SUN, SMILES AND SUCCESS AT MINNIES FIT4LIFE SUMMER LEAGUE.
Round two of the Fit4Life Minnie’s Summer League was held amid glorious weather conditions and no doubt was the main reason behind such a huge turn out. The good news is that a total of 123 runners took part in all the various distances and the even better news is that all those who signed up for the first week were all back ready and rearing to go for the next round. We had a total of 15 who took part in the one lap league for the first round and this was increased to 20 for the second round. We can’t stress enough how welcome newcomers are on any night of the league. This league is run for the duration of the summer and whether you can only do one or two nights you will still be very welcome. To cater for all runners, this league allows you to choose the distance that you want to run yourself. Runners may choose to run one, two, three or four laps of the Friary grounds. Each lap is a distance of 1.2 miles and with increasing numbers in each of the routes; there will be plenty of company for each of you along the way. The return of the newcomers and the increase in numbers is surely testament to the popularity and suitability of this league for all types of runners. The league begins each Tuesday night at 7p.m. with registration commencing at 6.45 at the club van. The fee is €2 per night and water is provided at the finish for all participants. If you haven’t already joined but are thinking about it, why not pop along on Tuesday night and have a look and see how the league operates, you will also see for yourself just how easy it really is. Bring a friend or two to join in the fun.
HUGE IMPROVEMENT FOR THE ONE LAPPERS
The one lap runners really meant business for the second round of the league with each and every single one of them showing immense improvements in such a short space of time. As already stated, the numbers for the one lap are well up and we hope this trend will continue. Well done to Kevin Tutty and Mary Fitzpatrick, both of whom were under 11 minutes for the lap, which is great running indeed. Ita Mason is back and did very well to run 11.29. Emma Kirwan ran the distance in 11.04 and Declan Hayes ran a blinder to come home 47 seconds faster than the previous week, now that is some achievement in my book. Others to show massive improvement in just one week are Paula Early, a full minute quicker in week two and Kayleigh Fraher Burke ran the lap in a time of 12.04, down from 13.49. No doubt, Kayleigh will be dipping under 12 minutes at her ease in the not too distant future. A big welcome to all the newcomers for the one lap and we hope to see you all for the next round. Keep up the good work.
MAEVE ON THE MOVE
An excellent feature of this league is that it provides an opportunity to increase the distance you can run when you feel up for the challenge. One such person up for a bigger challenge in round two was Maeve Ann Moynihan. Maeve-Ann ran one lap for the first round but decided to up the distance to two laps for the second round, a challenge which she was well able for and she will be delighted with her time of 22.57. Aisling Horgan also experienced huge improvements, bringing her time down from 21.38 to just under 21 minutes. Perhaps the best way to achieve success is to aim to knock off a small bit off your time from week to week, by doing this it makes the target more easily attainable and by the end of the league you will notice a huge difference in your times from the beginning to the end of the league. Geraldine Barry was another to run well under 21 minutes as did Nikki McKenna and Louise Hayes. Deb Tudbury, Aine Lynch and Ann Cummins also improved immensely. There are some that are using the two-lap course as a means of doing speed work and they are really putting in some effort here. Martin Hayes ran a super 14.33, Yevgeniy Chizhikov ran 15.21 and Liam Kavanagh ran 15.50 for the two laps. Well-done lads.
TRIUMPH FOR THE THREE LAPPERS
The three-lap league also experienced an increase in participants. Mark O’ Donnell led the field of 25 runners home in a time of 20.29.Ray Burke will be well pleased to have dipped under 25 minutes as will Mark Cahill to have ran 25 minutes even. Having ran just under twenty-six and a half minutes for the first round; Tom Byrne produced a fine display of running to come home in a time of 25.29. Alan Curran was also very focused on the night, running 26.26 for the three laps. Joe Barry was well under 27 minutes and Carol Whelan was only two seconds outside of 28 minutes. Michael Horgan has made a welcome return to the running and averaged out at just over ten minutes per lap which is fine steady running indeed.
