Sunday, November 30, 2008

Results of the Munster Cross Country Championships - Sun 30th Nov 2008

The Munster Cross Country Championships took place near Killeagh in East Cork on what was a cold but sunny November afternoon. There were entrants from all over Munster taking place with several from Kerry and Clare making the long trip.
The full results of the Mens and Womens races are now up on the Cork AAI website.

A selection of 102 photos can be found HERE.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Kerry...Preview of the Puck Warriors 10k Fun Run, Killorglin - Sat 29th Nov

This 10km fun run takes place in the town of Killorglin in West Kerry. Originally, the organisers had the closing date for entries down as last weekend. Now there is no mention of a closing date? The start time is 11am. Registration starts at 9:30am.


.........and here is the link to the organisers website.

News of Cross Country events...

Just a reminder that the Munster Masters Cross Country race will take place in Killeagh in East Cork next Sunday, the 30th of November at 12 noon. It had been advertised as Carrignavar earlier. On the Cork AAI website, it is down as a 1:30pm start time.

Munster Intermediate Cross Country....9th of Nov 2008
By all accounts, this was a pretty mucky affair! There is an interesting piece written by Dave Muldowney of Eagle AC on this website.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Waterford...Results of the AAI Inter National Cross Country Championships


The Woodie’s DIY Inter County cross country championships took place yesterday, Sunday the 23rd of November 2008 at the Tramore racecourse in Waterford. A short race report with links to the various mens and womens races is available at this LINK.
A selection of 15 photos can be seen HERE.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Waterford...Press release for the Dungarvan 10 mile road race (Feb 09)


"Pictured at the launch at Dungarvan Sports Centre of the 18th Annual "Quantum Life" Dungarvan 10 mile road race hosted by West Waterford Athletic Club the race takes place on Sunday February 1st at 1 PM and entries are now open at www.westwaterfortdathletics.org
l-r Ann Dunford West Waterford Athletic Club,Tony Ryan West Waterford Athletic Club Chairman,Cllr Billy Kyne Dungarvan deputy mayor,Mel Shanley Quantum Life Ireland race sponsors,Gerry Cantwell West Waterford Athletic Club road racing coordinator.

