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2003, 2004

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2005 News

 

December 23 –County Teams for Munster Senior and Junior Cross Country Championships

The Cork teams for the upcoming Munster Senior & Junior Cross Country Championships in Beaufort, Co. Kerry have been named.  Leading the men’s team will be Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale who led the county team to silver at the Athletics Ireland Inter-County Cross Country championships in Sligo last November.  Also on the team is the Cork county and Munster Under 23 Champion Mark Hanrahan of Leevale. 

Louise Cavanagh of UCC who had an impressive victory at the county senior cross country championships leads the senior women’s team which also has included world master 10,000m champion Carmel Parnell of Leevale and Ballycotton 10 winner Claire Gibbons of Leevale.  

The county junior, national under 18 cross country champion and European Youth Olympics medallist Ciaran O’Lionaird of Leevale leads the county junior team while the County Junior Champion Lorna Comyn of Belgooly leads the junior women’s team.

Also on in conjunction with the Munster senior and junior cross country championships will be the Munster juvenile cross country relays which start at 12.00pm on January 15th.

Anybody named who is unable to travel is asked to contact County Team Manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

County Teams for Munster Championships, January 15th, Beaufort, Co. Kerry:

Senior Women: Louise Cavanagh, Zara Murphy (UCC), Carmel Parnell, Jennifer Goggin, Claire Gibbons, Angela Shine (Leevale), Ann Donnelly, Catherine O’Rourke, Margo Dinan, Mary Sweeney, Joan Hough (St Finbarrs), Anne Marie Healy (Eagle).

Senior Men: Mark Hanrahan, Thomas Maunsell, Ian O’Donovan (Leevale), Sean McGrath, Eric Meade, Frank Hayes (East Cork), Michael Herlihy (North Cork), David Doherty, Kieran Hurley (Togher), Brian McMahon (Carraig na bhFear), Alan O’Shea (Bantry, Trevor Woods (St Finbarrs), Wieslaw Sosonowski (Eagle).

Junior Women: Joyce Curtin, Eadaoin )’Neill (Glenbower), Lorna Comyn (Belgooly), Michelle Finn, Michelle Twohig, Carol Finn, Miriam Cashman (Duhallow), Triona O’Neill (Ballincollig), Sally McCarthy (Grange Fermoy), Mary O’Brien (Youghal), Frances O’Shea (North Cork), Lynda O’Donovan (Bandon).

Junior Men: Ciaran O’Lionaird, John Collins, Ross Kelly, Chris Horgan (Leevale), Kevin O’Brien, Joe Fitzgerald, Nicky O’Donoghue, Mark Fitzgerald, Eanna Cantwell (Glenbower), Joe Warne (Dohenys), Shane Coffey, Peter Fennell, K. Hassett, Craig Murphy, Eric Murphy (Togher).

 

December 18 – Christmas Events

This weekend might have been a quiet one for athletics but there will be plenty of action over the Christmas period.  The annual Goal Mile in the CIT Track will take place in the CIT Track in Bishopstown, Cork on Christmas morning.  On St Stephen’s day the Belgooly Dick Copithorne Memorial 4 mile road race will take place starting at 12noon in Belgooly.  On December 31st Cork athletes will be travelling to Nenagh, Co. Tipperary for the Munster Masters Indoor championships and Juvenile Combined Events.  On New Years Day the Bandon Donough Coughlan Memorial 5 mile road race will take place, further details are available on www.bandonathleticclub.com.  Also on New Years day will be a junior cross country competition in Midleton CBS grounds starting at 1.30pm.  Competing at this event will be athletes on a visit from high schools from the U.S. State of Washington.  There will be individual and team prizes at the event.  On the following Sunday (January 8th) the Mallow 10 mile Road Race incorporating the County 10 mile championships will be held.  The East Cork Cross Country Championships will be on January 8th as well with trials for county juvenile cross country relays taking place afterwards at 12.00pm in Carrignavar.  The Munster Senior & Junior indoor championships are also on this Sunday starting at 11.00am in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.  Further details are available on www.corkathletics.org.  

