MASON MORGAGES AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COLLIGAN LEAGUE.
FITTING END ON A BEAUTIFUL EVENING IN COLLIGAN WOODS.
The fifth and final night in Colligan of our Mason Mortgages and Financial Services Spring Running League once again saw a great crowd of 96runners take to the beautiful surround of Colligan wood on what turned out to be an evening of sunshine and smiles for the final round of the league. The 2 lap saw 28 competing while we had 30 on the 3 lap with 38 taking to the hills. As this was the last night of this league the overall prizes were presented after the run. Our club Chairman Tom Leahy welcomed everyone especially our sponsor Mark Mason of Mason Mortgages and Financial Services, Cappoquin, he thanked all the runners for supporting the league and hoped that they enjoyed coming to Colligan wood for the 5 weeks, especially the newcomers. He went on to thank all those who helped out with the organisation of the league and of course Coillte for allowing us to use the Colligan venue .League sponsor Mark Mason was on hand to get the final round underway and also to present the prizes and we would once again like to thank Mark for his generous sponsorship.
MARK WALSH CROWNED KING OF THE HILLS 2025.
The main event of this particular league is the 5 miles on the hills circuit with the title of “King of the hills 2025” going to Mark Walsh .Mark from Grange is quite a new comer to running and this was his first year completing all rounds of this league, he also ran the winter league this year for the first time, a builder by trade Mark is really enjoying a new lease of fitness since taking up the sport and to win this year was no mean feat leading many more seasoned runners over the hills of Colligan for the 5 weeks duration, a big well done to Mark and we hope to see much more of him over the summer racing season. Dermot Gough was our runner-up this year, Dermot ran very well over the league and consolidated his runners up spot on the final night with another solid run on the hills of Colligan. Brian Looby a name you heard before but in another sport as his a well-known Waterford county football star and captain for a prolonged career with the big ball in the white and blue of Waterford, a regular winter league runner also Brian took on the 5 miles hills this year in our league and enjoyed every night of it. Our winner in division 2 this year as Tom Hogan who held off John Coade .In Division 3 1st Place was claimed by Micheál Power while in Division 4 1st was Jack O’Riordan.And Stephen Shasby was our winner in division 5, division 6 saw Donall McGrath come out on top. Well done to everyone that took to the hill’s over the past 5 weeks – running the hills will definitely make you stronger and will have you in good shape for the summer races to come.
LINDA FOLEY TOP LADY OVER THE COLLIGAN HILLS.
The Ladies title on the 5 mile hills went this year for the first time to Linda Foley, Linda a club member and a regular club runner who never misses any club races or events , Linda was in the top couple of positions each week of the league and was a fitting overall Ladies winner this year.Our 2nd Place finisher was yet another lady who rarely saint toeing the start line for a wwac race , well done to Niamh O’Donovan our runner-up and our 3rd placed Lady on the hills this year was Ciara Holmes who like the others put in a flawless 5 weeks in Colligan. Division 2 was hotly contested but in the end it was Sandra Moore who was to prevail taking the title from Helen Keating who put in a brilliant 5 weeks also.The Ladies division 3 title went this year to Mairéad Foley who was outstanding in the league and deservedly took this division title.Well done to all the Ladies who ran the mighty hills of Colligan this year, it’s no mean feat to complete them hills every week so well done to each and every one of ye, keep up the good work now and we hope to see you all at our race programme over the summer months.
LAURA FLAVIN AND MICHEÁL MOYNIHAN TOPS IN TWO LAP LEAGUE.
The 2 lap league this year was divided into Men’s and Women’s tables with the overall Ladies winner Laura Flavin taking the honours and Micheál Moynihan was our men’s 2 lap winner. Laura ran the 5 rounds of the league this year as did our runner-up Carol Walsh.In Division 2 1st Place was claimed by Margaret Whelan while in Division 3 1st Place went to Aisling Hallinan. In Division 4 in 1st Place was Laura Barry and in Division 5 1st Place went to Caoimhe Veale.In the Men’s 2 lap event we had a clear winner in Micheál Moynihan. Micheál was actually retaining his 2 lap crown as he also won this in 2024.Well done to all who ran the two lap league many who were running this league for the very first time having only taking up the sport only recently.
JASON TRAVERS AND KATE WALL DOMINATE 3 LAP COURSE..
