INDIVIDUAL MEDALS FOR DIANE BEHAN AND HARRY O BRIEN IN MUNSTER MASTERS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Killeagh Co. Cork was the venue last Sunday afternoon for the Munster B
Juvenile Cross Country, which also incorporated the Munster Masters Cross
Country Championships. It was a lovely crisp winter day with ideal conditions for
running. The course itself was one of the best that athletes had run on for
some time and was a credit to the host club Youghal A.C. The underfoot
conditions were dry and even after the juvenile races the course was still
in excellent shape for the masters races. West Waterford were well
represented on the day in both the men’s and ladies races and indeed the men
from Waterford A. C. were also there in great numbers ensuring a very
successful day for the county teams too. Cross Country Coordinator Tony Ryan was delighted with the turn out of master athletes and their commitment to the club.
HARRY O BRIEN LEADS THE WAY
It was a fantastic day for Harry O Brien on his first Munster Masters Cross
Country Race as he got stuck into this race in a big way and from the gun
was close to the leading pack. John Walsh of Ballycotton fame must be
delighted with his East Cork club and their quality of runners at the
moment. In fact Cork had the first 4 athletes home on the day and 6 out of
the top 10. East Cork had the first 2 of those and duly took the team prize
in the 0/35 section with 20 points, Dundrum took the silver medals with 68
points and West Waterford led by Harry took the bronze medals with 99
points. Harry finished in 15th place and in the process took a bronze
individual in the 0/45 section. Johnny O Connor had perhaps his best ever
cross country race finishing in 22nd place just ahead of his good friend and
rival Trevor Mason who took 27th place. The quartet was completed by Des
Feeney who had a great sprint finish taking 35th place. The 4 were joined by
Waterford A.C.’s Billy Mc Guire (17th) and Brendan Aspel (36th) to take
silver behind Cork for the County medals. But as every one knows Cross
Country running is all about the team and there was some fantastic races by
other athletes including P.J. Guinan and Ken O Donnell, who were very
unlucky to finish just the medals as they were just behind Brendan Aspel.
Joe Kelly and Tomas O Mahoney also ran strongly and looked to be enjoying
their race. Yevgeniy Chizhikov, Colin Lyons, Tom Moroney, Michael Mc Carthy
and Michael Wade completed the team making sure that we were represented in
all age categories.
DIANE BEHAN TAKES GOLD
Fresh from her win in the County Masters Cross Country Diane Behan carried
her form to Killeagh last Sunday and ran a very strong race tracking that
great athlete Mary Sweeney to finish in 5th place overall and in the process
take the gold in the o/35 section. Diane also led her team to bronze in the
team o/35. The other members of this team were Ann Dunford (21st) and Brigid
Coffey who showed all her experience that she had gained in Cross Country
races this year to finish strongly in 24th place. International athlete
Niamh O Sullivan of the Riocht club won the race with Cork again dominating
winning the gold medals while Ennis Track took the silver. West Waterford
were also successful in the 0/45 section with the usual strong running from
Eilis Ni hAodha leading her team to team silver and county bronze with her
16th place finish. Eilis really loves cross-country and even though she had
carried an injury lately she was determined to be back for this race. When
it comes to tough you won’t see much tougher than Ring lady Josie Ui
Chuirrin and she finished strongly also in 27th place. It looks like Lismore
native Bernie Prendergast is out of the same mould and she ran on to
complete the trio in 28th place.
So all in all a very successful day for the club and we wish to thank most
sincerely all the athletes who turned out on the day. Their commitment is
fantastic and we are lucky to have so many quality athletes who are also
willing to give up their time so once again on behalf of the club well done.
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR QUANTUM LIFE DUNGARVAN 10
Eight weeks from next Sunday, West Waterford A.C. will hold one of the most prestigious ten-mile races in the country, the Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race. As many of you will be aware, this race was launched in the sports centre recently with Mel Shanley of Quantum Life present along with Billy Kyne of Deputy Mayor Dungarvan .The T’s are crossed and the Eye’s are dotted now it’s time for all of us to start our build up for the race. Each year we have many newcomers begin with the winter league and the following February they complete the ten mile race. Without question, it’s a challenge but one that so many have been capable of. If you are looking for a challenge why not put February 1st in your diary and start your training now. There are many new people already signed up for the ten mile so why not join them. They also meet on a regular basis and train together. A group meets at the Crystal Centre on Monday evenings at 5.30 p.m., Wednesday night is the Winter League and there are two groups that meet and train on a Friday. The first group meets at 4.30 and the second group meet at 5.30 at the same venue. This training is not like the winter league where you are trying to improve your time each week. The pace is nice and easy with no pressure; you will be able to have a chat as you go around. It’s more about getting the miles in and increasing the distance very gradually and nobody worries about the time the distance is covered in. Albert McGrath is in charge of this training and will be available at the sports centre on any of these nights mentioned if you want to have a chat. Go on, give it a go; you’ll be glad you did.
ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE
ANOTHER NIGHT OF SUCCESS AT THE WINTER LEAGUE
The All rounder Sports Winter League is now in full swing with a grand total of 397 runners now registered. Of these 397 runners, 230 are male and 167 are female. This shows a huge upsurge in the number of females taking up the sport and also increased overall participation. The numbers taking part in this year’s league are on a par with other years which had record numbers participating and are testament to the popularity and success of the league. The beauty of the league is that all runners, regardless of their running background or experience, are all based on an equal footing and each person is trying to improve their time each week. Those who are well used to the running scene and that are capable of running fast times are the last to go off which makes it all the more difficult for them to improve while those that have started before them are doing their best to get to the finishing line before these people catch up with them. This is what makes the league so interesting and enjoyable and it also provides the incentive for us all to improve. The faster you run, the later your starting time will be each week. Your starting time each week will be based on your fastest time to date so there’s no advantage of running fast one week and slower the following week. The best way to approach the league is to improve slightly week by week which is what so many have been doing already. We now have a significant of newcomers that started this year’s league and who are now able to run the complete distance without stopping. This is a major achievement, made all the more remarkable considering the fact that the league is only five weeks in operation. Well done to all the newcomers that have persevered and no doubt you now have a new target in mind after having accomplished running the route without stopping. We may have almost 400 runners registered, but there’s plenty of room for more. The league is on every Wednesday night at the Sports Centre, Quanns, and we would love to see some new faces. The clock begins at 7.20 p.m. so those looking to register should aim to be at the centre about 7 p.m. The entry fee each night is just €2 for members and €3 for non-members. If registering for the first time, the fee will be €7 or €8; depending if you are a member of the running club or not. After tonight, there will be only two nights left before Christmas, December 10th and 17th and we will resume again on January 7th for the second half of the league.
JOY FOR JOY
Week 5 saw 163 complete the 6-mile run and the conditions on the night were absolutely ideal for running. Raivis Zakis led the 6-mile runners home in a very fast time of 32.12. Raivis is the current holder of the fastest time over this particular route and judging by his performance on the night he might make another attempt to beat this soon. Second home on the night was Joy Hearne, the second best improver on the night. Joy ran the distance in a very credible time of 48.26 and will be delighted with this performance. Michael Dwyer is in the top 3 for the second week running: he led the pack home the previous week and settled for third spot last week and was well under 37 minutes. Brenda Hunt who was third lady in the recent Brickey 3 mile road race was 4th home in a time of 44.27 and she really had to push home over the final stretch as hot on her heels was John Fitzgerald who finished a mere second behind her in 44.28. Pat O’ Connell is another athlete who has made an impression already. He recorded 51.28 and was 8th home, a massive improvement on his time of 61 minutes in the first week. Pat has really proved that if you stick with it and persevere, it really can be done. Well done to you Pat. Mary Whyte and Alice Shanley were very close to 59 minutes on the night, which will surely be their aim for tonight. Vincent O’ Flynn was only 2 seconds away from 53 minutes; a good steady run tonight should help him achieve this. Luke O’ Brien and Amanda Mansfield were around the 55 minute mark and Leisa Fleming will be out to break 54 minutes tonight and Donagh Cummin’s goal will be to run under 49 minutes. Brendan Kent who is training a bit more now will be hoping to maintain his sub 45 minute run. Well done to all and the very best of luck to you tonight.
The following is a list of the top improvers for week 5, which change weekly.
1. Raivis Zakis
2. Joy Hearne
3. Michael Dwyer
4. Brenda Hunt
5. John Fitzgerald
10. Paddy Street
20. Alice Fitzgerald
30. Linda Bradfield
40. Pat Tutty
50. Des Feeney
60. Pat O’ Brien
70. Betty Sheehan
80. Maurice Foley
90. Alan Hickey
100. Tom Condon
110. Paschal Proctor
120. Corinna Walsh
130. Michael Dee
140. Ann Dunford
150. Sheilanne O’ Donoghue
160. Geoff Collins
The following are the top ten in the overall division tables, which is completely different to the tables from last week with the exception of one. Keith Kenneally remains as the overall leader but the other 9 positions are filled by different people. If you haven’t seen your name appear yet, they change weekly and your name will eventually appear somewhere.