Build-Up Begins For 18th Annual Quantum Life Dungarvan 10.
West Waterford Athletic Club is encouraging athletes fun runners alike to start their build up for the 18th Annual Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 mile road race. The Race, formerly known as Dunphy Vivas Health Dungarvan 10, has become an annual fixture in Ireland’s athletics calendar attracting elite and club competitors as well as local participants ranging from beginners to experienced runners.The Quantum Life Dungarvan 10 will take place on Sunday 1st February 2009, beginning at 1.00pm.The race headquarters has now moved from the traditional Dungarvan Crystal sports centre to the town’s community Sports Centre located at Quanns, which gives the race much need extra space as the numbers have increased significantly over recent years. The initial race had in the region of 70 athletes, last year’s race witnessed a record entry of over 700 and this year it is expected to exceed well beyond 1,000 runners.
The 2009 race was launched in the presence of Mr. Mel Shanley Quantum Life Ireland and Mr Billy Kyne, Dungarvan Deputy town mayor along with members of the race committee from the host club, West Waterford A.C.The key sponsors of the race are Quantum Life and for the first time this year, Dungarvan Town Council are welcome associate sponsors which the race committee and main sponsor are delighted with. Teas, sandwiches, showers and changing facilities plus the presentation of prizes will all take place at Dungarvan Sports Centre. Mr Mel Shanley of Quantum Life spoke at the launch saying that Quantum Life are delighted to be sponsoring the Dungarvan 10 where participants will have the opportunity to run in one of the best organised 10 mile road races in the country with all levels of runners catered for as is the West Waterford Athletic Club’s policy.
The 2008 event brought together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who competed over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan. Mr Shanley who heads up Quantum Life in Ireland spoke of his companies business strategy which is based on the following philosophy: We believe in focusing on our core competence of using actuarial techniques to deliver innovative and customised life assurance products for selected distribution partners. We deliberately outsource everything else. Quantum Life only undertakes bespoke product assignments. We do not develop products for general distribution. We will only develop a product idea when we have a committed source of distribution. It is this approach that allows us to customise each product to the specific requirements of each target group of our distribution partner. Quantum Life has an enviable record for bringing innovative product ideas to the market. We believe that innovation is the lifeblood of our business.
The race on February 1st has a new starting line at the Youghal Road, the very flat and fast course remains relatively unchanged from previous years with just the start and finish in new locations. There will be a total prize fund of €3000. The first man and woman will receive €400 each with an additional €250 bonus for breaking the course record. Cash will be on offer to all category winners and everyone who takes part in the event receives a long sleeved running shirt and a substantial goodie bag as well as of course the personal satisfaction of completing the event.
Last year’s event attracted a top class field and was won by Sergiu Turea of Clonliffe Harriers who finished the race in 50.18. North Belfast harriers Mary Margaret Meade 58.59 was the first female finisher.
The entry fee to this prestigious race is €15. Entry forms can be obtained from the West Waterford club website by logging onto www.westwaterfordathletics.org or alternatively you can register online via the same website. While participants are encouraged if at all possible to enter early, entries will also be taken on the day at a charge of €20. The closing date for online and postal entries will be Friday January 23rd. All race numbers and race chip will be posted out. Entries on race day will close at 12.15 p.m. sharp.
With the recent surge of interest in running for health, fun and fitness in the county presently, a big turn-out on the day is guaranteed. With the success of West Waterford’s 'Fit4Life' running leagues and groups along with the country’s longest running winter league which aims to introduce newcomers to the sport and to the fun of running, the race organisers are particularly keen to see as many of these Fit4Life group members as possible take part in the race on Sunday February 1st.Along with all the above and the elite field expected, it should be a really great day for athletics in our town and there will definitely be a place in this race for everyone.We're really looking forward to seeing runners of all standards and our promise is that everyone will be made welcome. "See you Déise side on Feb 1st.”

Monday, November 17, 2008

Waterford...Results of the Brickey 3 & 5 Mile race - Sun 16th Nov 2008

A total of 153 runners turned out for these races near Dungarvan in West Waterford. 30 runners took part in the 3 mile race and 123 in the 5 mile race in what were ideal conditions.
A full race report is available on the West Waterford AC website.

Results...The results of the 3 mile race are HERE and the 5 mile race are HERE.

Tipperary...Results of the Novice B Cross Country - Sun 16th Nov 2008

The Tipperary County Novice B Cross Country race took place in Ballynonty on Sunday, the 16th of November. The mens race was over 5 kms and the ladies race was 3 kms.
The results are available HERE.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Waterford...Preview of the Brickey 3 and 5 Mile Road Race - Sun 16th Nov (11am)

Coming up next Sunday the 16th of November, there is a road race near Dungarvan in West Waterford at 11am. It's a little unusual in that you have a choice of two distances, 3 miles OR 5 miles. It's even more unusual in that they have prizes based on a persons weight!! All good fun ;o)

Directions.....The event centre for this race is at the Brickey GAA grounds which is just to the West of Dungarvan. Directions to the GAA Grounds (Bushy Park) are as follows:
1: On entering Dungarvan from the Cork Side, you proceed on the N25 through the first roundabout. At the second roundabout "Spring Roundabout" you should take the 2nd exit (Aglish Road)(Follow Blue line on Map below) Proceed on that road for approx 3 miles and Bushy Park is on your right.
2: On entering Dungarvan from the Waterford side, proceed to the sixth roundabout "Spring Roundabout" Take the 4th exit (Aglish Road)(Follow Blue line on Map below) Proceed on that road for approx 3 miles and Bushy Park is on your right.

