WATERFORD COUNTY SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

SANDIS MAKES IT THREE IN A ROW.

West Waterford AC once again proved to be the best Senior Men’s and Ladies county cross country club recently when recording individual and team successes in both grades at the Waterford country cross country championships which were held at St. Augustine’s College in conjunction with the Garveys SuperValue sponsored cross country race last Sunday week. Unfortunately once again as has now been the case for some years West Waterford AC were the dominant club which doesn’t argue too well for the future of cross country running in the county. We had to my knowledge just one athlete from Ferrybank and a couple from Waterford AC the rest were all from West Waterford. It is a pity to see such a small turn out of athletes at what should be the country’s red ribbon senior cross-country event of the year. All that said, it was encouraging to see one of the largest Juvenile championships in some time competing in the even ages county championships. So hopefully all is not lost just yet.
Anyway its back to the race itself where Sandis Bralitis took an easy victory in the Men’s event and likewise Corinna Walsh was the victor in the Ladies race. This was Sandis’s third gold medal performance in the Waterford Senior County cross country championship in a row and he did it in style leading from gun to tape, His team mate Raivis Zakis who was the champion in 2005 took the silver medal again this year as has been the case for the last three years now, Raivis can be well pleased as just 14 days previous he ran a marathon in Latvia where he took an individual silver national medal for his troubles. The bronze individual medal was won by Rory Moloney, putting the icing on the cake for the host club West Waterford AC.This was Rory’s very first county individual senior medal and it definitely won’t be his last that’s for sure. Rory had the previous year collected a team gold medal when he was the fourth scoring member on that occasion. The club had another good day in the team sections winning gold, silver and bronze team awards for a complete sweep of individual and team medals. Sandis and Raivis lead the club to team gold along with the above mentioned Rory Moloney, The clubs fourth scoring team member was Ardmore’s Sean Stilwell who gave another fine performance over the country to take a deserving gold team medal. The winning team finished with the minimum points tally of 10 points. The silver winning West Waterford team finished with a tally of 26 points and here too we saw some great performances when Kevin Kenneally who headed up the team when finishing 5th,One of the clubs hidden talents Harry O’Brien was hot on Kevin’s heels in 6th place as was local tri -athlete Keith Radley who finished an excellent 7th place, The fourth scoring member in the silver medal winning position was P.J.Guinan in 8th place, P.J.is always in the shake up when it comes to team competition. Des Feeney has been making great strides with his road running this past year and likewise he is doing it now at cross-country. Des lead the club to bronze team medals at St. Augustine’s finishing 9th, Patrick O’Riordan was next in 10th place with Tomas Mahony 11th,Colin Lyons 13th was the final scoring member of the team. Good team running from all.

TWO IN A ROW FOR CORINNA WALSH AT COUNTY SENIOR COUNTY CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS.

WEST WATERFORD LADIES TAKE GOLD TEAM AWARD.

The Ladies championship saw Corinna Walsh claim her second senior county title in a row. Despite the Modeligo Lady suffering a heavy cold the previous week she still put in a powerful display of cross country running to take her deserving individual gold medal. Corinna’s club mate Diane Behan took the silver medal on this occasion. Diane was previously the winner of the title in 2003 plus she did the double in 2005 and 2006.Norma Wall as she did last year took the individual bronze medal, giving another very good display when clipping around the two lap Friary grounds in a very fast 16.1.2. Corinna, Diane and Norma along with the ever reliable and recently crowned County Novice champion Anne Whelan were the four scoring members of the West Waterford Gold medal winning team at the championships. Cross Country running is as much about team running as individual running and our next finishers Brigid Coffey and Onra Power were part and parcel of the clubs success on the day.
Just like the Men’s team our Ladies have now won this county team title for as far back as I can remember well done to all and we are now eagerly looking forward to the Cross Country season ahead.

ALL ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE.

REGISTRATION TONIGHT WEDNESDAY 22nd.

The 15th Annual All-rounder Sports winter league registration night is on tonight with the league proper starting the following Wednesday October 29th. The league as in previous years will start and finish at Dungarvan Sports Centre Quanns. As with all West Waterford events we try and cater for all levels, and all are welcome no matter what your background or what your sport may be. If you feel like keeping fit over the winter months The All-rounder Sports winter league is there for you. We have our usual two distances the 2.5 mile and the 5.6 mile runs, so a distance to suit all. Please make the effort to come along tonight from 6.30-7.30 pm.to register, anyone who wishes to run the course on this night can do so but it will not be counting as a league night proper. The first league night proper will be the next Wednesday evening October 29th .