The 3 lap league saw great numbers this year and the main increase in numbers for the league came in the 3 lap flat course which was great to see. The overall Men’s title went to Jason Travers who put the mountain bike to one side for a few weeks taking on a trail race of a different kind, on foot rather than the two wheel type. Darragh Duggan took the runner up spot here, well known local teacher and GAA mentor he gave the league a right go this year running all rounds over the 5 week period.In the Ladies competition we had 3 separate divisions and in division 1 and overall winner of the Ladies 3 lap flat course was Kate Wall who ran brilliantly throughout the league coming home 1st each round. In 2nd place this year and having to relinquish her title from 2024 was Tara Ní Rheachtaháin, Tara also ran very well each week and finished close to our winner each night.In division 2 the title went to Sinead Kiely and our division 3 was won by Orla Walsh. Well done to our prize winners and all who run the 3 lap flat.
THANK YOU.
As always we are indebted to our steward’s and helpers with the league Jamie who looked after the signage each week Gerry and Liam stewarding and Declan,Tom,Shirly, Ray and Ann who did the tables etc each week ,it goes without saying without their input there would be no league. Thanks to our sponsor Mark who was on hand each week at the league and also presented the prizes to the various winners. For his on-going support of our club which is greatly appreciated. Once again a special thanks of course to Coillte who give us permission to hold this league and without whose co-operation this league and of course the Colligan Cup would not take place each year.
OVERALL LEAGUE PRIZE WINNERS 2025.
MENS 5 MILE HILLS.
2 Laps
Mens Division 1 1st Place Micheál Moynihan
Ladies Division 1 1st Place Laura Flavin 2nd Place Carol Walsh
Ladies Division 2 1st Place Margaret Whelan
Ladies Division 3 1st Place Aisling Hallinan
Ladies Division 4 1st Place Laura Barry
Ladies Division 5 1st Place Caoimhe Veale
3 Laps
Mens Division 1 1st Place Jason Travers
2nd Place Darragh Duggan
Mens Division 2 1st Place Patrick Power
Ladies Division 1 1st Place Kate Wall
2nd Place Tara Ní Reachtagain
Ladies Division 2 1st Place Sinéad Kiely
Ladies Division 3 1st Place Orla Walsh
Hills 5 mile
Mens Division 1 1st Place Mark Walsh
2nd Place Dermot Gough
3rd Place Brian Looby
Mens Division 2 1st Place Tom Hogan
2nd Place John Coade
Mens Division 3 1st Place Micheál Power
Mens Division 4 1st Place Jack O’Riordan
Mens Division 5 1st Place Stephen Shasby
Mens Division 6 1st Place Donall McGrath
Ladies Division 1 1st Place Linda Foley
2nd Place Niamh O’Donovan
3rd Place Ciara Holmes
Ladies Division 2 1st Place Sandra Moore
2nd Place Helen Keating
Ladies Division 3 1st Place Mairéad Foley
RACE ONE WEST WATERFORD SUMMER ROAD RACE PROGRAMME.
THE AHS TUNING IRELAND 10th ANNUAL BALLINROAD 5K THIS FRIDAY EVENING.
Our first race in the clubs summer road race programme for 2025 will get underway with the AHS Tuning Ireland sponsored Ballinroad 5k on this Friday May 9th at 7.30 pm .Firstly our sincere thanks to John Coleman of AHS for his continued sponsorship of this race which he has sponsored for the past 10 years. John operates a very successful car tuning company from his premises out on Coolagh road., Abbeyside. This year once again we are delighted to be able to help and support the local community in Ballinroad as the local soccer club Ballinroad A.F.C. will be the benefactors of the race, with monies donated towards the club’s underage teams. The race will incorporate a fun run/walk with proceeds from them going towards the clubs fund. For the first time also at this event our clubs Juvenile committee are hosting a Juveniles 1km race on the Greenway and this will take place before the Senior race will start at 7.30 pm.A huge turnout is expected if previous year’s is anything to go by as we deem the race to be the fastest flattest 5k course around. As you know in West Waterford AC we like to cater for all and have different prize structures in all our races, for the Ballinroad race we will have prizes for the top 5 men and women with lots and lots of spots for down the field finishers. Through the generosity of our sponsor we will this year be offering a cash performance bonus for both men and women,100 euro is an the added offer to the first Male to break 14.50 and the same to the first Female to who can break 17.00. The entry fee is 10 euro pre entry online. (15 euro on race night). The course chosen for the race is an excellent out and back course which is very flat so if it’s your first attempt at the 5k distance or you’re looking for a fast time on a flat- fast course this is your opportunity to shine. See you all this Friday 10th May for race one.
