West Waterford Athletic Club West Waterford Athletic Club

Senior News,December 03 2023

123.IE NATIONAL NOVICE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

 

GOLD FOR LUCY HOLMES.

 

The 123.ie National Novice cross country championships were held last Sunday in Navan Co.Meath and the club had both a men’s and a ladies team competing. The day turned out to be a memorable one for Lucy Holmes who after finishing 4th in last year’s race had some unfinished business to take care of and Sunday was her crowning glory as she brought home individual gold from the field of 106 athletes in a most tactical display of patient cross country running as you will ever witness, Lucy now becomes the first individual gold medal winner ever for the club in both Ladies or Male competition. It was a pleasure to witness the way she ran the race as cool as you like she sat on the leading pack for two of the three laps and then boom her 800 speed left the field in her wake as she romped home well clear in a time of 14 minutes 43 seconds ahead of the two athletes who lead from early on  both receiving  the same finishing time of 14.50, Roisin Roberts Nth Belfast AC 2nd and Amy Polman Daamen An Riocht  Kerry 3rd . Lucy got her race preparations spot on this year having ran the national under 23 last week this gave her the spring board cross country platform to go on and do what she did in Navan, a proud moment for her former coach Tony Shalloe and many other juvenile coaches who were at the venue to see her achieve her dream win and her current coach Ian O’Sullivan at her college base in UCC. As is tradition for our club we had teams competing in both men and women’s races in Navan and our other 3 ladies who were so supportive of Lucy are to be commented on wearing the club singlet also ,Elaine Langley, Tara Ní Reachtagáin and Rose Kinsella , who brought the club a  top 10 finishing position in 10th place so very well done to all four especially Elaine and Rose who were running their very first National Novice cross country. In the Men’s race we were delighted to again have a team competing with 2 debutants on the four man team, the club finished 13th team here and was led home by Mark Blackwell who had another very solid run in 41st place with one of those first timers and a new club member Justin Ryan giving a mighty display was next home just ahead of Padraig Healy who worked his way through the field with each passing lap and finish strongly, our 4th man was Niall Barry who again was running his first novice cross national race and he gave it his all ,a huge well done to both teams all 8 are to be congratulated for their efforts especially well done once again to Lucy .Brilliant.

 

32nd ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10.

 

 

ENTRIES NOW OPEN.

 

 

West Waterford athletic club are delighted to announce that entries for our 32nd annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race are now open . The entry is an online entry through our race web site www.dungarvan10mile.org or through eventmaster.ie. The event now in its 32nd  year has established itself as a must run race on the Irish road running calendar with participants from all four corners of the country and beyond participating. The race has grown year on year from humble beginnings 32 years ago. This year our entry limit will be 3.750  ,this we hope will see all runners wishing to run the event in 2024 getting an entry to do so. Please note that this event usually sells out well before closing date so do get your entry in if you intend running on Sunday February 4th 2024.The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 brings together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who compete over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan as we all look forward to an even bigger and better event on Sunday February 4th next. To stage such a big event of course requires good sponsor and we are fortunate to have the support many associate sponsors and many local businesses and individuals who are all giving valuable support helping to make the day a great occasion for the town of Dungarvan.

 

All race details can be found at www.dungarvan10mile.org

 

 

FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE CHRISTMAS CHARITY NIGHT DECEMBER 13TH.

 

ST.JOHN’S SPECIAL SCHOOL HYDROTHERAPY POOL FUND.

 

This year’s Christmas charity night at the winter league will take place next Wednesday night 13th December. The chosen charity this year will be the St Johns Special School Hydrotherapy pool fund.We are excited and delighted to be in a position to support this brilliant local special school at the Winter League by raising funds for the building of their new Hydrotherapy Pool here in Dungarvan.This initiative is vital for both the students and the broader community. Currently, the nearest hydrotherapy services are almost 50km away, making it impractical for children with severe to profound additional needs. The Hydrotherapy Pool at St. John’s will bridge this gap, providing essential therapeutic benefits right in our local community. For students at St. John’s, the Hydrotherapy Pool is more than just a facility; it’s a lifeline. Hydrotherapy offers a range of physical and mental health benefits, particularly for those with additional needs. It aids in muscle relaxation, joint flexibility, and sensory integration. Having this resource within our community means enhanced accessibility and improved quality of life for the children and their families. At this special night at the league on Wednesday December 13th we invite everyone to join us for a night of fun, camaraderie, and giving back, Your support will directly contribute to making the Hydrotherapy Pool at St. John’s a reality, bringing immeasurable joy and relief to those who need it most.  Let’s come together as a community to make a lasting impact and provide a local solution for the well-being of these incredible children. Your generosity is the key to unlocking a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Please be as generous as you possible can all donations will be accepted at the league, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

 

FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE.

