TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT AS ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE BEGINS
The 15th annual Winter League takes place tonight, October 29 at the Sports Centre in Quanns. If you have been around the last few years, you’ll know that Wednesday night is synonymous with hordes of runners taking to the streets of the town as part of our winter league. This is the most successful road event in the entire country with record entries each year. In fact such is the success of this league that two years ago the film crew of Nationwide paid a visit to the town to record the league. The Athletics Association of Ireland used our winter league as the blueprint for other towns and athletic clubs to copy so as to set up their own leagues. This league has been most successful as it has a wide variety of people taking part. We have footballers, hurlers, soccer, hockey and tennis players involved. We also have a large number each year take up running for the very first time at the league. Our main ingredient for success is that the league is specifically designed with newcomers to running in mind. The league operates on a handicap basis and the final winner is the person that improves their time the most over the duration of the league, therefore it totally suits newcomers. It’s never the fastest person that wins the league. Having had a look at the club archives and the previous winners of the league down through the years, it’s nearly always that a newcomer wins. So if you are new to running and are thinking about doing the league, you should really come along tonight and see what it’s all about. It’s a big operation and we are grateful to all those that have made it possible to hold the league once again this year. Thanks again to Pearse Moloney of the all rounder Sports for sponsoring the league again. Thanks to all the background team that have put in much work over the last few weeks getting everything ready for tonight. A special thanks must go to all those who have volunteered to steward on the course, we are so grateful for your support and co-operation. Thanks to all those that are helping at the registration desk, the entries, the starting line and finishing tunnel.
It’s all very much appreciated.
ALLROUNDER WINTER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME LEAGUE WINNERS
LONG COURSE SHORT COURSE
1994 Johnny Clarke 1998 Ann & Catriona Bennett
1995 Eoin O’Riordan 1999 Eilis Ni hAodha
1996 Philip Harty 2000 Shane Power
1997 Michael Bennett 2001 Geoff Bullen
1998 Gerry Cantwell 2002 Jennifer Ui Dhuibhir
1999 Tony Shalloe 2003 P.J. Curran
2000 Stephen Curran 2004 Cordelia Burke
2001 Dan Dineen 2005 Collette Bannon
2002 Norma Wall 2006 Liam Budds
2003 Pat Dunford 2007 Angeline Drennan
2004 Tony Shalloe 2008 Carolyn Byrne
2005 Pat Dunford
2006 Brigid Coffey
2007 Michael Dunfor
2008 Tom Scanlon
PARKING
Judging from the large numbers that registered last week, a large crowd will be expected tonight. There are ample parking spaces available at Scanlon’s yard, Strand Street and also at the look out. Each of these is only a short distance from the sports centre. We also ask that you refrain from parking in front of anyone’s house.
STARTING TIME FOR TONIGHT
Tonight is a mass start, which means that everybody will begin at the same time. For those that have yet to register, we ask that you get to the sports centre in plenty of time in order to get your number and be ready for the run in time. All runners will start at 7.20 p.m. sharp. Those that have yet to get a number should aim to be at the centre before seven.
IF YOU HAVE A NUMBER FROM LAST WEEK
If you got a number from last week, we ask that you go to the entries desk, give your name and number at the desk and pay the appropriate fee which is €2 for members and €3 for non-members.
If YOU DON’T HAVE A NUMBER
If you don’t have a number already, then you go to the registration desk and register. You will have to fill in a form and read the safety statement. The cost of your number which you use each night of the league is €5 and then you pay either €2 if you are a member of the club or €3 if you are not a member. This means that for tonight or for anybody that will be registering on other nights, your first night will be either €7 or €8. After tonight, you will only be paying for the run.
DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT NUMBER?
For those that already have a number, please check that you have the right number for the right course. The numbers 1-300 are for those running in the long route and the numbers 600-900 are for the short route. If you were issued an incorrect number, please bring along your number and we will issue you with a new number.
