GOLD FOR KATE VEALE AT IRISH LIFE HEALTH NATIONAL 20k WALK CHAMPIONSHIPS.
West Waterford’s Kate Veale retained her senior ladies title for race walking last Saturday morning at the Irish Life health national 20k championships held in St.Ann’s Park,Raheny, Dublin.It was very encouraging for the sport in this country to see 60 athletes of all ages competing over a few distances as they faced the starters pistol on an ideal morning for the championship which was well organized by Raheny Shamrocks stalwart Pat Hooper. Kate was retaining her title from the same race venue in 2018 her winning time this year was a new personal best over the distance for Kate when she crossed the finish line in 1.37.52 . The silver medal was on by Orlaith Delahunt Sligo AC 1.57.20 and the bronze medal was won by Rachel Glennon Mullingar AC in 2.08.13. In the men’s 30k Brendan Boyce Finn Valley AC 2.21.24 took the men’s gold from Jerome Caprice DSD AC 2.26.28,Brien Domhlnaill Finn Valley AC took bronze in 2.50.22. It’s a big year ahead now for Kate and her fellow walkers under the stewardship of Robert Heffernan, who has a group of super athletes now training out of Cork where they meet weekly for training sessions together, Kate the only female, is an integral part of this group as she strives firstly to be part of the Irish team for the World cup in Minsk, Balarus in May and also there’s that other small competition called the Olympics of which would be the icing on the cake for the Ballinroad lady, but it’s not an easy road getting to qualify for the panicle event of our sport which takes place in Tokyo next summer, however the seed is now sown and who knows, it is possible. We wish her well in her attempt.
IDEAL WEATHER FOR LAST WEEKS FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE
Last Wednesday evenings round 4 of our Fordes Daybreak winter league was once again blessed with an ideal evening for the 200 runners who took on the long course league,not a buff of wind or a drop of water to be seen it was indeed ideal running conditions for the time of year. We had another 11 new comers running for the first time last Wednesday on the long course and if you haven’t already signed up to the best winter league in the country there’s still time for you to come along and make that bold move. A huge thank you again last week to our stewards who put in many hours over the duration of the league for our health and safety without this brilliant team of people we wouldn’t have a winter league at all. Also not forgetting our super staff on registration and results etc the same has to be said of them. Our league over the long route was lead home by Marc Flavin 32.19,Marc was well clear of the field as he was running the league for the first time this year. Another runner was making his debut last week was 2nd home when Aaron Whelan ran a time of 34.21and 3rd past the post was Andrew Leary 35.19, actually the top 3 finishers last week were all running the league for the first time this year. Ann Dunford finishing 5th person home was also our first Female with a time of 43.49 and Ann was followed by Aoife Manning in 48.29 with Aoife Nagle 3rd lady home with a time of 49.13.Micahel Ahern and Alan Kinsella were the two fastest on week 4 with both clocking the same time of 31.59,i wonder will we have a sub 30 minute run by anyone before the Christmas break this year. Looking at some other performance of note i spotted one or two others battling away on their own goals the likes of Alan Toft who ran 51.02 last week and is so close to breaking that 50 minute barrier. Jenny Murphy 46.01 and striving to break the 45 minute mark. Natasha Lanigan ran 45.03 just another 3 seconds Natasha and Brie Lunch was on the button last week 45.00 dead.and well done to each and every one of those who came along to run. Remember it’s still not too late to join us each Wednesday evening at Dungarvan sports centre, the click starts at 6.50 sharp and we have 2 nights remaining before our 2 week Christmas break, don’t forget this Wednesday is Charity night so do try and bring a few extra bob if you can at all for a very worthy charities St. John’s Special School and post heart bypass rehabilitation fund.
SHORT COURSE RUNNERS TURNING ON THE STYLE.
