CLUB TRACK AND FIELD NEWS.MUNSTER TRACK AND FIELD.
JUNIOR AND UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIPS.MEDALS APLENTY FOR WEST WATERFORD ATHLETES
The Munster Track and Field championships were held for Junior's and Under 23 at Cork IT on Monday last and the club had a very successful day at the championships. We were on the road bright and early with our young pole-vaulters who were in action early in the morning. Mark Brannon recorded a splendid win in the Junior Boys to retain his title when clearing a height of 3.60. This equalled the Junior Championship best for these championships, which was also set by Mark.
Another of the Houlihan dynasty, Thomas, took silver with a new personal best vault of 3.50, which he was well pleased with. Our third vaulter Michael Devine also performed well but was outside the medals on this occasion.
In the Junior Ladies pole vault competition, West Waterford were also to the fore with Emma Dunne and Aisling Fennell taking part in the Junior. There was also the welcome return of Claire O'Sullivan in the under 23 competition. There was good competition in the Junior event, with the title going this year to Youghal's Sarah Ryan. Aisling Fennell set a new club record to finish second with a vault of 2.50 breaking Emma Dunne's old standard of 2.40. Emma took bronze equalling her best vault of 2.40.Claire O'Sullivan won gold in the Ladies under 23 to round off a great day for the club in this very technical event.
Our sole Female Track athlete on the day was Sineád Crotty who ran her first track race for some years and she didn't disappoint with a top-drawer performance to clinch gold with an excellent time of 5.02.
David McCarthy returned to competitive track racing with a scintillating performance in the Junior Men's 3000 meters where he took gold with an excellent time of 2.18.9. This now sets David up for what promises to be an exciting track season after clipping around in 66 second lap's and throwing in a 62 second lap for a finish.
Another West Waterford athlete who is making great inroads presently is Padraigh Healy and he took a very well deserved Silver over 3000 meters in the under 23 race with a time of 2.58. Again excellent running.
In the Junior 3000 meters steeplechase the club saw more medal winning performances when Mark Shalloe ran a very well timed race in this most energy sapping event over the high jumps and water to take a deserved gold. Clubmate Rory Moloney, running his first Munster Steeplechase race, took a deserved Bronze medal. Sean Stilwell ran the same 3000 meters in the under 23 section and here again Seán brought gold to the club when leading from gun to tape.
Eadaoin Ashe competed in the Junior Ladies discus, which saw a good number of competitors. Eadaoin was pleased with finishing with the bronze medal here on a throw of 29.09. Well done to her.
So all in all another very successful day for the club well done to all and to those who brought the athletes to cork especially Noreen Fennell for transporting the poles.
MINNIES SUMMER RUNNING LEAGUE.108 RUNNERS GET MINNIES LEAGUE UNDER WAY.
The glorious sunshine and bright evenings produced a record entry for our Minnie's Summer Running Series. A total of 108 participated in day one of our nine-week league in St. Augustine's last Tuesday week. Like the first two road races of our summer programme which both saw record entries last Tuesday evening for the Minnie's league continued along the same trend with another record entry for the very first evening in St Augustine's College. The League continues on each Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and newcomers to the event are welcome on any night. Held by kind permission of St. Augustine's, the venue is ideal for this type of league including suitable distances for the total beginner to the seasoned runner.
The League caters for four distances, one to four laps of the College with one lap itself being a route of one and a quarter miles. Last week, 12 participated in the one lap, many of them beginners, 32 in the two lapper, 8 in the three laps and the largest entry of 56 runners were in the four laps.
Many of the one lappers ran and walked the distance and no doubt will be setting themselves a target to run the full distance by the end of June. Why not join them? All are welcome and you will receive every encouragement from the organisers and your fellow participants alike. After a few weeks you will feel better overall and you will notice increased levels of energy in your daily routine. Tell and then bring a fiend (if you have one) to the Friary.