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS

At a recent survey of the club’s runners, it was noted that an overwhelming majority of our runners took up running after they started the winter league. Over 80% had no previous running experience before they started the league and now many of them are regulars at all our races and have even represented the club at provincial and national level. We understand that it may be daunting for a complete non-runner to join but for many of us that exactly how we all started and you won’t know what you are capable of unless you give it a try. Another fact to note is that most years it’s a total beginner that goes on to win the league and for 2009 it could easily be you. The winter league is designed wholesale to suit the beginner so why not give it a go. Tonight is not an official league night. Come along tonight and register. We’ll give you your number and answer any questions that you may have. Most people bring their running gear and run/jog/walk the course so they have an idea what to expect for the first official night. If it doesn’t suit you to run the course tonight that’s ok too. If you can’t make it tonight then you can register any night that you can make it. Bring a friend or two if you can and see you at the sports centre.
SIXTEEN-WEEK LEAGUE.
The organizing committee under road racing co-ordinator Gerry Cantwell have decided on a 16-week league this year with eight nights of league running before Christmas and eight nights after Christmas. We will have the traditional Christmas break finishing on Wednesday night December 17th our final league run in 2008 and the league will resume on Wednesday night January 7th .The league will finish on Wednesday 25th February. The mystery tour night will be held on Friday night 27th February. Entry will remain the same as previous years 2 Euro per night to members of the club and 3 Euro to non members. As was the case last year there will be a once off payment on registration night of 5 Euro. This extra amount will be used to cover the cost of purchasing the numbers which are quite expensive but they are waterproof and have to be used each night for the duration of the league. All participants are asked to note also that the penalty points system " which is designed to give all runners an equal chance of winning the league" will come into play from week one, and is based on your times from last year’s league. These penalty points for those who receive them will come into being from week number one. The various division placings are made during the Christmas break and will be displayed weekly on our return night in January. Remember rule number one, no bib no run! Rule number 2 no watches. Rule number 3 no head phones or any music devices. It is quite a task to organize such a big event and with this in mind we appeal to anyone who might have an hour or so to spare any Wednesday evening and would be willing to give a hand we would be more that delighted to hear from you. Tony Ryan is looking after the stewards etc and he can be contacted on 087-7657805.

OPERATIONS OF THE WINTER LEAGUE
For all those of you out there that are still unsure as to how the Winter League operates, just follow the following steps and they will lead you on the way to becoming a Winter League expert!!
1. Always wear your reflective bib and your number. You must wear your number at the front so it can be seen when you are finishing.
2. As soon as you arrive at the Sports Centre you must register each week, €2 for members and €3 for non-members.
3. After registering, you must then find out your starting time. These times will be displayed in the hall and you just have to locate your number and name and your starting time will be written beside it.
4. The clock will be in the hall and will begin at 0.00.
5. Keep an eye on the clock and when your time is approaching please make your way out to the front door. Ideally make your way out to the door about a minute before your actual time.
6. When your time is called you then begin your run.
7. While on the course please stay on the footpaths at all times and obey the instructions of the stewards, they are there for your personal safety.
8. When finishing your run, please stay in the finishing tunnel. Please do not exit the finishing tunnel by ducking under the tape. Doing so means that your time will not be recorded and it also distorts all the other runners finishing times.
9. Obeying all the above will ensure the smooth running of the Winter League for all involved.
10. Last but certainly not least, enjoy your run!!

DUBLIN CITY MARATHON ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY.
FOR PADDY JOE DELANEY MEMORIAL SHIELD.

With the majority of our Marathon runners jet setting around various parts of the World these last couple of weeks, when we had runners taking part in Marathons in Budapest, Berlin, Amsterdam and with New York yet to come, obviously our numbers taking part in this coming bank holiday Monday’s Dublin City Marathon will be a much smaller contingent than usual. However that said we will be well represented on the day. The Irish National Marathon championship will be held in conjunction with the race, as has been the case for a few years now, any club member taking part is asked to contact club secretary Norma Wall so we can submit their name for the championship. The Annual Paddy Joe Delaney shield will be awarded to the first West Waterford Athlete to finish the championship race. We wish all the very best of luck to those taking part on the day.

WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES COMPETE IN AMSTERDAM

A large crew of West Waterford athletes departed for Amsterdam last weekend to compete in the marathon, half marathon and the 7.5 k run. Amsterdam has proved very popular over the last number of years. The variety of distances on offer and the flat land is a plus for any marathon and all were delighted with their performances. It was slightly warm on the day but otherwise the conditions were good for marathon running. There were many miles covered throughout West Waterford in the lead up to Sunday’s race and all can take a well earned rest after pulling off a great display of running. Trevor Mason was the first man home from the club and did so in a time of 2.59. Trevor is one of the club’s most dedicated runners and he well deserved this time. Brett Lynam was next home in a time of 3.03. Brett trained ever so diligently and was a regular at the Friary. When many of us arrived at the Friary Brett was already there doing laps and as we were leaving any night Brett would still be doing laps. If you do the training you will reap the rewards and Brett is proof of this. Next up were the Byrne boys, Brian and Garret who both clocked 3.08 for the distance. This was their fastest time yet for a marathon and both will be well pleased with this. As anyone who has run a marathon will tell you, it’s the last six miles that really hurt and both of the lads dug deep and came home with flying colours. Having an injury with the last few months was the last thing on Gerry Cantwell’s mind at the starting line last Sunday. He was all focused on completing the distance no matter what and finished the 26.2 miles in a very credible time of 3.14. Gerry has run more marathons than some of us have had hot dinners and he gives each one his best effort. Gerry will be delighted with this time and no doubt he’s already planning his next marathon. The Dunford duo was next to cross the line at this their second marathon in Amsterdam. They are becoming quite the marathon experts and as always followed the training schedule impeccably which is the reason they both ran so well on the day. Looking at their split times they ran a very steady and sensible race and are the ones to go to for marathon advice. Well done to all who took part in the marathon. The half marathon took place a few hours after the marathon and its all good news to report from this camp as well. Mike Dwyer capitalised on his diligence and consistency at training to come home in a time of 1.22. This was great running indeed from Mike who is no stranger to long distances. Tourin will be celebrating on hearing that the Doc duly recorded 1.33for the 13.1 miles that is the half marathon. Doc has trained hard over the last few months and recorded some great times at the summer series and the friary leagues. With the challenge of a half marathon now accomplished it’s a full marathon next year I reckon. Close behind Kenneth was newly married Martin Mullarkey who recently took part in the Cape Town marathon. Martin is another to have tackled the Amsterdam marathon previously and will be well pleased with his efforts on the day. It was a second trip to the Dutch city for Anthony Dwyer who completed the half marathon in 1.40, great running from Anthony whose running career has encompassed many a marathon and half marathon. Next up was another Dwyer, Marie, who ran a blinder on the day to record 1.44. Whether it’s a marathon or half marathon, ten mile or 10k Marie takes it all in her stride and judging on that great time it won’t be long before she tackles another. Tom Condon, another half marathon veteran was the next representative from the club to cross the line and will be delighted with his performance as well. Tom as always runs a good steady pace and like all the others will take a well earned rest before starting training for yet another race. The club had one sole representative in the 7.5km race. Michael Tutty undertook this distance and clocked 45.50. Great running Mike, it’s great to see you back running again. Well done.

Marathon Times
Trevor Mason 2.59
Brett Lynam 3.03
Brian Byrne 3.08
Garret Byrne 3.08
Gerry Cantwell 3.14
Ann Dunford 3.25
Pat Dunford 3.25

Half Marathon Times
Mike Dwyer 1.22
Kenneth O’ Donnell 1.33
Martin Mullarkey 1.34
Anthony Dwyer 1.40
Marie O’ Dwyer 1.44
Tom Condn 1.47

7.5km times
Mike Tutty 45.50

RAIVIS RECORDS IMPRESSIVE WIN IN KILLARNEY

Not long after completing a marathon in his native Latvia, it was time to test out the new runners and so Raivis headed off to Killarney on Saturday morning to compete in the 10k race. A large field gathered on the day but none were capable of holding back the determined Raivis who recorded a fantastic win in a time of 31.57. This was super running indeed and indeed it’s a taste of what’s to come over the next few months from the ever improving Raivis. Well done.