 

DUNGARVAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASSOCIATE SPONSOR.

Our sincere thanks to Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce who have come on board to sponsor a spot prize( €25 each) at the Fordes Daybreak winter league. One voucher will be awarded for each of the distances, one for the short and one for the long each night for the remainder of the league. Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce do superb work in representing the businesses and retailers of our town, so this Christmas we urge everyone to buy locally where possible.

 

SUPER PERFORMANCES ON A GREAT NIGHT FOR LONG COURSE RUNNERS.

 

Once again we were blessed with a good dry night for round 3 of the Fordes Daybreak Winter league. It little on the cooler side it has to be said but none the less for the time of year an ideal night to be out and about .Another bumper turnout of runners participated and it was plain to see by the times now being recorded on week 3 that the regular league runners are definitely starting to up the ante with some having knocked off minutes from the first outing at the league 3 weeks ago. Another huge field of 216 participated last week and first home was Johnny Lynch in a very fast 32.01,he was followed by our first Lady home last week time Martina Holmes in 36.05,David Kingston was 3rd with a time of 42.38 and 4th was Éanna Farrell in 41.03 Lia Nic Graith in 42.03 was 5th and our 6th finisher was John Code 46.40.We have 3 nights completed but remember we still have another 3 nights to go before Christmas so if you think this might be for you why not turn up any Wednesday evening at Dungarvan sports centre and give it a try, you will be glad you did. Well done to all who ran the 5.2 miles and remember keep up your running over the next few weeks, clock starts at 6.40 pm sharp each Wednesday so check out your starting time which are posted up on our club face book page the day before. Just a quick reminder to all our runners to be careful out on the course and obey the stewards at all times.

 

REMEMBER THAT THE ROADS ARE NOT CLOSED SO BE CAREFUL OF TRAFFIC.

 

 Please obey our stewards and road markings at all time there all there for your safety, make sure to bring along your high vis as this must be worn. Also the rules of the league prohibit the wearing of watches and wearing any type of ear piece.  Anyone not wearing high vis or that is caught wearing a watch or ear piece they won’t be included in the results. It’s for you own safety.  Best of luck to all tonight and why not bring as friend along.

 

ANOTHER BIG TURNOUT ON SHORT COURSE LEAGUE.

 

The numbers this year in the short course of the Fordes Daybreak Winter League are the best we have seen for many years and this is wonderful as this league is really geared for people who might be trying a bit of running for the first time and this bears witness when you see the number of new faces running this league this year. Once again a great crowd of over 134 runners gathered in Dungarvan Sports Centre before heading out on the 2.3 mile run.  Included in this number were a good few newcomers as well as those that ran the previous weeks. 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. Remember when you arrive in hall make sure to check your start time on the sheets posted on the wall. First home last week was Tony O’Mahony (jnr) in 20.15 with Jamie O’Neill 2nd home in 22.59 and followed in 3rd spot by Eamon Halley 23.11 ,Jennie Moore  clocked 24.45 was our first lady  in 5th place Katie Lavin 25.09 and Emma Ballot was 3rd in 26.48.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 .

 

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.

 

THANKS.

 

 

The winter league is a big operation and wouldn’t be possible without the goodwill and support of so many that give of their time so willingly each week. Our sincere thanks go to our team of stewards who week after week in all sorts of weather are out on the course to ensure the safety of all the runners. Thanks also to the crew that put out the bollards and look after the parking and the finishing tunnel. Thanks also to the other crew that look after registration and the times and the finishing tunnel, as usual a great job done by you all. Thanks also to our overall main sponsor Kevin Forde of Forde’s Daybreak.

 

FORDES DAYBREAK WINTER LEAGUE CHRISTMAS CHARITY NIGHT DECEMBER 13TH.

 

ST.JOHN’S SPECIAL SCHOOL HYDROTHERAPY POOL FUND.

 

This year’s Christmas charity night at the winter league will take place next Wednesday night 13th December. The chosen charity this year will be the St Johns Special School Hydrotherapy pool fund.We are excited and delighted to be in a position to support this brilliant local special school at the Winter League by raising funds for the building of their new Hydrotherapy Pool here in Dungarvan.This initiative is vital for both the students and the broader community. Currently, the nearest hydrotherapy services are almost 50km away, making it impractical for children with severe to profound additional needs. The Hydrotherapy Pool at St. John’s will bridge this gap, providing essential therapeutic benefits right in our local community. For students at St. John’s, the Hydrotherapy Pool is more than just a facility; it’s a lifeline. Hydrotherapy offers a range of physical and mental health benefits, particularly for those with additional needs. It aids in muscle relaxation, joint flexibility, and sensory integration. Having this resource within our community means enhanced accessibility and improved quality of life for the children and their families. At this special night at the league on Wednesday December 13th we invite everyone to join us for a night of fun, camaraderie, and giving back, Your support will directly contribute to making the Hydrotherapy Pool at St. John’s a reality, bringing immeasurable joy and relief to those who need it most.  Let’s come together as a community to make a lasting impact and provide a local solution for the well-being of these incredible children. Your generosity is the key to unlocking a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Please be as generous as you possible can all donations will be accepted at the league, THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

 

 

SYMPATHY.

