West Waterford Athletic ClubWest Waterford Athletic Club

Sean Stilwell Captures Veale Family Shield

MASON MORTGAGES AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COLLIGAN LEAGUESEAN STILWELL CAPTURES VEALE FAMILY SHIELD
The very popular Mason's Mortgages and Financial Services League came to a conclusion last Wednesday April 11th  in Colligan Wood. Held over a period of four consecutive weeks and with a variety of distances and terrain to choose from, it was without doubt one of our most successful leagues to date. We had a number of newcomers, which we were delighted to see, as well as the usual regulars.  The attendance of all combined to make the league the success that it was.

We were very fortunate to have a very generous sponsor for the League, Mark Mason of Mason's Mortgages and Financial Services. Mark also took part in the league as well as helping out with various duties each night. We are indebted to sponsors such as Mark who make it possible for the club to hold leagues like this. Mark was also present on Thursday night in the Local Bar, where we had our presentation of prizes. Thanks to Mark for making the effort on the night to present the array of prizes that were on offer.

Thanks also to the participants of the league that turned out to support the night and a great night was had by all. We were well looked after by Helena and all the staff at the Local Bar to whom we also offer our gratitiude.
 Our thanks to Tony Ryan who organised the league each week and to those who gave him a hand at the finish tunnel. Sincere thanks also to Norm Wall who looked after the tables and notes for the duration of the league.  

LEAGUE RESULTS.
Joe Gough was the overall winner in the short flat course, followed by Scott Lyons and Pearse Moloney. In the ladies version, it was literally down to the wire between two determined young ladies, Stacey Lyons and Emer Scanlon. Stacey managed to run a faster time on the final night but Emer hung on to win by just one point. We're sure to see plenty more from these two talented lassies in the future. Mary White was the winner of division 2 with 45 points from Helen Carey on 54.

In the 5-mile flat course Declan McGrath and Corinna Walsh came out winners. They edged out a substantial lead from the beginning and were in no danger of being caught. Michael Tutty who always seems to get it fairly spot on out in Colligan, ran a great race and claimed the top spot in division 2. Onra Power was the winner of division 2 in the ladies with just three points to spare over Andrea Gaffney.

Sean Stilwell certainly earned the title "The King of the Hills" when he broke 29 minutes on the final night and came out a deserving overall winner of the League.
Martin Hayes was the winner of division 2 with 31 points from Jason Travers on 33 points. Gerry Cantwell held on to his spot to win division 3 with just two points to spare over Anthony Dwyer. Tom Condon was the winner of division 4 on a score of 87 points.

Norma Wall won the ladies' division and it was a very close result in division 2 with just one point between Aine Kelly and Martin Ryan with Aine claiming the honours. A pair of runners were raffled among all those who completed the four nights of the league and the winner of these was Liam Kavanagh.  

Thanks once again to all who took part and we look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming League. The next league to be held will be the Summer League in the Friary beginning in May, which will be held in the Friary Grounds by kind permission. 
  

13th ANNUAL GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES.
MARINE CLIMB GETS SERIES UNDER WAY THIS FRIDAY.
The much awaited 15th Annual Marine climb gets this years Ger Wyley Sports/Nike summer series of road races under way on this coming Friday night at 7 pm. 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 the gracious 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:1 st 3 senior MenMasters Men over 40,45,50,551st Male Junior.1st 3 Senior WomenMasters over 35,40,45,50 1st Female Junior.1st 3 teams of 5 picked on the night.There will also be plenty of spots drawn from amongst the field finishers.  Entry to race is €7 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.

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 Kilkenny 34.03
2003 William Harty K.C.K. 33.45
2004 Peter Duggan, St.Josephs AC.33.43
2005 Raivis Zakis West Waterford 33.04
2006 Sandis Bralitis West Waterford AC 32.28  

RACE PROGRAMME FOR GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES 2007.
 MARINE BAR 6-MILE FRIDAY APRIL 20th  AT 7 P.M.
This race is now in its 15th 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 for most, but a good one to have on the C.V.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 taken at St. Josephs Primary School, Dungarvan from 6pm. The course record is 30.20.   

