{mosimage}MUNSTER MASTERS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 57 MEDAL TALLY FOR WEST WATERFORD A.C.
The Munster Masters Track and Field championships were held last Sunday in Castleisland.Co.Kerry and the club were on the road bright and early at 8 AM with a strong team of 21 athletes ready for action at the championships. It was a most important outing for the club as for the first time last year we succeed in capturing the best club overall at the championships The only club to do so outside of Cork or Kerry as it is usually dominated by either one of the Cork or Kerry clubs. We knew travelling that it would be a difficult task to retain this cup. However Masters Track and Field co coordinators Michael Tutty and Ann Dunford had their homework in order and had the best team available competing on the day. As we go to press the full overall results are not available but we are certainly in the shake up, more on this hopefully next week. Our 57-medal haul on the day was a superb display of team effort by all concerned. We had some outstanding individual performances from Terri Gough over 60 who took three golds-Hammer, Javelin 100 meters and sliver in the 200 meters, Jacinta Sheil took home her usual tally of medals over 45,one gold in the Javelin, third in the Hammer and Shot, Joe Gough over 50 had an yet again another great day taking two gold medals, 200 and 400 Meters, plus silver in the Long Jump, Silver in the 4×100 Meters club relay, Sandra Brazil White over 35.showed us why she is one of the best Female Masters athletes in the country presently taking home 6 medals in total, gold in the 100 and 200 meters and silver in both the Shot and long jump and she added two relay medals to her tally also silver club 4×100 and bronze county 4×100.Judy Hanrahan over 35 won bronze in the Javelin, Josie Uí Chuirrin over 45 also won 2 bronze medals in the 800 and 1.500 meters and a bronze in the 200 Meters, Jim Fleming performed well also taking bronze over 35 in the 800 and 3.000 Meters, Anne Whelan over 40 brought home two gold and one silver when taking gold in both the 800 and 1.500 meters and silver in the 200 Meters, Pat Dunford showed us fine technique in the field events when he won a silver in the 56 lb distance and added two bronze in both the Hammer and Discus over 40,Pat was also a member of the club team who won bronze in the 4x 100 meters relay, Colin Lyons had the full complement going home after winning gold in the High Jump over 50, silver in the 800 Meters and bronze in the Javelin, Pat Morrissey was also game competitor he took a deserved Bronze in the shot over 40,and was a member of the club bronze winning 4×100 relay team, Michael Tutty won Silver over 40 in a very close Javelin competition and Pat Connaughton after taking silver over 60 in the 1.500 Meters had to retire on the final lap when winning the 800 Meters with a nasty hamstring injury which we hope he recovers from quickly, Ann Dunford brought one silver and four bronze medals to Kilgobnet for the collection when finishing third in the 200,800 and 1.500 Meters plus silver club team and bronze county in the 4×100 meters relay, Sharon O’Brien had a terrific day especially in the Javelin when she took gold plus a silver in both the Hammer and club 4×100 relay she was also a member of the team which won bronze county medals in the 4×100 relay, Tomas Coleman competing in his first ever championships brought home a bronze 1.500 Meters medal over 40 while another newcomer Richie Kelly took a deserved bronze relay 4×100 medal, Vincent Tutty performed well on the day and was unlucky not to be among the medal winners on this occasssion,The big man is going for three in a row next year, Local Kerry man Johnny O’Connor in view of his parents won two silvers in both the 400 and 800 Meters, while one of the clubs revelations on the day Pascal Proctor took home a gold over 55 in the 800 Meters and silver in both the 1.500 and 3.000 Meters,(now there’s one for the Dwyer’s to chew on) Our final medal winner but by no means or least was Martina Ryan who took two bronze in the shot and Hammer over 35 plus a silver in the 4×100 club plus a bronze 4×100 county. Congratulations to Michael and Ann for all their work and to all the athletes who gave up their day to run for their club, and our gratitude to Br Patrick Lennon for his help with preparing the team for the filed events, and of course to Tom Flynn who got us there and back save and sound a big thank you. We await the overall result with baited breath.