ELITE PAINTBALL 1 LAP CHALLENGE

GREAT EFFORT FOR FINAL NIGHT

The sixth and final round of the Elite Paintball 1 Lap Challenge in conjunction with Fit4Life took place at the Friary College Grounds Abbeyside last Tuseday evening. It’s hard to believe that the 6 weeks are over already and many people have benefited greatly from this league. At the outset it was a challenge for many to complete the lap but as the league progressed times reduced as athletes got fitter and faster. Many of the athletes who have run in this league have now proven to themselves that they can now carry on this challenge and progress on to take part in the upcoming Winter League. We would like to remind all athletes interested in taking part in the Winter League that Registration for the league will take place on Wednesday October 22 between 6.30 and 7.30 at the Sports Centre Quanns. The league will then commence on the following Wednesday October 29 at 7.15 sharp. (Please see advice for all those taking part in the Winter League in this weeks notes). So it’s onwards and upwards for these athletes and we hope to see you all again next week for Registration night. We look forward to watching your progress.

SUB 7-MINUTE

This week in the sub 7 minute section we had just 2 athletes who managed to dip under the 7 minute mark. There are no prizes for guessing who the first of these athletes was as he has filled this position for the previous 5 weeks. Yes Ardmore man Sean Stilwell continued his fine form of late and showed once again that he was the dominant athlete in this league. Indeed Sean’s time of 6.28 was excellent considering the underfoot conditions. Following Sean through the finishing tunnel was Ballyduff Upper man Harry O Brien who was an excellent juvenile athlete and has just returned to the running scene. Harry’s time of 6.40 shows his pedigree considering he is not long returned to the sport.

SUB 8-MINUTES

Just 6 seconds separated the 5 runners in the sub 8 minute category. The first across the line was another athlete who is showing good form of late and had filled the second position on the previous 5 weeks of this league. This week Kevin Kenneally had to be content with 3rd place and a time of 7.05. Just 3 seconds behind and hot on Kevin’s heels was Johnny O Connor who always seems to maintain a very good level of fitness. Johnny’s time was 7.08. Next to cross the finish line was Kilrossanty man Patrick Riordan in 7.10. Yevgeniy Chizhikov was a further 1 second behind in 7.11. The final runner in under the 8 minute mark was the ever improving Kenneth O Donnell who used this run as part of his final preparations for Amsterdam.

SUB 9-MINUTES

On Tuesday evening last just 2 athletes came into this category and 2 very consistent athletes they are too. The first was the much improved Sean Dwyer and just like his uncles and the rest of his family he is tough as nails and shows great determination. His time on the final night was 8.15 and I think Sean is one to watch out for in the upcoming Winter League as he is definitely capable of reducing his times. Following Sean was one of those athletes that every club would like to have, one of those runners who turns out for the club when asked no matter what the competition, the venue or the distance. Ann Wyley is this athlete and on this occasion she ran a time of 8.54.

SUB 10-MINUTE

The largest contingent of runners was in this category last Tuesday evening with a total of 8 runners in under the 10 minute mark. The first athlete in this category was another athlete who has really taken to running like a duck to water and is determined to improve his times. John Murray is his name and his time was 9.14. Following John home was Maud Cunningham (9.21). Maud is also making a comeback to the sport and is also showing great improvements. Next home and just 1 second behind Maud was Michael (Dixie) Deegan in a time of 9.22. Another tough competitor Tom Scanlon was next in 9.37. The next 2 runners over the line have completed all 6 nights of this league and they were Brigid Cofffey (9.48) and Declan Hayes (9.52). Tony Ryan decided to complete his 4th night in this league and ran the 1.2 miles in 9.55. The final athlete in this group was the one and only Josie Ui Chuirrrin who completed the Budapest marathon a few weeks ago.

OVER 10-MINUTES

Diana Chizhikova ran a time of 10.52 and was the first athlete just after the 10 minute mark for the distance of 1.2 miles. Onra Power followed Diana home in a time of 11.02 and just one second behind was Andrea Gaffney who crossed the line and finished the night and the league for this year with a time of 11.03. Once again, well done to everyone who took part and well done to you all.

