Senior News, 02 February 2020

29th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE BRINGS THOUSANDS TO DUNGARVAN.

Thousands of runners and their support crews descended on our town Sunday for the 29^th year of the largest 10 mile road race on the island which this year saw a record number of finishers when 2.500 Crossed the finish line.After months of preparation by a dedicated team at our club we are on the day reliant on the weather playing its part and thankfully this was the case last Sunday as running conditions were ideal when the race starter John Treacy got the hordes of runners off from the start line on the Youghal Road at 1.30 pm and what a sight it was to witness one of the largest mass participation races in the country on the streets of the town. We say this ever year after this event but we truly are overwhelmed with the help and support received by so many people all playing their part in making this race surely now the best 10 mile road race in the country. The huge amount of helpers who come along many and indeed most are not even members of our club and yet they put their shoulder to the wheel for this race each year our sincere thanks to each and every one of you. The race itself served up some tremendous battles and there were many personal best ran on the fast circuit.  This year once again for the 4th year we had the services of Myrunresults a professional chip timing company, this took a lot of pressure off our timing crew and we thank myrunresults for their professionalism and having the results out is the fastest time imaginable. West Waterford athletic club were fortunate also once again this year to have on board our race associate sponsors. Flahavans, Nike Ireland, Intersport Elverys, Glanbia, Garveys Supervalu Dungarvan, Allied Irish Bank Dungarvan, Country Stores Dungarvan ,Paul Ormonde of Irish Pride Bread, Avonmore Dairies, West Pharmaceutical, Fordes Daybreak, Nissan Dungarvan, Garveys Supervalu, Affane Apple Juice,MonkeyCups. Along with a host of other local businesses who supported the event in so many ways. To Waterford city and county council, Josephine Mc Grath and all the staff for their invaluable help ensuring that the course was in top order for the race we are most grateful. To all the staff at Dungarvan Sports Centre which was our race headquarters this year again, a big thanks. To Dungarvan boxing club for the use of their club pavilion and Ruairi Mahony their man on duty our deepest thanks go to them for all his help. Thanks to the John O’Donovan and the management of the Fusion centre and the no name club and Dungarvan scouts for the use of their facility. A very special thanks to our super catering crew of which there were too many to mention, it was our largest catering undertaking ever and like always the crew under the guidance of Gerry Cantwell did a super job, to everyone involved a sincere thank you. Our thanks to John Treacy who once again made sure he was available for the day and made the trip to Dungarvan to start the race and present the winning prizes. Thanks to all who provided all the food for the runners it was just a super response to our call for help in this department, the array of food on offer was second to none so many thanks. Thanks to Shirley who looked after the stewards and helpers in her special cafe upstairs. To all who donated to and helped to pack the goodie bags on Saturday.Thanks also go to Liam Lannen again this year for the use of his transport trailer.Thanks to Conor Lannen country stores for the use of his van and Pat and Shannon Dunford,Paul Duggan and JP Fitzpatrick for all their help with the clean-up. Thanks to Jim Fleming, Michael Dunford,John Foley and their start line and finish line crew they did brilliant all weekend. To our top notch P.A men Tom Scanlon and the one and only Barry Drake who both did brilliant, there are no better. To Liam O Donnell on lead club van, well done Liam on the roundabout this year also.Dirk Baumann and his crew for their superb sound system and music. A big thanks to those who looked after the water stations and for the great job they did in cleaning up the litter after. A special thanks to all at our own Juvenile club who rowed in superbly all weekend also, thanks to all. A very special mention to three people who we simply couldn’t operate without, for their work with the traffic management and practical help leading up to race day and on the day itself and that’s Conor Norris, John Mc Grath  and Jamie Mills, many thanks lads for a big shift completed. Thanks to our friends at  Tried and Tested Triathlon club for all their help along with Dungarvan Cycling club for all their invaluable assistance also. To our split time callers and mile marker callers out on the course and those who looked after the clocks also.  We must extend our sincere thanks to all at Dungarvan Garda Station and Superintendent Michael Lacey for their continued support with this and all our events, the Garda role is vital to the success of this race and they are always most helpful and understanding in their dealings with us. Thanks to medics on duty for the day Dr David Mahony and Nurse Kieran Byrne and the Order of Malta from Tramore for their professionalism and for making the trip to Dungarvan for the event. Thanks also to all the community centres and all those that gave the use of their burco’s and teapots, etc. There are many other people to thank for their help on the day especially all the many stewards out on the course whom without we couldn’t possibly have held the event at all, Motor bike out riders and of course Karen Ryan who had the unenviable tasked of coordinating the whole stewarding operation for the day, a most difficult job in the whole operation of the event but one that Karen has off to a tee with every possible scenario covered. Thanks to all our pacers many who are with us for many years at this event and are all top class at their job.  Finally, a huge thank you to the lady whose finger is on the pulse of the whole event , Ann Dunford our overall race director who once again this year has put in days-weeks and indeed months of work behind the scenes,  thanks Ann. To all I have forgotten to thank we do say a big thanks and well done to you all- roll on now to our 30^th year in 2021.

