JAMES VEALE AND GERRY CANTWELL HONORED BY THE CLUB.
Shortly after the establishment of West Waterford Athletic Club in 1994 the idea was born to set up a weekly league to encourage locals to get involved in the activity of running. As many of the founders of the club were employed at the Dungarvan site of Waterford Crystal, it was fitting that the event headquarters would be the former Crystal Sports Centre in Kilrush. Two men who were part of the group of road running pioneers in the town were James Veale and Gerry Cantwell. Over the past 30 years both have been instrumental in the organisation of the event which has provided a weekly outlet for thousands of people to enjoy the benefits of running every winter with the objective being to try and improve your time throughout the league. Whether its organising stewards or collating results, there hasn’t been a year pass in 30 years where James and Gerry haven't been central to the events execution. Organisation of this kind requires a huge time commitment and both men are lucky to have the support of their wonderful families. The Veale’s and Cantwell’s are steeped in athletics tradition and have a long association with our club. It speaks volumes that in its 30th year the Winter League attracted a record 550 participants who ran the streets of Dungarvan and Abbeyside each Wednesday evening. Gerry and James took on their roles with the enthusiasm and energy they had on that cold November night in Kilrush in 1994 where it all began. At a recent celebration event held at the Park Hotel, both James and Gerry were joined by their family and club mates as they were recognised for their contribution.
MARK MASON FINANCIAL SERVICES COLLIGAN LEAGUE.
Spring is in the air when we start mentioning our next big club event the 5 week Mark Mason’s Financial Services Colligan running league for beginners and regular runners. Open to all once they are over 16 years of age. This league has something in it for all from the beginner to the seasoned athlete with many distances to choose from along with flat courses and hilly courses. Beginning at the wooden bridge and finishing at the wooden bridge. This is 4.4 km in distance or 2.7 miles so it might suit all those that ran the short route over the winter league plus this route is more or less completely on the flat. Another option is to take part in the 3 lap which is 6.5 kms or just over 4 miles; this is 3 laps of the same flat circuit of the wood mentioned above. The final option is the 5 mile hill route which is one lap of the wood for starters and then up the first hill and down the hill and then across the road for the second hill and finishing in by the wood at the bridge. Entry will be online in due course. The league will start on Wednesday April 2nd and continue for five more Wednesday evenings April 09th,16th, 23rd and 30th .Mass start each evening at 6.30 pm.
FORMAT OF THE LEAGUE.
Over the course of the 5 weeks of the league we will keep a record of each person’s finishing position. If you finish first you get one point, fifth place will earn you 5 points and so on. All runners will be put in to divisions of 5 and after the five weeks the winner of each division will receive a prize. Prizes will be awarded to those in each route and the divisions make it fun and interesting and all the more enjoyable.
DATES OF THE LEAGUE.
Round 1: April 2nd at 6.30 p.m.
Round 2: April 9th at 6.30 p.m.
Round 3: April 16th at 6.30 p.m.
Round 4: April 23th at 6.30 p.m.
Round 5: April 30 at 6.30 p.m.
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB OUT AND ABOUT LAST WEEKEND.
At the stone mad Blarney half marathon recently Evan Fitzgerald took the victory in a time of 1.08.07 while Catriona Crowe made the longer trip to the Naas 10 mile road race clocking a time of 1.28.49. A total of 342 completed last the Ballycotton national school 5 mile road race held on Sunday last with victory going to Paul Cashman Carrigtohill AC 28.38 and the Ladies winner was Sinead Flannery Ballintotis 32:04, West Waterford were well represented at the race with Sean Stilwell 32.50, Mark Cliffe 34.57,Joe Kelly 35.10,Madeleine Hearn 36.22,Tony O’Mahony 36.53,Donall McGrath 39.44,Tomas Fahey 39.19,Linda Bradfield 43.45,Onra Power 43.58,Michelle Finnegan 46.47, Cheyenne Tobin 46.42,Niamh Fennell 51.23,Carol Tobin 59.21.Jim Fleming and Michael Coakley were at SITU for the Saturday morning park run held there.
11th ANNUAL AGLISH FUN RUN/WALK IN AID OF CRUMLIN.
The 11th Annual Aglish Fun Run/Walk is back and will take place on Easter Monday 21st April 2025. Registration from 11.30am on the day and costs €10 / Donation.The popular 5k Walk and run will kick off at 11.30. All proceeds to Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin. Numerous Spot Prizes. All are welcome
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The clubs annual general meeting will take place on Friday April 11th at 7.30 in Abbeyside Tennis Club pavilion. All members are welcome to attend.
