FABULOUS FINALE AT MASON’S MORTGAGES AND FINANCIAL SERVICES FIT4LIFE RUNNING LEAGUE
The ever popular Mason’s Mortgages and Financial Services Running League came to a very successful conclusion last Wednesday night at the Colligan wood venue. This is a league that has certainly been growing in numbers and this year saw a record entry in each of the four nights of the league. Its success and popularity was in no small way due to the fact that all types of runners were catered for. With a choice of three routes and distances, everyone was spoilt for choice and all were able to improve and build on their own level of fitness at their own pace. It was great to see so many newcomers come along and give it a go and it was even better to see them returning the following week. The wood itself was an ideal venue for the league and no doubt many will be making a weekly visit to the woods as part of their training. We were very fortunate throughout the league weather-wise and all in all we couldn’t have wished for anything better, The runners themselves who turned up in huge numbers, our very generous sponsor Mark Mason, the stewards Michael Tutty and Dixie Deegan, event organisers Tony Ryan and Timing maestro Liam Crowe plus Norma Wall who did an excellent job with the weekly notes and all who gave a hand in any way with the smooth running of the league, They all combined to make the league the resounding success that it was.
The prize giving for the league was held in Alice O’ Connor’s Bar in Abbeyside last Friday night and a great night was had by all. We were very well looked after by all the staff, whose hospitality and kindness was very much appreciated. Our league sponsor Mark Mason was on hand to present the variety of prizes that were on offer for the league. And Jim Veale Likewise was present to present the Veale family shield. Thanks also to the many participants that turned up on the night. We’re all looking forward to next year’s league already!
TRIUMPH FOR TRAVERS
For the two-lap league on the flat, victory went to Jason Travers on a score line of 6 points. Going in to the last round, he had a one-point lead over Yevgeniy Chizhikov but managed to win by two points in the end. Also running the two-lap league was Nikita Chizhikov who completed the laps in a very credible time of 23.31.
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR
For the ladies two-lap league, it was Triona Shalloe and her aunt Mary Whyte who formed part of the winner’s enclosure. Triona’s victory was a sure thing as she was the first lady home in each of the four nights and was well under 21 minutes for the distance. Mary was the winner of division two and such was her determination for the final night, she actually ran well over a minute faster than the previous week, which is a fair achievement by any standards. In fact, there was huge improvements overall in the two lap league. Carolyn Byrne was another to show immense improvement as did Shirley Flynn, Diana Chizhikov and Mary O’ Riordan. Well done to all the ladies that took part and you might now be aiming for the 5K race in Touraneena on the June Bank Holiday Weekend, which is only slightly longer in distance.
MCGRATH ON A MISSION
Treble winner of this league, Declan McGrath, certainly made it clear from the outset that another win was on the cards. Having won the 5-mile flat league in 2006 and 2007, his victory for 2008 must have been the icing on the cake for this talented young runner. Declan seems to be improving with each outing and this victory should be a nice confidence booster heading in to the tough marathon training schedule. It’s interesting to note that for week 4 in 2007 Declan recorded 29.44 and a year later for the same course he clocked 27.46, almost two minutes quicker. Well-done Declan. Second in the men’s division was the club’s newest member of the ultra marathon club, Paul Brunnock. Fresh from having run 39.3 miles in Connemara only a few days previously, Paul ran at his ease to claim second spot with Richie Kelly in third spot. Well done to Tomás Coleman who got very close to breaking 34 minutes, finishing with a time of 34.03 and also to Ray Burke who was well under 35 minutes on the night.
CORINNA CONQUERS YET AGAIN
Corinna is certainly continuing with her winning streak with a double for the 5-mile flat in the ladies league. She won the league in 2007 with a win on each of the four nights, a performance she has repeated for 2008. Corinna is experiencing success with each and every outing, a just reward for her dedication to training. Josie Uí Chuirrín was second lady overall and really gave it her all on the last night, getting her time down to 37.55 and Michelle Durand was in third place. All the ladies put in a great effort for the 5 miles and this will certainly stand to them with the Summer Series just around the corner.