HENNESSEY GARAGE- BUTLERSTOWN 10K
SATURDAY April 28th  AT 7.30 P.M.
Now in its 23rd  year this race is organised and sponsored each year by Pat Hennessey with all monies going towards the Waterford Alzheimer’s Society. This event also includes a 5 k fun run and walk and a 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 19th AT 7.30 P.M.
This is the oldest race in Waterford and enters its 38th year in 2007. This year we are delighted to welcome a new sponsor in Bausch and Lomb and thank them sincerely for their patronage. The race itself also has a new start and finish with the gun sounding at the Quinsworth Supermarket and concluding on the Prom in Tramore. The event is held in memory of Paddy Flanagan who was the official race starter with Waterford County Board for many years.The race is run over a distance of 7 miles with individual Senior & Masters Men and Women categories. Mrs. Flanagan, the wife of the late Paddy Flanagan, will 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.Entries will be taken this year at the R.S.C. on the Cork Road with the presentation of prizes at Tramore G.A.A. Pavilion.

TOURANEENA 5 K
MONDAY JUNE 4th  AT  7.30 P.M.
This race is now in its 12th 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 organisers will shortly be announcing an exciting new sponsor of the race. There is always has a very large local involvement as this race is organised by the very active Touraneena Racquetball club. Many walkers also  part-take in this occasion 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 

OLD STILL BAR CLASHMORE 5
FRIDAY JUNE 15th  8.00 PM
Now in its 5th 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 Salomon 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 Clasmore 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.  

MOONEY PUB RAS NA RINNE 6 MILESFRIDAY JUNE 22nd 8 P.M.
This is the 15th year of this race which includes some of the most varied terrain that participants of the series are likely to experience. The race commences ar 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.  

DUNGARVAN LEADER DROMANA 5FRIDAY July 6th  8 P.M.
A very popular race run over the famous Dromana Drive from Villerstown to Cappoquin. Sponsored by the Nagle family of the Dungarvan Leader, the prizes fund includes categories in Senior, Masters and Juniors. The winning athlete receives the Michael Nagle Memorial Trophy. The race is also part of a very exciting sports festival which is being held in the town over the weekend so we should see added interest in this years 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.  

GLAXOSMITHKLINE 5
 FRIDAY JULY 13th AT 8.00 P.M.
Sponsored by local factory GlaxoSmithkline, this race is now in its 6th 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. A sponsored walk also takes place on the night with all monies going towards a local 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
MONDAY AUGUST 6th AT 7.30 P.M.
Held over a very exciting road and wood mix, this race is now in its 10th year. This is always a top class event, ably organised by Frank Bolger. 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 17th  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 10th 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.     

STRIDE BY THE TIDE.
A 4 mile race on the beach to suit all runners is being organised in Youghal on Tuesday April 24th next with an 8 PM starting time. This will be sponsored by the Quality Hotel in Redbarnand will be held under B.H.A.A. Race entry is 5 Euro for B.H.A.A. members and 7 Euro for non members. The race starts and finishes at the Quality Hotel where changing and shower facilities are available. Presentation of prizes will take place in the Coast bar after the race.One of the largest arrays of categories ever witnessed in any race will be up for grabs with a total prize fund of €1,200 available. 

KILMACOW OPEN SPORTS.
The Annual Kilmacow Open Sports were held last Monday week. As well as a very competitive Juvenile programme there was also a men’s 3000-meter race in which we had three competitors. In a field of 20 runners, Sandis Bralitis had the battle of his life as both he and Jason Fahy were locked together for the duration. This was a terrific race which neither athlete deserved to lose, however  Sandis was piped at the line. Raivis Zakis finished 3rd with Sean Stilwell finishing with the pack. 

CLUB TRACK AND FIELD NEWS
MUNSTER JUNIOR AND UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The above championships will be held in Cork I.T. on Monday May 7th. Entries to club secretary at (087) 7657805 for anyone interested in participating. 

