Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup – Mossie Boland Brings The Cup To Clonea Power

The 19th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup was held last Sunday on one of the best days we have experienced for a number of years. A big turn out was the order of the day in both the Juvenile and the Senior events and a large crowd were in attendance to watch the event. The Juvenile event got under way at 1 pm while the senior race started at 2 pm. Both the Senior and the Juvenile event's were ran in the traditional Colligan handicap system and in both races it worked out a treat.

In the Senior race, as the race neared the end, almost all of the 157 starters came charging towards the finish tunnel with as many as 20 or 30 of the 157 starters in with a real chance of taking the title. However, we have one winner and one winner only and when Victor Mullins pulled the winner from the finishing tunnel as the clock struck 0 our winner was announced. The honour this year went to well-known Clonea Power runner who is a member of Clonmel AC Maurice Boland was crowned the 2007 Colligan Cup winner. Maurice and indeed his two sons are regular at all our events for as long as I can remember and is a deserving winner of the title this year.

This years race saw the top five placings filled by men which hasn't happen for some years. In second place just 1 second out was our hard working committee member and club registrar Michael Tutty. The next two placings were filled by members of the newly formed Carrick AC road runners James Fox 3 rd 2seconds off the mark, and Johnny Brunnock in 4th place was only 3 seconds too fast.

West Waterford road racing coordinator and former winner of the Colligan Cup Gerry Cantwell finished 5th again 3 seconds out. He seems to be making a habit of making the top 5 as he has done so now on many occasions. Others who followed and could easily have won the title included Johnny O'Connor, Sean Buckley, Ger Wyley, and Patrick Kerwick.

As usual we had a clatter of runners just on the wrong side of the clock, finishing too fast. Colin Lyons just 1 second too fast, Ray Power also 1 second off the mark. Rathgormack’s Ger Houlihan and Paul Brunnock were also only 2 seconds too fast. Ring man Paudie Crotty and Catriona O'Brien just missed out by a mere 3 seconds.

Despite the disappointment I'm sure felt by many, all will agree it was a great day's running and it's a most enjoyable event. So its back to the drawing board for most of us and the dream of maybe getting it right next year.

CATRIONA MULCAHY RESTS THE SHIELD IN KILMACTHOMAS.

We have to go down to the 10th finishing position to record the Ladies winner of the Shield last Sunday. Kilmacthomas lady Catriona Mulcahy did the business and was only 5 second's away from winning the cup as well as the shield. Catriona is a regular runner of our Winter league. The club receives great support from the Kilmac area and Catriona will be a popular winner representing the Kilmacthomas contingent.

2nd was Waterford AC's Brenda Lowe a well known name from the city club and she too is a regular participant of the winter league down there. 3rd was last years winner of our winter league Bridget Coffey. Bridget finished next behind Brenda and 4 th on the day was last years winner of the shield Josie Ui Chuirrin with new comer Molly Byrne filling the 5th position.

Another lady we must mention is Ger Houlihan from Rathgormac, Ger was just 2 seconds too fast on the wrong side of the clock and Catriona O'Brien almost did it too she was only 3 seconds too fast Onra Power another just 4 seconds too fast. Next year's girls. Well done to all the Ladies who participated in the race.


 

ONE-TWO FOR FRENCH SISTERS AT JUVENILE EVENT.

A large number, 63, took part in the 2 km run for Juveniles last Sunday in Colligan and the winner of the Juvenile shield for 2007 was Rachel French from Old Parish who was closest to her predicted time for the one lap of the famous Colligan circuit. However if Rachel did happen to get it wrong the prize would still have gone to the French household as her sister Aisling came in second just 1 second out.

Local boy Gavin Whelan certainly had his home work done as he came very close to snatching victory when finishing 3 rd . Incidentally his brother Aaron finish 4th in last years race so the Whelan boys are getting close to victory also. Cherene Foley was our next finisher in 4th place running her first Colligan cup and Jim Curran was 5 th .

Well done to all the young runners who participated in the event and thanks to the West Waterford Juvenile committee for organising the Juvenile race.

The success of this race and the huge growth since its foundation all those years ago is in no small way due to our great sponsor David Kiely and family of Kiely Monumental works. For his kind sponsorship over all those years, a big thank you. David as ever was with us to present the winners with their prizes on the day a gesture much appreciated.