 MICK CLOHISSEY BREAKS HIS COURSE RECORD TO WIN HIS SECOND DUNGARVAN 10.

Last time he made the trip to our race was in 2015 when he set a new course recorded 48.45 which stood until this year’s race, on his return trip last Sunday Raheny AC’s  Mick Clohissey was in fine form making it two from two when claiming his 2^nd John Treacy Dungarvan 10 . Mick a Marathon World championship runner and Olympian, a member of numerous Irish European cross country teams and a national marathon champion along with too many road race victories to mention is and has been one of the country’s top male athletes for the past decade and continues to prove time and time again that he is still on top of his game as he strives to make the marathon team for Tokyo this year. Mick had to fight ever inch of the way last Sunday as a man going for his 3^rd victory in a row in the event Keven Maunsell was on his shoulder ever inch of the course, Mick made that decisive move in the last half mile to break clear of the Tipperary man to deny him that accolade of three in a row. Mick crossed the finish line in a new course record of 48.16 knocking a whopping 29 seconds off the old mark and this was despite it being quite breeze on much of the course.As mentioned going for his third victory in a row Maunsell put in a mammoth effort and he too was inside the old course record and it was personal best for Kevin clocking a time of 48.30, brilliant running by Kevin in what was a fair battle all the way. Our 3^rd man home was absolutely delight with his race speaking to him afterwards Conor Duffy Glaslough Harriers AC made the long trip with his parents to visit our town for the weekend and he went home Sunday evening well pleased with his brand new personal best 10 mile time of 50.07 Conor ran a time 50.28 for of 5^th in 2019.Clonels David Mansfield had a brilliant run to claim 4^th spot with a time of 51.22 another massive improvement for David from 2019 when he clocked 51.22 for 7^th place that day. Alan O’Shea Bantry AC was 5^th in 51.02 a previous winner on two occasions great to see Alan back with us again last Sunday. First Waterford man home this year was West Waterford’s Pat Hennessey in 51.18 and what a story this man has to tell, only taking up the sports seriously this past few months he is making a big mark for himself in a short space of time, winner of the Greenway half in September and current Munster intermediate cross country champion,last Sunday was a massive run by Pat and puts his right up there with the best with plenty more improvement to come for sure for the Lismore native. We had a comprehensive list of category prize winners also and many in brilliantly fast times all listed below.A big thanks to our team of race day pacers who all did a brilliant job getting runners to reach their particular race goal. There was a big mix of clubs from all over the country again this year and was a great to see athletes from clubs far and near compete, well done to one and all, see you all in 2021 for our 30^th outing !

MEN’S RESULTS.

