MINNIE’S BAR FIT4LIFE LEAGUE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.
We had high hopes at the beginning of the Minnie’s Fit4Life running league, but we never envisaged that it would have been successful as it actually is. From the outset we have had a steady stream of people joining each week and a huge number showing up regularly week after week with each and every one of them now running at a level they would never have thought possible a few weeks ago. We have said it before and we’ll say it again, the sky’s the limit for these people as they continue to show a steady improvement. The same can be said for the people that have not yet joined but are thinking of doing so, how do you know what you can and can’t do unless you give it a go? The league was set up specifically to help people totally new to running and exercise so therefore previous experience in running or a certain level of fitness is not required at all. All that you have to do is to turn up at the Friary College on Tuesday evenings and with the fine weather what better way to spend an evening. You have a choice of the distance you can do with the option of walking and running a bit, whatever it takes to cover the distance. There are plenty in the same boat and you will receive plenty of support and encouragement from us all. There are only two nights remaining of this league but it’s still not too late to sign up, you could use the remaining nights of this league to give you a head start for the next upcoming leagues to be held in the Friary. The Minnie’s league continues on Tuesday nights at 7 pm with registration beginning at 6.45 p.m. All runners are asked to park at the rear of the college grounds. The entry fee is €2 and water is provided for all participants.
TOP MARKS FOR AISLING.
Round 7 was most definitely Aisling Hourigan’s hour as she ran an absolute blinder in the one lap league. For round six, we had double the amount of participants than round 5, this itself speaks volumes for the suitability of the league for newcomers. As is always the case, the more we have running the more encouragement and motivation you get and this worked for Aisling. Round 5 saw Aisling record a time of 11.25 which is great running indeed but round six really saw her break all barriers and she crossed the line in a time of 10.33. This is some accomplishment and well deserved as Aisling put in a great effort. On the night, the runners were led home by Diana Chizhikova and Declan Hayes, both of whom recorded the exact same time, 9.39 each with Diana managing to be first past the post. Hot on their heels were Sandra Ellard and Helen O’ Brien clocking 9.41 and 9.42 respectively and only a few seconds behind them was Brigid Coffey. This close running should make the remaining few nights of the league very interesting altogether as they all seem to have endless capacity for improvement. Siobhain McCormack and Tara Roche had only three seconds separating the two of them and the same margin was between Jenny Burke and Majella Walsh. Kayleigh Fraher Burke and Jenny Murphy were just outside of 11 minutes for the one lap with Angela Bradatan and Fiona Tobin both finishing at the same time of 13.18. Running beside or close enough to someone really does help you to push yourself along as when you feel tired that’s when the other person comes in to play, by matching their pace and staying as close to them as you can, you will be finished before you know it. Well done to all the one lappers.
THOMAS MAKES THE GRADE.
Well done to Thomas O’ Grady who had a great run for round 6. Although laid off through injury with a long time, it certainly didn’t take him that long to get back in action as can be told from his time of 19.06 for the two-lap course. Thomas was 6th person home overall and will be well pleased with his performance. Before the league concludes, he will be running well under 19 minutes. Michael John O’ Mahony was another to have a great run on the night, he finished with a time of 17.27 with Christopher O’ Grady close behind with 17.58. Marie O’ Gorman and Hugh O’ Connor had a great battle going on between the two of them and with Marie pipping Hugh on the line, they both finished with 19.50. Carolyn Byrne was another to break 20 minutes on the night with Aine Lynch marginally outside of that. Joan Navin and Marie O’ Donovan had plenty to spare in their bid to break 21 minutes. Ann Cummins and Michelle Flynn provided plenty of motivation for each other around the course with a single second between them at the end. Sarah Power and Betty Sheehan were just outside of 23 minutes but should they run together the next night and get the pacing right, they will no doubt be well under 23 minutes. The two Carolines, Flynn and McCarthy also had fine runs as did Tommy Lenihan and Anita Lyons.
HATS OFF TO HICKEY.