I’VE CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT THE ROUTE I WANT TO DO
If you registered last week for either the long route or the short route and you’ve changed your mind, then you need to tell us at the desk and we will issue you with a new number. PLEASE DON’T CHANGE ROUTES AND USE YOUR ORIGINAL NUMBER. This distorts the results and it’s much easier for us to issue you with a new number. If you decide after a few weeks that you want to change from one route to another, that’s no problem whatsoever as long as you tell us. You may even change back again as long as you inform us. We really appreciate your co-operation in this.
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY NUMBER?
On your first night of the league, you will be assigned a number, which you must wear at the front of your bib. The reason for this is so that your finishing position may be recorded by the officials at the finishing line. We ask that all runners wear their bib and their number each night. If you lose your number please contact someone at the desk.
AT THE FINISHING LINE
The finishing times of each runner will be recorded at the finishing line. There will be two sets of recorders at the finishing line due to the large numbers taking part. The first set will be at the start of the finishing tunnel and the other set at the end of the finishing tunnel. ALL ATHLETES MUST STAY IN THE FINISHING UNTIL THEY REACH THE STAIRS AT THE BACK OF THE SPORTS CENTRE. PLEASE DO NOT PASS ANYONE OUT IN THE TUNNEL.
I DON’T KNOW THE ROUTES
There are two routes on offer at the winter league, most commonly known as the long route and the short route. The short route is 2.5 miles and the long route is a little less than 6 miles in total.
The short route:
Start at the sports centre and run up through Childer’s Estate, take a left on the Youghal road where you will be crossing the road with the aid of the stewards there. Run towards the Youghal road roundabout following the bypass road up towards the spring roundabout. Take a right at the roundabout and another right after that which brings you down Fr. Twomey’s Road and onto the Youghal Road again. Take a left here and cross when told to do so by the stewards and straight on until you reach the top of Childer’s Estate, take a right through the estate and back towards the centre. There will be stewards on the route so there’s no danger of getting lost!
The Long route:
Start at the sports centre and run along the look out and along the quay, taking a right to go over the causeway bridge. At the traffic lights take a right towards Abbeyside Church and run up Friar’s walk to the top of Seapark Estate. Take a left here and run straight through the estate. At the end of the estate you will be taking a right and crossing the road with the help of stewards. Run towards the Friary College and follow the path passing Tournore court and Golden Meadow’s Retirement home. At the main road you will be turning left onto the Coolagh Road and running towards Crotty’s Corner. Take a left here and when told to do so by the stewards cross over the bridge towards Kyne Park. Take a right onto Friar’s Walk again, run past the church and at the traffic lights take a left over the causeway bridge. Take a left to run along the quay and the lookout and back to the centre. There will be plenty of stewards on this route also and we ask that they be obeyed at all times.
SAFETY ON THE ROADS
The first rule of safety when running on the road is that all runners must wear their reflective bib at all times. Bibs can be bought at any sports shop or hardware shop. Runners do not have the right of way and so we must obey the stewards at all times. They are there for our own safety and are not to be ignored. Please be wary of traffic at all times but especially when crossing the road or overtaking somebody. Also, the use of ipods or mp3 players is not allowed for safety reasons. You need to be able to hear the stewards when telling you to cross. The club is very strict on this policy and we ask that all participants adhere to this.
I WON’T BE ABLE TO MAKE EVERY NIGHT OF THE LEAGUE
Very few actually manage to run every night of the league. It’s a sixteen-week league and the club policy is that you only have to run ten of the sixteen nights to feature in the league. That said, it’s best to run as many nights as you can. Even if you can’t make the minimum ten nights, you’re most welcome to come along and run any night that you can make it.
WHAT WILL I DO WITH MY KEYS?
At the registration desk, there is a box in which all the keys will be kept in. After the league, the box will be made available for you to collect your keys. The club accepts no responsibility for lost keys or articles.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TIME I RAN?
As tonight is a mass start, you will see your time on the clock, as you cross the line so don’t forget to look up. Depending on space, they may be printed in the local papers and will also be available on the club website. Our address is www.westwaterfordathletics.org. The times will also be displayed the following week in the hall of the sports centre. Just locate your number and your time will be printed beside your number.