It was another ideal evening for running as the runners gathered for last weeks Fordes Daybreak Winter League. Once again a great crowd of nearly 100 runners gathered in Dungarvan Sports Centre before heading out on the 2.4 mile run. Even at this this stage, there are still new people registering each week as well as those that ran the previous weeks. This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.4 miles in total. After registering make sure to check your start time on the sheets posted on the wall.First back on the night was Carley Kearns who ran round in an excellent 22.12. Carley was followed by William O’Brien in 22.29 and David Traynor in 24.00. Overall, it was an perfect night for running with many excellent times recorded. Maria O’Gorman and Fergus Kett both knocked off over 2 minutes to clock 22.12 and 21.19 respectively. Others to record good times included Viki Mulhall (24.00), Denise De Paor (25.08), Denise Conway (22.41), Linda Foley (17.31), Kate Connors (28.07), Orla Browne (20.43), Kyle Walsh (15.54), Barry Lawlor (20.17), Hazel Crowley (20.06) and Tadhg Kelly (20.57).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.Just a few reminders for next week –
No Watches are allowed, anyone caught wearing a watch won’t be included in the results.
Hi Vis is compulsory for all runners. This is for your own safety and safety of our other runners as well as to assist the stewards.Also a huge thank you to all of our stewards out on the course and to all our crew in the hall and at the finish line.Also tonight (11th December 2019) is our annual charity night in aid of St. Johns School and Post Heart Rehab Fund.
THE “HAIR RAISING” CHARITY NIGHT AT WINTER LEAGUE ON THIS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH.
is year’s chosen charity will take place next Wednesday night 11th December for The hair raising charity event and two charities will benefit the local St. John’s Special School and post heart bypass rehabilitation fund. This charity drive was undertaken this year by former runners Michael Tutty and Tony Ryan who both have grown their hair and Tony his beard also since January 1st 2019, the big shave is happening this week also. As you know both Causes are well wordy of our support so we ask runners of the league to be as generous as possible tonight and THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
WINTER LEAGUE RUNNING T SHIRT TO BE AWARDED TO LEAGUE PARTICIPANTS.
Our winter league participants will again this year be able to receive a winter league T Shirt. This T Shirt will be awarded to participants of this year’s league by kind association with our sponsor Fordes Daybreak. All you have to do to attain one of these really nice once off pieces come February and league end is complete 8 from the 12 nights of the league, and it’s yours. It is a class T shirt and well worth receiving.
GREAT TURNOUT OF WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES AT WATERFORD HALF.
The Waterford half marathon was held in ideal weather conditions for the 2.074 finishers last Saturday. The overall winner on the day was Yared Derese Carrick Aces AC in a time of 1.04.12,Former winner of our own John Treacy Dungarvan 10 and course record holder Mick Clohessey Raheny Shamrocks AC was 2nd in 1.05.23 and 3rd place this year went to Derek Keogh Donore Harriers AC in 1.07.48. First lady across the finish line was Ruth Fitzgerald Waterford AC in a time of 1.19.58, Ruth was runner up here in 2018, 2nd was Fiona Keogh Kilmore AC was 2nd in 1.21.35,Fiona was 2nd last year also and 3rd lady in the day was Jackie Carty Kilmore QaC 1.22.56.West Waterford was very well represented in this race once again this year with a large contingent participating.First home on the day for the club and one of the finest performances from the field of athletes was that of Pat Hennessey who finished 6th in 1.10.10,Pat last weekend won the Munster Intermediate cross country championships and was also our winner of the Greenway half marathon in September so brilliant running from the Lismore native who is having a superb year in the sport.The clubs first lady home was Natalie Sheehan in an excellent time of 1.30.32, another top drawer run by Natalie,she was closely followed by her team mate Liz Nyhan 1.30.48 nothing between these two ladies both running superbly well and our 3 lady finisher was Angela Tobin 1.46.35.There were some brilliant other individual performances and person best recorded on the day also ,very well done to all and congratulations to our friends in Waterford AC on organising yet again another highly successful half in the city.
WEST WATERFORD AC FINISHERS AT WATERFORD HALF MARATHON
Pease note results are per west Waterford athletic club listed finishers on official race results any amendments to james please.