Fresh from having taken part in the Cork City Marathon the previous day, Alan Hickey joined the three lappers and led the field home in a time of 22.40 which is approximately 6.13 per mile. Alan held a significant lead over the current leader of the three lappers Johnny O’ Connor who clocked 23.08. There was another battle in this league with Tom Byrne and Tomas Coleman, both of whom have been running roughly the same time each week. Round six saw Tom run three seconds faster than Tomas. They also faced tough competition in the form of Colm O’ Brien who finished right behind them. We are in for some great performances over the next few weeks as they all have the potential and the capabilities for better things. Speaking of capabilities, Michael Roche is in great form at the moment and is really enjoying the league immensely. His time of 26.18 has been one of his best times in this league and he’s certainly showing no signs of stopping. Michael was very closely followed home by Dzintars Saunters, just 4 seconds between the two of them. Niamh Moloney and Kevin Curran were both under 27 minutes for the three laps Jim Fleming and Tom Scanlon kept the flag flying for Carriglea with the two of them running together recording 28.42 and 28.43 respectively.
FERGAL BREAKS 35 MINUTE BARRIER.
The league is all about getting fit and pushing yourself that extra little bit each week, setting new targets, achieving them and then setting some different targets. For round 6, Fergal Connolly really put in a great performance, gave it his all and crossed the finishing line in a time of 34.59, a second under 35 minutes. For many doing the 4-lap course, running under 35 minutes is a milestone that many aim for as it equates to running a 5-mile road race in that time. To run this time over the four laps in the Friary is 8.45 per lap. For those hoping to achieve this, you should aim to run the first two laps at least at that time, certainly not any quicker. On the third lap maintain or up the pace and on the last lap just give it your all and this should see you break 35 minutes. For many it takes a while to break 35 minutes but you will find that when you have done it once it happens automatically after that. Well done to Earl Navin who has been hovering around the 33-minute mark for a number of weeks, round 6 saw him break this to record 32.47. Jim Barry also broke 34 minutes recording 33.39. The Touraneena 5k had no effect on Corinna Walsh as she clocked 32.13 with Gary Collins finishing ahead of her with 31.58. JJ Henley and Micheal Callaghan were outside of 39 minutes for the four laps but should dip under 39 minutes in the not too distant future.
SPONSORS
Thanks once again the O’ Brien family of Minnie’s Bar, Abbeyside for being so generous with their help, support and sponsorship. It’s great to be associated with them again this year and it is much appreciated by all at the club. Many thanks
RAIVIS ZAKIS AND CORINNA WALSH BOTH ON “AUTO PILOT” AT “AUTO POWER” RATHGORMACK 5.
Race one in the Carrick AC organised four race road racing series got under way last Friday evening when the Auto Power sponsored Rathgormack 5 miler was held. Proceeds from the race which attracted a field of 133 runners was donated to The Irish Cancer Society. West Waterford was very well represented at the race when 30 club members made the journey to take on the undulating course around the village of Rathgormack and our club members played a big part in the sharing out of the winning spoils at the end of the evening, The race was won for the second year in a row by Raivis Zakis with his fastest time to date on this course of 25.40,Raivis had to battle hard for this victory as from the gun Shane Mullaney from Thurles Crokes made the early pace and at one stage had 60 meters of a lead over the chasing Zakis. The leader went through 1 mile at 4.53 and Raivis at 4.58.After a fast section which saw Raivis regain the lead with a 4.46 mile he drew clear of Mullaney and went on to claim his second Rathgormack victory with e new course record of 25.40 with Shane Mullaney second despite fading back over the closing mile or so in 26.43,It was yet another great run from the man who was third West Waterford’s Declan McGrath fresh from his terrific run the previous Monday in the Cork City marathon he ran a good time of 27.15.Philip Harty continued on his way back to full fitness finishing a good 5th in 27.30.Joe Gough was first over 55 in 30.15,
Like wise the Ladies winner was also from West Waterford AC when Corinna Walsh covered the undulating course in a splendid 31.29,This was another fine performance from Corinna who seems to have all her injury worries now well and truly behind her, Clonmel’s Angela McCann was second in a time of 32.03 with another Clonmel athlete Keally Tidewell was third in 32.12,Daine Behan was first Lady over 35 in 33.35,To date 3.800 has been raised from the race and all can be proud of that great figure for a very worthy cause.
WEST WATERFORD FINISHERS IN RATHGORMACK 5.