1. Mick Clohessy Raheny Shamrocks AC   48:16 (course record )
2. Kevin Maunsell N/A                                 48:30
3. Conor Duffy Glashlough Harriers       50:07
4. David Mansfield Clonmel AC                     50:44
5. Alan O’Shea Bantry AC                       51:02
6. Pat Hennessy West Waterford AC         51:18
7. Rory Chesser Ennis Track AC               51:48
8. Noel Murphy Waterford AC                  52:46
9. James Doran An Riocht AC                  52:54
10. Joe Cunningham St. Finbarr’s AC              53:02

Over 40

1^st         Paul Moloney        Mallow AC            53:08

2^nd        Mark Smith           Eagle AC               53:21

Over 45

1^st         Kieran McKeown             Watergrassghill AC                   54:15

2^nd        Brendan Lyng                 United Striders AC                   56:50

Over 50

1^st         John Murphy                  Grange Fermoy AC                   58:24

2^nd        David Kehoe                    United Striders AC                   58:55

Over 55

1^st         Pat Hyland            Slaney Olympic AC                   1:02:15

2^nd        Martin Leahy        Eagle AC                                   1:04:53

Over 60

1^st         Dermot Power       Bolt Running Club          53:21

2^nd        Ken Carey             N/A                                 1:09:45

Over 65

1^st      Joe Gough             West Waterford AC         1:04:36

2^nd        Neil Holland                    Mallow AC                       1:13:01

Over 70

1st        Richard Piotroski            Eagle AC                         1:14:37

2^nd        Maurice Tobin                 Grange Fermoy AC         1:19:30

1^st Junior

Bill Fitzgerald       N/A             1:14:45

MEN’S TEAM

1^st      Crusaders AC – 51 points

Michael Kiely        13

Shane Collins        17

Brendan Murphy  21

AOIFE COOKE SMASHES COURSE RECORD TO WIN JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE.

What a performance we got from hot pre-race favourite in the ladies race Aoife Cooke a native of Youghal and now running with Eagle AC in Cork city last Sunday as she whipped the opposition to claim her first victory on her inaugural outing at the race and set a brilliant new course record smashing the old mark set back in 2012 by Maria Mc Cambridge of 55.58.  Aoife who is the current Irish marathon champion from Dublin in October when she ran a superb time of 2.32 made the return trip from her training base in Kenya to run in Dungarvan last Sunday and she didn’t disappoint all who came along to see one of the country’s best Irish Female athletes currently on the road racing circuit.  The Cork woman recorded a brand new course record and one which could stand for some years of 54.23 to finish 25^th overall in the race, again it has to be said conditions weren’t ideal for fast times last Sunday but fast time sis what we got such was the quality of the field with both men’s and ladies records broken. Sarah Mc Mahon DSD AC made the trip from Dublin and she was well pleased with her run to take the runner up spot in a time of 59.16,Sarah was delighted to break the 60 minute barrier on the day. Third lady was Fiona Santry East Cork AC just up the road Fiona clocked a time of 1.00.16 just outside the 60 minute mark but none the less a super run.

Clonmel AC’s Angela McCann after many months of injury’s which had the Tipp woman side-lined ran a gutsy 61.03 to claim 4^th place.5 times winner of this race, and holder of a record in the race which will hardly ever be surpassed was our 4^th lady home last Sunday Siobhan O’Doherty Borrisokane AC in a time of 61.25.And our 6th finisher was Adela Walsh St. Senans AC with a time of 61.46,Adele also finished 6^th last year but she will be well pleased with this year’s run as she was 1 minute and 4 seconds faster last Sunday than 2019.The age categories were as keenly contested as ever and it was brilliant to see so many Ladies taking on the 10 mile distance, whatever your time or position we are sure that everyone enjoyed the day and the experience and we hope to see you all back in 2021 when we will celebrate the 30^th edition of the race in true West Waterford AC style!

LADIES RESULTS

1. Aoife Cooke Eagle AC 54:23 ( course record )
   2. Sarah McMahon Dundrum South Dublin AC 59:17
   3. Fiona Santry East Cork AC 1:00:18
   4. Angela McCann Clonmel AC 1:01:07
   5. Siobhan O’Doherty Borrisokane AC 1:01:25
   6. Adele Walsh St. Senan’s AC 1:01:46

LADIES CATEGORY WINNERS.