Pat Hennessey 1.10.10
Andy Fleet 1.19.49
Sean Stilwell 1.28.14
Niall Barry 1.29.28
Natalie Sheehan 1.30.32
Ray Hahesy 1.30.47
Liz Nyhan 1.30.48
Richard Stilwell 1.32.25
Conor Murray 1.32.48
Tom Leahy 1.33.54
Tom Longan 1.34.16
Sean O’Halloran 1.37.51
Martin Tobin 1.38.19
Ted O’Leary 1.39.18
Cathal Gleeson 1.39.52
Anthony Dwyer 1.40.44
Raymond Bannon 1.41.44
Kevin Casey 1.42.49
Johnny Burkin 1.44.29
Angela Tobin 1.46.35
Linda Foley 1.46.48
Jim Barry 1.47.24
Jody Hallinan 1.47.51
Liam Fitzgerald 1.49.49
John Leonard 1.51.00
Bernie Prendergast 1.51.59
David Regan 1.54.24
Rose Kinsella 1.56.14
Gráinne Ní Fhoghlù 1.57.33
Sandra Moore 1.57.13
Molly Byrne 1.57.21
Catherine Condon 1.57.17
Eileen Heffernan 1.57.41
Sharon Higgins 2.00.23
Eleanor Casey 2.00.56
Owen Power 2.02.33
Rose Power 2.05.18
Linda Garcia 2.08.47
Annabelle Hackett 2.10.04
Sharon Nugent 2.10.47
Mary Cahill 2.11.03
Patricia Daly 2.11.43
Gillian Hayes 2.13.14
Katie Bullen 2.14.11
Philomena Carroll 2.14.32
Theresa Hickey 2.17.42
Martin Murray 2.23.48
Terri Gough 2.38.19
ST.STEPHENS DAY JOLLY JAUNT IN AID OF KIERAN POWER MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BENEFIT.
This year’s St. Stephen’s Day Jolly Jaunt will be in aid of the Kieran Power Multiple Sclerosis benefit. We’re delighted to announce along with our event partners Dungarvan GAA club that plans are at an advanced stage for this year’s St Stephens day annual ‘’Run and Walk ‘’ . The event will take place from the Dungarvan Gaa club grounds, starting at 11am on St. Stephen’s morning and refreshments will be served afterwards in the club house. There are two courses available to post Christmas dinner exercise enthusiasts, 2 miles and 5 miles and these are not races but participation events.As we said year’s event will be for the Kieran Power Multiple Sclerosis benefit. During his playing days Kieran was one of the best footballers ever to come out of Waterford. He played with a number of clubs such as John Mitchell’s, Clonea, in hurling, Touraneena, Fews as well as Waterford at inter County level and with the Tyrone and Waterford teams during his years in New York. We again look forward to the huge support and the generosity from everyone this venture gets each year. For now pencil in St. Stephen’s Day, December 26th.
26th ANNUAL MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SERIES.
The club’s 26th annual Michael Roche carpets series is well and truly under way with the first of 4 races done and dusted the Brickey 4 miler and race number 2 the recent Turkey Trot completed. The entry fee to the series is only 2 euro and it is still open for entries. The series will continue after the festive season with the Kiely Monumental Colligan cup on Sunday January 19th .Race 4 will be the Kilmacthomas 4 on Sunday 16th February,this will be the final race in this series. Runners will have to complete3 of the 4 races in the series to figure among the tables
January 19th 32nd annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup 5 mile,
February 24th 18th O Reilly Butchers annual Kilmacthomas 4 mile,
LADIES MONDAY EVENING RUNNING GROUP.
Following on from the success of the inaugural ladies social running group in Autumn 2019 we will continue with this initiative into 2020.The focus for this group is on general fitness not performance.If you enjoy running and can jog for 20 mins then you will be well able for this group. We offer 2 routes 3k or 5k and you progress at your own pace. If you want to walk / jog that is fine and if you want to run fast that is also fine. YOU decide what works for YOU on the night. There is no such thing as too slow.If you struggle to get out on your own and find running on your own hard come and join us on Monday nights. Nobody gets left behind and we all run with a buddy so the run is over before you know it. For further information contact Irene on (086) 8242348
CLONAKILTY WATERFRONT 10K.