1. Keith Kenneally 224
2. Nicola Dee 265
3. Angeline Drennan 282
4. Brendan Walsh 303
5. PJ Curran 308
6. Alice Fitzgerald 309
7. Pat Tutty 315
8. Pat O’ Connell 316
9. Tara Roche 318
10. Pat O’Brien 319
PAULA PULLS OFF A GREAT PERFORMANCE
A total of 107 took part in the short route last week and it was smiles all round as many ran their fastest time to date. This is a sure indicator that you are getting fitter, faster and stronger and should you keep it up even more improvements are on the cards over the next few weeks. Newcomer Mark O’ Donnell was the first past the finishing post in a very quick time of 15.08. Well done Mark, this means that for tonight you will be going off later and your job will be to catch as many of the runners that have gone ahead of you as possible. Cormac Power was the second home on the night in a time of 16.51, no doubt he was pushed all the way home by Dominic Ryan who was very close behind in 17.03. 4th and 5th best improvers on the night, Katie Bullen and Izabela Gadowjka also had a battle on their hands and ran admirably on the night to record 24.44 and 24.51 respectively. With only three nights remaining before Christmas, I’m sure all will put the heads down and push that little bit extra each night. Paula Lenihan did just that last week when she ran a super time of 18.16 for the short route. This effort meant that Paula was the 30th best improver on the night and into the bargain it has helped her keep a firm hold of 4th spot in the overall divisions, 15 points ahead of Carmel Hourigan. Well done Paula and keep up the good work. There were many in the night that managed to run a sub twenty minute run, which in athletic terms means faster than 20 minutes. Among these were Michael Hennessy, Joan Navin, Emma Duffy, Brona O’ Neill, Josie Harty and Orla O’ Mahoney. Soon to join the ranks of the sub twenty group is Cora Cummins who was just two seconds outside of 20 minutes. Also knocking on the door is Jenny Noctor, Martin Quinlan, Tom Longan and Eimear Radley.
The best five performers for week five were: Mark O’ Donnell, Cormac Power, Dominic Ryan, Katie Bullen and Izabela Gadowjka.
The following are the other improvers on the night.
10th Nicola McKenna
20th Raymond Bannon
30th Paula Lenihan
40th Brian Hourigan
50th Geraldine Barry
60th Kevin Walsh
70th Angela Bradatan
80th Jim Curran
90th Martin Sandford
100th Onra Power
Like the long route, the names are changing weekly in the top ten of the overall division tables with the exception of one or two. The short route for this week is mostly just a rearrangement of the same names. Bernard Macken who was in 2nd position after four weeks is now the current leader after knocking George Tutty off the top spot and is now in third spot. John Foley who was in second spot last week has moved up to second place with a two-point lead over George. Denise Breen is another that managed to hold the same spot for two weeks in a row, she’s now on 189 points, the same as fifth placed Carmel Hourigan who has moved up from tenth position. Eileen Moore remains in the top ten as does Liam Moore. It’s not surprising to hear that the two new entrants into the top ten are Michael Dunford of Kilbrien and Ita Mason of Cappoquin. Noisy is no doubt acting on the advice of Pat and Ann who have many a marathon and ten mile under their belts. I hear that Noisy will be signing up for the early morning Sunday runs in the near future! Ita Mason is really enjoying the winter league at the moment and will be able to rely on hubby Trevor for advice on running.
The following are the top ten in the overall divisions.
1. Bernard Macken 106
2. John Foley 140
3. George Tutty 142
4. Paula Lenihan 174
5 .Carmel Hourigan 189
6. Denise Breen 189
7. Michael Dunford 204
8. Eileen Moore 216
9. Ita Mason 219
10. Liam Moore 222
ARDMORE MAKE IT A DOUBLE
As the fifth week of the league was held on November 26th, then the two runners that finished in 26th position in both the long and the short route were last week’s winners. Both of these were Ardmore men: Cyril Flavin was the winner in the long route and Michael Hennessy was the winner in the short route. Well-done boys. Tonight’s winners will be the people that finish in 3rd position in both routes and next week it will be those that finish in 10th position.
BE SAFE, BE SEEN
Just a quick reminder to you all about the importance of wearing your reflective bib. We are glad to report that everyone taking part in the league does so but we would like to advise you to also wear it on your training runs.
JOHN BUCKLEY SPORTS/MUNSTER TEN-MILE
SPRING CLASSICS SERIES 2009
For the seventh successive year runners will have the opportunity to partake in the John Buckley Sports/Munster Ten-Mile Spring Classics Series as the four races in the area from January to April once again combine forces in this unique Series.