 

December 13 – Forum on Athletics in Cork

A forum on athletics in Cork will be held on Saturday December 17th from 10.30-12.30 in the SMA Hall in Wilton.  The forum is open to anybody interested in athletics – coaches, athletes, parents.  The aim of the forum will be to improve athletics in Cork.  Any motions or nominations for the County, Munster or National AGMs arising from this meeting must be with the County board (corkathletics@eircom.net) by December 31st.

 

December 13 – Athletics Ireland Novice Cross Country Championships

The Athletics Ireland novice Cross Country championships were held on Sunday in Athlone IT.  There were good performances by many Cork athletes there.  Sean McGrath of East Cork had a good run finishing 7th leading the county team to bronze.  Also running well in this race was John Shine of Leevale who finished an impressive 21st.  (other scorers for the Cork team – James McCarthy East Cork 25th, Ian O’Leary St Finbarrs 33rd, Frank Hayes East Cork 56th, East Cork 7th Club).  Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll fared well in the womens race finishing 17th.  (Martina Carver Eagle 39th)

Well done to Aoife Cooke of Youghal A.C. who finished 61st at the European Junior Cross Country Championships in Tilburg in the Netherlands.  Her good performance helped the Irish junior team finish secure a very impressive 4th position.  Well done to all the Irish competitors at the event.

Ciaran O’Lionaird of Leevale was a very comfortable winner of the under 18 boys race in the juvenile even age cross country, a n injection of pace in the second lap saw him open a gap on the others in the race and this gap simply grew as the race went on.  Lorna Comyn of Belgooly was 4th in the under 18 girls race with the County taking silver.  Full results see www.athleticsireland.ie.  Well done to the Cork under 12 girls who took gold with Riverstick Kinsale taking bronze in the club competition.  Cork took silver in the under 14 girls race with Riverstick Kinsale claiming another club bronze.  Both the Cork Under 12 and Under 14 boys teams won bronze in their races

.

The next cross country  event will be the Munster Senior & Junior Cross Country in Beauford, Co. Kerry in January.

 

December 10 – Athletics Ireland Novice Cross Country Championships

The athletics Ireland novice Cross Country championships take place this Sunday in Athlone Institute of Technology.  Strong county teams have been named and after the recent success of County teams at the Munster and Inter County Cross Country Championships it is hoped that the county will do well again.  Anybody named who is unable to travel is asked to contact County Team Manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

Men – Tony Kelleher (Eagle), Thomas Maunsell, John Shine, Ian Donovan, Mark Hanrahan (Leevale), James McCarthy, Frank Hayes, Sean McGrath, Fergus Meade (East Cork), Jamie McCarthy (Riverstick Kinsale), Michael Herlihy (North Cork). Ian O’Leary (St Finbarrs) Subs: Tony O’Mahony (East Cork), Arijav Cragia, Simon Doherty (Togher)

Women – Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Sharon McGarry, Catherine O’Rourke, Ann Donnelly (St Finbarrs), Jennifer Goggin (Leevale), A Cashman, Emma Legrand, Martina Carver (Eagle).  Subs: Elaine Keaty (St Finbarrs), Angie Amoeba, P. O’Brien (St Finbarrs).

 

Best of Luck to Aoife Cooke of Youghal AC who competes with the Irish junior womens Team at the European Junior Cross Country Championships in Tilburg in Holland on Sunday.

 

December 10 – County Board AGM

The County AGM will be held in Blarney on Saturday January 21st.  Motions and Nominations must be sent in by December 31st to corkathletics@eircom.net or by post to Padraig Kelly, Crioch, Ballyburdenmore, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.  Motions and Nominations will not be accepted over the phone!  Clubs are asked to give careful consideration to motions they are submitting. Clubs are requested to notify individuals they are nominating for the various positions.  Nominations are invited for the following positions: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, PRO, Competition Secretary, Registrar, Team Manager, Recorder, Starters, Delegates to Munster Council, Representative on Munster Masters Committee, Representative on Munster Juvenile Committee, Juvenile Committee – Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Competition Secretary, PRO.  Notice of the AGM will be sent out to clubs along with venue details in early January.