ENTRY LINK TO AHS TUNING IRELAND BALLINROAD 5K
https://eventmaster.ie/event/3z18fx4tZW
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETIC CLUB SUMMER RACE PROGRAMME 2025.
We are delighted to announce our Summer Schedule of races 2025 starting in Ballinroad with our very popular 5k race on May 9th and finishing in Ballinameela on the 18th July in another very popular 5k route . This is a unique opportunity to enter all 6 races in advance and just turn up on the night to each race and run! So get your entries in quickly and be ready for a super summer of racing once more. We are all looking forward to getting our summer programme underway and we hope to see all the old familiar faces and many new ones in the coming months. You can now enter all 6 races for €60 and you will receive a summer race t-shirt. 60 Euro which is brilliant value, and of course you can also enter each race individually for 10 euro per race online. Individual race entries will open two weeks before each race. If you come along on the night of any race it will be 15 euro so get your online entry in is the answer here. .
So get your entries in quickly and be ready for a super summer of racing once more. List of races are as follows:
Ballinroad 5K 9th May 2025
Ardmore 5 Miles 23rd May 2025
Dromana 5 Miles 6th June 2025
Ballymacarby 5 Miles 27th June 2025
Dungarvan 10K 4th July 2025
Ballinameela 5K 18th July 2025
ONLINE ENTRIES HERE.
https://eventmaster.ie/event/OmQnupmH0Z
THE GREAT LIMERICK RUN.
SUPER RUN BY JUSTIN RYAN.
The Regeneron Great Limerick Run was held last Sunday with big fields in all distances marathon-half and 10k.Well done to all club members who represented the club in the all 3 distances. Justin Ryan had a brilliant run clipping around the course in a time of 2.42.22 super running by Justin to finish 13th overall in the race. John Cass will be well pleased with his effort 3.22. well under the 3.30 target there for John, and another to break the 3.30 mark was Gary Hurney close but the record books will show a bub 3.30 none the less crossing the line in 3.29.13,The Hynds family were out in force Jamie running 3.36.and Louise 3.48,well done both. Sandra Flynn ran a time of 3.39.08 and will be delighted with that run while the one and only Mick Concannon notched up yet another with a time of 4.11. The Déise Gals were in action again this year in the marathon relay finishing in a splendid 4.04 knocking a whopping 16 minutes off last years’ time, and another team from the club Team Riot runners cocked a time of 4.25In the half marathon Dermot Gough was our first athlete home in a time of 1.23.03 followed by David Kingston 1.37.20 and Kieran Daly 1.49.34 next. Rachel Phelan was the first club Female here in 1.56.19 with Martina Beechinor running 2.05.10 and Geraldine Barry next 3.08.07. Olivia Phelan 2.16.39 and Michael Coakley 2.27.38 also ran the half here.Well done to Edel Curry who was our only representative in the 10k running a time of 1.08.16.so all in all great running by our club members and a very well done to them and all who ran the Great Limerick event.
( results taken from west Waterford AC listed on finish results any amendments please forward 086 8184762)
Marathon
Justin Ryan 2.42.22
John Cass 3.22.57
Gary Hurney 3.29.13
Jamie Hynds 3.36.51
Sandra Flynn 3.39.08
Louise Hynds 3.48.02
Team Deise Gals Relay 4.04.24
Mick Concannon 4.11.56
Team Riot runners 4.25.23
Half Marathon.
Dermot Gough 1.23.03
David Kingston 1.37.20
Kieran Daly 1.49.34
Rachel Phelan 1.56.19
Martina Beechinor 2.05.10
Geraldine Barry 2.08.07
Olivia Phelan 2.16.39
Michael Coakley 2.27.38
10k
Edel Curry 1.08.16
NIAMH ALLEN WINS MIDLETON 5.
The annual Midleton 5 mile road race was held last Thursday and a field of 340 competed. It was an unusual outcome to the race this year in that a Lady won the race outright which doesn’t happen too often but then again when an athlete of the calibre of Niamh Allen Leevale AC is in the starting line-up, a L;ady who set a new course record at the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 in February last posting the 2nd fastest 10 mile time ever by an Irish Female athlete behind no less that Sonia O’Sullivan then it’s very possible that Niamh could win the Midleton 5 posting a brilliant 25.31 to romp home alone with her team mate Mark Walsh 2nd 25.53 and Donal Coakley in 3rd place in a time of 26.24. The club had 6 athletes who ran on the night with Padraig Healy leading them home in 31.18 and Onra Power was our first Lady finisher in 43.23,Onra was 1st in the over 55 category here. Well done to all.