ONE LAP.
Last week's stage saw Colm Nolan first home in 6.49 from Katie O' Brien in 9.46. Katie ran this league last year in ten and a half minutes and with this only the beginning of the league Katie is surely set to improve all the more. Third home was Wexford woman, Ann Wall who also featured in this popular league last year. Ann's aim is to run two laps without stopping and we have no doubt that she will manage it this year.
Blathnaid Foley, who ran the winter league, got around in just over twelve and a half minutes. Well done also to Rosemarie O' Brien, Susie Keane, Ann Moore and Bernie Dwane. We hope to see you all for round two.
TWO LAPS.
Joe Barry is back to his usual form as he led the 32 two lappers home in a time of 17.48. Stacey Lyons is picking up a thing or two about running from her Dad Colin, as she ran a super 18.33 for the two laps, a total distance of 2.4 miles. Angeline Drennan and Aidan Hogan will be looking to break 19 minutes for the course over the coming weeks.
Deirdre Cunningham, who proved to be quite adept at pacing last year, ran a comfortable 21.43 with Miriam Kelly just behind her. Sisters, Sarah and Anita Power also managed the two laps with ease. Joan and Caroline ran their usual steady pace and look set to improve with every outing.
THREE LAPS.
Eight took part in the three laps and they were duly led home by Jason Travers in a time of 22.53 and Eilish Nì hAodha led the women home. It was great to see Eilish back, having been out of action due to injury. Hopefully, these are all a thing of the past and that she will be back to doing some great running as she has done for many a time. Brenda Hunt and Brìd Veale were the other two ladies that took part in the three laps and hopefully there will be a few more to join them in the coming weeks.
FOUR LAPS.
The number of participants running the four laps has surpassed previous years' entries, with a total of 56 runners for round one. Raivis Zakis led the field home in just over 26 minutes with Sean Stilwell and Phillip Harty taking second and third spot respectively. Alan Lyons had a super run, clocking 31.41 for his efforts.
Tomàs Coleman and Richie Kelly are certainly reaping the rewards of their training programmes as they recorded 33.51 and 33.52. Pat Dunford has made a welcome comeback to the running scene and it won't be long at all before he's back running his usual times.
Michael Callaghan just dipped under 38 minutes for the four laps and with the weekly speed sessions will be whittling it down week by week. Tracey Dwyer broke 40 minutes comfortably. Paddy and Brìd will be aiming for that time next week, having run 40.11 and 40.12. One of our reliable and dependable stewards Liam Sandford also ran the four laps. Liam is no stranger to running with a number of marathons to his credit.
LEAGUE SYSTEMS.
Shortly all the participants will be slotted into divisions in each of the four distances. There are nine nights in the league and a participant is required to take part in six of the nine stages to figure on the final league tables. There is movement between divisions throughout the league.
OUR SPONSORS.
West Waterford Athletic Club is very grateful to the O'Brien Family of Minnie's for sponsoring the Summer League again this year. The numbers participating is a tribute to the popularity of this type of league and to Minnie's itself. As with all our sponsors, please support Minnie's when the opportunity arises.
CHANGE OF DATE FOR LEAGUE NIGHT.
Due to the County Finals of the Primary School Sports being held in the Friary College on Tuesday night May 29, the Minnie's league for that particular week will be held on the Thursday night, May 31 at the usual time of 7 p.m.
CLUB TRACK AND FIELD NEWS.2ND ANNUAL CLUB PENTATHALON THIS FRIDAY EVENING.
A big turnout is expected this coming Friday evening for the clubs 2nd Annual Adults Pentathlon in St. Augustines College, Abbeyside (by kind permission) which has a 6.30 PM starting time. This sports meeting is open to everybody over 16 years of age and aims to cater for beginners and regulars, Juniors Seniors and Masters.