In the cycling world, the ‘Spring Classics’ are an integral part of the competitive year and seen as instrumental in the build-up to the more arduous Tours later in the season.
The aim of this ten-mile Series is to promote each race at the classic distance of ten miles, while rewarding the runners who complete all four races with a specially commissioned long-sleeve T-shirt.
As well, there will be prizes for the leading male and female runners, decided on the cumulative times over the four races.
John Buckley Sports have again agreed to be overall sponsor of the Spring Series and if you wish to view their excellent website go to: www.johnbuckleysports.com
There is no additional entry fee for the Series – just run the four races (however – your entry must have been accepted for Ballycotton). Further details (including contacts) on the three races other than Ballycotton can be found below.
Marathon Deliveries/Mallow ’10’ – Sunday January 11th, 12.30pm.
Quantum Life/Dungarvan ’10’ – Sunday February 1st, 1.00pm
Ballycotton’10’ – Sunday March 8th, 1.30pm.
Sonny Murphy Memorial Kilnaboy’10’ – Sunday April 12th, 2.00pm.
Sunday January 11th: – Marathon Deliveries/Mallow ’10’, 12.30pm.
Contact: John Holland 022-21280.
Mallow AC has been promoting a 10-mile race for a number of years over a nice flat loop comprising of town and country roads and it has met with unanimous approval. Mallow is also well served with a good road and rail network, making the venue very central for people travelling. Last year saw a record turnout of 521 runners and the message this year is to arrive in plenty of time so that the organisers can cater for the even larger entry expected. The race is now sponsored by Marathon Deliveries, a company fronted by Mallow runner Peadar Curtis.
Sunday February 1st: – Quantum Life/Dungarvan ’10’, 1.00pm.
Contact: James Veale 086-8184762
Formally a 10km race, the move to ten miles a few years ago proved to be a very successful one. A new course was introduced in 2004 and this year there is a slight alteration to the start and finish although the main route remains the same. Last year saw a huge turnout with a total of 698 finishers. The energetic West Waterford club have big plans for this race which is now their flagship event and a new addition this year is the introduction of chip timing. Please note that the race starts at 1pm and pre-entries are encouraged – details on www.westwaterfordathletics.org
Sunday April 12th:- Sonny Murphy Memorial Kilnaboy ’10’ (Co. Clare), 2.00pm.
Contact: Vincent McCarthy 065-6837875.
One of the oldest ‘tens’ in the country, outside of Ballycotton, the introduction of the Spring Series has certainly benefited this Clare race, which also attracted a record 270 finishers last year.
The slightly undulating circuit on the outskirts of The Burren contains some stunning early spring scenery, passing through the tourist village of Corrofin. The race is also an idea opportunity to enjoy an early-season break in ideal outdoor surroundings. Also, like Mallow, there is a 10km walk which starts at 1.30pm.
RUNNING QUOTE.
To be consistently good, once you’re in your own lane, you run your own pace, for racing, this is the best way to take your nervous energy and turn it into positive energy.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP.
The club membership is now coming due and is great value at only €25. Membership money can be paid at registration any Wednesday night at the Winter League or at any club event to registrar Michael Tutty.
SENIOR CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The senior clubs Annual general meeting will be held tomorrow night Thursday at 8.30 PM in Minnie’s Bar.Abbeyside.
PRINTMASTER TO SPONSOR CLUB ANNUAL.
The club is delighted to announce our new partnership with Print Master who has come on board as our new sponsor for our club annual. Together with this new sponsor we have decided to bring the Annual forward and have it on the shelves for sale for the Christmas market as many feel it would make an ideal gift that time of year. With this in mind we have now closed off any further submissions for this years annual as it’s hoped to have it in print within the next week or so. Our thanks to those who have submitted an article and it certainly looks at this stage that it will be our biggest and best publication to date. Once again we thank and welcome on board Matt Houlihan and his team at Print Master Dungarvan and we eagerly look forward to the finished product.
TERRI AND JAMES DO IT AGAIN.
That dynamic husband and wife team of Terri and James Gough were on the marathon trail again last weekend when on Saturday they complete their 4th marathon each for 2008.The warmth of Lanzarotte was their destination this time so at least they had the pleasure of running it with the sun on their backs. Terri completed the course in 4.57 and James just behind in 5.12. Well done to both and here’s to many more.
OLD PARISH 4 MILE TURKEY TROT.
The inaugeral Old Parish Turkey trot will be held will be held on Sunday December 14th at 11 AM .All proceeds from the run will be donated to The south east cancer foundation.