COMPETITION WITHIN THE LEAGUE

This week the competition had a new winner in John Murray who selected Sean Stilwell for a time of 6.22. Sean ran 6.28 and John was the nearest at 6 seconds out. Well done John and congratulations on your win.
LEAGUE SPONSORS

As always we would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for this league who are Jeff and Marie Allen of Elite Paintball based in Colligan. We are grateful for their support and encourage all athletes to support our sponsors whenever possible.
THANK YOU

West Waterford A.C. would like to extend our gratitude to the Friary College Abbeyside for their co-operation and letting us have the use of their grounds for these leagues. Thanks also to Tony, Michael, Pascal, James and all those who have helped to make the league possible.

PRIZE-GIVING

The prize-giving for the league will be held this Friday night, October 24 in Alice O’ Connor’s Bar in Abbeyside at 10 p.m. This is a night for all the athletes that took part and not just for the winners. It will be a great night and we would like to encourage as many as possible to come along. The following are the prize-winners of the One Lap Challenge: Sean Stilwell, Kevin Kenneally, Corinna Walsh, John Murray, Dixie Deegan and Onra Power.

GARVEY’S FIT4LIFE AUTUMN LEAUE

As the saying goes “all good things come to an end” and the same applies to the very successful Garvey’s Autumn League. The sixth and final night took place last Thursday night amid wet and slippy underfoot conditions but these failed to deter the efforts of all that took part. The final night heralds the onset of the winter and the last time we will run in the friary at night time until mid-spring. It was a great turn-out for the final night with mild enough conditions. Proceedings got underway at 6.30 p.m. sharp due to the fading light with athletes taking part in the one, two, three and four lap leagues. The improvement of all the athletes was immense and we’re sure that all enjoyed the league immensely. Well done to all those that took part.

CLAIRE CRUISES HOME

Claire Cotter really made the one lap league her own and improved with each outing. While many athletes were slower due to the conditions this was not the case for Claire. She recorded 11.06 last week but really and truly smashed this time when she was first past the finishing line in a time of 10.47. Well done Claire. Hot on her heels was Rita Connolly who was just outside 12 minutes for the lap.

RICHIE “POWERS” HOME IN TWO LAP LEAGUE

The two lap league saw some great performances on the night. Once again, Corinna was in total control but not too far behind was the ever improving Dzintars Santers who was very close to breaking 17 minutes. Richie Power pulled off a great performance to cross the finishing tunnel in a time of 18.03. Great running Richie and no doubt we will see more improvement in the winter league. Geraldine Barry was also very close to breaking 20 minutes for the distance, well done Geraldine.

GREAT RUNNING BY EANNA

The three lappers were led home by Eanna Donnelly who completed the three laps in a time of 23.50, well under 8 minutes per lap. Given the conditions of the ground this was a great run. Eanna was well clear of the second placed Tom Byrne who was just outside of 28 minutes, clocking 28.09

SEAN IN CONTROL AGAIN

Once again, Sean led the four lappers home. Out of the six night of the league, Sean was first home in five of the six nights and last Thursday night Sean Stilwell left nothing to chance as he went from the gun making sure that this would be the case. He had over 90 seconds to spare over Kevin Kenneally who came home second n a time of 28.55. Johnny O’ Connor and Yevgeniy Chizhikov had a bit of a battle going on with Johnny edging just ahead of Yev, clocking 31.45 with Yev just one second behind. Sean Dwyer’s fine run secured him a win in his division as did Dixie’s performance. Well done and thanks to all the athletes that turned up each night of the league.

LEAGUE TABLES AND PRESENTATION NIGHT

The presentation night for the Garvey’s Fit4Life Autumn League will take place on Friday night next, October 24, at Alice O’ Connor’s Bar in Abbeyside at 10 p.m. It will be held in conjunction with the Elite Paintball One Lap Challenge. It is through the generosity of our sponsors that we are in a position to hold such leagues and we ask that whenever the situation arises, that our sponsors be supported as much as possible. We ask that all the prize-winners make an effort to attend on the night. The following are the prize-winners for the Garvey’s league: Claire Cotter, Corina Walsh, Brigid Coffey, Joan Navin, Yevgeniy Chizhikov, Tom Byrne, John Murray, Sean Stilwell, Kevin Kenneally, Johnny O’ Connor, Sean Dwyer, Jim Barry, Ann Whelan and Dixie Deegan. Each athlete’s best four nights determined their final position on the league tables.

Notes – October 19th 2008

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