After the success of last years event which was the clubs first attempt at such an event we have tailored the evenings programme to try and suit all levels and tastes. The events the organisers have settled on are as followed 100 meters, 400 meters, 1 mile, shot put and long jump. And of course one of the highlights of last years event, the 1 mile cycle race. There must be something in there for you!
The aim is to take part in all events for which you receive points based on your finishing placing but there is no pressure on anybody to take part in an event that they are not comfortable with. This proved to be a great night last year with lots of fun had by all and we expect the same this year so come along and have a bit of crack with West Waterford AC.
A pair of Nike runners will be raffled among all non-prize-winners with the winners of each category receiving prizes.
West Waterford A.C. wish to thank the following local businesses that are sponsoring the clubs Pentathlon sports night.
Alberts Newsagents
M.T. Motors
Dungarvan Grass Cutting
Richie Power Scaffolding
Keane and Power Drink
Please support our sponsors when the opportunity arises.
THE WEST WATERFORD PENTATHLON HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
The centrepiece of the sports is our pentathlon competition for regulars and beginners, male and female. This constitutes five events: 100mts, 400mts, 1 mile, long jump and shot putt. All participants must be over 16 years of age and a regular or a beginner will be determined by the organisers on the night. Entry fee is €5 per person.
PENTATHLON SYSTEM.
Points received for your finishing position in each event. Lowest points total is best. All five events count. €100 cash for the winner of each category, regulars and beginners depending on the entry in each category,(50 Euro Minimum) Pair of runners raffled among all non prize winners. Participants may compete in whatever or how many events they choose and not take part in the pentathlon itself: in other words all are welcome.
TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS FOR MASTERS IN CASTLEISLAND.
The Munster Masters Track and Field championships will be held on Sunday 27th May next in Castleisland, Co. Kerry and the club will be sending a strong Ladies and Men's squad to the event. Indeed the club will be trying to retain the overall best club award, which we won last year for the very first time.
The age categories for women are over 35,40,45,50,55,60 and for men over 40,45,50,55,60,65 70. Remember, a 60-year-old athlete is as important as a 40-year-old athlete. Events include 3,000 metres (club team of 3 to score as well as first three in each category), 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m and a 4 x 100m relay.
Field events include javelin, discus, shot, long jump and hammer.56 lb distance. Masters Track and Field co-ordinators Michael Tutty and Ann Dunford have been very busy recruiting athletes these past few weeks and we expect all have now been contacted by either Ann or Michael. If not and you are interested in a great club day out please do contact them A.S.A.P. A bus will bring all West Waterford athletes to Castleisland, details in next week's notes.
DAY TWO OF COUNTY TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Day two of the county Track and Filed championships will take place on next Sunday May 13th at the R.S.C.Waterford.
GOLDEN MILE SERIES.
Waterford AC presents a Golden Mile Series on the track starting on Thursday May 24th running for 6 weeks at the RSC. Registration from 6:15pm. Graded races (Mile / 1500m) to suit all, from beginners to the more experienced runners. Races start at 7:00pm. 3 euro to enter each race or 12 euro for the 6 races. There will be an open 800m race at the end of each night. All are welcome.
RUNNING QUOTE
Some people don't have the guts for distance racing. The polite term for them is sprinters.
Paul Brunnock
COMMITTEE MEETING.
Next senior club meeting tonight Wednesday May 9th at 8.30 pm in Minnie's Bar.Abbeyside.
GER WYLEY SPORTS/NIKE SUMMER SERIES RACE NO 3.
38TH ANNUAL WATERFORD –TRAMORE PADDY FLANAGAN MEMORIAL ROAD RACE ON SATURDAY MAY 19TH.
The oldest road race in the South East now in its 38th year. The annual Paddy Flanagan memorial Waterford to Tramore 7 miler takes place Saturday evening May 19 th with a 7.30 pm starting time. The race keeps the traditional course starting at City Hall and finishing at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore. new development to this years race is the announcement of a new sponsor in the guise of Bausch and Lomb Waterford who have kindly come on board to sponsor the event for the first time. We must also take this opportunity top thank Waterford Crystal for there kind sponsorship of the race over many years past.
