CÉIM AR CHÉIM 30th ANNUAL RAS NA RINNE 2024.
The 30th Annual Céim Ar Chéim organised Ras Na Rinne took place last Friday evening with one of the largest number of runners taking part for many years 132 in total plus 50 walkers taking on the challenge of the superbly organised and unique event on the Coinigear . This event is now in its 30th and it was fitting that it was got underway by our honouree starter Mary Rose Drummy on behalf of the O’ Droma Family and in loving memory of her husband Seamus who started the race only 12 months ago ,and was one of the founding members of the event he sadly left us during the year and is greatly missed by all who knew him and more so by his family who miss him most, but as long as this event continues it will be a lasting reminder of a great family man and of course a community man for the place he loved dearly.The local committee in An Rinn took over the organisation of this unique event some years ago and its going from strength to strength with a noticeable increase in the numbers participating again this year which is great to see. The race organisers would like to thank the following who helped and sponsored the event last Friday evening. Comhlucht Forbartha na n Déise,Gaeltacht na nDéise, Eamonn Terry & Criostal na Rinne,Spar An Rinn,West Waterford Athletics Club,Mooney’s Tigh Tábhairne,Sólás na Mara, Muintir Uí Dhroma,Céim ar Chéim,Comhairle Pobail na Rinne,and the many stewards and volunteers who helped on the nights.See you in when we will do it all again in 2025. Míle buíochas le gach aoinne a tháinig
AIDAN CONNELL WINS O’ DROMA FAMILY TROPHY.
Having had many podium positions this past few months, West Waterford’s Aidan Connell stepped into the top number 1 position last Friday evening at the Annual Ras Na Rinne,The race attracted 132 runners and also 50 walkers as well as a great number of juveniles who ran the field race as the main event left close to Colaiste Na Rinne in total there was well over 200 participants in all.The early leader on the road section saw a strong group of 4 Naoise Mac Murchadha Aidan Connell Conor Hennebry and Dermot Gough all from West Waterford AC. When the race hit the Cunnigar and beach section where it’s up to each runner to decide on their own path to the Cunnigar point the leading group which was at this point being led out by Naoise took the shore path with all four still in contention .By the time the race leaders came to the turning point at Paddy Lannen’s Waterford flag the race saw Naoise still setting the pace but on his shoulder was Aidan Connell with the chasers dropping off the leaders at this stage. When the race came back onto the road section to cover the mile home to the finish line Aidan and Naoise were shoulder to shoulder with neither giving the other an inch, so it was down to the hill section ahead and a man to man battle and here Aidan proved that little bit too strong for Naoise as he opened a gap of 20 meters by the top of the climb which he was to hold all the way to the finish line, a brave effort from Naoise to close the gap but not on this occasion, Aidan crossed the line in 32.27 with the youngster just seconds behind clocking 32.50 and Conor Hennebry proved best of the chasing pack as he finished 3rd in 33.47.The over 40 category winner was Dermot Gough West Waterford AC 36.10 a fast time for Dermot who finished 5th coverall. The winner of the over 50 category was a visitor from Carrick On Suir AC when Eugene O’Keeffe cross the finish line in 36.29,Eugene also won this category in 2019,2022,2023 and now 2024 so great running from Eugene. And Ray Hahesy West Waterford AC in 39.14 won the over 60 category. In the junior category Cillian Tuathaigh IND took the prize with a time of 44.51,Well done to all runners and prize winners.
MENS
1st Aidan Connell West Waterford AC 32.27
2nd Naoise Mac Murchadha West Waterford AC 32.50
3rd Conor Hennebry West Waterford AC 33.47
1st O/40 Dermot Gough West Waterford AC 36.10
1st O/50 Eugene O’Keeffe Carrick on Suir AC 36.29
1stO/60 Ray Hahesy West Waterford AC 39.14
1st Junior Cillian Tuathaigh IND 44.51
KATE VEALE RECORDS A FINE VICTORY IN THE RÁS.
There was to be a West Waterford AC winner in the Ladies race also last Friday evening when West Waterford’s Kate Veale took the top position. The International race walker who is now on her break from the sport for a few weeks was so unlucky not to be in Paris competing at the Olympics but that’s sport and at times it can be unpredictable. However Kate came along to support this race on the night and finished 7th overall and first Lady in 38.27.Our 2nd Lady home was from An Rinn when Niamh Uí Fhaoláin IND ran under 40 minutes which is also very good running clocking 39.16 as she crossed the finish line, Angela Tobin West Waterford AC was 3rd in 40.17 another podium position for Angela who is running very well this year and getting top 3 positions in many of our race’s now.The ladies over 35 category was won by Marina Quinlan IND 44.40 .The over 40 category went to Ruth Mills DSD AC 4248 and Diane Behan Waterford A.C.41.27 took the over 50 ladies prize as she did in 2023 also. Well done to all our winners and competitors on the night.
LADIES
1st Kate Veale West Waterford AC 38.27
2nd Niamh Uí Fhaoláin IND 39.16
3rd Angela Tobin West Waterford AC 40.17
1st O/35 Marina Quinlan IND 44.40
1st O/40 Ruth Mills DSD AC 42.48
1st O/50 Diane Behan Waterford AC 41.27
EUROFINS WATERFORD GREENWAY HALF MARATHON SET FOR AUGUST 31ST.
ELITE ENTRIES.
Entries are now closed but if you wish to apply as an elite runner please send your information to info@westwaterfordathletics.org stating your name, date of birth, club and fastest time and location for either half marathon or 10 mile race ran in the last 3 years. Half Marathon time: Under 1.20 for men (1.30 for women) 10 Mile Time: Under 60 mins for men (65 for women)
EUROFINS WATERFORD GREENWAY HALF MARATHON PRIZES.
Once again we are delighted to have local company Eurofins as our title sponsor for this unique event and we thank them for their commitment to this race and to our club. In conjunction with Waterford City and County Council this is a 13.1 mile race along the now famous old Waterford/Dungarvan Railway line. This fantastic amenity opened officially in 2017 and has already experienced visitors from all over the country and beyond. Users are amazed by this 46 km spectacular off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan.Please note this is a point to point race starting at the Coachhouse Kilmacthomas and finishing near Ballinroad, Dungarvan. Entry fee includes bus from Ballinroad to the start line in Kilmacthomas. As usual each year we try to support a local charity and this year we have chosen . “RAPID RESPONSE VEHICLE FOR WEST WATERFORD” .We all know how valuable this vehicle will be to our community and hopefully we can raise some much needed funds to help this project as they are a voluntary organisation who rely on the public for support.
SYMPATHY.
West Waterford athletic club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Donie O’ Mahony,Coolagh Road, Abbeyside and Anne Clooney,Lower Boley, Abbeyleix, Laois who passed to their eternal reward last week, may they rest in peace.
LUCY 2nd IN MANCHESTER BMC.
Club member Lucy Holmes made the trip to Manchester last Thursday evening evening for the British Milers Club meet, taking part in the A race over 800 meters Lucy ran very well to finish 2nd in a time of 2.08.30 behind the winner Izzy Thornton-Both Coventry in 2.06.73 and Bett Ansell Edinburgh AC was 3rd in 2.07.34 . Well done lucy.