CLOSE CONTEST IN LADIES HILL LEAGUE
Before the last round of the league got underway, it was obvious that it was going to be very close in some of the divisions in the ladies hill league. There was only a single point or two separating some people in their respective divisions and all had to pull off a great performance to either maintain their time from the previous week or to better that time, no easy feat as anyone that runs the hills will tell you that they never get any easier! There were numerous personal best times recorded for the 5-mile hills and all were delighted with their finishing time. All the ladies will be well prepared for the Marine Climb on Friday night and will draw on their experience of Colligan to get them up those hills. Norma Wall won division one with Ann Dunford in second place. Ann had a great run on the final night and achieved her aim of breaking 38 minutes, clocking 37.46. In third place was Triona Wall on 11 points and Karen Ryan on 18 points. Karen who recorded 40.13 for the third night was on a mission to break 40 minutes and actually smashed that time, finishing with 39.25. Her gallant efforts have now earned her a place on the cross-country team and so she will be quite the regular running up the hills in preparation for the cross-country! Carol Whelan was the eventual winner of division 2, 12 points ahead of Sinead Moore who knocked almost a minute and a half off her time on the final night. It was a double celebration for sisters Clare and Martina Walsh, with Clare winning division 3 and Martina winning division 4. Clare had a 2-point lead over Ann Moroney and Martina won by the narrowest of margins, a one-point lead over Amanda Mansfield.
RAIVIS RETAINS THE VEALE FAMILY SHIELD
Raivis Zakis was once again the recipient of the Veale family shield and judging by the way he’s running and training at the moment it’s going to take some mighty effort indeed to try and equal this record. Raivis won the 2008 league with a total of 5 points with Sean Stilwell in second place on 12 points. Raivis is a most deserving winner of this title and will be delighted to add this to his long list of successful achievements.
Sean will also be pleased with second place overall and Padraig Healy with third position. In division 2, the winner was Gerry Cantwell who was also the winner of the pair of runners that was raffled on the night among all participants. Darren Healy was the winner of division 3 with a 6-point lead over Billy Coleman and not too far behind was the ever-improving Rob Lynch on 98 points. It’s all won and lost on the up hill as we all soldier on to get to the summit and in division 4 there was some battling going on. After week 3, there was only 12 points separating all those in division 4 and in the end it was Timmy Foley who claimed the honours over David McNally, just 4 points between them. Division 5 was also very close as well but victory went to Tony Hamilton with Vincent Flynn in second place. JJ Henley and Paul Keating ended up with even points within that division as well. In division 6 it was between our resident marathon experts Albert and Liamy and Liamy was the winner on 184 points.
Well done to all that took part and we hope to see you all out in Colligan next year.
LEAGUE SPONSORS
With every good league, there’s an even better sponsor and such is the case with this year’s sponsor of the league. Mark Mason of Mason’s Mortgages and Financial Services who came on board as sponsor for the second year running and it was great to have his support and assistance. Mark was present each night of the league and helped with the smooth running of the league. Mark was also present at the prize-giving night and we appreciate him giving of his time so generously. It is only with the help and assistance of sponsors like Mark that we are in a position to be able to hold such leagues. Thanks again Mark, much appreciated.
14th ANNUAL “NEW-LOOK” GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES.
MARINE CLIMB KICKS OFF THIS YEARS EVENT.
The 16th Annual Marine climb gets this years “New Look” Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series of road races under way on this coming Friday night at 7 pm.The Series this year takes a new approach with the divisional system changing to a Ranking system, The main individual prizes will be the top twenty ranked men of any age and the top five ranked women of any age. After that then there will be prizes for the 30th ranked, 40th, 50th etc in the male category and the 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th etc in the ladies category. This new system, the road racing sub committee of the club hopes will make the event more appealing for all over the summer months and create an even bigger interest in this great and unique event.Entries will be taken at St. Josephs Primary School from 6pm and the race will start at 7 pm sharp from the Lookout. The race will, of course, finish at the Marine Bar, who are our generous race sponsors .The race distance is 6 miles which will be no challenge to all those who took part in the recent Colligan league. Race categories are: 1st 3 senior Men. Masters Men over 40,45,50,55 and 60.1st Male Junior.1st 3 Senior Women. Masters over 35,40,45,50 and 55.1st Female Junior.1st 3 teams of 5 mixed- picked on the night. There will also be plenty of spots drawn from amongst all non-prizewinners. Entry to race is €8 and participants may also pay an extra €7 to enter the summer series. A €25 Nike voucher will be awarded to all runners who complete 6 of the 10-race summer programme. And this year for the first time a 75 Euro voucher to all athletes who complete all 10 races in the series.
CASH BONUS FOR COURSE RECORD.