Thanks also to Tony Rogers and staff of Quills the Pike bar for their hospitality to us and the use of his premises for the presentation of prizes. To the numerous people who looked after the entries, results, timing etc.

Thank's Pat and Ann Dunford for the great amount of work they both put into this event locally. Thanks also to Denise, Norma, Laura on entries. Thanks to those stewarding the course. And to all our Juvenile committee members for all there help in organising the juvenile race. Victor Mullins for starting the runners and selecting the overall winner. And of course Emma who supplied us with photos of the event.

To Ger Wyley of Wyley Sports and Footwear for again sponsoring a pair of Asics runners for the raffle among all participants, this years winner of the runners was Andrea Gaffney well done to her no doubt they will be put to good use. To road racing co-ordinator Gerry Cantwell and his team, take a bow. Finally our thanks in a special way to Coillte for their co-operation with the use of Colligan Wood for the event.


 

GLAXOSMITHKLINE 10 ON THIS SUNDAY.

Race number two in this year's Michael Roche Carpets sponsored Spring Series of Road Races gets under way this Sunday February 4 th at 2pm with the 16th Annual Glaxosmithkline 10-mile road race (Also race two in the John Buckley Munster spring classics series). Plans are now well Advanced for this year's race, which is expected to attract a huge turn out of athletes from all over the country. As we go to press over 300 pre entries have been received for the race with between 100 and 200 more expected to enter on the day.

The course will be the same as was used last year when it received very favorable comment from all who participated. Indeed this course which was introduced to the race three years ago is considered one of the fastest 10 miler's in the country now, with many personal bests times recorded over the short time that this canal circuit has been in use. It is a flat course and with the right Conditions Sunday will produce some more very fast times. If you're after that p.b. This could be your chance!

It's encouraging to see how the numbers participating in this race have grown. Last year we saw an unprecedented field of 427 finishers. Two years ago we had 310 runners in this event and under 200 was our usual turn out for many of the previous years prior to that. On Sunday we expect to break the 450 mark as this race continues to grow from strength to strength.

The organisers are delighted to announce that the main prizes on the day will be cash with both winners of the men's and Ladies race's receiving 250 euro each which we hope will be an incentive for the countries top road runners to attend. The race will cater for all the usual Masters categories and teams also. All participants will also receive the now famous Dungarvan 10 goody bag and Plenty of Spot prizes will be raffled among all non-prize-winners.

We have by kind permission the use of Dunagarvan Crystal Sports Centre and Dungarvan United pavilion for changing and registration of which we are grateful for same. We appeal to all runners to park at Dungarvan industrial estate off the round about on the N25 as parking will be strictly prohibited around both changing and registration areas.

Tea and sandwiches after the race will be served at Dungarvan Soccer club where the presentation of prizes will also be held. Dungarvan Crystal sports centre will be available for anyone wishing to use the showers after the race. All stewards are asked to please come along as early as possible to the center and to contact Tony Ryan steward co coordinator for the race on arrival.

We hope to see all local runners participating on Sunday but if for what ever reason you are not running you might be available to come along and give a hand with stewarding the course or making a few sandwiches." All hands on deck".


 

FOR THE RECORD.
Previous overall winners of this race are as follows:
1992 Robert Costello (Limerick)
1993 Noel Richardson (Donore Hrs)
1994 Jimmy Mulligan (Waterford)
1995 James Sullivan (Waterford)
1996 Michael Hassett (Tipperary)
1997 Cormac Finnerty (Mullingar Hrs)
1998 Peter Duggan St Joseph's (Kilkenny)
1999 John Kearney (East Cork)
2000 John Kearney (East Cork)
2001 Peter Duggan St. Joseph's (Kilkenny)
2002 Paul Deegan D.S.D. (Dublin)
2003 Philip Harty (K.C.K.)
2004 George Murray (North Cork)
2005 Sandis Bralitis (Ballynonty)
2006 Sandis Bralitis ( West Waterford AC )

MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS SPRING SERIES.