Here is some additional information on the race kindly supplied by James Veale of West Waterford AC.........
15TH ANNUAL MC GRATHS NEWSAGENTS BRICKEY RUN IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BRICKEY’S COMOGIE CLUB IS ON THIS SUNDAY.
All roads lead to Bushy Park Sunday next November 16th at 11am, where a big turn out is expected for the 15th Annual Brickey run. With the winter league now in full flow we urge as many participants of the league to come along Sunday and if the 5 mile seems a bit too far why not give the 3 mile a go, its all on a good flat course All proceeds from the race thanks to our kind sponsor will be presented to the local Brickey Comogie club on this occasion. There will be a 5-mile and 3 mile Run and entries will be taken at Bushy Park from 10am. By kind permission of Brickey GAA club. Entry fee is €7 Euro per person. The Martin Curran Perpetual Cup will be presented to the first man to finish the 5 miler, and over the same distance the Jim Lyons Memorial Shield will be presented to the first woman to finish. There will be individual and weight categories for men and Individual prizes for Women. There will also be prizes in the 3-mile event. The weight categories are as follows: Under 40kg, 50kg, 60kg, 70kg, 80kg, 90kg, and 100kg and over 100kg. Presentation of prizes will take place immediately after the race at the Brickey clubhouse. This years race is once again kindly sponsored By McGrath’s Newsagents Mitchell St, We thank Albert and Patricia for their kind sponsorship of this event once again this year.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Runing news from East Munster...


1) The evening race series has started in Dungarvan and already, they have around 340 runners registered after just 2 weeks. This surely must be one of the biggest if not the biggest evening race series in the country? For more news on how the West Waterford series is going, check out the West Waterford AC website.

2) A little further East in Waterford City, their own series has just started. Results of the 1st event can be seen on the Waterford AC website.

3) Staying in East Munster, the local paper, the Munster Express has a number of running news items this week....
a) The National Cross Country Championships will be held in Tramore on the 23rd of November.
b) A short report of how some of the Carrick-on-Suir runners did in the recent Marathons and a bit about the evening race series in Pilltown, near Carrick on Suir.
c) A short race report on that 10 mile 'Run for Life' charity fun run which took place back in October.
d) ...and finally, a piece about what is happening with St.Senans AC in South Kilkenny.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Winter Evening Leagues in Munster

There are now a number of Winter Evening races underway in Munster. These are mainly concentrated around East Cork, Waterford and South Tipperary. Most are over short distances and are ideal for beginners, especially during the long Winter months when the days are short and it may not always be that safe running on the roads at night.
One of the oldest Winter leagues in operation is the one in Dungarvan, West Waterford. It attracts a lot of runners and has even featured on the Nationwide programme on RTE television. Just to emphasise the value of these races, it is worth quoting the following from the West Waterford AC website......"At a recent survey of the club’s runners, it was noted that an overwhelming majority of our runners took up running after they started the winter league. Over 80% had no previous running experience before they started the league and now many of them are regulars at all our races and have even represented the club at provincial and national level. "

So, here are a selection of the evening races now underway in Munster. If you are a seasoned runner or just a beginner, why not try them and see why they are so popular. In most cases, you just need a reflective vest or bib to run.

Cork
Midleton in East Cork at 7:30pm. 3 km race. Every 3rd Tuesday. Started in Oct and runs until Feb 2009.
More details HERE.

Tipperary
Carrick on Suir in South Tipp. Races are in nearly Pilltown. Every Tuesday at 7pm. Selection of 2.5 km and 5 km races. Started in October and runs until December.
More details HERE.

Clonmel in South Tipp. Every Wednesday at 7pm. Selection of 2 km and 4 km races. Started in October and runs until the 26th of November.
More details HERE.

Waterford
Dungarvan in West Waterford. Every Wednesday at 7:20pm. Choice of 2.7 and 5.7 miles. Started in October and runs until the 17th of December.
More details HERE. Just scroll down that page a bit.

