GER WYLEY/NIKE SUMMER SERIES 2008 RACE NUMBER 2.
THE BATTLE AT BUTLERSTOWN
One could be forgiven for thinking that the headline has some historical reference dating back to war times when in actual fact the very battle in question is one of an athletic nature and was between two super and talented athletes called Zakis and Bralitis who fought tooth and nail to try and claim victory in the Top Service Station Holy Cross sponsored 24th Annual Butlerstown 10K road race held last Friday evening at the aforementioned venue. From the outset it was going to be a very interesting race as the previous week in the Marine Climb, both had to use every ounce of determination and gusto they possessed from gun to tape and this race was no different. The race itself began with a healthy entry of 219 runners, the wet weather failing to dampen the spirits of all participants. The course itself was slightly different to that of other years due to road works but all succeeded in taking the new three-lap course in their stride.From the admin point of view Gerry and Brid Cantwell and their team had everything under control and without any delay Tony Ryan got proceedings underway at 7.30.on the button. From the gun, both Raivis Zakis and Sandis Bralitis led out the field and left no illusions as to who was going to dominate this race. Passing through the first mile at 4.50, it was clear that this was going to be a two man race right through to the finish. Both settled in to the race very quickly and were composed and focused as they ran side by side clocking up mile after mile in the battle to the end. Two miles was covered in a time of 10.03 another fast 5.13 minute mile the next 5.09 followed by a 5.13 still shoulder to shoulder they raced through 5 miles in 25.45 On the final lap of three, they still could not be separated with Raivis edging ahead ever so slightly at times. However, it was still too tight to make a call on an eventual winner with both digging in deep. Over the next mile try as he might Raivis couldn’t open up any sort of a gap on his club mate Sandis, After the third and final climb on the old road when making the final turn towards the finishing line Raivis just had that edge on Sandis and this was a decisive move by the Ballinroad man who duly went on to claimed his second victory in as many weeks with Sandis just six seconds behind in second place. Both athletes put up a gallant effort and produced a fine display of top class running, not likely to be seen in many parts. It was a good win for Raivis but from Sandis point of view it is another step on the road back to full fitness after a prolonged lay off, No doubt the saga of the “Latvian two” will continue into the series over the coming weeks. Sean Stilwell was another to deliver a top class performance to finish in third position with an overall time of 33.55. Sean certainly didn’t have it his own way and had to really fight for this spot, fighting off tough competition from the Ted Flannelly United Striders, who at 3 miles had passed the Ardmore man, but true to form Sean wasn’t going down with out a battle and by mile 5 was back on the shoulder of the Wexford man before going on to open up a decisive gap over the following couple of hundred meters and this move was to see him secure that 3rd spot give West Waterford a 1-2-3- After a great mid race effort United Striders Ted Flannelly and the fast finishing Waterford athlete Larry Kennedy battled it out for fourth position, with Ted taking that spot and Larry a very credible fifth. Another up and coming young athlete from the club Padraig Healy was 6th.This was a superb race from the C.I.T.student who is an athlete who has progressed from the Juvenile ranks into one of the clubs finest young hopefuls this past while. P.J. Guinan who is in great running form at the moment was in tenth position overall and was the fourth West Waterford athlete over the line. Next up from the club was Trevor Mason with a time of 37.14, just under six minute mile pace. Trevor is showing good form and could yet well face the starters gun at the upcoming Cork Marathon me thinks. Only five seconds separated the next three West Waterford athletes, Michael Dunford, Alan Lyons and Liam Budds who all ran under 38 minutes. Just outside of 38 minutes was Martin Hayes in a time of 38.10.other performances of note from our Male athletes came from Conor Murray, Martin Mullarkey, Tom O’Brien, Noel Drohan, Billy Coleman, Eamon Flavin and John Joe Henly to mention a few.
FAMOUS VICTORY FOR CORINNA WALSH.