The 15th Annual Michael Roche Carpets spring series got under way with the Kiely monumental Colligan Cup last Sunday. This series has something to suit runners of every standard. As in previous years, the series will cater for regular runners and beginners with prizes on offer for all levels of competitors. Entry to this year's series is set at €5.and you can enter again nest Sunday at the Dungarvan 10. Once again West Waterford Athletic Club thank Michael and Bridget for their continued support to the club by sponsoring this series now in its 15 th year.

RACE 2. –Glaxosmithkline 10 Sunday February 4th at 2pm. RACE 3. –3rd Annual Bosch and Lomb Kilmacthomas 5 Sunday 25th February at 2pm. RACE 4. –25th Annual Eason's Dungarvan 10 k Sunday March 11th at 2pm.

Divisions will be set up and prizes will be awarded at the final race on March 11th.Your best three results from the four races count.

 

ALL-ROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE.
ANGELINE AND PAT ON THE MARK.

The winter league last week was just like the Colligan Cup last Sunday, a guess your time handicap run, and this type of run is always popular and great fun. In the 2.6 mile run Angeline Drennan who has had a habit of being too fast on this type of league run in the past put all that mis-calcualtion behind her last Wednesday night when getting her running pace spot on as she claimed first spot. In doing so Angeline treated herself to a minus 50 points off her total points tally, which was a nice bonus for her efforts. Plus the fact that she was lying in third place going into the league last week this performance will do her chances of the overall title no harm at all as she is now in the top position.

Ann Cummins was unlucky just one second out but on the right side of the clock in second place and receives a minus 40 from her points total. The third finisher was just 2 seconds out Michael Butler gets a minus 30 points from his points tally. Polish Lady Justyna Gajewska was next and receives a minus 20 points from her total.

Liam Crowe consolidates his place on top of division 2 finishing 5 th and receiving a minus 10 points which now also really puts him into the frame for overall success as its lowest points wins and as happened before the overall league winner could possible come from division 2.

Spare a thought for those just on the wrong side of the clock when it hit the 00. Mark Mason just 1 second on the wrong side, now that would have been a famous win wouldn't it. Alan Cartlidge 2 second's out, Bernard Walsh another who was close but not close enough when finishing just 2 seconds the wrong side of the clock also. Kilmac's Seamus Casey again a whisper away from winning when just 3 seconds too fast. A total of 93 runners took part in the 2.7-mile league last week.

The 5.7 mile run saw Brickey man Pat Connaughton show the field a thing or two about running pace when he clinched the top spot getting his predicted time on the nose and picking up a nice and handy minus 50 point's from his points total which really puts him back in the picture fro overall success in division 4. Anne Foley was very close when finishing 2nd just 1 second out and for her reward she gets a minus 40 from her points totals.

Stradbally's Mark Vespa was just 2 seconds out on his predicted time but on the right side of the clock has a nice minus 30 from his total. Mark Gallagher did himself no harm when picking up a minus 20 point's for finishing 4 th while Caroline Russell was 5th and receives a minus 10.

Those on the wrong side of the clock finishing just that little bit too fast of there predicted time included, Tracey Dwyer was 1 second out, Ray Curran was just 2 seconds out, Garry McCormack was next 3 seconds out while Seamus Hayes was also unlucky not to take that top spot only 4 seconds too fast.Ger Wyley and Gerry Cantwell were also there or there a bout's both just 5 seconds too fast.. So that was the story of our winter league handicap guess your time run for last weeks league. We will of course have at least one more guess your time handicap run before league end.

Its now really now down to the business end of things for this years league. The tables tell there own story and are there for all to scrutinise, It's every Man and Woman for himself or herself from her on in with four nights remaining, may the best Man or Woman win best of luck to all.


 

MYSTERY TOUR.

The now famous mystery tour will take place on Friday 23rd February. At the winter league tonight names will take along with a 5 Euro deposit. This will secure your seat on the bus. Remember it's on a first come first served bases. Finbar Kelly is the man in charge of the tour and I hear through the grape vines that he has a great night lined up for us. Whatever race or run you might miss this year for whatever the reason, don't miss the mystery tour, it will be talked about for month's to come.

 See you on the bus.

MARTIN AND ANN ON THE MARK.
All in West Waterford AC wish to extend a special birthday wish to Club Vice Chairman Martin Veale and also club member Ann Wright who both reached mile stone birthday's last weekend.


 

RUNNING QUOTE.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
Joe Gough.