 

December 10 – International Awards Night

The County International Awards Night will take place on Friday January 27th.  Venue to be announced. The names of athletes for the international awards night should be forwarded to corkathletics@eircom.net .  It would be appreciated if a digital photograph and a list of achievements could be forwarded along with the athletes name.

 

 

December 4 – Munster Juvenile B & Masters Cross Country Championships

The Munster masters Cross Country championships were held in Mungret College in Limerick today.  The course and weather were fine but unfortunately heavy ran during the last few days resulted in very poor underfoot conditions.  Donnacha O’Mahoney of East Cork had a very easy win in the masters race finishing well ahead of second placed athlete Cathal O’Connell of St Finbarrs.  There were also impressive performances by other athletes with Eamonn McEvoy of he Barrs winning the over 50 race, Willie Neenan of Millstreet took gold in the over 70 category. 

Carmel Parnell of Leevale had a very impressive run to finish second overall winning the over 50 category.  Margo Dinan of St Finbarrs won the over 35 category ahead of Carmel Crowley of Bandon.  The over 45 category was won by Anne Donnelly of the Barrs with her team-mate Joan Hough second.  Kathleen O’Brien of East Cork won the over 60 category.  Cork won the over 50 Category.

Well done to St Finbarrs who medalled in both the men’s ane women’s competitions. 

Results,

 

December 3 – AAI EGM

The AAI held an EGM today in the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise.  The EGM had been called to change the AAI constitution.  Cork had 24 delegates at the egm, the biggest delegation of any county.  A number of amendments to the constitution were passed.  The Egm went well, most of the proposals by Cork were accepted while a few were not accepted.  While a lot of work was done getting the organisation to this stage, it is in a sense the easy part.  Over the next few months ambitious plans relating to membership, coaching etc. will be unveiled.  The implementation of these plans will require a huge amount of effort.  With fewer volunteers prepared to step forward to take officer positions at either county, provincial or national level; most positions are being filled uncontested or are not being filled.  For these plans of the association to be realised the next generation of officers will have to start appearing.  Anybody who wishes to take up a position at either county, provincial or national level should inform their club and county board as soon as possible as AGMS will be taking place in the next few months.  

 

December 2 – Pictures From County Senior X-Country.

http://spaces.msn.com/members/corkaai/

 

November 30 – Successful Athletics Seminar held in the Blarney Park Hotel.

A well attended athletics seminar was held this evening in the Blarney Park Hotel.  Speaking at the seminar were Brother John Dooley and Dr John O’Riordan.  Brother Dooley gave a very simple and well received talk on middle distance running.  Dr John O’Riordan spoke about sports medicine and generated a lot of interest taking questions from the audience for over half an hour.  It is hoped to organise another seminar on nutrition in the new year.  Feed back on this seminar to corkathletics@eircom.net would be appreciated.  Funds raised by the mini marathon were used to cover the cost of the seminar.

 

November 28 – Cooke on Irish Junior Cross Country Team.

Aoife Cooke of Youghal athletic club who is having a fantastic season in the states (see below) and recently took bronze in the Junior Inter Counties Cross Country in Sligo has been named on the Irish junior team for the European Cross Country Championships in Tillbourg in the Netherlands on December 11th.  This is a fantastic achievement for Aoife and everybody in Cork wishes her and the Irish teams the best of luck in the Netherlands!

 

November 27 – Silver for County Teams at All Ireland Inter Counties

The All Ireland Inter County Cross Country Championships were held in in Sligo Race Course today.  A very tough course certainly put it up to athletes.  There was good news for Cork athletes with Aoife Cooke of Youghal finishing a brilliant third leading the County Junior Women to silver.  Ciaran O’Lionaird finished 7th in the junior mens race leading the county team to silver here.  The senior men were led home by Jamie McCarthy in 13th to silver.  The senior womens were unlucky finishing 4th.  Well done to all who took part.

