FORDE’S DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.
ROUND 2 GETS BIGGER AND BETTER.
The weather held up well for us last Wednesday evening for round 2 of the Fordes Daybreak Winter league which saw another huge turnout with 340 participants covering the two courses. The numbers registering for the league increased again with a further 30 coming along for the first time last week. Because of road works on our long course we had to go to plan B which was an out and back course, this not ideal in some ways, but it was our only option on the night and thanks to our stewards as well as the runners for your cooperation on the night, we hope to be back to our regular course on the long run tonight.We were lucky enough as the heavy showers during the afternoon abated somewhat for the duration of the league with very little wind.This year its noticeable that there are many new people giving it a go and that’s great to see, we welcome everyone no matter what their running ability is so do remember to let your friends know that if they have any thoughts of giving the league a try that we have plenty room for them so encourage them to come along and give it a go, you can start any night you wish and run at whatever pace you feel able to run at. You have two distances to choose from, there’s the short route 2.5 miles or the longer 5.2 course. We will do nothing but support you in your efforts. By now, you will have an understanding of how the league works. Runners go off in groups according to their times from the previous week and the ultimate goal is to try and pass as many people as possible while at the same time not to have too many pass you out!! Thanks to all the runners for obeying the rules of the winter league. We are sure that you will appreciate that with the huge volume of runners at the sport’s centre and out on the roads that your co-operation is vital for the smooth running and the safety of the runners. The clock starts at 6.45 p.m sharp each night but for your first night aim to be there around 6.30 in order to get registered with a number. We will see you all Wednesday for round 3.
LONG COURSE RUNNERS RUN OUT AND BACK IN WEEK 2.
Round 2 of the 2022/23 Forde’s Daybreak winter league saw another large turnout of runners last Wednesday evening at Dungarvan Sports Centre when 215 took on the long course. As mentioned already we had to change our route last week due to road works but thankfully it worked out all right on the night.The winter league will continue for 9 more nights 4 before Christmas and 5 after Christmas with a 2 week break over the festive season.This week there were 26 newly registered runners on the long route which shows the popularity of the league.First home on the league last week was Rory Fitzgerald in a time of 35.43,Rory was followed home by Billy Ryan in a good time of 36.15. And third back last week was Michael Power in 37.36.The leading ladies last week were Lix Nyhan first home in a time of 37.49 Jill Stafford was 2nd lady finisher in 44.30, and just two second behind Jill the third lady home last week was Sharon Flynn in a time of 44.32.Well done to everyone who took part and to anyone who hasn’t joined the league yet, why not come along any Wednesday night and join you’ll be glad you took the first step.
ANOTHER GREAT TURNOUT ON SHORT COURSE LAST WEEK.
Cold but thankfully dry running conditions awaited the runners as they gathered at Dungarvan Sports Centre for week 2 of the Fordes Daybreak winter league before heading out on the 2.3 mile run. There was a once again a massive number out for the second round last Wednesday when 123 took up the challenge with a good number of newcomers as well as those that ran the previous week. It was great to see so many new runners that were trying out the league for the very first time as well as many league regulars. This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.3 miles in total. The handicap system kicked in after the mass start of last week so make sure to check your start time on facebook and or on the sheets posted on the wall at the sports centre.First back on the night was Christopher Murphy who ran round in an excellent 17.12. Next was Paul Murray in 18.25 followed by Patrick Morrissey in 19.25.Muriel Cummins 19.34 was our first lady home finishing 6th overall, Next two home were Collet Barry 22.17 and third was Rosarie Dwane in 22.19.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.
Your winter league number, given at registration, is the number you have for all the league. It should be worn to the front, be clearly visible and secured with a pin in each corner to stop it flapping. 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.
14TH ANNUAL CLEANZONE TECHNOLOGY LTD PADDY JOE CURRAN MEMORIAL OLD PARISH TURKEY TROT
€3.720 RAISED IN AID OF DUNGARVAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL.