MINNIES SUMMER LEAGUE DIVISIONS STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE
Having just passed the half way mark in what is undoubtedly the most successful of leagues so far, we are still delighted to be welcoming newcomers all the time. It was great to see so many new faces again last week and we look forward to seeing many more new faces over the coming weeks. There are many newcomers that have been turning up every week and their improvement is quite significant already. Remember, you can join us at any stage of the League and you need not have any experience of running at all. Why not bring a friend or two with you or maybe a colleague from work or anyone that’s up for a bit of fun on the run. We have plenty of space for lots more so if you fancy running in the one or the two-lap league or even the three or the four, we have the space if you have the desire!
ONE LAP
Fourteen participated in the one lap league. Joe Barry was the first person home in a time of 8.21 and Diane Chizhikovc was the first lady home in a super time of 10.11. She was closely followed by Stephen Greene who ran 10.19 and Siobhàin Flynn who ran in 10.20. Another week or two should see these two dipping under ten minutes for the one lap. Other runners to catch the eye were Blathnaid Foley, Ann Hennebry and Siobhàin Moore. Great times were posted by everyone that ran in the one lap. Well done to all of you and keep it up. Coming out to the Friary was the first step and it gets easier from there.
TWO LAPS
A total of forty people took part in the two-lap league. The two laps is a distance of 2.4 miles and all those involved are running great times with everybody seeing significant improvements on their times since the beginning of the League.
Yevgeniy Chizhikovc led the two lappers home in a time of 15.35. Michael Roche and Tom Byrne ran well and finished just outside seventeen minutes. Nicola Moroney and Nicki McKenna must be well pleased with their finishing times as both ran well under twenty minutes. Richie Power had a great run to knock more than a minute off his time from the previous week. Eileen Heffernan has also been making significant improvements as well as Diane O’Rourke, Tommy Lenihan and Caitriona O Brien. Well done to all who took part in the two laps.
THREE LAPS
Ten participants toed the line for the three-lap league last week. Three laps of the Friary is a total of 3.6 miles and all ten ran this in their stride. Kieran Coleman is back to running great times and clocked 26.46 for his efforts. Timmy Foley knocked three minutes off his time from the previous week, which is a huge improvement. Onra Power must be will pleased with her time, well over half a minute faster than round three. Trish Connors is another one making steady improvement in the league.
FOUR LAPS
The Four Lap League continues to have the largest contingent of athletes with an impressive tally of forty-five taking part. The four-lap league is a distance of 4.8 miles and while the vast majority of those doing the four-lap league are regular runners we have a few that have decided to up the distance and no doubt there will be plenty more to follow. Seán Stilwell led the Runners home and clocked an impressive 26.56 for his efforts. Phillip Harty was second man home on the night and it’s great to see him back on the running scene once again. A total of six runners succeeded in running under thirty minutes for the four laps. Jim Barry has been making steady progress as the weeks go by and must be delighted with his sub thirty-three and a half minutes run. Derek Nolan is also recording great times each week as well. Regina Byrne made a welcome comeback to the running scene last week and looks well on the way to having a great running season ahead of her.
SPONSORS
Once again, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the O’Brien Family of Minnie’s for their generous sponsorship of the Summer League again this year. We are delighted to have them on board again this year as sponsors as it is the support and generosity of our sponsors that make it possible to stage events like this every year.
LEAGUE CHANGE OF DATE
Please note this weeks league will be held tomorrow evening Thursday May 31st due to the Primary Schools finals on Tuesday.