RAIVIS IN CONTROL
Having won the Bantry Half Marathon the previous Sunday, Raivis Zakis looked completely in control over the four laps of the college grounds. He covered the distance of 4.8 miles in a time of 25.21 and all his dedication to training over the last few months is really paying off. Second to Raivis on the night was the ever-improving Sean Stilwell in a time of 27.09. Alan Lyons is also showing huge potential and was just outside of 29 minutes for the distance. Des Feeney and Eoin O’Riordan ran well together and covered the course in a time of 31.13 and 31.14 respectively. The recent London Marathon seems to have had no effect on Pat Dunford who upped the pace considerably on the second lap and passed out many a runner on his way to the finish in a time of 32.02, followed a second later by Corinna Walsh. Gary Collins was another to up the pace on the second lap and managed to hold the pace right through to the end finishing with 32.26 and Kenneth O’ Donnell was 32.28. Anthony Dwyer and Hugh Walsh both recorded 33.29 with Dermot Ryan and Vincent Tutty around the 35-minute mark. Pat Morrissey, Michael Deegan and Pat Tutty were within seconds of each other with Josie Ui Chuirrin and Brendan Kent clocking 36.52 each. Joan Navin and Olivere Crotty pushed each other along the way and were well under 45 minutes. Well done to all.
DIVISION TABLES
As mentioned last week, the division tables will be taking shape pretty soon. Your finishing position each night will determine your overall score. It’s your best six nights out of the nine nights that count, so lowest score wins. Please note that you must do six nights of the same league, i.e, six nights of the one lap league or six nights of the two-lap league. If you run six nights but they are of various combinations of one, two, three or four laps this is not enough to feature in the league.
SPONSORS
Thanks once again to the O’ Brien family of Minnie’s Bar, Abbeyside for their generous sponsorship of the league again this year. It is very much appreciated by all at the club.
MUNSTER TRACK AND FIELD MASTERS-JUNIOR AND UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIPS.
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB TAKE THIRD OVERALL MUNSTER TITLE IN ROW.
The Munster Track and Field championships were held for Masters, Junior’s and under 23’s at Cork I.T.last bank holiday Monday and the club had a very successful day at the championships. We were on the road bright and early with our young pole-vaulters who were in action early in the morning. Thomas Houlihan recorded a splendid win here in the Junior Boys taking the title when vaulting a new championship best of 3.80 for these championships, Not to be outdone by her older brother Lisa Houlihan was also in great form when winning the Junior Girls events with yet another new championship record vault of 2.70.Joe Conway competed in the 5.000 meter walk and Joe performed well to take a deserving Gold Munster medal, Zoe Scanlon was competing in the Discus and finished the competition with an excellent silver medal. In the Junior 3.000 meters steeplechase the club saw another medal winning performance from Rory Moloney who took the silver medal, Rory had won the bronze in this same race last year, Well done to Meg Fitzgerald who competed in the Hammer but was just outside the medals on the day, Turning to the under 23’s we had Sean Stilwell take a silver 3.000 meter steeplechase medal in a great race which finished in a sprint finish when Sean just came up short of taking winning gold, Eadaoine Ashe was in action in the discus and after taking the bronze medal last year had a great days competition winning a deserving gold. Padraig Healy won very well deserved Silver in the 3.000 meters steeplechase again excellent running from Padraig in this most energy-sapping event. In the Munster Masters championships our very strong Ladies and Men’s team made it three from three when taking the best overall club for the third year in succession, This is a great achievement for the club as competition was of a high standard in most diciplins. In the Ladies over 35 Sandra Brazil White won gold in 100 and 200 meters plus gold in the long jump and silver in the shot. Diane Behan took gold 3.000 meters, silver 800 and 1.500 and silver long jump. Brigid Coffey won silver Javelin and bronze Javelin, and it was a good days competition for Sharon O’Brien when she had three gold’s in Discus, Javelin and Hammer plus she won a silver in the Shot. In the over 40 section Ann Dunford was a busy Lady when winning gold in the 200 meters and silver in the 800 and bronze in the long jump and Javelin, In the over 45 category Eilish Ní hAodha took two gold’s 800 and 1.500 meter plus silver in the 3.000.Jacinta Sheil kept her love affair alive and well in these championship when taking two gold’s in the Hammer and Javelin plus two silvers in the Shot and Discus, In the over 50 Ladies we had two athletes competing Ann Moroney had a gold in the discus and three silver medals 100,200 meters and Javelin, while Josie Uí Chuirrin won silver in the 1.500 meters. Our final Lady competitor was Terri Gough over 60 and she won three gold medals 200 meters, Hammer and Javelin and silver in the 100 meters. The Ladies team also took gold and silver in the 4×100 meters relay.