1 Raivis Zakis 25.40
3 Declan McGrath 27.15
5 Philip Harty 27.30
8 P.J.Guinan 28.15
18 Joe Gough 30.15
27 Garry McCormack 31.19
28 Corinna Walsh 31.29
29 Pat Dunford 31.31
34 Kenneth O’Donnell 32.23
37 Paul Brunnock 33.05
40 Diane Behan 33.35
46 Gerry O’Connor 34.26
47 Micahel Molpney 34.30
48 Tom Moroney 34.30
50 Pat Frisby 34.43
54 David Connors 35.11
55 Anne Whelan 35.12
57 Ger Wyley 35.22
64 Billy Coleman 36.15
66 Ann Dunford 36.27
73 Brigid Coffey 37.35
91 Tom Scanlon 39.58
93 Michael Deegan 40.16
98 Andrea Gaffney 41.00
99 Hugh O’Connor 41.01
102 Ray Murray 41.10
109 Liam Sandford 43.13
110 Onra Power 43.21
115 Joan Navin 44.19
126 Terri Gough 48.21
LITTLE SOUTH 4.
West Waterford had a hand full of athletes taking part in last Sundays Little South run in Kilmacow.the race was won by Alan O’Shea in a time of 19.30 from Clonliffe’s Sergiu Turea 19.35 second, Raivis Zakis was third in a new 4 mile personal best time of 19.40 knocking a whopping 18 seconds off his previous best time for the distance, Seamus Power Kilmurray was fourth 19.45 and Ger Clancy D.M.P. was fifth in 20.06,The Ladies event went to Pauline Curley of Tullamore 23.00 with Lucy Darcy Sportsworld second in 23.43.West Waterford’s Brigid Coffey was first over 35 Lady in 29.51 others to perform well from the club on the day included P.J.Guinan 22.51,Tom O’Brien 25.01,Jim Duhig,28.47,Michael Wade 29.55,Onra Power 24.10,Ray Murray 32.03.well done to all,
MOONEY’S PUB RÁS NA RINNE ON THIS FRIDAY JUNE 13TH.
It hard to believe that we are almost at the half way point in this years Ger Wyley sports/Nike summer series when on Friday June 13th (lucky for some) we are in Ring for the 16th Annual Mooney’s Pub sponsored Rás Na Rinne 6 miler, We would like to sincerely thank Tom and Ann Gough for their ongoing sponsorship of this event now in its 16th year. The race this year is race number 5 in the series and it will start at 8 PM.Changing facilities and race entry will be at Halla Phobail Na Rinne from 7 PM.with entry fee 8 Euro. The following are the prize categories for the race 1st 3 Senior Men, 1st over 40,45,50,55,and 60,1st Junior, and 1st Local.1st 3 Senior ladies, 1st over 35,40,45,and 50.and 1st three teams with 5 to score using the handicap system for selecting teams. West Waterford club policy as usual regarding prizes, one prize per athlete. There will also be plenty of spots for non prize winners on the night, and of course the winner will be presented with the O’ Droma family perpetual shield. The presentation of prizes will take place in Mooney’s Pub after the race and refreshments will also be served to all.
GER WYLEY SPORTS / NIKE SUMMER SERIES.
7th ANNUAL DEISE BAR CLASHMORE 5.
Race number 6 in the 2008 Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series will be held on Friday June 20th with the newly sponsored Deise Bar Clashmore 5,firstly our sincere thanks to the Salmon family who were the previous sponsors of this event, All at the club sincerely thank them for their contribution to the club and this race in particular. To our new sponsor we would like to welcome on board Aine Curran of the Deise Bar and we hope that the great road racing tradition in Clashmore will continue for many year to come under the umbrella of our new sponsors. Changing and showers will be available by kind permission at the Clashmore G.A.A.club grounds, (by kind permission) and the presentation of prizes will take place in the Deise Bar.
4th ANNUAL WATCH THE SUN RISE CHALLENGE IN AID OF NIALL MELLON TOWNSHIP TRUST.
Our West Waterford Athletic Club’s Annual Sunrise challenge takes place this year on Sunday morning June 22nd departing at 4 AM. Yes that’s 4 AM in the morning folks; a large turn out is expected again this year for the 4th Annual watch the sunrise challenge event with all proceeds going to a very worthy cause. West Waterford athletic club are delighted to be involved with this year’s chosen charity the Niall Mellon Township Trust. Local volunteers Berti Hallahan, Christopher Dee and Peter Cuna will be part of 1.300 builders who will take on the challenge of building 300 houses for the less well off in the town of Khayelitsha which is Situated on the outskirts of Cape Town in South Africa, The three Men are sending out an invitation to all to join them and West Waterford Athletic Club by take up our own challenge to watch the sunrise over the Déise with all proceeds going to the Niall Mellon Trust fund, Entry is 20 Euro which includes a post race breakfast. We will meet at Euro spar car park Abbeyside at 4 AM and travel by car to the mountain base before walking the mile or so to the top of Cruchán Mountain. Where will watch the sun rise over the famed Déise, Pat and Ann Dunford’s traditional breakfast run takes place from the base of Crúchan to the breakfast in Minnie’s at the usual handy pace to round off the morning in style.