Waterford City. Choice of 2.4 miles and 5.2 miles. Every Thurday evening from the 6th of November to the 11th of December and from the 8th of January to the 12th of February. Starts at 7pm.
More details HERE.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Limerick...Results of the Limerick County Senior Cross Country Championships...Sun 2nd Nov, 2008

The Limerick Cross Country Championships took place in Newcastlewest in West Limerick on Sunday, the 2nd of November.
Race Report by Verena Tarpey...
The Demesne in Newcastlewest was the venue once more for the County Senior Cross Country Championships held yesterday, 2nd November 2008. It turned out to be a crisp, cool autumnal day for the event. West Limerick A.C. won both mens and ladies titles in a reversal of fortune this year.There was a big turnout of men and ladies for the event - this was despite a sizeable number of competitors having run Dublin City Marathon the Monday beforehand – Martin Doody, Seamus Cawley, Mick Carroll, Bernie Barron and Verena Tarpey to name but a few. There were also a number of walking wounded - Ger Guinea is still recovering from a bout of shingles, Pat McCartan is only coming back to fitness and Dan Collopy was looking fairly pale around the course having suffered from a severe stomach bug that day!!!. It was a testament to the participants that they chose to compete for their team despite suffering with various forms of fatigue and illness. It also demonstrates the importance of this event to all club runners.

The women’s event had one clear winner being Rosemary Ryan of Bilboa A.C. Our own Lisa Horgan was second and was followed home by Verena Tarpey in third spot. The men’s event was hotly contested and Tom Carey, despite losing his way and his left shoe took gold for Limerick A.C.. A fine display of running was shown by Martin Doody, also of Limerick A.C. – despite having completed the Dublin City Marathon 6 days earlier, he ran home in second place followed closely by our own West Limerick A.C.’s Pat McCartan. Despite the fine display of Tom and Martin, Limerick A.C. lacked strength in numbers in comparison to West Limerick A.C who fielded 15 runners or more.


West Limerick A.C came home to win the County Title this year, Limerick A.C were in second spot and West Limerick’s B team took bronze.

The teams were as follows........
Team Gold...........Patrick McCartan, Brian Jenkins, Aogan MacDomhnaill, Eamonn Horgan, Dermot Kearns, Gerard Guinea

Team Bronze.......Michael O'Brien, Joe Chawke, Niall Collins, Dan Collopy, Mike MacDomhnaill, Gary Madden
West Limerick Ladies Team......Lisa Horgan, Verena Tarpey, Juliette Frost, Carmel MacDomhaill, Bernie BarronAlison, Ledger

Once again, West Limerick A.C. have shown to be great hosts of the event with very welcome soup, sandwiches and teas provided downtown afterwards.........Verena Tarpey
.............................
The results for Limerick AC can be found HERE.

Clare...Results of the County Senior Cross Country Championships - Sun 2nd Nov 2008


The Clare Senior Cross Country Championships took place in Kilnaboy on Sunday, the 2nd of November 2008. The results of the Mens 10k and Ladies 5k can be found at the following LINK.

Tipperary...Results of the County Senior Cross Country Championships - Sun 2nd Nov 2008

The Tipperary Senior Cross Country Championships took place in Ballingarry on Sunday, the 2nd of November 2008. The results of the Mens 10k and Ladies 5k can be found at the following LINK.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Kerry...Results of the 'Kerry Autism Action' 4 Mile Road Race, Castleisland - Sun 2nd Nov 2008

A total of 123 runners and walkers took part in this 4 mile road race on Sunday, the 2nd of November in aid of Kerry Autism Action. The following race report, results and photos were submitted by John Dunphy of Midleton AC.

Race Report...
Donal o'Callaghan of An Riocht went one step further this year and took first spot in an impressive time of 20.58 for this four mile road race held in Castleisland Co,Kerry. After a steady start to this race, it was not long before the first six athlete's started to break away from the rest of the field with Tim o'Connor running well in second place followed by Arthur Fitzgerald not to far behind in third place. Coming to the last mile, it was clear that there was a good race on here with the first 6 runners not too far away from each other but Donal held on to win with 24 seconds to spare over the impressive Tim o'Connor in second place. It was a great occasion for all runners and walker's. The charity Kerry Autism Action should benefit from this event as last year, this race pulled in over 10,000 Euro. A big well done to all those who ran,walked and raised funds for this worthy cause and well done to all at An Riocht AC.....John Dunphy, Midleton AC.
Photos...
A set of 21 photos can be seen at this LINK.