West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Br. Finbarr Spring O.S.A. St. Augustine’s Priory, Main Street, Dungarvan, and Ena O’Riordan T.J. Murphy Place, Abbeyside, who passed to their eternal reward recently, may they rest in peace.

 

 

GREAT TURNOUT OF WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES AT WATERFORD HALF.

 

The Waterford half marathon was held last Saturday morning and after a cold start to the day it turned out to be good weather conditions as the day got older for the1.766 finishers who competed on the day.  The overall deserving winner on the day was from the host club Waterford AC David McGlynn  in a time of 1.05.26, 2nd home was last year’s 3rd finisher  Sergui Ciobanu Clonliffe Harriers AC 1.07.10 and  3rd place this year went to Mihial Sprincean Clonliffe Harriers AC in 1.07.23.First lady across the finish line was Ciara Wislon DMP AC in a time of 1.16.43, 2nd was Becky Woods INDS  1.17.41 and 3rd lady in the day was Nichola Sheridan Bohermeen AC in 1.17.56West 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 was Aidan Connell who finished 15th overall in a very good time of 1.14.48,Aidan was 2nd in the over 40 category. The club’s first lady home was Eveleen Drohan in an excellent time of 1.33.33,Eveleen was also our first lady home in this race last year but she improved her time by 2 minutes this year. Joe Gough 1.26.51 was 1st in the over 65 category and broke the over 70 record also. There were some brilliant other individual performances on the day ,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

 

(Please note results are per West Waterford athletic club listed finishers on official race results, myrun results any amendments to James please.)

 

 

Aidan CONNELL                                01:14:48

Pat FITZGERALD                01:25:17

Joe GOUGH                        01:26:51

James WHELAN                                01:30:09

Eveleen DROHAN            01:31:31

Alan CULLEN                      01:34:16

Ray HAHESY                        01:36:41

Martin TOBIN                    01:35:49

Martin STEVENSON         01:35:34

Jerry POWER                      01:37:28

Liam FITZGERALD             01:38:16

Tomas MAHONY              01:40:30

Liz NYHAN                           01:40:36

Tom LEAHY                         01:42:03

Peter CUNNINGHAM     01:42:47

Claire KENNEDY                01:43:47

Sandra MOORE                 01:43:51

David MOORE                    01:45:24

Aimee MOLONEY             01:44:58

Linda FOLEY                        01:44:59

Micheal POWER                01:44:22

Sinead NI FHAOLAIN      01:45:07

Geraldine LACEY               01:45:22

Tony O’MAHONY             01:46:28

Michael CALLAGHAN      01:46:55

Tom NYHAN                       01:46:40

Bryan HALLISSEY               01:48:42

Catriona CROWE               01:55:37

Fiona LONGAN                  01:56:03

John LEONARD                  01:56:40

Josie UÌ CHUIRRÌN           01:58:09

Joe O’ROURKE                   01:58:31

Mark LENIHAN                  01:58:31

Kim DALY                             01:58:34

Patricja DALY                      02:03:40

Owen POWER                   02:04:23

Mary CAHILL                      02:04:32

Bernard BEATTY                02:08:40

Anita BEATTY                     02:08:40

Catherine CONDON        02:12:28

John WOODS                     02:18:54

Deirdre DALY                     02:21:57

Brian HEALY                        02:24:04

               

               

 

WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES RUN LANZOROTE MARATHON-HALF.

While many of us are here struggling with the inclement weather, some lucky club members are off in Lanzorote where today they ran the marathon and half events held there in beautiful weather conditions. Mick Concannon clocked a time of 4.19 for the marathon with Terri Gough completing the marathon also while over the half distance Eoin Walsh did well with a time of  1.46 ,Caroline Russell also ran the half clocking a time of 2.20.51 while Jim Fleming one of our hard working club coaches walked the half also .Well done to all five.

 

DERMOT AND MARK RUN VALENCIA MARATHON.
 
Great running Sunday from two of our members Dermot Gough and Mark Radley , both ran the Valentia marathon with Dermot posting a new personal best time of 2.47. 53 Mark also did the full marathon completing the course in a time of 3.17.56
well done to both.

 

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