ANDRIY NAUMOV WINS 29TH DUBLIN MARATHON AND BRIAN BYRNE WINS PADDY JOE DELANEY SHIELD
The 29th annual Dublin City Marathon was held last Monday in what can only be described as ideal marathon conditions. The 11,000 runners awoke to a cool, clear and crisp October morning and the race itself got underway at 9 a.m. The Dublin marathon has come a long way since its inaugural race way back in 1980 when a mere 1420 finishers completed the 26.2 miles. These days the entries have way surpassed the initial number and there was in the region of 11,000 runners that undertook this major challenge. There were runners from 40 different countries all over the world that ran through the historic Georgian streets of Dublin, beginning at Fitzwilliam Square East and finishing at Merrion Square West, taking in the scenic Phoenix Park along the way. Over the past number of years, the club has been well represented on the traditional October bank holiday weekend at this marathon and this year was no exception. The Paddy Joe Delaney Memorial Cup for the first club finisher was up for grabs yet again this year and this year’s winner is Abbeyside man, Brian Byrne. This is certainly Brian’s year for running marathons. His achievement on Monday is all the more remarkable as only 8 days previously he ran in the Amsterdam marathon in a time of 3.08. Looking to break the elusive three hours, Brian gave it another shot in Dublin and was most successful in his bid as he came home in a time of 2.58.55. This is quite an achievement and well deserved for Brian. The last few miles are always tough in any marathon but Brian gave it all he had and was absolutely delighted with his efforts. Hot on his heels was Gary McCormack, who has competed in Dublin on previous occasions. Gary was just over 3 hours and no doubt is already planning his next marathon. Only ten seconds separated the next two representatives from the club, Cathal Dwane and Dermot Ryan. This was Cathal’s first marathon and to break 3.30 on your first marathon is great running indeed. Cathal would have done much of his training with Dermot and I’m sure they kept each other focused over those gruelling last few miles. Martin Mullarkey who has plenty of marathon experience behind him ran his usual steady race and was only 22 seconds outside of three and a half hours. Following in his sister’s footsteps, Tom Moroney also made the trip to Dublin and it was a most successful trip for him and his training partner Ray Burke. These two lads trained together and ran together on the day and reaped the rewards of their consistent training. I’ve been at plenty of marathons and it’s rare to see two runners as fresh looking as these two were with only two miles to go, they really took it all in their stride and will be more than content with their time on the day. Justin Coonan’s target for the day was to break 3.40 and this he duly did with well over a minute to spare. Tom Leahy who was a regular at all our summer series races also took on the ultra challenge of a marathon and will be well pleased with his time of 3.40.15 for this his first marathon. Joanne Dunford picked up a tip or two about marathon running from her brother Michael and ran a blinder to complete the distance in a time of 3.45. Joanne ran her usual steady pace from start to finish and had great support and encouragement from Rosarie Kealy over the last mile or two. Joanne has really proven herself to be a fine steady runner over the marathon distance. Karen Ryan is another that has proven herself to be well suited to this distance and her dedication to training more than paid off for her. Karen was a regular along the Dungarvan By-Pass over the long summer months in preparation for the big day and after a few weeks rest will be choosing her next destination. Padraig Kennedy, who didn’t get off to the best of starts on the day, more than made up for it on the latter half of the race and finished in a very credible time of 4.11. Very close behind him was Tracey Dwyer, another who was competing in her first marathon. Tracey had some words of encouragement from Dermot, who is no stranger to marathons. Tracey was well inside her target time of 4.15. Irene Clark was the next up and was thrilled to finish her debut marathon in well under four and a half hours as did Ann Moroney. For many of us, a marathon in more than enough as a challenge but for Ann this is not the case. Ann recently ran the Budapest marathon and just three weeks later was on the road again for another. A marathon wouldn’t be a marathon anymore without Terri and James Gough. Terri has run more marathons than many of us have had hot dinners and is the holder of many All-Ireland medals for the same distance. At the time of going to press the Championship results were unavailable but hopefully we will have some good news to report in next week’s results. Well done to all that took part and your efforts on the day are to be commended, enjoy the rest and in no time ye will all be ready for more!