Race Results...
An Ríocht Road Race Results
Pos...Name....Club....Category....Time
1) Donal O'Callaghan...An Ríocht...Senior Men...20.57
2) Tim O'Connor...An Ríocht...Senior Men...21.21
3) Arthur Fitzgerald...Farranfore Maine Valley...Senior Men...21.32
4) Owen Mc Kenna...An Ríocht...Senior Men...22.13
5) Billy O'Brien...An Ríocht...Senior Men...22.44
6) Patrick O'Shea...Iveragh...Over 50...22.53
7) John Barrett...Gneevguilla...Over 40...23.12
8) Willie Reidy...An Ríocht...Senior Men...23.24
9) Ronan O'Callaghan...An Riocht...Senior Men...23.39
10) Humphery Murphy...An Ríocht...Over 40...23.42
11) Cian Hogan...Tralee...Senior Men...24.15
12) Tomas Bradley...An Riocht...Junior Men...24.36
13) Jim Breen...Ardfert...Senior Men...24.42
14) John Dunphy...Midleton...Senior Men...24.58
15) Maureen Harrington...An Ríocht...Senior Women...25.16
16) Mansur Fouad...Tralee...Senior Men...25.19
17) Ann Marie Costello...Gneevguilla...Senior Women...25.42
18) Pat Murphy...Castleisland...Fun Runner...25.47
19) David McBride...Castleisland...Senior Men...26.08
20) Laura Crowe...An Ríocht...Senior Women...26.22
21) Brendan Joy...Killarney...Junior Men...26.36
22) PJ Fitzgerald...An Ríocht...Over 40...26.43
23) Paul Tanna...Kenmare...Fun Runner...27.12
24) Mary O'Connor...An Ríocht...Over 35...27.25
25) Mattie Angland...Gneevguilla...Over 50...27.37
26) Pat Cuffe...Gneevguilla...Over 40...27.40
27) Lisa Horgan...An Ríocht...Senior Women...27.45
28) Robert White...Kenmare...Fun Runner...27.51
29) Sean Curtin...Gneevguilla...Junior Men...28.04
30) Thomas Foley...Kenmare...Fun Runner...28.12
31) Breda Barrett...Gneeveguilla...Over 35...28.42
32) Ann Mangan...Star of the Laune...Over 45...28.55
33) Mary O'Connell...Gneevguilla...Senior Women...29.17
34) Liam Lynch...New market...Fun Runner...29.49
35) Michael Dineen...Gneevguilla...Over 40...30.10
36) Jim Langan...Tullamore Harriers...Over 60...30.24
37) Pius Fleming...An Riocht...Over 40...30.28
38) Deirdre Halloran...Tralee...Senior Women...30.46
39) David Haslip...Tralee...Fun Runner...30.46
40) Margaret O'Leary...Gneevguilla...Over 35...31.05
41) Suzanne O'Sullivan...An Ríocht...Over 35...31.09
42) Noleen O'Conner...Killarney...Fun Runner...31.33
43) Aodhan Byrne...Spa Muckross...Junior...31.40
44) Jane Halloran...Tralee...Fun Runner...31.46
45) Marie Walsh...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...32.18
46) Gerry Sullivan...Tralee Harriers...Over 60...32.50
47) Emer Tangney...Spa/Muckross...Junior Women...32.54
48) Niamh Joy...Gneevguilla...Junior Women...33.06
49) Aisling O'Sullivan...An Ríocht...Junior Women...33.22
50) Olivia Fitzgerald...Beaufort...Fun Runner...33.22
51) Emer Foley...Gneevguilla...Fun Runner...33.23
52) Nora Flynn...Gneevguilla...Over 35...33.26
53) Grainne Dineen...Gneevguilla...Junior Women...33.50
54) Mike Lynch...Fahaduff...Fun Runner...34.39
55) Laura Keane...An Riocht...Over 35...34.57
56) Eileen Cullinane...An Ríocht...Over 45...35.04
57) Emer Nelligan...An Ríocht...Senior Women...35.11
58) Jessica Breen...Ardfert...Junior...37.03
59) Tina Brennan...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...37.35
60) Tara Walmsley...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...37.44
61) Joan Browne...Scart...Fun Runner...37.45