The course record for the Marine Climb was set way back in 1995 when Waterford’s James Sullivan clipped up the hill in a time of 30.20.This record has lasted the test of man and time, indeed its eight years since any winner was even under 32 minutes for the race. With this in mind the club have decided to put up a bonus of 100 Euro to the first athlete to break Sullivan’s record as an incentive to out top athletes.
MARINE CLIMB PREVIOUS WINNERS.
1993 Pat Heffernan Thurles Crokes 32.17.
1994 Kieran Maher Ring/Old Parish AC 33.01
1995 James Sullivan Waterford A.C. 30.20 (course record)
1996 Bill Lacey St Senans, Kilmacow 33.05
1997 James Sullivan Waterford A.C. 31.55
1998 Peter Duggan St Joseph’s AC Kilkenny 33.36
1999 James Sullivan Waterford A.C. 31.55
2000 William Harty K.C.K. 31.50
2001 William Harty K.C.K. 32.07
2002 Peter Duggan St Joseph’s AC Kilkenny 34.03
2003 William Harty K.C.K. 33.45
2004 Peter Duggan, St.Josephs AC. 33.43
2005 Raivis Zakis West Waterford AC 33.04
2006 Sandis Bralitis West Waterford AC 32.28
2007 Sandis Bralitis West Waterford AC 32.40
RACE PROGRAMME FOR GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES 2008.
16th ANNUAL MARINE BAR 6-MILE FRIDAY APRIL 18th AT 7 P.M.
This race is now in its 16th year and is very generously sponsored by Helen and Christy O’ Neill of the Marine Bar, Pulla. The race starts at the Lookout in Dungarvan and takes the old sweep road up to the finish at the Marine Bar. This race is a challenge and traditionally see’s a big turn out for the start of the series. Prizes for individual Senior and Masters Men’s and Women’s categories. Prizes also for handicap teams of 5, which will be picked on the night. The presentation of prizes and a social night will take place at the Marine Bar. Entries will be taken at St. Josephs Primary School, Dungarvan from 6pm. The course record is 30.20.
HENNESSEY GARAGE- BUTLERSTOWN 10K SATURDAY APRIL 26th AT 7.30 P.M.
Now in its 24th year this race is organised and sponsored each year by Pat Hennessey.Kilmeaden with all monies going towards the Waterford Alzheimer’s Society. There is a change of course this year because of ongoing road works in the area. Specially designed T- shirts will be awarded to all finishers. Usual prize categories will be in place with a special team handicap event. Entries taken at Butlerstown G.A.A. Centre. Presentation of prizes at the Holy Cross Bar.
BAUSCH AND LOMB PADDY FLANAGAN MEMORIAL WATERFORD TO TRAMORE 7.5 MILE ROAD RACE SATURDAY MAY 17th AT 7.30 P.M.
This is the oldest race in Waterford and enters its 39th year in 2008.The race is kindly sponsor by Bausch and Lomb Waterford and the race winner will receive the Paddy Flanagan memorial cup. The course covers the main road between Waterford and Tramore and is 7 miles in distance with individual Senior & Masters Men and Women categories. Mrs. Flanagan, the wife of the late Paddy Flanagan, will as is tradition be present to make a presentation to her choice for “Athlete of the Race”. There will also be the usual team events and spot prizes. The presentation of prizes will be held at the Tramore G.A.A. Pavilion.
HALLAHAN BUS SERVICE-TOURANEENA 5 K MONDAY JUNE 2nd AT 7.30 P.M.
This race is now in its 13th year and continues to go from success to success. This is the shortest race distance in the series so a very fast pace is therefore to be expected. The race is kindly sponsored by Hallahan Bus services This race is organised by the very active Touraneena Racquetball club. Many walkers also part-take in this event and a special presentation of the Ann Power memorial shield will be awarded to the walker who predicts nearest to their time as to how long it will take them to walk the course. Race entries and prize presentation will take place at the Community Hall in Touraneena. This is a good, challenging course and a really flat out effort is needed but well worth the visit for the strawberries and ice cream afterwards. Course record 14.54 MOONEY PUB RAS NA RINNE 6 MILES FRIDAY JUNE 13th 8 P.M.This is the 16th year of this race, which includes some of the most varied terrain that participants of the series are likely to experience. The race commences at Colaiste Na Rinne, makes it’s way down to Mweelahorna and from there progresses to make a complete loop of the Cunnigar. This Mooney’s Pub sponsored event is regarded as a real challenge and is one of the toughest in the series because much of the 6 miles is on sand, yet it has also proved to be one of the most popular of the entire series. The winner each year receives the O’ Droma Family perpetual shield with prizes in the usual categories. Entries will be taken at Halla Na Rinne and the presentation of prizes will be held in Mooney’s Pub. Course record 30.03.