Well done to club members who ran the Clonakilty Waterfront 10k recently. Deirdre Clancy completed the course in a time of 1.12.21 while Fiona O’Riordan clocked a finishing time of 1.18.22,well done Ladies.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Nuala Ryan, Kyne Park, Abbeyside who passed to her eternal reward , may she rest in peace.
10 BY 10 FOR MARIE MOORE.
Club member Marie Moore realised an ambitious goal recently when she completed the Clonakilty Waterfront marathon. Marie and her lifelong friend and training partner Noelle Conway are regulars at all West Waterford AC events.Marie set herself a goal exactly 10 years ago this year and that was to complete 10 marathons in 10 years and this she realized in one of the most idyllic part’s of the country, Clonakilty when she completed the marathon last Sunday posting a time of 5.52.48,running this one without, for the first time i might add Noelle, as they ran all the other 9 together, Marie did a solo this time out, but for sure these two ladies have many more miles to run together and many more chats to have along the way !!!.Well done.
IRELANDS MOST SUCCESSFUL EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY EVER.
Ireland had their most successful European Cross Country Championships winning four medals, two individual and two team, at Bela Vista Park in Lisbon last Sunday.There were two individual bronze medals won by Efrem Gidey (Clonliffe Harriers) in the U20 men’s race and Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry) in the U23 women’s race. Two team silver medals were won by the U23 women and the senior women.
There were two agonising fourth place finishes for the U20 men’s team and Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) in the senior women’s race. Efrem Gidey got the medal haul underway with a fine individual bronze in the men’s U20 race that was won for the fourth time by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Unfortunately, it was heartbreak for the U20 men’s team finishing fourth on count back.The U23 men’s team put in a gritty performance for 7th place.Then it was a super silver medal for the U23 women’s team with brilliant bronze for Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry). Cotter went with race favourite Anna Moller (Denmark) who fulfilled that tag to win gold while the West Muskerry athlete hung on gamely for bronze.
She was back up by her Adams State teammates, and twins, Eilish and Roisin Flanagan (Carmen Runners) in 9th and 17th followed by Fian Sweeney (Dublin City Harriers) 38th, Claire Fagan (Mullingar Harriers) 47th and Sorcha McAlister (Westport) 57th. The mixed relay team finished 7th.
Sean Tobin (Clonmel) scored his third consecutive top twenty individual placing in the senior men’s race in 18 followed by Conor Bradley (City of Derry) 52, Eoin Everard (Kilkenny City Harriers) 61, Liam Brady (Tullamore Harriers) 64 and Damien Landers (Ennis Track) 71 with the team 13. Unfortunately, Kevin Maunsell (Clonmel) dropped out on the first lap through injury.
Finally, it was the turn of Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) to cap off a wonderful day of Irish performances even though they were tinged with some frustration and near misses. None more so than McCormack who was making a record 16 appearance as she just missed out on the bronze medal in fourth behind Sweden’s Samrawit Mengsteab by two seconds – Mengsteab ran 27:43 to McCormack’s 27:45. Turkey’s Yasmin Can won her fourth consecutive title.
There was a silver lining though as the senior women finished second with Aoibhe Richardson (Kilkenny City Harriers) 17th, Ciara Mageean (City of Lisburn) 20th, Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise) 35th, Una Britton (Kilcoole) 37th and Fionnnuala Ross (Armagh) 47th.
Ireland placed fourth out 21 countries on the placing table overall. These were Ireland’s first medals since 2015 in Hyeres, France and builds a brilliant platform as Dublin host the championships next year at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. The Irish team also won the second most amount of medals behind Great Britain & Northern Ireland to cap off the most successful championships in the history of the event.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The senior club’s 26th annual general meeting will take place on this Thursday December 12th at 8.00 pm in Lawlors Hotel Dungarvan.
RUNNING QUOTE.
Nothing helps clear my mind like the solitude of quiet country roads.