NATIONAL LEAGUES ROUND TWO THIS SUNDAY.
The club are off this Sunday to Santry stadium Dublin for round two of the National leagues, After a great start in round one we are currently eight with eight to qualify for the finals, Having said that the table is very tight so we will need a big turn out of athletes if we are to progress, Best of luck to all travelling in their quest to qualify for the finals this year,
RUNNING WORK SHOP.
A running workshop for adult runners, from beginners to more advanced, will be held in Waterford IT on June 18th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.This work-shop should be of benefit to everyone with an interest in running, from absolute beginners to experienced ‘road warriors’, and will also be a useful guide for anyone with an interest in coaching individuals or groups of runners.
When: Wednesday June 18th
Where: Auditorium, WIT Main Campus.Waterford.
What Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm, registration from 6:15pm
Cost: €5 payable at registration
Topics Covered include.
Why Running?
Running and Fitness
Training Principles
Training Modes
Progressing Fitness
Supplementary Training
Goal Setting
Scheduling Training
Book your place by email or phone to Jacqui at jacqui@athleticsireland.ie, 0872629950.
MAYORAL RECEPTION FOR JOE GOUGH.
On Monday May 26th last West Waterford’s Joe Gough was honoured by the Mayor of Waterford Cllr Mary O’Halloran at a reception in City hall.Waterford.Speaking at the reception Mayor O’Halloran spoke of many of Joe’s achievements spanning many years in the sport, Joe was joined on the special occasion by many family members and friends from the sport including many from West Waterford AC.
The Mayor’s speech included the following comments. I’m sure that the majority of you here tonight are aware of Joe’s many successes in his athletic career. However, it is appropriate, on a celebratory night such as this, to highlight the extent of his accomplishments since he first started out in athletics at the tender age of eleven years of age. Joe began his career in athletics as a member of the local club in Dungarvan in the early sixties and did most of his training on the Christian Brothers’ playing fields and Friary College grounds. He competed in many juvenile events at club and county level and often trained with other now-famous sportsmen such as John Tracey, Tony Ryan and the Sheehan brothers from Dungarvan. However, it was when he reached master status, as a 35 year old, that his true talents as a middle distance athlete shone through. Under the guiding hand of his long-time coach Dick Murphy, and with the availability of facilities at the Regional Sports Centre in Kilbarry, Joe has successfully competed for the last twenty years – training six days a week every week.
As a middle distance runner, he has been Champion of Ireland 42 times, as well as winning the same honour in Great Britain three times, and also achieving the title in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Russia and Europe.
He also holds four Irish middle distance records – three in the ‘800 metres’ over 45, 50 and 55 years of age categories and one in the 1,500 meters category.
Because of all these achievements, it is not an overstatement to say that Joe Gough has been an inspiration to many aspiring athletes down through the years.
We hear in the media, that there has been a significant increase in the numbers taking part in athletics in recent years – and particularly in running – and it is important that up-and-coming athletes have role models to look up to. It is also important that we continue to recognise the talents and achievements of Irish sportsmen and women and acknowledge the huge contribution they make to Irish society. Joe’s achievements would not have been possible without huge dedication on his part, as well as a commitment to compete with pride and passion for his county. Upcoming European Master Championships in Slovenia this summer, but we are delighted that he is able to be with us here this evening so we can honour his achievements in athletics over the years, and pay tribute to the very excellent job he has done of representing Waterford in both the national and international arenas. I am confident that he will go on to inspire others to follow in his footsteps as he continues to compete so successfully in national and international events. He is truly an outstanding role model for athletes throughout the country and we salute his achievements. The evening concluded with refreshments fro all present, which rounded off a most deserving and enjoyable evening for Joe and his family.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford Athletic Club extends sincere sympathy to the family and friend’s of brothers Ian and David Wall who tragically lost their lives recently, May they rest in peace.A minutes silence was observed in their memory at the recent Touraneena 5k.
RUNNING QUOTE.
The human body can do so much. Then the heart and spirit must take over.
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