The ladies race produced an interesting turn of events as Jackie Carthy Kilmore, who was in complete control the previous week at the Marine Climb when taking a somewhat easy victory. This performance from the Wexford Woman rightly installed her as the hot favourite before the race in Butlerstown last Friday evening. Indeed, for the most part of the race it looked likely that the result would stand the same as the Marine race. However West Waterford’s Corinna Walsh always had Jackie in her sights and as the laps passed it was increasingly becoming obvious that an upset was indeed on the cards. After lap one there was a 25 second gap between the two after the second lap this was down to 10 seconds as the runners went out on the third and final lap of three, Corinna was running with a new determination about her, but Jackie still had about a ten second lead which many thought would be enough to see her take her second win of the series. However, Corinna never once gave up and continued to edge closer and closer and with one mile remaining as the two approached the uphill section on the back road in the same spot more or less where Raivis had made his move some minutes earlier in the Men’s race, Corinna made the brave decision to give it her all on the hill and she was soon on the shoulder of Jackie and went on to overtake the race leader with the finishing line looming, Once Corinna had a slight gap opened and running at a fast tempo she really accelerated from here on and with ultimate control crossed the line in 38.30, a full 30 seconds ahead of Jackie Carthy who had no response to Corinna’s gallant and decisive effort. Jackie had to settle for second spot on this occasion with a time of 39 minutes even. Pre-race favourite to fill third spot Angela McCann Clonmel AC duly obliged and ran a great race to finish in 39.31 with Waterford’s Mary Burke filling fourth position in a time of 40.29.Like the Men’s overalls series the Ladies this year will I have no doubt many twists and turns before summers end with Corinna and Jackie running so well presently all we can say at this stage is the best of luck to you both. Other West Waterford Ladies to run well on the night included Anne Whelan, Karen Ryan, Triona Wall, Tracy Dwyer, Magaret Power, and Sinead Moore.Well done also to the gang of seven Amanda,Bridget,Deirdre,Martina,Alice,Jacinta and Tommy,great stuff guys.
The new course met with much approval from the runners and from a spectators point of view it was great to be able to see the runners on each of the laps and to see the race develop. There were a total of 156 men and 63 ladies in total and the team prizes were picked at random from the computer. The finishing positions were determined prior to the race and for the first team it was the individuals that finished in 38th, 77th and 173rd position that claimed the first team prize. These individuals were Tom Morrissey, Cathal Dwane and Ray Murray. The second team prize went to Thomas Cooper in 45th place, Noel Drohan in 93rd place and Charlie Jacques in 186th place. The third team prize went to Fergus Murphy of Slaney Olympics in 55th place, Anne Whelan of West Waterford AC in 99th place and Anne’s club mate Sinead Moore was the third member of this team in 174th position.
RACE ORGANISATION.
The race itself was such a success due to the huge amount of preparatory work undertaken by race organiser Pat Hennessy.Pat and his team left no stone unturned in the lead up to the race and will be delighted with such a turn out. The race itself was a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s and a grand total of €2000 was raised for this very worthy cause. Thanks to all the stewards who manned the course and to all who helped out in any way, your help and support was much appreciated. To our team at registration and results, another fine performance not a hitch!. Pat Hennessy was also on hand at the prize giving where an array of prizes was given to the prizewinners. There were numerous spot prizes too. Thanks to Top Service Station at Holy Cross for sponsoring the race, your support was greatly appreciated.
Thanks also to the staff at the Holy Cross Bar where the post-race refreshments were held along with the prize giving. We were all very well looked after and well fed to say the least. Thanks again.
CAN YOU GET 10 FROM 10?
Are you up for the ten out of ten challenge? As part of this year’s summer series, anyone who runs all ten races in the series will receive a €75 Nike voucher redeemable at Ger Wyley Sports Shop in Dungarvan. This is the first year this has been introduced. As with other years, a €25 voucher will be presented to all those that run any six out of the ten races, so it’s busy times ahead for all series participants.
WEST WATERFORD CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008.
LEADERS AFTER RACE TWO.
MEN; WOMEN
Senior Men Raivis Zakis
0/35 P.J Guinan Senior Corinna Walsh
0/40 Michael Dunford 0/35 Brigid Coffey
0/45 Davy Wade 0/40 Ann Dunford
0/50 Colin Lyons 0/45 Eilish Ní hAodha
0/55 n/a 0/50 Ann Moroney
0/60 Pat Connaughton 0/55 Terri Gough
Junior n/a
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES –RACE NUMBER THREE
39TH ANNUAL WATERFORD TO TRAMORE (7.5 MILES)
The third race in the Ger Wyley Sports/Nike Summer Series will be held on May 17th beginning at Waterford and finishing out at Tramore. This race has always proved very popular in the past and should see a big turn out just like the first two races in the series, With a few weeks break between now and the race, we’ll all be able to get in plenty of training for what promises to be a great race.
MINNNIES FIT4LIFE SUMMER RUNNING LEAGUE
The club’s annual summer running league began last night in the grounds of the Friary College by kind permission. This league has always proved very popular and is one where many newcomers come along and take the first steps to fitness and health. The beauty of this league is that it caters for all sorts of runners, from the well-seasoned runner through to the complete beginner. As part of the league, each person can choose to run either one, two, three or four laps of the grounds of the Friary. Every year, we see many come along and try the one lap and their goal is to run one lap without stopping, which they all achieve. Many even move from running one lap to two laps and some venture to running the three-lap course. Don’t let the fact that you have never run before put you off, we all have to start somewhere. For the first few weeks, you can run a small bit and walk and then run another bit. There will be plenty in the same boat and plenty of encouragement and support will be provided. The fee each night is €2 and water is provided for all runners at the finish. The league itself gets underway at 7p.m. and registration will begin from 6.30 onwards at the club van. If you have any queries or questions, we will be available at the van or alternatively you can call league organiser Tony Ryan on 087 7657805. All you need is a pair of runners and a bit of determination and you’ll be well on the way. Why not convince a friend or work colleague to join up with you, the more the merrier. The league itself is held every Tuesday night at 7pm and with last night being the first night, there are eight nights remaining so you still have plenty of time to join. You don’t have to run every night of the league, just come along whenever you can. Pretty soon, we will have division tables in place for each of the laps and it’s your best six out of nine nights that will determine your overall score in the end. We ask that all participants park at the rear of the college to facilitate other activities on at the same venue. Thanks once again to the O’Brien family of Minnie’s for coming onboard again this year as sponsors.
