ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE.
READY TO RUMBLE.
Were delighted to report that Business was brisk last Wednesday evening for our winter league registration night at Dungarvan Sports Centre,Many new comers to the league especially those who will be running the 2.6 mile circuit had a run over the course on the night which was a dry fine night ,we hope now that this trend weather wise will continue for the duration of this years league.We would like especially to thank those who came along to register last week as it will take some of the pressure off our registration team for tonight as we will also have the first round of the league proper,With that in mind tonight Wednesday we appeal to all those who couldn’t make it last week for registration to come along as early as possible as we expect a big number for the first night of the league and many of those have yet to register. “this is most important”.Entry fee each week is 2 euro for West Waterford AC club members and 3 euro for non members. On top of this weekly fee there is a once off registration fee of 5 euro to cover costs of the running numbers which are expensive and have to be of the quality they are as they must last for the duration of the whole league. Remember the number allocated to you is your number for the duration of the league, you will have to wear this number on the front of your bib each week while running the league.Remember also that you must register your name each Wednesday night of the league also,before your leave the centre for your run, We will have our traditional first league night mass start tonight at 7.30 sharp which will be got under way by our sponsor Pearse Moloney.
WEAR THAT BIB
Runners of the Winter league are reminded that safety is our main concern and we should obey the stewards at all times, they are there week in week out doing a great job for our safety, and of course it goes without saying that we must wear a running bib, remember no bib no run.And of course no watches are allowed to be worn on the course. Remember also that cars and other vehicles on the road have the right of way as no roads are closed on either of the league routes, also to those coming down to the Sports centre by car, if they could try and park away from the centre itself it would alleviate any congestion at the start and finish area, we recommend using the car park at Scanlon’s yard, or the car park at Strand Street or at the lookout itself, its only a short jog from any of these areas and it make such a huge difference to the smooth running of the event, we also appeal to car users not to park in front of anyone’s house around the Quanns area. Your co-operation in these matters are much appreciated by the organisers of the leagues.We expect from early indications that our numbers will be on par with last years so all is now set for what promises to be another record breaking All-Rounder Sports Winter league,If for what ever reason you don’t get to come along to the league over the first couple of nights do remember that you can of course come along to register and join in the league on any Wednesday night. The league continues until the end of February and newcomers are welcome to come along and join in the league at any stage.Don’t forget mass start tonight with the first 2.6 mile group off first and shortly after the 5.6 mile group. We expect to have the first group off at 7.30 sharp. No person under 16 years of age will be allowed participate as is the clubs policy. Waddle on again friends.enjoy the league.
BALLYCOTTON ‘10’SUNDAY MARCH 9TH 2008.
ENTRY PROCEDURE
Once again due to safety and logistical concerns the organisers of the Ballycotton 10-Ballycotton running promotions are left with no option but to limit the numbers that can be allowed participate in next year’s Ballycotton ‘10’.
The following is the procedure (similar to 2007) that has been decided on –
1) People apply for forms during month of November by sending a SAE to: Ballycotton Running Promotions, Ballycotton, Co. Cork.
2) Locally the entry forms can be got at Ger Wyley Sports Dungarvan.on Monday December 3rd and not before this date.
2) All forms will be posted out on the weekend of Friday November 30th/Sunday December 2nd – ideally to arrive with applicants by Mon/Tue, Dec 3rd/4th.
3) Entry form will be put up on website www.ballycottonrunning.com on
Monday evening December 3rd, also in John Buckley Sports (Cork) and Ger Wyley Sports (Dungarvan) and local shops (Ballycotton/Shanagarry) that same afternoon.
4) The first 2,500 postal entries opened will have automatic entry.
5) All bona fide AAI (Athletics Association of Ireland) registered club runners accepted (by post) up to Tuesday December 18th, along with any runner who has competed in one of the four 2007 Ballycotton Summer Series 5-mile races.
6) All bona fide overseas entrants (by post) accepted up to Tuesday January 8th.
7) As per usual, a small number of elite entries accepted up to near race day.