 
2ND ANNUAL WEST WATERFORD PENTATHLON.
After the success of last years first staging of the Senior Clubs Pentathlon event, all roads lead to St. Augustines College, Abbeyside on Friday May 11 th at 6.30 PM. This second sports meeting will be open to everybody over 16 years of age, and aims to cater for beginners and regulars, juniors seniors and masters. With a wide variety of events occurring, this has something to suit all. The aim is to take part in all events, for which you receive points based on your finishing placing. However, there is no pressure on anybody to take part in an event that they are not comfortable with. A pair of Nike runners will be raffled among all non-prize-winners.  

RUNNING QUOTE.
 
You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back.
Brendan Moran.
 

WATERFORD TRACK AND FIELD COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Round one of the county championships will be held on Friday evening April 27th next with events for Juvenile-Junior and Senior club athletes. Proceedings get under way at 5.30 and all traveling athletes are requested to allow plenty of time, as its expected around the R.S.C.will be busy traffic wise. The following events are down for decision on day one for Junior and Senior.400 Hurdles, Pole Vault, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Discus Javelin, 100 meters, 400 meters, 1.500 meters, 3.000 meters S/Chase, Round two will be held on Sunday May 13th starting at 11 AM 

SONIA BIDS FAREWELL TO THE ROADS.
For many years the queen of Irish Female athletics,Cobh's Sonia O'Sullivan's farewell appearance on Irish roads saw her put to the sword by her much younger training partner Victoria Mitchell.O'Sullivan was not given an easy final outing by the Great BUPA Ireland Run organisers and finished 11th in the 10km race she helped establish in Dublin's Phoenix Park four years ago.

The 37-year-old   admitted before Sunday's race, which attracted a record entry of 9,000, that she is now winding down her international career.And her decision looks to be a good one after Australian Mitchell finished in 33 minutes six seconds to see off the challenge of Preston's Helen Clitheroe and Spain's Alessandra Auguilar.Clitheroe led until just after 7km when Mitchell – an accomplished 3,000m steeplechaser who was fourth in last year's World Athletics Final – broke away to score an emphatic victory by 11 seconds.

"She's a great talent for the future and I'm delighted that she came out the winner," said O' Sullivan.The Sydney Olympic 5000m silver medallist admitted she expected to produce a better showing.She said: "I thought I would have ran a lot better, but on the day you only get what you deserve.But it was a great day for me with a fantastic atmosphere and plenty of support from fans all around the course.Really, I couldn't have asked for more in a way of farewell."

Mitchell said: "It was a tough race for me but I could hear Helen blowing a bit hard as we came up to 7K.I decided to test her by pushing the pace a little bit harder and it worked out as she fell behind when we began climbing a bit of a hill."The 25-year-old Australian who relishes training with O'Sullivan, insisted: "Sonia has always been an inspiration to me when I've had the chance to join up with the group back home.She's a total professional, who in her preparations is a perfectionist and I include eating, drinking and sleeping habits in that category.She does everything completely right and is a great example to the rest of us privileged to train with her."

Mitchell ensured there was again an Australian champion but on this occasion her team-mate Craig Mottram lost his unbeaten meeting record.Chasing a fifth successive victory, Mottram fought gallantly but failed to match the breakaway speed of Kenyan winner Abraham Chebii.Gradually winding up the pace after 4km, Chebii pulled away to claim victory by 23 seconds in a time of 28mins 47secs with Spain's Chema Martinez third in 29:29.

ST.AUGUSTINES RECORD SUPER SCHOOLS VICTORY.
Heartiest congratulations to St.Augustines College Abbeyside on their success on winning the Super Schools which were held in France last Week.As well as taking the best college overall they also recorded some fine individual gold medal winning performances in a variety of sports.Many of the team members are also members of West Waterford Athletic Club and of course their coach and mentor Br.Patrick Lennon is also a club coach with our Juvenile club.Well done to all involved.   

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