Padraig Healy 31.18
Stephen Gray 35.48
Mick Concannon 38.06
Onra Power 43.23 1st over 55
Melanie Kelly 45.14
Patricja Daly 45.16
WEST WATERFORD TOPS AT DERMOT O’NEILL PHARMACY SPONSORED PORTLAW 5 MILE.
OVERALL RACE WINS FOR FITZGERALD AND VEALE.
The annual Dermot O’Neill Pharmacy sponsored Portlaw 5 mile road race was held Friday evening, race number 2 of the Carrick On Suir AC summer series sponsored by Outfield sports a field of 145 completed on what was a beautiful and ideal night for the race. Overall race winner recording 2 wins from 2 outings in the series, he won race 1 in Ballyneal 2 weeks previously West Waterford’s Evan Fitzgerald in what was another blistering display of front running by Evan recording a personal best time of 23.51 for the 5 mile distance, impressive Running by Evan who is improving with nearly ever outing, runner up on a split decision as both 2nd and 3rd recorded the same time ,nothing between them was Craig O’Brien Ferrybank AC 27.41 with another West Waterford athletes John Coffey in 3rd place 27.41,well done to both lads on a sporting sprint for the line, and for the record just outside the top 3 was Conor Hennebry 4th in 28.08.Keeping the main prizes on the night West Waterford’s way was Kate Veale who had a convincing win in the Ladies race and retaining her title in this race from 2024 with an excellent time of 30.54,Kate had finished 2nd in the Ballyneal race 2 weeks previously so back on top of the podium Friday night. Second lady was Emily Goff Ferrybank AC in 31.33 and 3rd was Edel Byrne Tramore AC 32.00. The race was very well supported as are all of Carrick road runners races by our club and we had 27 athletes in the field Friday night.West Waterford athletes were also among the category prize winners also with a great run by Sandra Moore in the ladies race where she took 1st over 50 with a time of 38.09.Josie Uí Chuirrin was 1st over 60 in a time of 42.59,well done to Josie great to see her back among the prize winners and in the M60 Ray Hahessy also took first place in 32.51.To round off a very successful night for our club the Men’s team of Conor Hennebry Niall Barry and Dermot Ryan took the men’s team prize.Very well done to our club prize winners and to all who supported the race.The final race is of course Deadmans 5km in 4 weeks’ time, Friday May 30th
Evan Fitzgerald 23.51
John Coffey 27.41
Conor Hennebry 28.08
Dermot Ryan 29.08
Kate Veale 30.54
Niall Barry 31.32
Ray Hahessy 32.51
Jimmy Connors 33.17
Joe Kelly 33.38
Shane Power 33.39
Stephen Shasby 34.02
Patrick Lannen 34.29
Tony O’Mahony 35.00
Johnny Brunnock 36.27
Sandra Moore 38.09
Karen Ryan 40.13
Peter Cunningham 40.34
Onra Power 41.44
Emma Dwane 41.50
Ann Dunford 42.27
Josie Uí Chuirrin 42.59
Owen Power 43.53
Anthony Dwyer 44.09
Rose Power 45.29
Geraldine Barry 47.47
Siobhan O’Mahony 48.59
Niamh O’Mahony 51.09
WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES AMONG THE MEDAL WINNERS AT COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD.
Day one of the country track and field championships were held last Sunday week at the RSC arena Waterford. A very busy day’s competition was witnessed by all in attendance with many Juvenile medals brought home by our young athletes. It was encouraging also to see that the club had some senior athletes competing at this very important county track and field event within the county. Angela Tobin who is a regular at these championships was in great form competing in 3 events and talking home 3 county medals which included gold in the Senior Ladies 400 and 1.500 meters and a bronze in the 100 meters. Another club member who never misses the county championships is Yev Chizhikov and competing in one event Yev won silver in the senior men’s 1.500 meters. We also had athletes in action in the field events and here in the Senior Men’s discus Frank O’Brien took silver with a distance of 25.65m with his son Eoghan O’Brien in the Junior javelin threw 9.45m for silver. And in the Ladies shot Fiona Langan also won silver with a distance of 5.04m. Please note the 2 day of the county championships will be held at the RSC on Sunday 11th May and it would be great to see more of our senior members take part here.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Ann O’Gorman Fernville , Lismore who passed to her eternal reward last week, may she rest in peace.