Over 35

1st Shona Keane Doneen AC 1:05:35
2nd Sandra Manning Eagle AC 1:05:45

Over 40

1st Deirdre Ansbro Youghal AC 1:06:36
2nd Fiona McCarthy N/A 1:07:02

Over 45
1st Linda O’Sullivan Watergrasshill AC 1:04:36
2nd Liz Nyhan West Waterford AC 1:06:59

Over 50

1st Orla O’Rourke Ballymore Cobh AC 1:07:30
2nd Dolores Duffy Watergrasshill AC 1:09:43

Over 55

1st Siobhan Kennedy Focus on Fitness 1:09:24
2nd Joan Ennis Grange Fermoy AC 1:10:25

Over 60

1st Theresa Barnett N/A 1:17:26
2nd Catherine Linehan Watergrasshill AC 1:27:39

Over 65

1st Geri O’Flynn Fota Island AC 1:31:30
2nd Mary O’Colmain N/A 1:35:52

LADIES TEAM

1st

Watergrasshill AC – 82 points
Colette O’Donoghue 25
Leona Browne 26
Gwen Conroy 31

JOHN TREACY INTER CLUB CHALLENGE.

The John Treacy Inter Club Challenge for men and women is decided by your fist 3 club runners across the finish line counting all categories. This year’s men’s winners were Crusaders AC taking their very first club challenge victory in this race, worth mentioning that 5 clubs were all within a minute of the winning time with just seconds separating the top 3,the closest race ever in the history of this section of the race.The Women title for 2020 goes to  a club winning it for the 3^rd time Eagle AC, having won it in 2011 and 2012 the Cork outfit had the fastest winning times ever last Sunday. Well done to both clubs.

 JOHN TREACY TEAM CHALLENGE WINNERS 2020.

MENS TEAM

Crusaders AC – 2:40:24

Michael Kiely 53:13
Shane Collins 53:22
Brendan Murphy 53:50

LADIES TEAM

Eagle AC – 3:07:20

Aoife Cooke 54:23
Sandra Manning 1:05:45
Catherine Murphy 1:07:13

5.000 EURO DONATED TO CONCERN BY RUNNERS OF THE DUNGARVAN 10.

For the 6th year this year we donated monies from the race to a charity. Concern was the chosen charity for 2020 and we were delighted that you the runners through your generosity donated  5.000 euro to this most worthy charity who do great work all over the world. On behalf of Concern Anastasija Denisova came along on Sunday and was presented with the cheque on behalf of all the runners who donated to the cause. John Treacy of course is chairman currently of Concern so this made it even a more special occasion this year, also included in photo is Ann Dunford West Waterford AC and race director.

 WINS SPECIAL PRIZE SPONSORED BY AIB.

Our friends at Allied Irish Bank came on board as associate sponsors for the 4th year in 2020 and we thank all concerned for this kind gesture, one very lucky winner received a cheque to the value of 150 euro ,this was drawn among all finishers at the prize presentation in the sports hall and the lucky winner was Ilja Nikitin Our thanks to branch manager George Walsh and Nuala Hogan of AIB Dungarvan or their kind sponsorship and for their attendance to present the winner with her cheque.

MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS RACE SERIES.RACE 4.

O’ REILLY’S TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS KILMACTHOMAS 4 MILE ROAD RACE.

Changed some years ago from a 5 mile course to a new 4 mile course and taking in a good part of the beautiful Greenway facility this race also brought a new sponsor on board when O’Reillys Traditional butchers Kilmacthomas came on board. We again this year are delighted that O’Reillys will continue their sponsorship of the race our sincere thanks to Pa and the O’Reilly family for their willingness to get involved again this year with this event. The race will be held on Sunday February 16th at 11 am, and registration will be at the Community hall as will the presentation of prizes and the cuppa. This is the final race in the Michael Roche carpets race series and the presentation of prizes for this will take place on the day.

FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.

CHRISTOPHER PHELAN RUNS INTO THE LEAD.