Not to be outdone by the Ladies our Men were also out in force at the championships where in the over 35’s P.J.Guinan set the scene with a gold in the 3.000 meters and silver in the 1.500 meters following this in the over 40 category Michael Dunford won a silver 3.000 meters and bronze 1.500 meters, Pat Dunford won bronze in both the 56lb WF and Javelin, Michael Tutty was just off the winning throw in the Javelin but non the less won a great silver, and finally over 40 Frank O’Brien was back in action to easily win the Discus.Richie Power over 45 took a silver in the long jump, In the over 50 Colin Lyons in the same category took a high Jump gold medal, plus a bronze Discus and bronze Javelin, Over 55 the world 800 meters silver medallist Joe Gough won a unique four gold medal’s giving the performances of the championships when taking the 200,400,800 and 1.500 meters gold’s ,remarkable running from a remarkable athlete, Pascal Proctor won bronze 800 meters and 1.500 meters, Pat Connaughton over 60 took a bronze 1.500 and 3.000 meters, West Waterford won silver in the 4×100 meter relay also. Pat Morrissey and Michael Hennessey also played their part in the success on the day. Our thanks to Michael Tutty and Ann Dunford who ensured the success for the club by looking after the entries etc for the teams, plus our chairman Tony who was at the championships to support the members. To Br Patrick for all his help with the teams, and thanks to Matt who got us there and back safely.
SANDIS WINS BULMERS CLONMEL 10K
Sandis Bralitis continues his return to full injury free competition when taking his second win in a row in last Sundays Bulmers sponsored Clonmel 10k having also won the event in 2007.The race this year was held over a completely new course which could be described as undulating, This married with a very warm afternoon resulted in the times somewhat below the usual standard, never the less a field of 277 runners and walkers completed the event. Sandis recorded a winning time of 32.50 to take the overall prize from Gowrans Pat Byrne second 32.17, Ger Clancy D.M.P.Wexford of was third in 32.33, and Raivis Zakis was 4th in a time of 32.54.Joe Gough was first over 55 in 38.38,Diane Behan and Ann Dunford were also among the category prize winners,Ann Moroney recorded a personl best time and was second over 45 in her catagory, Our Ladies team of Inese Melne, Regina Byrne and Brigid Coffey won the Ladies team title, Well done to all.
1st Sandis Bralitis 31.50
4th Raivis Zakis 32.54
32nd Michael Dunford 38.21
34th Joe Gough 38.38
55th Des Feeney 40.19
61st Eoin O’Riordan 40.57
79th Diane Behan 42.09
86th Kenneth O’Donnell 43.07
96th Tom Moroney 44.02
101st Gerry O’Connor 44.32
102nd Richie Kelly 44.37
116th Inese Melne 44.57
117th John Falconer 46.01
123rd Ann Dunford 43.30
124th Regina Byrne 46.33
140th Michael Deegan 47.59
145th Brigid Coffey 180th Ann Moroney181st Magaret Power 48.1052.1152.13
221st Onra Power 57.59
237th Terri Gough 61.52
RICHIE POWER SCAFFOLDING SPORTS EVENING.