PLEASE NOTE: When applying for entry forms please enclose a large SAE with the correct postage, stating the number of forms required (we prefer people to enter on the official form, no need to photo-copy). If the correct postage is not on the envelope, we cannot be held responsible for delays in the postal deliveries.
14TH ANNUAL MCGRATH’S NEWSAGENTS BRICKEY RUN.
This years Brickey five-mile and three-mile run and walk will be held on Sunday November 18th with the traditional 11 AM starting time. First held in 1994 this will be the 14th running of the event which is ran over the same route since day one taking in the traditional Canal track section of the course. The race could be called a road race come cross country event it always attracts a good field for runners who want something a little different. The race over the years through the generous sponsorship of our sponsors McGrath’s Newsagents have donated the proceedings of the race to a local charity or voluntary organisation and this year the race proceedings will be donated to the local Brickey Juvenile G.A.A.club who locally in the Brickey area do great work at Juvenile level. The race on the day caters for all as you can come along and walk the course which always brings out the local’s to lend their support or of course if you feel a little bit more energetic you can try running the three mile route and of course the main event the 5 mile canal route would be a challenge for most. The five mile race includes individual and the infamous weight categories section. The winner of the men’s race will of course be presented with the Martin Curran memorial cup and the leading Lady will receive the Jim Lyons memorial shield. We thank the Curran and Lyons families for there ongoing involvement with this race. The race prizes will be presented to the various winners in Bridie Dee’s Bar Mary St, and the race entries and changing and shower facilities will be courtesy of the Brickey G.A.A.club.For now pencil in Sunday November 18th 11 AM.
INTERMEDIATE CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS ANNOUNCED.
West Waterford Athletic Club’s cross country co-ordinator Tony Ryan has announced the following Ladies and Men’s teams for the up coming Munster Intermediate cross country championships which are being held on Sunday next November 11 th at 2 PM.the venue is the Carraig Na Bhfear.Cork
Men’s team 8.000 meters.
James Ledingham, Alan O’Brien,Johnny O Connor, Brian Byrne,Rory Moloney,Con Kelleher, Kevin Kenneally,Padraig Healy,Pat Dunford,Trevor Mason,Conor Murray.
Ladies team 4.000 meters.
Brenda Hunt,Ann Dunford, Norma Wall, Bridget Coffey,Anne Whelan, Brid Veale, Judy Hanrahan, Eibhlis ní hAodha, Sinead Crotty.Regina Byrne,Josie Uí Chuirrin.
LEAGUE PRESENTATION NIGHT
Our recent end of league presentation night was held last Friday night in Minnies and a great night was had by all.Our thanks to our sponsors Marie and Jeff Allen for sponsoring the Elite Paintball one lap challenge, and to both of them for their presence at the presentation night.Thanks to all the various league winners for coming along to accept their prizes and thanks to Pat O’Brien and his staff in Minnie’s for once again looking after all present on the night.To organiser of both leagues Tony Ryan for his dedication and commitment each week for the duration of the leagues and finally my thanks to Ann Dunford,Norma Wall and Andrea Gaffney for league tables and notes during the league.(Team, work folks).
JAMES AND ALAN PERFORM WELL AT WORLD MILITARY GAMES.
The world military games in Hyderabad recently saw a host of the worlds top athletes in action.There were some superb performances from the Irish Defence forces athletes which included two of West Waterford AC’s best .Lt James ledingham and Pte Alan O’Brien.James ran his favourite 800m and put in a terriffic perfromance,however despite running close to his personal best with 1,56.64 he just failed to progress in a blisteringly fast third heat led out by Osaka finalist Justus Koech of Kenya.Never the less a terriffic run from James against some of the very best 800 meters Men around.As was repoerted to be one of the highlight off the day was a 1,53.61 personal best performance by Alan O Brien in heat four of the 800m. Alan’s time secured him a fastest losers spot for the semi finals.The semi final saw Alan come in sixth place with a time of 1:54.21 in the mid day sun in a very well contested race which was won by Kenyan Justus Koech.Both James and Alan were key members of our clubs National league winning squad in August,keep up the good work boys.
RUNNING QUOTE.
Continuous effort is the key to unlocking our potential.Carol Whelan
JAMIE COSTIN NOMINATED FOR INAUGURAL NATIONAL ATHLETICS AWARDS.