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES RACE NUMBER 4
HALLAHAN COACHES TOURANEENA 5K ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
The 12th Annual Hallahan Coaches sponsored Touraneena Racquetball club organised 5k race and walk takes place this Bank Holiday Monday June 4th the race gets under way at 7.30 PM.The race is race number 4 of this years Ger Wyley/Nike Summer Road Racing Series. As per usual in Touraneena all will be catered for on the night, and all are welcome to come along and participate in either the walk and if you’re over 16 the 5k run. The walk begins at 6:30 from outside the Community Centre while the run will begin one hour later 7.30 pm from the back entrance to the graveyard. A full array of the usual Senior and Masters prizes will be on offer for both Men and Women on the night, including cash prizes for top 3 men and women.1st Male finishers over 40-45-50-60 and Ladies over 35-40-45-50.Entries will be taken at the Community centre where changing and shower facilities are also available by kind permission, The entry fee is 8 euro for the ran and 5 euro for the walk. The presentation of prizes will also take place after the race at the community centre where we will be treated to the traditional ice cream and strawberries.
HOW ABOUT YOU FOR THE WALK
The walk which is now part and parcel of the event is getting more and more popular each year and especially now for the third year the winner will receive the Ann Power Memorial Trophy for there efforts. It’s a walk with a slight difference too, as the task is to predict your finishing time and the person who finishes the nearest without going faster will be the third winner of the magnificent trophy which is in memory of one of the founder members of the race back in 1996. No watches are allowed of course, all are welcome and come along and is part of what promises to be a great event, and a cash donation fro the night will be presented to The Street Children of Bucharest.
BALLYANDREEN 5 WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES IN THE PRIZES
The first race in the Ballycotton summer series got under way last Thursday evening with the Ballyandreen 5 mile road race, A very large field of 238 athletes took part The race Victory went to Alan O’Shea of Bantry in a time of 25.05 which was faster than his winning time of last year 25.31,second went to West Waterford’s Raivis Zakis who gave another sterling display of road running. Raivis recorded one of his fastest 5 mile times ever to finish third in 25.50 which was better than his time last year on this course of 26.02 when on that occasion he finished 3rd, The Ladies race was won by Carmel Crowley Bandon AC in a time of 30.20,second Lady was Ann Marie Holland Ladysbridge 31.18 and third was Mary Sweeney St.Finbarrs AC in 32.06.Incidently Mary won this race 20 years ago and is still running as well as ever. West Waterford AC took the Men’s team prize with the team of Jim Flaming 18th Joe Kelly 20th Liam Budds 28th a winning total of 65 points. Well-done boys. Ann Dunford was third over 40 Lady in a time of 36.22.Others to impress were Eamon Phelan with a brand new Personal best time for 5 miles of 31.07.Pat Dunford in his first competitive race in many months 36.23.Ardmore’s Michael Hennessey got around in one piece with a time of 38.30.Ray Curran a regular Ballyandreen participant clocked 39.17 and John Fennell 40.06. Well done to all. Next race in series Shanagarry 5 on Thursday June 28th 8 PM.
POULMUCKA ONE –TWO FOR THE BOYS AGAIN
The Annual Poulmucka 8k road race was held last Friday evening and once again West Waterford athlete dominated the event when Sandis and Raivis filled the first two placings. It was a very good nights work for Sandis when winning the race easily he recorded a new course record of 24.14 for the 8k event with club mate Raivis finishing second in a time of 26.51,well done to both.
RAIVIS WINS IN BALLYNEALE
Race number one in the countries newest road running series the Carrick AC road runners organised and Outfield sports/Asics sponsored "The Champion Kiely" 5k saw yet another West Waterford athlete take the top honour in the field of 103 runners when Raivis Zakis steamed around the course in Ballyneale recording a course record and a new personal best time for the 5k distance. Raivis lead from the gun and pushed himself to the limit despite running alone for the entire race after his second placing on the Thursday night in Shanagarry he rounded off a good weeks work by taking the title in Ballyneal with a splendid time and a new personal best time of 15.15,Dzintars Klava made it another memorable day for the club when taking second place with a time of 16.17 with host club member Pat Sullivan 3rd 16.33.Adele Walsh of St.Senans won the Ladies race in 19.11.Well done to the Lads and Lassies of Carrick AC on a very well organised event. It’s onwards and upwards from here. Next race in this series will be the Rathgormack 5 mile road race on Friday July 20th at 7.30 PM.