PRE-REGRISTRATION FOR GLAXOSMITHKLIN 10 CLOSES TONIGHT WEDNESDAY.

Our final opportunity to pre enter for this Sundays Glaxosmithkline 10 will be tonight Wednesday at the All Rounder Sports winter league. Michael Tutty will be available to take your entry forms and the entry fee of 10 Euro. You can also register on Sunday but the entry fee will be 15 Euro.

CLUB ANNUAL.

The articles for our club Annual are starting to come in, but there is still plenty of space for your piece. This Annual will be the clubs 3rd and it is starting to take shape, the content is looking very impressive already. We are still asking anyone out there who would be interested in writing a piece to please do so over the next week or so as our final cut off date nears. Any article on club life or basically anything to do with running would be a welcome addition to our planned publication.

We especially appeal to any Juvenile athletes to have a go at writing an article as in previous years some of the best pieces were written by Juvenile club members. You can E Mail your finished masterpiece to the club E Mail Address, jveale@cablesurf.com or if handwritten drop it in to James at Ger Wyley Sports.

TOP PERFORMANCE FORM MEREKS.

West Waterford club member Mareks Mikisko who is currently back at college in his home country of Latvia was last week taking part in the Indoor Latvian Athletics Federation cup final in Riga. Mareks was running the 3000 meters with a field of 19 of that country’s best over the distance toeing the starting line. Markes is proving to be an athlete with huge potential over an array of disciplines and distances. He ran the 3000 meters at the meet and had a terrific race to finish 2nd in a time of 8.53.6, He was just piped for the gold medal with the winner Konstantins clocking 8.52.9.

The previous week Mareks was in action in the Latvia Student championship and here again running in the 3.000 meters he took gold in a time of 9.04.

In Athlone in December at the Irish national novice cross country championships Mareks finished a creditable 6 th and at that the line seemed to come too quickly for the Latvian student as he moved through the field on that occasion clawing back 10 places on the final two laps. We look forward to him being here on a more permanent bases in the near future, as he will be a huge addition the club.

CLUB SOCIAL.

The club's eagerly awaited social is being held on Friday March 30th at the Park Hotel Dungarvan with music by "Never Heard of them". The ticket price is 30 euro per ticket and they will go on sale at the All-rounder winter league tonight and for the next three Wednesday nights.

Ann Dunford is handling the ticket sales and you can also purchase them from her. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served bases, so don't leave it too late for the club's social event of the year.


 

BENJI READY FOR THE CHALLENGE.

West Waterford Athlete Brendan " Benji" Whelan is ready for his trip of a life time to the North Eastern part of Costa Rica in south America to participate in the ultra distance 220 kms Costal Challenge which he has spent most of 2006 preparing for. He now has many, many miles of road running and multi terrain running under his belt. Despite a niggling injury in the latter part of his preparations Benji is up for the challenge and is eagerly anticipating the start of the event on Saturday 3 rd February.

The Coastal is the World's Expedition Run taking runners on an epic adventure covering lands no other visitor would ever get to see. The Coastal Challenge is the "World's Expedition Run" releasing runners over exotic and wild coastlines and mountainous regions. The runners have 220 kms to cover in six days the participants embrace the spirit of adventure, discovery and camaraderie within a long distance running competition while navigating beaches, rock outcroppings, volcanic regions, wide river crossings, rainforests, jungles and windswept highlands.

It is an expedition run of epic proportions introducing competitors to the hospitality of the local Tico culture while testing their will and stamina. The 2007 event the 3 rd time its taken place has been named the "Route of Fire" because the course takes competitors along a corridor of at least half of Costa Rica's 10 named volcanoes, as well as the heat of competition to contend with.

Benji will be driven to succeed with the thought always in his mind of why he took on such a mammoth task in the first place all of 12 months ago which was to raise monies for the Irish Cancer society of which all participants of the All Rounder winter league so generously donated to on our Christmas charity night.

All we can now do is wish Benji all the very best on his adventure and we know if its determination and guts is needed to complete this challenge he may have no fear. Slan.

The 19th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup was held last Sunday on one of the best days we have experienced for a number of years. A big turn out was the order of the day in both the Juvenile and the Senior events and a large crowd were in attendance to watch the event.

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