The meeting was opened by the chairman, Tony Ryan, who spoke of the busy and productive year that was had by the club. He thanked all those who contributed to the organisation of the various events and races and complimented their efforts and commitment.
He thanked St. Augustine’s College for the use of their fine facilities and to Br. Lennon for all his help throughout the year. The support given to the club by both local papers, the Dungarvan Leader and the Dungarvan Observer, was highly commended as was the support and contribution of all our sponsors. A detailed account was provided in the secretary’s report of the various successes of the club throughout the year. It was a most fruitful year for the club, winning national, international and provincial titles as well as having the honour of having club member Jamie Costin compete in the Beijing Olympics.
The new committee for 2009 was elected and they are as follows:
Chairman: Tony Ryan
Vice-Chairman: Albert McGrath
Treasurer: Liam Crowe
Secretary: Norma Wall
Ass. Secretary: Triona Wall
P.R.O.: James Veale
Road Racing Co-ordinator: Gerry Cantwell
Masters Track and Field Co-ordinator: Ann Dunford
Membership Officer: Michael Tutty
Trevor Mason,Conor Norris and Pascal Proctor.
Honorary President: Paddy Joe Curran
OLD PARISH TURKEY TROT
Next Sunday, December 14th is the date for the Old Parish Turkey Trot. This fundraising race was initiated by club president Paddy Joe Curran to raise funds for the South East Cancer Foundation. It’s a 5 mile road race beginning at the Marine Bar. The course goes out the Cork Road and takes a left to finally end up back at the Marine Bar. The race itself begins at 11 a.m. and the entries will be taken at the Marine Bar from 10 a.m. onwards. Prizes are for the first three senior men and women and there will also be prizes for the usual vet’s categories. Refreshments will be served after the race in the Marine Bar. We would like to encourage as many members and non-members as possible to come along for the race and support this worthy cause.
QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE
We are glad to report that the entries for the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 are pouring in at a very steady rate. Entry to the race is through on-line entry via the club website, postal entry by downloading an entry form on the website or by simply filling in and posting the entry form which were available at the winter league at the launch of the race. After Christmas, more forms will be readily available to you all. Just to let you all know, the closing date for postal and on-line entries is Friday, January 23rd. Entries will also be accepted on the day up to 12.15 p.m. The entry fee is €15 but increases to €20 on the day so it makes good sense to enter on time.
WHY NOT GIVE IT A GO?? MAKE IT YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
There’s nothing like signing up for something in plenty of time as once you have made your decision, it gives you all the encouragement and motivation you need. There are many of you out there that have never considered tackling a ten mile road race or would consider yourself remotely capable of completing such a distance. Yet, every year we have newcomers to the winter league and before they know it they begin training a few times a week, increasing the distance ever so slightly and everyone of them cross the line with a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement on race day and you are no different. The race itself is seven weeks away and so much can be achieved in that space of time. If you are running the short route, your goal could be to do another run outside of the winter league, perhaps 3 miles, just slightly longer than the league itself. The following week your aim could be to increase this to 3.5.miles. Keep the increase in the distance, ever so slight. Increasing the distance too soon achieves nothing as it can lead to injury. When you’re able to run 3.5, increase this to four.Getting out a number of times a week is more beneficial than trying to do just one long run in the week. Why not talk to those you know at the league and organise to meet each other during the week. Having a common goal among a group makes it all the more attainable. After a while, you get to know yourself how much to increase the distance by each week. To run your first ten mile, you should ideally have run a 7 or 8 miles prior to the race. Albert’s group are currently training with the ten mile in mind and they meet at the Crystal Centre in Kilrush on Monday evenings at 5.30. There are two groups that meet on Friday and all are welcome on this run too. The first group meets at 4.30 p.m. and the second at 5.30 p.m. Some people may be of the opinion that it’s a hard training run as we all tend to run as fast as we can in the league but the opposite is the case in training. The general motto in athletics’ circles is to train easy and race hard. The pace for training is nice and easy and not at all like the league. I know that many of you think it’s impossible but it’s not. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution and your goal for 2009; you’ll be glad you did. Any questions, we are available at the sports centre on Wednesday night to offer advice and support. Just ask for Albert, Tony, James, Ann, Triona, Norma or Gerry.
HELP WANTED FOR QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10 MILE RACE
It’s all systems go since the launch of the race a few weeks ago at the sports centre and the countdown is now on to what will be a super day for the club and the town. Like all major sporting events, a lot of work and help is required both in the lead up to the big day and also on the day itself. It’s expected that in excess of 1,000 runners will descend on the town for the event which means traffic control and a lot of hungry runners that will need feeding!! The sports centre will be the venue for registration and refreshments. We are appealing to members and non-members alike for help in the various aspects involved in organising such a race. We are looking for people that can spare some time on February 1st that would be able to steward or help with the catering side of things. We will be holding a meeting in Minnie’s bar tonight after the winter league at 9 p.m. and an invitation is extended to anyone who may be able to help out on the day. Your help and support would be greatly appreciated. To all club members, if you know of anyone that can help out or if you’re injured yourself or taking a break, please come along to this short meeting and help us all organise a top class race that will put Dungarvan on the map for top class races. See you there.
ALL-IRELAND NOVICE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
COUNTY GOLD FOR WATERFORD
The above championships were held in Ballyhaise in Co. Cavan last weekend and so last Saturday some of our athletes made the long journey to the province of Ulster for the year’s last cross country championships. The club was represented by four of its athletes and all performed very well indeed. The underfoot conditions were not the best, caused by the significant frost which made the uneven ground all the more sticky and testing. Nonetheless, our athletes ran superbly to finish fourth place overall in the club and a terrific gold in the county championships. This was a significant achievement from our athletes and they will be well pleased with the results. First home for the club was Ravis Zakis and he finished in 4th place overall, this is a great result for Ravis who has proved time and time again that he is a top class athlete on the road, the track and at cross-country. Next home for the club was James Ledingham who probably had one of his best performances ever to finish in 21st spot. James has been training very consistently of late and it certainly was evident in his performance last Sunday. It was a great club effort from all the boys and next up was the ever reliable Sean Stilwell. Sean has had a fantastic year on the road scene as well as having won gold in the U-23 3,000 metres earlier in the summer and rounded off the year nicely with his fine run and gold county medal into the bargain. Harry O’ Brien was the final club representative to cross the line and was very close indeed to Sean. It was a great club effort from all the team and Harry will be pleased to have run so admirably on the day. His performance is all the more remarkable given that he had won an individual bronze medal at the Munster Masters the previous week. The 4 athletes finished 4th overall in a large field and were only three points off third place which shows what a keenly contested race it was. Having narrowly missed out on medals, the news that they were part of the county team that won gold made up for this. Ravis, James and Sean were on the winning county team. The fact that the county of Waterford was the best county on the day out of 32 shows how alive and kicking athletics is in the county and long may it continue. Well done to Ravis, James, Sean and Harry, ye did the club proud.
DAVID MC CARTHY ON IRISH TEAM
Next Sunday is another important day in young David McCarthy’s already impressive career when he will proudly represent Ireland in the U-23 European Cross Country Championships in Brussels. David was awarded this honour following his super performance in the National College Championships in New York. His sister Lorraine, has also been selected on the Irish Junior Ladies team and we wish them both the very best on the day.
CORK BHAA SIMON RUN
The Simon Run will now take place on Saturday morning, Saturday 13th at 11 a.m. The previous date for this race was Sunday, December 14th so anyone intending on travelling please note the change of date. The race starts at 11a.m. and the entries will be taken at the Mahon Community Centre in Mahon.