Weather was once again ideal last Wednesday evening for round 9 of our Fordes Daybreak winter league and another fine field of 149 took part which was great to see. First home on the night was Lynn O’Riordan with a time of 51.39 following Lynn was Catherine Keogh 50.40 with Padraig Nolan next in 44.26.Michael Ahern 31.42 was the fastest runner in round 9,good running by Michael there.With just 3 rounds remaining the divisions are now locked and it’s all to play for last week Christopher Phelan raced into the lead for the first time his on 1554 points,but there stacking up behind him with John Toomey 2^nd on 1549 just 5 points separating them, there are still many in with a realistic chance of taking this year’s crown with Mike Wyley 3^rd presently on 1538 points and could Geraldine Lacey do it for the ladies she’s sitting in 5^th place on 1493 with Mark Lenihan in close proximity on 1472,lots of running yet for sure before this years overall winner will be deemed the champion for 2019/20.Likewise the various divisional tables are so close its very hard to call any definite winners at this stage. Best of luck to all contenders over new few week and may the best man or woman win.

CURRENT OVERALL POSITIONS AND LEADERS

1Christopher Phelan 1554
2  John Toomey 1549
3  Mike Wyley 1538
4  Geraldine Lacey 1493
5  Mark Lenihan 1472
6  Niamh Bambrick 1469
7  Roisin Feeney 1443
8  Joanne O Neill 1426
9  Tomas Horgan 1384
10  Ciaran Murphy 1358

Div 2  Liam Costin 1302

Div 3  Angeline Drennan 1264

Div 4  Patrick Lannen 1324

Div 5  Leanne Kirwan 1115

Div 6  Padraig Nolan 1050

Div 7  Catherine Keogh 1004

Div 8  Sharon Higgins 946

Div 9  Geraldine Barry 894

Div 10 Patrycja Daly 195

KIM DALY HOLDS A SLENDER 61 POINT LEAD ON SHORT COURSE.

Once again we were blessed with the weather as conditions were once again ideal for our runners as they gathered at Dungarvan Sports Centre for the Fordes Daybreak Winter League. Once again a great crowd of nearly 60 runners gathered in before heading off on the 2.4 mile route. This section of the league has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. Even if you haven’t come along up to now, maybe it’s a challenge you could take on for the New Year. Registration is from 6.30 in Dungarvan Sports Centre with start times posted on the wall.After last Wednesday’s “Mass Start”, we returned to the normal handicap system this week. First on the night was William O’Brien in 21.09. William was followed by Aoife Fitzgerald in 25.14 and Caroline O’Brien in 23.07. Next was Meabh Beresford in 20.35 followed by David Walsh in 20.37. Many excellent times were recorded on what was a super night for running –  Liam O’Donnell ran 18.17, Lisa Collins – 19.21, Marie Aherne – 21.47, Kim Daly- 18.39 and Fergus Kett – 18.25. Fastest time on the night was recorded by Ciaran Frisby is a quick 14.32. Fastest lady was Linda Foley (16.31).There is a Winter League T-Shirt as a bonus for anyone that runs 8 nights out of 12 in the league. As there was some nights cancelled pre-Christmas, an extra night will be added to the league, with the league now finishing on 19^th February.Well done to all who took part, and remember newcomers are always welcome. Just come along to Dungarvan Sports centre on Wednesday Night at 6.30 to register – Also thanks to all out Stewards out on the course and our crew in the hall and at the Finish Line.There’s no change at the top in the overall with Kim Daly holding a 61 point lead. Caroline O’Brien has made a big leap, jumping from 6th to second. The behind Kim, the remainder of the top 5 is very tight with just 11 points between 2nd and 5th so with 3 weeks still left, there’s still a lot to play for.

Division 1

1. Kim Daly                         875
2. Caroline O’Brien               814
3. Linda Foley                         811
4. Cait Verling                       807
5. Conor O’Neill                     803
6. Ita Mason                         793
7. Eileen Campbell                  776
8. Darren Mulcahy                  773
9. Liam O’Donnell                 769

• Barbara Duff                     760
• Natasha Dee                      723
• Denise Conway                627

Division Leaders

Division 2             Karen Hallahan   716

Division 3             Fergus Kett           646

Division 4             Elaine Curran       613

Division 5             Pascal Proctor     582

Division 6             Marie Aherne       543

Division 7             Joey Miller            497

RUNNING QUOTE.

“Fast running isn’t forced. You have to relax and let the run come out of you”.