West Waterford AC’s Jamie Costin is one of three Waterford athletes who have been nominated for the Inaugural National Athletics awards which are due to be held on November 17th next in The Crown Plaza Hotel,Dublin.Jamie is nominated in the race walking category for what has been a very significant year for the Ring man after his return to the World of International race walking after two years sidelined from injuries sustained in that horrific crash before the Athens Olympics. Jamie is now focusing on next year’s Beijing Olympics as he has attained the qualifying standard for his favorite 50k distance.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford Athletic Club extends sincere sympathy to the family of the late George Tutty Mitchell St.who passed away recently.May he rest in peace.
BABY BOY.
Congratulations to club member Annmarie and Niall Power on the birth recently of their baby daughter.health and happiness to all.
WEDDING.
All at West Waterford extends congratulations to Winter league participants Benny Fitzgerald and Molly Byrne on the occasion of their marriage. many years on health and happiness to you both.
RONNIE DELANEY AN IRISH ICON.
OLYMPIC GOLD WITNESSED BY DUNGARVAN PRIEST.
I have never met anyone who was present when Ronnie Delaney won his Olympic Gold Medal in Melbourne Australia in 1956.I would even go as far to say that in that year not too many even knew where Melbourne Australia was, never mind being present on that faithful day. Well it has come to light that outside of the travelling Irish team and mentors that day, one could hazard a 
guess that there was hardly any other Irish sole in the stadium. Well you would be wrong it recently has come to our attention through club favourite and local running enthusiast Paddy Lannon that there were two that we know of and one of them is Dungarvan born. Fr Paddy Creed and the other was his good friend Westport Mayo born Fr Jim Staunton. Both Fr Paddy and Fr Jim were stationed in Melbourne at that time and they had the privilege of being in the Olympic Stadium on three occasions during the games. Most importantly they were both present when Delaney set the world alight with his 1.500 meters gold medal performance. No content with just witnessing Delaney’s mammoth achievement both Priests returned to the Olympic Village the following day to congratulate the great Delaney in person and true to his form when Ronnie Delaney heard that two Irish Men wanted to see him he duly obliged and stood in for the historic photo accompanying this article. Fr Paddy recalls Delaney’s delight that day when his dream of winning an Olympic medal had sunk in he told the two that it was the happiest day of his life and that both he and his coach Jumbo Elliot had set their stall earlier in the year and the Olympic 1.500 meter gold was their target. I have now achieved my goal Delaney went on and I am an Olympic Champion.
It was actually held in the month of December 1956 Ronnie Delany sprinted home to win the gold medal in the 1500m Olympic final in Melbourne, setting a new Olympic record in the process. In the depressed Ireland of the fifties, Delany’s win — an outsider storming ahead to beat the favourites — caught the imagination of a nation, and made him a sporting icon. Born in Arklow.Delany won an athletics scholarship to Villanova University in Pennsylvania in 1954 where he trained under legendary coach Jumbo Elliot. To a naive Irish boy in the 1950s, American campus life was glamorous and exciting. And under Elliot’s training regime Delany’s flourished and in 1954 he reached the final of the 800m at the European Championships, and in 1956 became only the seventh runner to join the exclusive club of four-minute milers. Then came his phenomenal win in Melbourne, and a new Irish hero was born. Though most famous in Ireland for his Olympic win, Delany pursued his running career in the US, where from March 1955 through March of 1959 he ran thirty-four major indoor mile races against all kinds of opponents, domestic and foreign, and won them all. He broke the indoor world record for the mile three times. The excitement of indoor racing was enhanced by an orchestra playing When Irish Eyes are Smiling a popular number during Delany’s incredible forty race winning streak. Fifty years on from the Melbourne Olympics, Ronnie Delany has had many honours bestowed on him to mark the anniversary and rightly so as he is a living legend and one of Ireland’s greatest and best-loved sportsmen. Our thanks to Fr Paddy Creed for the use of his treasured photo and for sharing with us his memories of such an historical occasion and one which will undoubtedly stay etched in his memory forever.