OLD STILL BAR CLASHMORE 5 FRIDAY JUNE 20th 8.00 PM
Now in its 7th year, the organisers of the series are delighted that the Old Still Bar are to continue their sponsorship of this race. Our thanks to the Salmon family for their continued support. This is a popular race with prizes over a wide spectrum of categories and always one with lots of spots for down the field finishers. Changing and showers available at Clashmore G.A.A. club. This is a challenging course but last two miles all down hill after a challenging hill from mile one to three. Course record 25.07.
DUNGARVAN LEADER DROMANA 5 FRIDAY JUNE 27th AT 8 P.M.
Now in its 16th year and a very popular race run over the famous Dromana Drive from Villerstown to Cappoquin. Sponsored by the Nagle family of the Dungarvan Leader, This year for the first time through the generosity of our sponsor all participants will be awarded with a race T shirt which will celebrated the 30th Anniversary of (a son of Villiarstown)-John Treacy’s world cross country victory in Glasgow. The race prizes itself includes categories in Senior, Masters and Juniors. The winning athlete receives the Michael C. Nagle Memorial Trophy. The race is also part of a very exciting sports festival, which is being held in the town over the weekend this brings added interest in the road race. Entries will be taken at Villerstown Community Hall with presentation of prizes at Danny Flynn’s Bar Cappoquin. This is a great course and a great race. One not to be missed. Course record 23.49.held by no other than John Treacy himself.
GLAXOSMITHKLINE 5 FRIDAY JULY 11th AT 8.00 P.M.
Sponsored by American Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithkline, this race is now in its 9th year. As always, there is a huge amount of prizes on offer covering all categories. No surprise then that this race usually sees one of the largest entries of the series. Entries will be taken at the Waterford Crystal Sports Centre, Dungarvan.All monies are annually donated to a chosen charity. This is a very fast course and one to aim for if you’re planning a P.B. Course record 24.45.
DOOCEYS BAR BALLYMACARBRY 5 FRIDAY AUGUST 1st AT 7.30 P.M.
Please note the change of race day here from the traditional bank holiday Monday to the Friday night. The Ballymac event is held over a very exciting road and wood mix course, this race is now in its 13th year. This is always a top class event held in a scenic part of the county. The prize categories include Men’s, Ladies and Juniors. Race entries will be taken at Dooceys Bar Ballymacarbry with presentation of prizes at Dooceys Bar. Course record 25.00.
PADDY MACS BAR ARDMORE 5 FRIDAY AUGUST 15th AT 7.30 P.M.
The final race in the series, the Ardmore 5 is a big night as the overall prizes are also presented for the series. This race is in its 13th year and is sponsored by Paddy Macs Bar in Ardmore. There will be prizes for Men’s, Ladies, Individual as well as our 12 Star Sign categories. Entries taken at Ardmore G.A.A. Club Pavilion. If you missed that 5-mile P.B at the GSK race then you’ll have another opportunity on this fast course. Course record is 25.40.
BIRTHDAY GIRL.
Belated Birthday wishes to club member Brenda Hunt on celebrating a mile stone birthday recently.?
CLUB ENGAGEMENT.
Congratulations from all at the club to members Sineád Crotty and Brendan Mansfield on the announcement of their engagement last week.
MUNSTER MASTERS-JUNIOR AND UNDER 23 TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The Munster Masters, junior and under 23’s Track and Field championships is on bank holiday Monday May 5th next in Cork I.T. This is the final opportunity to enter, as Ann will shortly be submitting our team entries so we ask any interested athletes to forward your name to Ann and the disciplines you intent to participate in on the day.
THE 2008 EMERALD FINANCIAL- WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB ANNUAL NOW ON SALE.
The club Annual for 2008 is on the shelves for sale presently and this years Annual has been widely acclaimed by those who have purchased it as the best to date. Priced at a nominal 5 Euro it is great value for anyone with an interest in the clubs activities, the Annual is on sale at Ger Wyley Sports and Albert Mc Grath Newsagents and at the Colligan league tonight, get your copy to-day.
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES PERFORM WELL IN LONDON MARATHON.