All athletes please note that entries for the race will be taken near city hall from 6.15 Showers and changing facilities are available at the Tramore G.A.A club house where the presentation of prizes will also take place there. Entry to the race is 7 Euro and the usual prizes will be on offer this year, very kindly sponsored by Bausch and Lomb to whom the organisers are very grateful.
Mrs Mary Flanagan wife of the late Paddy will again this year be in attendance as she has for the last 37 years to present the prizes and to present her annual special prize to the athlete whom she picks as worthy of a special award on the night.
MIDLETON 5.
The club had two athletes who took part in last Wednesday evenings Midleton 5 mile road race and both ran well. Padraig Healy was our first man home in a very good time of 29.18 finishing 16th of the 200. It’sgood to see Padraig back running so well again. He will be a big asset to the club in competition in the future. Jim Fleming was next to finish with a time of 30.21 also in a good 26 th place.
SANDIS SETS COURSE RECORD AT JOHN JOE BARRY 5K
The John Joe Barry 5k Road race was held in ideal conditions last Friday night with a record number of entrants. This race is part of a 3 race Tipperary Challenge and it is great to see this competition getting off to a great start. The race itself saw a one- two- three across the line for West Waterford AC.
Fresh from his convincing win in Butlerstown the previous week Sandis Bralitis was the warm favourite to add this race to his list of achievements. Right from the start Sandis went into the lead and began to set a strong pace as he was well clear at the 2k mark. Then on the homeward journey he upped the tempo to win in a course record time of 15 mins 12 secs, brilliant running on a demanding course.
If Sandis had a good run the same has to be said of club mate Raivis Zakis when he finished just 6 seconds behind the winner with a time of 15 mins 18 secs. This was a brilliant performance by Raivis who recorded his fastest ever time for this distance. Raivis is a previous winner of this race in 2005 when he won in a time of 15 mins 52 secs.
Speaking of great performances, one as good as any came form Seán Stilwell when he had a titanic battle with Shane Mullaney of Moycarkey Coolcro but athletes were awarded the same finishing time of 16.12 with Sean getting the nod from the finish line judges to record one of his best finishing places to date.
Martin Keane of Dundrum was 5th in 16 mins 34 secs while the 6th place went to Kenny Curran of Ballynonty in 16 mins 39 secs.
Philip Harty ran well in this race also and is steadily making a significant come back he finished 14 th overall in a time of 17.15. Relitive new comer to the sport, Alan Hickey also made the journey and he recorded good time of 21.19 finishing in 55th place.
In the Ladies race Adele Walsh of St Senan's who last week won the stride by the tide in Youghal recorded her 2 nd victory in this race when coming home a convincing winner in a time of 18 mins 4 secs in 19th pace overall. Adele won this race in 2005 and this year she improved on her 2005 winning time by 38 seconds, a great improvement.
Next to finish previous winner Madeline Dorney of Thurles Crokes finishing 2 nd Lady in a time of 18 mins 34 secs. Madeline won this race in 2004 when her winning time was 19 mins 5 secs, Laura Taylor of Clonmel was 3rd lady in a time of 19 mins 20 secs when finishing 34 th overall. As regards the Tipperary Challenge all roads leads to Clonmel this weekend for the Ballygowan 10k road race which gets underway at 2pm. Registration and changing facilities is at the Clonmel High School, Thomas Street.
SYMPATHY
West Waterford AC extends sincere sympathy to the family of Mairead Brett Colligan who passed away last week. May she rest in peace.
GET WELL SOON.
All at the club extend a very special get well soon message to our club race timing expert Noel O'Doherty who is currently recuperating from surgery. We hope to see Noel back at the helm in the not too distant future, his clock awaits his return.