WEST WATERFORD RESULTS FROM BALLYNEAL 5K
1st Raivis Zakis 15.15
2nd Dzintars Klava 16.17
16th P.J.Guinan 18.08
27th Tom O’Brien 19.01
46th Paul Brunnock 20.16
48th David Connors 20.20
53rd Liam Kavanagh 20.48
57th Billy Coleman 21.21
66th Michael Wade 22.15
70th Ray Murray 24.43
92nd Trish Connors 27.53
SANDIS WINS INAGURAL YOUGHAL EVENT
The 1st Annual Emer Casey memorial 10k race took place around the town of Youghal last Sunday afternoon and here again West Waterford brought home the spoils in the Men’s race indeed the club filled the first two placings on the day. Sandis Bralitis once again showed his front running power when travelling through the 2-mile mark in 9.04 on his way to a resounding victory around the seaside town. He crossed the finish line in a time of 30.13.If Sandis showed us what a talent he has what about the display given from young Seán Stilwell who raced into second place with a fine run covering the 10k distance in a very good 33.50,Another revelation on the West Waterford running scene this year has been the performances of Liam Budds, Liam is mixing it with the very best now and he proved his worth last Sunday when he finished 6th overall in Youghal with a time of 37.33.The Ladies race was won by the invincible Mary Sweeney St.Finbars with a time of 38.13.We don’t have the full list of results to hand so we don’t know of any other West Waterford finishers but they will be included in next weeks notes when they become available.
CRUACHAIN MOUNTAIN RACE SPONSORED BY BRIDGIE TERRIES PUB
A small but hardy field took part in the annual race up local landmark Cruacháin on Sunday last. The weather which over the last number of years has been perfect on race day took a turn for the worse this year and the competitors had to endure hailstones, high winds and cold conditions on the 8km course which includes 350m of climbing. First home was John Lenihan the winner of the world championships in this discipline in 1984. It is hard to credit that 23 years have passed since that landmark win as John powered home in 32.34 nearly 2 minutes in front of second placed Tom Blackburn in 34.29. In third place ten seconds later was Keith Ryan in a time of 34.39. First West Waterford runner home was Conor Murray who has performed well in mountain races over the last number of years. Conor finished in fifth place in a time of 37.39 and he was followed home by another West Waterford athlete Martin McCarthy who finished 6th in a time of 38.07. First lady home was Deirdre Finn in 45.45 and first West Wateford lady home was Joan Nevin making her debut to mountain running.
In light of extremely inclement weather conditions the prizes were presented at the finish to allow the competitors to make a hasty dash for home. Sincere thanks to the Daly family of Bridgie Terries for their continued kind support of this event and congratulations to the all of the competitors who braved the conditions on the day. A particular word of thanks to the five stewards Tony Ryan, Billy & Tara Foley and Bríd & Kate Veale who endured the hailstones without the benefit of the excercise to keep them warm. The Irish Mountain Running Association’s Munster Branch is hoping to reschedule the race for a week earlier next year in order to avoid the clash with the Munster Masters track and field championships. Hopefully with better weather we might see an increase in local participation in this unique and testing event.Finally thanks to Tim Foley for all his help with organising the event.
3rd ANNUAL WATCH THE SUN RISE CHALLENGE
Doing anything next Sunday morning about 4 that’s 4 AM of course well how about joining us for the 3rd Annual watch the sunrise challenge for a very worthy local cause on Sunday morning June 24th next. West Waterford athletic club in association with The Sesame Pre School for children with disabilities will hold a get up and go challenge to watch the sunrise over the Déise with all proceeds going to this very worthy local cause entry is 20 Euro which includes a post race breakfast. We will meet at Euro spar car park Abbeyside at 4 AM and travel by car to the mountain base before walking the mile or so to the top of Cruchán Mountain. Come on are you up for it? Pat and Ann Dunford’s traditional breakfast run takes place from the base of Crúchan to the breakfast in Minnie’s at the usual handy pace to round off the morning in style.