Dublin City Marathon Results
Brian Byrne 2.58.55
Gary McCormack 3.02.52
Cathal Dwane 3.26.43
Dermot Ryan 3.26.53
Martin Mullarkey 3.30.22
Tom Moroney 3.32.55
Ray Burke 3.33.21
Justin Coonan 3.38.45
Tom Leahy 3.40.15
Joanne Dunford 3.45.47
Karen Ryan 3.53.14
Padraig Kennedy 4.11.45
Tracey Dwyer 4.12.19
Irene Clarke 4.25.55
Ann Moroney 4.29.45
Terry Gough 4.56.52
James Gough 4.57.58
WATERFORD WIN MUNSTER MEN’S NOVICE CROSS-COUNTRY TITLE
Following years of domination by counties Clare, Tipperary and Cork, Waterford scored a very welcome victory team win in last Sunday week’s Munster Novice Cross Country Championship in Turnpike, near Thurles. Our own club supplied four members of the winning scoring team which in turn earned us the silver medals in the club race, just seven points behind Cork city club, Togher A.C.
The Cork club had the winner of the race in Mauro Lafechi with newcomer to the sport, Frank Halley of Ferrybank A.C. in second spot and his progress will be watched with keen interest. The Waterford runners packed really well with their six scorers in the top 25. Our own Sean Stilwell ran a tremendous race to finish 10th which also earned him 4th place in the U/23 championship. The next Waterford finisher was Ferrybank’s Graham Power and here is a runner who is always ready to represent his county.
The surprise packet on the Waterford team was Ballyduff Upper’s Harry O’ Brien who finished 18th. Harry has just a handful of competitive races behind him and this win augurs well for his prospects in the Master’s Championships on November 30th. The scoring team was completed by our own Rory Moloney (24th) and Kevin Kenneally (25th) and their solid packing ensured the title for Waterford on 93 points from the host county Tipperary (98 points) and Clare (109 points). The other members of the Waterford team were Ferdia O hAodha, Ferrybank (28th), Keith Radley of West Waterford (32nd), Eoin Dunlea of Waterford A.C. (44th) and Yevgeniy Chizhikov (46th).
NEXT CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT
The Munster Intermediate men’s and women’s championships will be held in Clare on Sunday November 9th and the club will be entering in both categories. On Sunday November 30th, the Munster Masters will be held at a Cork venue. Anybody who would like to represent the club at these events can contact Tony Ryan at 087 7657805.
ELITE PAINTBALL FIT4LIFE ONE LAP CHALLENGE
FINAL ROUND UP
So as the final two leagues of the autumn conclude it’s time to look back this week and reflect on the Elite Paintball 1 Lap Challenge and check out the final finishing positions on the league tables after the 6 nights. At the outset, congratulations to everyone who took part in this league. Perhaps you only managed to get out 1 night of perhaps you ran each and every night, whatever you managed to do congratulations to you. It’s all about participation and if you don’t get out there and take part well, then you won’t reap the benefits. What are the benefits you may well ask? Well, everyone who runs will have his or her own answer to this question. For some it may well be that they took part in a league like this for the very first time and feel healthier and fitter as a result. Others like the social aspect to these leagues where they get to run and meet others in a fun atmosphere. For more it may well be that they managed to complete the 1.2 miles without stopping. This is a tremendous achievement and one which can lead to a whole new way of life. Running is a sport, which you can turn to at any time of life and one, which you can return to at anytime. So continue the good habits you have begun and turn out on Wednesday evening at 7pm at the Sports Centre Quanns for the All rounder Winter League.
The presentation of prizes took place in Alice O Connor’s last Friday night and we were delighted with the turnout of prize-winners. We feel that out of respect to our league sponsors it is very important to turn up for these nights so thanks to all who came along. Thanks to all in Alice O Connors for their hospitality. We had a great night and the food went down a treat.