The club’s great tradition was truly kept intact at the famed London Marathon last Sunday when we had a good number of athletes face the start in Blackheath,Pat Dunford the iron man of Colligan had a huge amount of Marathon training done over the past couple of months and when he got the late call up for London he was well and truly ready for the challenge. Pat running his very first London put in sterling performance to break the 3-hour mark 2.57.42 with the final couple of miles his fastest of the 26.1-mile race, Pat was the third Irish person to finish. (Train hard win easy.)John Kearns now living in Kilkenny but still loyal to West Waterford finished in a time of 3.08.26,proving that he has not lost any of his enthusiasm for marathon running since moving to the home of the Cats. John made the trip to Dungarvan many a Sunday morning to get in his long run for the week and it paid dividends last Sunday.The Waterford city based runner Rolf Power completed the course in 3.16.33,Rolf who is a keen Triathlon competitor also, will be very happy with this run Another of our Waterford City based athlete’s Paul McManus was in the English capital last Sunday and he finished in a time of 3.25.55,Paul who has had his share of injury troubles will be a happy camper after this performance. Ann Moroney was running for her chosen charity The South East Radio Therapy Trust and she was well prepared for the race. Ann finished in a time of 4.33.53.This was Ann’s second fastest marathon ever so the St.Josephs Hospital based nurse can be more than pleased,Terri Gough a Lady who has ran more London marathons than most have done training run’s once again covered the distance in a fine time of 5.07.41 and husband James was not far behind in 5.17.36.Two regulars in London they had just completed the Connemara half marathon a week prior to London Well done to all.
JOHN BUCKLEY SPORTS MUNSTER 10 MILE CLASSIC SERIES COMES TO AN END WITH KILNABOY 10.
RAIVIS ZAKIS TAKS HIS SECOND SERIES VICTORY.
The 24th Annual Michael (Sonny) Murphy Memorial 10 mile road race was held last Sunday in prity good conditions, dry but windy in places,The pre race showers that fell had all faded over the Burren mountain and by 2 pm all was set for the final race in this years series.The Kilnaboy AC event saw a good field of 260 finishers .Unlike previous years there were quite a small contigent of West Waterford AC athletes who made the trip to the Burren for the final race in this years John Buckley Munster 10 mile classic series which was the most successful series to date.The race itself saw former National cross country champion Seamus Power of Kilmurry/Ibrickane AC take the race victory in infatic style with a time of 51.08 from West Waterford’s Raivis Zakis 53.21,Raivis took the overall title of Munster 10 mile champion for 2008,making it two in a row for the West Waterford man having won the title in 2007.Third finisher was John Byrne Mayo AC in 54.22Next home from the club was Gerry Cantwell who proved to himself that he certanly has his Vancoover Marathon preperations well in hand as he took the over 50 title last Sunday in a very fast time of 61.36.The Ladies race was won by Madeline Dorney Thurles Crokes in 63.24,Madeline also took the overall Ladies series title for 2008.Last years race winner local girl Tracy Guilfoyle Kilnaboy had to settle for the runner up place this year when recording a time of 65.23.Tracy passed four times winner of this series Mary Sweeney in the final race last Sunday to finish second overall in the series with the St.Finbarrs athlete Sweeney having to settle for third on this occasion.However it must be said Mary had completed in the Paris Marathon seven dasy earlier finishing in a time of 3.12. West Waterford’s Norma Wall came in a creditable 6th with a time of 69.43 which was on par with her time of last year.Ann Dunford 72.20 was back in the winner’s inclosure in Kilnaboy again taking 3rd over 40 Lady for the second year in succession.Hot on Ann’s Heels and our athlete of the race on this occasion Triona Wall with a time of 72.39.This was a suoper Personal best time for Triona over the 10 mile distance and such is her improvement this year that she even went out and did it on an undulating course such as Kilnaboy well done Triona. As mentioned above Raivis Zakis took the overall king of the Munster spring 10 mile classics series for the second year in succession from Donal O’Callaghan of Riocht AC with Martin Doody Limerick finishing third this year.So that’s the finish of this year’s series with all four races complete -Mallow 10 the Dungarvan 10.The Ballycotton 10 and last Sundays Kilnaboy 10 It was incuraging to see good numbers and indeed most races saw incresing numbers which all argues well for this series in the years ahead.Our thnaks to John Buckley for his sponsorship. To John Walshe Ballycotton for all his work on the series and to all four clubs involved in the organising of the individual races.
WEST WATERFORD FINISHERS IN KILNABOY 10.
2nd Raivis Zakis 53.21
24th Gerry Cantwell 61.36
80th Norma Wall 69.43
105th Ann Dunford 72.20
106th Triona Wall 72.39