The clubs third Annual Senior Sports were held at St Augustine’s College (by kind permission) last Friday evening, the weather unlike the previous night for the primary school sports was much drier. The turn out of athletes was disappointing but non the less competition was good, All present enjoyed the evening and many took part in field events that they might not get to try ever day.eg shot-long jump, and sprinting. The events for the competition were the 100 metres, 400 metres, 1 mile, the long jump, shot putt. And cycle race. The were three categories on the night Open Ladies, Senior Men and Masters Men. Each athlete took part in all five disciplines and were awarded points with the lowest points best. The bicycle race was held separately and turned out to be one of the best races of the night with Youngster Joe Conway winning by 200th of a second from Alan Lyons with Colin Lyons third a great event with nothing separating the boys after the 800 meters course was completed.
In the senior Men’s section Sean Stilwell recorded four wins, and one second to claim victory from Alan Lyons who finished just three point behind with one win and four second placings, Joe Conway was third here. In the Masters Men’s competition our winner was Yevgeniy Chizhikova with a tally of six points, four wins and one second, Followed by Michael Dunford who had nine points, Colin Lyons was third on 16 points. Paul Brunnock was fourth with 19 points.
The category for our Ladies saw very close competition with just four points separating the top three, Karen Ryan was the overall winner with eight points, two wins and three second placing’s. Diana Chizhikova was second with ten points and Brigid Coffey was third on 12 points.
Thanks to Brother Lennon for all his help on the night and St. Augustine’s College for the use of their grounds, Thanks to event organiser Tony Ryan and Michael Tutty for his help. A special prize was drawn among the non-prizewinners and Colin Lyons won this. Special thanks to our sponsor Richie Power of Richie Power scaffolding for his invaluable support for the event. Well done to all who came along and took part.
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES RACE NO 3.
39TH ANNUAL WATERFORD –TRAMORE PADDY FLANAGAN MEMORIAL ROAD RACE ON THIS SATURDAY.
The oldest road race in the South East now in its 39th year. The Annual Paddy Flanagan memorial Waterford to Tramore 7 miler takes place this coming Saturday evening May 17th with an 7.30 pm starting time, The race as is tradition starts outside city hall, on the Mall and will make its way to Tramore out the Main road finishing outside the Majestic Hotel. Showers and changing facilities are available at the Tramore G.A.A club house and the presentation of prizes will also take place their, Entry to the race is 8 Euro, the usual prizes will be on offer and the race is again this year very kindly sponsored by Bausch and Lomb to whom the organisers are very grateful. Mrs Mary Flanagan wife of the late Paddy will again this year be in attendance as she has for the last 38 years to present the prizes and to present her annual special prize to the athlete whom she picks as worthy of a special award on the night. Ger Wyley Sports/Nike overall series leader board to date will be on displayed at the race. And a reminder to all to get your series entry in if you haven’t entered already. A 75-euro voucher will be presented to all who complete all 10 races in this year series, thanks to the generosity of our sponsor Ger Wyley.
RUNNING QUOTE.
If you feel bad at 10 miles, you’re in trouble. If you feel bad at 20 miles you’re normal. If you don’t feel bad at 26 miles, you’re abnormal.
RAIVIS AND BRIGID WIN COUNTRY GOLD MEDALS.
Both Raivis Zakis and Brigid Coffey competed in day two of the country track and field championships at the R.S.C.Waterford last Sunday. Both athletes took gold’s in the 200 meters.
COMERAGH CRYSTAL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL GOES TO ANN DUNFORD.
Ann Dunford was the winner of athlete of the month for April in the Comeragh Crystal sponsored monthly club awards. Ann is a former winner of this competition and is well in contention for overall glory again after four months of the 2008 competition gone. Ann was level with no less than six others for the monthly award but take’s the win on a count back as she is higher up the leader board with the better points tally than the others at this stage, However leading with a very healthy tally of 31 points is Brigid Coffey followed by winner for the last two years Raivis Zakis with 28 points. Joe Gough and Ann Dunford are both sharing third with 25 points each. Its early days yet in the competition which really usually takes abouth 6 to 8 months before a real winning pattern begins to show, but one things for sure the above mentioned will all be among the favourites when the final days of December draw closer. Remember Raivis is the man to see with your end of month competing list as he dishes out the points. Our thanks once again to Comeragh Crystal, The Mews.O’Connell St.Dungarvan for their sponsorship of these awards.