The 14th annual Old Parish Turkey Trot took place last Sunday morning with Conditions ideal really as an hour before the race we had a downpour which would have been a disaster if it was during the event it was that heavy. A good turnout were present again this year for this event which receives good local and travelling support. A total of 104 runners and 50 walkers took part which was testament to the hard work put in by the race committee at the Marine Bar. Sincere thanks go to all the crew who were out early in the morning looking after the course for the walkers and runners and especially to all the stewards who manned the course during the event. Once again the local community came out in force to support this local event so it’s a very well done to one and all. The generosity of the runners, walkers and locals and the sponsorship acquired meant that €3,720 was raised for the Dungarvan Community Hospital, the committee at the Marine and everyone involved should be very proud to have raised such a huge amount for this most worthy cause. Paula French director of nursing spoke on behalf of Dungarvan Community hospital at the prize presentation and gave us a little insight as to how the monies raised by events like this is spent in the hospital, our thanks to Paula for taking the time to come along on the morning. The race was a huge success thanks to the contribution to all involved, firstly to race director Padraig Healy and family, the local stewards, Conor and Jamie for looking after the course layout and to Ray, Ann, Tom who looked after the entries and the finishing times. A sincere word of thanks must go to our hosts Eoghan O’ Neill and family and the local race committee ladies who provided the hot refreshments and food for all the runners and they made sure that we were all well looked after , thanks so much. The race organisers would like to sincerely thank Ger Duhig and Johnny Curran of Clean zone Technology Ltd for their generous sponsorship of the race and also O’Mahony Business Advisors, Eurofins food testing, Zuzana Costin Neuromnuscular Physical Therapist,Venture Clothing, Albert mc Grath Newsagents, The Marine Bar, Murray’s Care plus pharmacy, Country Store Fruit and Veg and Tommy Kiely Car Sales. Finally again to the great committee effort at the Marine a very well done all on a very successful event for the 14th year.
MURPHY AND VEALE RECORD WINS.
The overall race winner and recipient of the Paddy Joe Curran Perpetual Cup was Noel Murphy Waterford AC who was claiming this victory for the very first at this race. He was presented with the cup by James Fletcher Nephew of the late Paddy Joe, In second place was Pat Fitzgerald also Waterford AC and Keith Kelly Youghal AC was 3rd.It was one of the best races up front seen in many years at this race, with 4 athletes locked together right up to the 4 mile mark the above mentioned and one other athlete Aidan Connell,Just after 4 miles Connell dropped off the lead pack when Keith Kelly made a brave move for home opening up a gap of 20 meters on the two Waterford men but they kept him in their sights and as we came into the final half mile they caught and passed the Cork man, It was down to the two team mates then to battle it out and this they did right to the finish line with just 1 second separating the two as they crossed the line in full flight, Murphy just holding off the very much improving Fitzgerald. In the ladies race, the honours went to the Kate Veale West Waterford AC in an excellent time of 31.34 which was 3 minutes faster than the winning time in 2019, Kate is in great shape now as she heads into another busy year of race walking starting with the national 20 and 35k championships in 3 weeks’ time. In 2nd was Eveleen Drohan West Waterford AC in 34.41.Eveleen is running very well at present and was worthy of her 2nd place finish last Sunday.3rd Lady home was from across the bridge in Youghal AC Deirdre Hansbro 35.08,there was a great turnout from out near neighbours Youghal for the race and we thank them all for their support.
14TH ANNUAL PADDY JOE CURRAN TURKEY TROT.
Noel Murphy Waterford AC 27.35
Pat Fitzgerald Waterford AC 27.35
Keith Kelly Youghal AC 27.56
Kate Veale West Waterford AC 31.11
Eveleen Drohan West Waterford AC 34.41
Deirdre Ansbro Youghal AC 35.08
JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10.
BUMBLEANCE ANNOUNCED AS RACE BENEFACTORS.
The Children’s National Ambulance Service.
West Waterford athletic club are delighted to announce our race benefactors for the 2023 John Tracy Dungarvan 10 mile road race BUMBLEANCE !!!.Monies donated by the runners and the club will be donated to this very worth national cause. BUMBLEANCE is the official Children’s National Ambulance Service of Ireland. They provide safe and comfortable transportation for Ireland’s youngest patients as they travel between their homes and hospitals, hospices, treatment centres, and respite centres nationwide. At BUMBLEANCE, they know how stressful it is to transport a sick child, BUMBLEANCE is with families every step of the way, with the comfort and safety of the children as their number one priority. The BUMBLEANCE service is the first of its kind in the world. It has all the amenities of a regular ambulance but it includes the all-important extras to make a sick child’s journey as safe, comfortable and entertaining as possible. Their aim is to distract, comfort and entertain Ireland’s youngest and most critically ill patients as they travel to and from hospitals and paediatric treatment centres nationwide. When entering the race online you will have the opportunity to donate any sum of money you wish, we ask you to be as generous as possible for this very worthy cause when entries open on December 1st.
WATERFRONT RACE CLONAKILTY.
The club was well represented at Saturdays Waterfront half marathon and 10k held around the beautiful Clonakilty, well usually beautiful, except for the day witnessed for Saturdays event which saw bad weather hampering the race as the full marathon had to be cancelled due to flooding however the half and the 10k did go ahead with club members recording times as follows.
Half marathon
Stephanie Ilsley 1:46:31
Brian Walsh 1:53:08
Patrick Carey 1:53:37
10k
Fiona O’Riordan 1.09.17
Deirdre Clancy 1.14.42
MICK RUNS BYPASS 10.
Mick Concannon ran the one off Macroom bypass 10 mile race today which was organised by West Muskerry AC, the event was held before the bypass opens in the next few weeks. Mick recorded a time of 1:15:38.