DIVISION TABLES FOR THE ELITE PAINTBALL
DIVISION 1
From the outset of this league there was one clear leader and with a perfect score of 4 points then his victory was clear-cut. Indeed Sean Stilwell ran every night of this league and recorded some excellent time for the 1.2 miles. Even though conditions deteriorated during the league Sean kept up his high standards and recorded his best time of 6 minutes even on the 3rd evening of the league. With Sean coming first on each and every night of the league the man to follow him through the finishing tunnel on 5 out of the 6 nights was Kevin Kenneally. Kevin is running really well at the moment and finished with a score of 8 points from his best 4 nights. Kevin broke the 6.30 barrier on 2 occasions in this league running 6.25 on the second night and 6.28 on the third night. He had 6 points to spare over Johnny O Connor who finished with 14 points.
DIVISION 2
If Division 1 was a clear-cut victory for Sean then the lady who won Division 2 is just continuing on the fantastic season that she has had to date. Corinna Walsh loves running in the Friary College and also uses these leagues to perfect her times for the Cross Country season. Corinna broke the 7-minute barrier on 3 out of her 4 nights with a best of 6.50 on Day 4 and finished with a point’s total of 20. Her winning margin was 5 points over Tourin native Ken O Donnell who is still on a high after his Amsterdam trip. Rumour has it he is now planning his venture into the world of marathon running. No pressure Doc. Ken broke the 7-minute barrier for the 1.2 miles on day 4 and was thrilled with this milestone.
DIVISION 3
In this division a new name emerged on the scene. John Murray may be new to running but he certainly has given these leagues his best efforts. John ran 8.47 on 2 occasions on day 3 and day 5. He finished the league with a total of 56 points and had 2 points to spare over Tony Ryan who actually managed to organise and complete the league himself. Tony of course has never lost his competitive edge and pushed himself to the limits running 8.41 in the process.
DIVISION 4
The way these leagues are structured with divisions of 5 athletes sometimes the last runner in one division might have the same points as the top runner in the next division. So it was in division 4 as last years Winter League winner Tom Scanlon finished with 62 points from 4 nights which was the exact same score as Michael (Dixie) Deegan and so we declare these 2 athletes to be joint winners of this division. These 2 men are great battlers and got their rewards for their efforts. Tom’s best time was 8.18, which he ran on the third night of the league. Dixie’s p.b. Were 8.57 on day 2. Maud Cunningham from Ballysaggert made a return to running in these leagues and really enjoyed herself. Maud used to run as a juvenile but had not run in some years. She was unfortunate to lose out on division 4 by just 1 point but no doubt she will be back for more in the Winter League. Watch this space because Maud has tons of potential. Maud ran her best time on the fourth day when she covered the 1.2 miles in 8.51.
DIVISION 5
In this division Garvey’s employee Onra Power was dominant and indeed had a winning margin of 18 points to over her nearest rival. Onra’s best time for this league was an impressive 9.30, which she ran on day 2 of the league. Onra’s is a very dedicated to her running and indeed takes part in almost all the races and leagues organised by the club. This dedication paid off and she won the division 5 title with ease. She claimed her title from an athlete we were delighted to welcome back, Kathleen Young has always given her all and really enjoys taking part in the Friary Leagues.
LEAGUE SPONSORS
So the Elite Paintball 1 Lap Challenge is finished for another year and of course we would like to extend out gratitude to Jeff and Marie Allen of Elite Paintball for all their support and help throughout the league. Thanks again lads. We would also like to acknowledge the great facilities we have at our disposal in the Friary College for which we are extremely grateful. Our leagues are now over on these grounds but as usual over the winter months the 1.2 miles will still be in use as athletes try to escape the road, weather permitting. Thanks to everyone at St Augustine’s College for allowing this to happen. Finally to Tony, Michael, James, Pascal and all who helped in any way over the course of the league thanks a million.
NORMA WALL WINS COMERAGH CRYSTAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR SEPTEMBER.