January February March April 0verall
Coffey, Brigid 9 6 4 12 31
Zakis, Raivis 6 5 9 8 28
Gough, Joe 8 6 7 4 25
Dunford, Ann 9 4 6 6 25
Cantwell, Gerry 7 5 6 4 22
Brunnock, Paul 7 5 4 6 22
Stilwell, Sean 7 4 5 6 22
Walsh Corinna 5 5 6 5 21
Kavanagh, Liam 7 5 3 6 21
Wall, Norma 6 4 5 6 21
Wall, Triona 5 4 6 6 21
Eibhlis Ni Aodha 10 4 3 2 19
Dunford, Pat 7 4 4 4 19
Dwyer, Anthony 6 5 3 5 19
Uì Chuirrìn, Josie 5 5 4 5 19
Flavin, Eamon 6 5 3 4 18
Coleman, Billy 5 5 4 4 18
Whelan, Anne 4 5 5 4 18
Behan, Diane 7 5 4 1 17
Lyons Alan 5 5 2 5 17
Budds, Liam 6 4 3 3 16
Power, Onra 6 4 3 3 16
Navin Joan 5 5 2 4 16
Mcgrath Declan 5 4 3 4 16
Moloney, Pearse 6 4 3 2 15
Hayes, Martin 5 5 2 3 15
Dunford, Ml 5 3 3 4 15
Colman Tomas 3 5 2 5 15
CRUCHAN MOUNTAIN RACE ON NEXT SUNDAY MAY 18th.
Its that time in May when we start thinking about our annual trip to the top of our nearest mountain, Cruchán, For the past six years under the auspices of IMRA (Irish Mountain Running Association) and West Waterford Athletic Club a race has been conducted to the top of this famous local landmark. The race takes place near the Pike taking in the Cruchan Mountain circuit and the course winds it’s way along forestry footpaths and mountain trails to the summit of the mountain and back along a different route to the starting point. This year’s race takes place on May 18th at 1pm. The run up Cruchan, which stands at 484m or 1587 feet above sea level, is a real challenge for the athlete who wants to try something different. If your not taking part in the clubs National leagues on this Sunday why not give the Cruchán challenge a go instead. Our thanks to club member Tim Foley for his help in organising this race.
JAMIE COSTIN RECORDS SEASONS BEST IN RUSSIA.
Irish race walkers were well represented at the IAAF Race Walking Cup in Russia this weekend. While every athlete gave of their best the weekend belonged to Robert Heffernan who slashed a whopping 53 seconds off his own Irish record set just about one year ago for the 20k.He was well placed in ninth at 5k which he covered in 20:16. At 10k he moved up a place to eight in a time of 39:53, and moved up to seventh at the 15k mark in a time of 59:30. He eventually finished ninth in 1:19:22 to become the first Irishman to break the magic 80 minute barrier.In the same race West Waterford’s Jamie Costin recorded a seasons best time of 1.25.59 and is well on his way in his preperations for the much longer 50k event which he will participate in at this years Beijing Olympics.Olive Loughnane followed up with her best performance ever when when finished a superb sixth in the women’s 20k race.She was 8th at 5k in 22:21; 10th at 10k in 44:38 and 8th at 15k in 66.56 before moving up to sixth at the finish in 1:29:17, bettering the 1:30:29 she set on the same venue back in 2003.
CARRICK AC RUNNERS CLINIC.
Bookings are now being taken for the Carrick AC runners clinic night on this coming Monday 19th May at 8PM in The Carraig Hotel.A host of guest speakers will be in attendance on the night covering all aspects of the sport.All are welcome to attend and admission is free,just call 051-641826 for your booking.