ROW-ROW-ROW YOUR BOAT
We extend greetings and best wishes to local runners Derek Lyons, Brian Fahy and Tony O’Mahony who are somewhere up the Western coast of Ireland having left Dungarvan last Sunday evening on their epic journey where they are hoping to not run this time but Kayak their way around the circumference of Ireland. All this is being done for a very worthy cause as the Make-A-Wish foundation are to benefit from their efforts. All at the club wish the boys the very best with this huge undertaking and we hope to see them back on dry land in about three weeks or so.
RORY BOWS OUT IN STYLE
West Waterford AC athlete Rory Wyley took part in his last F.B.D.Rás last week. (Well he says its his last, but don’t believe it) and the Abbeyside man came through in flying colours once again. Rory who has concentrated his sporting career mainly on cycling with many fine performances of note under his belt over many years in the saddle in what has been a superb career at this most difficult sport. Of course we know of his ability also as an athlete with very good times posted over many distances from Cross Country to the Marathon. Just two years ago he won the Country Novice cross country title. Rory shall we say was not the youngest participant in the Rás this year, but was a match for the very best which now includes many of very best young talents from around the globe who are sent to Ireland for the Rás as its regarded as a most difficult race where the Men are separated form the Boys over seven days of drill. Rory had his best finishing position ever on the Rás this year when finishing a very creditable 18th from the field of 130 or so starters. He was 2nd country rider behind Brian Kenneally who won two stages of the Rás which was a massive achievement and he lead his team Tipperary Dan Morrissey to 2nd county team overall. If he does retire from competitive bike racing (and I don’t believe he will) maybe we will see him dawn the auld club singlet again. Well done from all at the club on a remarkable week.
SPEEDY RECOVERY
All at West Waterford send good wishes for a speedy recovery to the popular Kathleen Deegan who is currently indisposed. We hope to see you out and about soon Kathleen.
LITTLE SOUTH 4 MILE ROAD RACE
Our friends in St.Senan’s ask us to remind every one of their upcoming Little South 4 mile road race on Sunday June 17th next at 2.30 which includes a fun run and walk all in aid of hospice. The race gets under way at 2.30 pm. From the Sports Complex in Kilmacow, Co.Kilkenny.there are prizes for 1st 6 men-1st 2 over 40,45,50 and 1st over 60 .the Ladies are 1st 3 plus 1st 2 over 35 and 40.1st 3 Juniors, 1st 3 locals.
CLUB TRACK AND FIELD NEWS
MUNSTER SENIOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS CORK I.T. 17th JUNE 2007
Timetable.
11.00a.m. Hammer.
11.30 Men & Women Walks and Pole Vault
12.00 400m Hurdles Finals
12.15 4 X 100 Relays
12.30 1500m Finals, High Jump and Shot
12.50 100m Heats
13.15 5000m (Men), Javelin and High Jump
13.30 100m Finals, Weight WF
13.45 400m Heats
14.00 Shot Long Jump
14.10 5000m (Women)
14.30 100/110m Hurdles Finals
14.45 400m Finals, Long Jump and Javelin
15.00 2000m S/Chase, Final Weight Height
15.15 200m Heats
15.30 800m Finals, Triple Jump
16.00 200m Finals, Discus
16.15 4 X 400m Relays
Any senior athletes wishing to partake in these championships are requested to contact club secretary Tony Ryan as entries close this week. Please note only fully paid up club members will be entered.
RUNNING QUOTE
"It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness." Pat Connaughton.
SPEED TRAINING
Those interested in taking part in Tony’s speed training sessions please note that this week the session will take place on Friday at the usual times of 5.30 and 6.30.All are welcome.