62) Niamh O'Sullivan...An Ríocht...Junior Women...39.12
63) Margaret Walsh...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...39.17
64) Sile Kerely...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...39.18
65) Ross Gallagher...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...39.57
66) Eoin McSweeney...An Riocht...Over 40...40.28
67) Nora Buckley...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...40.28
68) Liz Reidy...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...41.18
69) David Enright...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...41.18
70) John Kerely...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...48.18
71) Sabrena Yearzle...Annascaul...Fun Runner...48.18
72) Gary Kavanagh...Curaheen...Fun Runner...48.48
73) Annette O'Connor...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...49.09
74) Joseph Walsh...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...49.10
75) Deirdre Walsh...Castleisland...Fun Runner...49.11
76) Susan Harman...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...49.12
77) Bernard Harman...An Ríocht...Fun Runner...49.12
78) Joe Browne...Scart...Fun Runner...49.50
79) Catriona Murphy...Ballydesmond...Fun Runner
80) Alice Dillane...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
81) JP Barrett...Fun Runner..
82) Anne Boyle...Scartaglen...Fun Runner
83) Josh Martin...?...Fun Runner
84) Rita Mc Carthy...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
85) Bridget Mannix...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
86) Rachel 'O Connor...Castleisland...Fun Runner
87) Jean Mc Carty...Cordal...Fun Runner
88) Joan Keane...Currow...Fun Runner
89) Catherine O'Brien...Castleisland...Fun Runner
90) Nonie...Tralee...Fun Runner
91) Noreen Daly...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
92) Sarah Fahy...Lyre...Junior Women
93) Anna Fahy...Lyre...Junior Women
94) Amanda Fahy...Lyre...Fun Runner
95) Lesley Clarke...Cordal...Over 60
96) Clodagh McHugh...ffmv...Fun Runner
97) Nicola McHugh...ffmv...Fun Runner
98) Ted Mayhem...St Brendans...Fun Runner
99) Mairead Mahoney...Knocknagoshel...Fun Runner
100) Ger Mahoney...Knocknagoshel...Fun Runner
101) Paddy Mahoney...Knocknagoshel...Fun Runner
102) Gerard Mahoney...Knocknagoshel...Fun Runner
103) Alison Mc Galey...Castleisland...Fun Runner
104) Ciaran Mc Galey...Castleisland...Fun Runner
105) John Fitzgerald...Castleisland...Fun Runner
106) Marie Fitzgerald...Castleisland...Fun Runner
107) Jack Allen...Fun Runner
108) Tomas Molyneyux...Fun Runner
109) Shane Crean...Fun Runner
110) Catriona O'Connor...Castleisland...Fun Runner
111) Patricaia Falvey...Abbeydorney...Fun Runner
112) Aidan Falvey...Abbeydorney...Fun Runner
113) Aine Falvey...Abbeydorney...Fun Runner
114) M Falvey...Abbeydorney...Fun Runner
115) Patricia Crowe...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
116) Breda Joy...Gneevguilla...Fun Runner
117) Katheleen Reidy...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
118) Ellen Cronin...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
119) Tim Mc Carthy...An Ríocht...Fun Runner
120) Maura Kerins...Cordal...Fun Runner
121) Humphery Kerins...Cordal...Fun Runner
122) Colin Kerins...Cordal...Fun Runner
123) Aoife Kerins...Cordal...Fun Runner