3rd ANNUAL ADULT SPORTS FRIDAY MAY 09TH.
SPONSORED BY RICHIE POWER SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTOR.
A reminder to all this week of our 3rd Annual Richie Power Scaffolding Adults sports in St.Augustines College, Abbeyside on Friday May 09th at 6.30 PM. This sports meeting is open to everybody over 16 years of age, the sports aims to cater for beginners and regulars, Juniors Seniors and masters. The events are 100 meters, 400 meters, 1 mile, Javelin, long jump and bicycle race. Now in its third year this is always a fun evening and gives us all a chance to have a go at another discipline in the sport of athletics that we mightn’t ever have tried before. Br Patrick will as usual be on hand to help us with the technical aspects of the throws etc. There is a great array of events which has something to suit all but the aim is to take part in as many of the events as possible, remembering at the same time that there is no pressure on anybody to take part in an event that they are not comfortable with. This proved to be a great night the past two years with lots of fun had by all and we expect the same this year so come along and have a bit of crack with west Waterford AC. Our thanks to club member Richie Power of Richie Power Scaffolding for sponsoring this event.
MUNSTER TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR MASTERS-JUNIORS-UNDER 23’S ON MONDAY.
The club has a very strong team for next bank holiday Monday’s Munster Track and Filed Championships for Masters-Juniors and under 23’s which is being held in Cork I.T.The Masters team are vying to record a three in a row win after taking the best overall club at these championships the last two years, However we won’t have it easy and all team members will have to be at their best on the day if we are to pull off this unique treble. Another exciting aspect is for the first time the juniors and under 23’s are on the same day and here too we are very strong and expect our young guns to be among the medals. The club are providing a bus, which will leave the Park Hotel at 9.30, AM for all athletes.
MASTERS MEN’S TEAM
Pat Connaughton-Frank O’Brien, Pat Morrissey-Pat Dunford-Vincent Tutty –Michael Tutty-Micahel Dunford- Richie Kelly Tomas Coleman-Colin Lyons-Joe Gough-Pascal Proctor-Michael Hennessey-Richie Power and Yevgeniy Chizhikov.
WOMEN’S MASTERS TEAM
Diane Behan-Eilish Ní hAodha-Sandra Brazil White, Jacinta Sheil-Terri Gough-Helene Hayes –Ann Moroney-Ann Dunford-Brigid Coffey-Sharon O’Brien and Josie Uí Chuirrin.
UNDER 23 TEAM.
Sean Stilwell-Padraig Healy-Eadaoin Ashe.
JUNIOR TEAM.
Joe Conway-Rory Moloney-Thomas Houlihan-Zoe Scanlon-Lisa Houlihan-Siobhan Brackett-Aisling Fennell-Meg Fitzgerald-Elma Nugent and Jenny Hurley.
COMMITTEE MEETING.
The senior club monthly committee meeting will be held on Thursday May 8th in Minnies Bar. Abbeyside at 8.30 pm.
RUNNING QUOTE.
The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.
MARIE AND FINBAR IN NASHVILLE HALF.
Club members Marie Dwyer and Finbar Kelly ran last Saturdays Nashville half marathon The famous event is known as the country music Half marathon. Marie, husband Michael and family are of course living in Memphis these past couple of years and have kept the auld flag flying for West Waterford in that part of the world and their home has seen many friends and fellow club athletes make the trip to visit and run the many road races held there. Finbar Kelly being the most recent visitor last week when both he and Marie ran the Nashville half marathon. Finbar covered the distance is a very good time of 1.32 and likewise Marie had a solid 1.45.”It was Michael’s turn to do the babysitting”. Well done to you both.
PAT FRISBY RECORDS NEW PERSONAL BEST IN LOCHABER MARATHON.
Club member Pat Frisby took part in the Lochabar Marathon (The What I hear you saying) last Sunday, Yes its in Forth William Scotland and Pat had a terrific run to Finish with a new 11 minute pb of 3.37.33.Weather wise it was quite warm indeed it was the hottest day of the year so far herein that part of the world. The course very flat and as you can imagine in that part of Scotland the scenery was beautiful, This was Pats second marathon having ran his first in Cork last year in a time of 3.48.A good weekends work for Pat well done.