Our hard working club secretary Norma Wall is the most recent winner of the club’s Comeragh Crystal sponsored athlete of the month award. Norma finished the month of September with a tally of ten points. Norma one of the clubs most dedicated athletes and a club official of the highest calibre is well deserving of this latest accolade and we all congratulate her on her monthly award win.
The competition’s overall leader as has been the case now for nearly all of the previous nine months or so is Brigid Coffey who is currently on a whopping 105 points tally, This is an unique achievement for Brigid as she becomes the first club member to ever break the 100 point’s mark in this competition, With still three months to count it is likely that she will hit at least 130 points to attain a points total which is unlikely to ever be beaten such is the effort put in this year by the Colligan Lady .Twice winner Raivis Zakis is currently still in second place on 86 points and third spot belongs to Paul Brunnock with 62 points.
January February March April May June July August September 0verall
Coffey, Brigid 9 6 4 12 21 12 15 14 12 105
Zakis, Raivis 6 5 9 8 16 15 15 8 4 86
Brunnock, Paul 7 5 4 6 6 8 11 8 7 62
Dunford, Ann 9 4 6 6 10 4 8 5 8 60
Walsh Corinna 5 5 6 5 4 8 8 7 9 57
Power, Onra 6 4 3 3 5 10 9 8 7 55
Uì Chuirrìn, Josie 5 5 4 5 6 9 4 4 8 50
Kavanagh, Liam 7 5 3 6 4 6 8 5 4 48
Wall, Norma 6 4 5 6 3 3 7 4 10 48
Stilwell, Sean 7 4 5 6 8 7 0 1 9 47
Gough, Joe 8 6 7 4 6 3 6 4 0 44
Dunford, Pat 7 4 4 4 9 5 3 4 4 44
O’Riordan, Ptk 5 4 2 3 4 8 6 6 6 44
Whelan, Anne 4 5 5 4 5 7 5 2 7 44
Deegan, Dixie 7 5 0 2 4 8 4 6 8 44
CLUB ANNUAL TIME.
Yes its club annual time again when we ask those interested to submit an article of athletics interest for the clubs yearly publication which goes on sale at the Kiely Monumental Colligan cup on January 25th 2009.Please note the earlier launch of the Annual, with this in mind we ask those who are submitting an article to please have it to us by early January. All articles for publication can be to e-mailed to jveale@cablesurf.com or info@westwaterfordathletics.org
CLUB WEDDING.
Congratulations this week to club athlete Declan McGrath and Martina O’Leary from Limerick on the occasion of their marriage last weekend. Health and happiness to you both.
TUTTY FAMILY SAYS THANKS.
On behalf of The Tutty triplets Jonathan, Kyle, Calum, and their parents Vincent and Charmain, through the club notes they wish to thank all those athletes who participated in the recent charity marathon runs in aid of their charity fund, The Cork University Hospital Neo-Natal unit. They would also like to thank all those who gave financial supported this worthy cause.
RUNNING QUOTE.
The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well.
15TH ANNUAL MCGRATH’S NEWSAGENTS BRICKEY RUN.
This years Brickey five-mile and three-mile run and walk will be held on Sunday November 16th with the traditional 11 AM starting time. First held in 1994 this will be the 15th running of the event which is ran over the same route since day one taking in the traditional Canal track section of the course. The race could be called a road race come cross-country event it always attracts a good field for runners who want something a little different. The race over the years through the generous sponsorship of our sponsors McGrath’s Newsagents have donated the proceedings of the race to a local charity or voluntary organisation and this years recipients will be announced next week, The race on the day caters for all as you can have a cut at running the three mile route if your not a regular runner and of course the main event the 5 mile canal route would be a challenge for most. The five-mile race includes individual and the infamous weight categories section. The winner of the men’s race will of course be presented with the Martin Curran memorial cup and the leading Lady will receive the Jim Lyons memorial shield. We thank the Curran and Lyons families for there ongoing involvement with this race.Race entries and changing and shower facilities will be courtesy of the Brickey G.A.A.club.For now pencil in Sunday November 16th 11 AM.