 

November 27 – AAI EGM

The AAI will hold an EGM on Saturday next in the Heritage Hotel in Portlaoise.  The EGM has been called to change the AAI constitution.  A copy of the proposed changes was sent to clubs in October and in response to this the county board made a number of submissions which are available at the following link - Submissions by Cork County re: Proposed Amendments to AAI constitution. The proposed changes and the county board submissions should be read in consultation with the AAI constitution.  Careful consideration must be given to the proposals.  A bus carrying the county board delegates will be departing Patrick’s Quay in Cork City @ 7am on Saturday stopping in Mitchelstown @ 7.45am.   

 

November 27 – Athletics Seminar

An athletics seminar will take place on Wednesday in the Blarney Park hotel on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Ingle Nook behind the Hotel.  Speaking at this seminar will be Dr John O’Riordan, a specialist in athletics injuries and Br. John Dooley, one of the top middle distance coaches in the country. Admission is Free and funds raised by the mini-marathon are covering the costs.  The seminar is aimed at senior and junior athletes, coaches and parents.   

 

November 27 – County Teams for Munster Masters Cross Country Championships

The Munster Masters and Juvenile B Cross Country Championships will take place on Sunday in Mungret College, Limerick.  Strong Over 40 men’s and over 45 women’s team have been named.  Best of Luck to all competing.

County Teams for Munster Masters X-Country, December 4th, Limerick.

Men over 40 – Donnacha O’Mahony, Denis McCarthy (East Cork), Cathal O’Connell, Eamonn Carroll, Christy Walsh, Michael Murphy, Paul Dinan (St Finbarrs), Noel Curtin (Youghal), John Hallahan (Leevale), John Roche, Pat Murphy, Tony Smyth (Eagle), Joe O’Sullivan (Bandon), Declan Coakley, Patrick O’Brien (Skibbereen).

Men over 50 – Eamonn McEvoy, Michael Dunne, Dan Kennedy (St Finbarrs), Tommy Murphy (Skibbereen), Frank Cashman (East Cork), Joe Murphy, John Quigley (Eagle), John O’Riordan, Jimmy Murray (Rising Sun).

Women over 35 – Margo Dinan, Angela McEvoy, Angie Amoeba, Elaine Keaty, Catherine O’Rourke, Mary Murphy (St Finbarrs), Maria Hurley (Bantry), Emma Legrand, Mary Cotter (Eagle), Grainne Caulfield, Carmel Crowley (Bandon), Benedicte Coleman (Beara).

Women over 45 – Mary Sweeney, Joan Hough, Marioan Lyons, Ann Donnelly, B Gallagher (St Finbarrs), Maura McCarthy (Bantry), Carmel Parnell (Leevale).

Anybody unable to take part is asked to notify the County Team Manager – Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

 

November 20 – County Teams for All Ireland Inter Counties

The County teams for the All Ireland Inter County Cross Country Championships in Sligo Race Course on Sunday next.  Mark Hanrahan of Leevale leads the mens team and could be in with a shout of making the Irish senior men’s team for the European cross country championships in December.  Also on the team is Muntser intermediate Cross Country Champion Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale and Munster indoor 3000m champion Sean McGrath of East Cork.  The womens team is led by county champion Louise Cavanagh of UCC.  Also on the team is Ballycotton 10 winner Claire Gibbons of Leevale and World Masters 10000m champion Carmel Parnell of Leevale.  Ciaran O’Lionaird of Leevale who has been in scintillating form this season leads the men’s team.  County champion Lorna Comyn of Belgooly leads the women’s team.  She will be joined by Aoife Cooke of Youghal who is having a fantastic season in the states. Senior Men: Mark Hanrahan, Ian O’Donovan (Leevale), Jamie McCarthy (Riverstick Kinsale), Sean McGrath, Eric Meade (East Cork), Michael Herlihy (North Cork), David Doherty, Kieran Hurley (Togher), Brian McMahon (Carraig na bhFear), Trevor Woods (St Finbarrs), Desmond Casey (Millstreet). Subs: Thomas Maunsell (Leevale), Ian O’Leary (S Finbarrs).

Senior Women: Louise Cavanagh (UCC), Claire Gibbons, Carmel Parnell, Jennifer Goggin, Angela Shine (Leevale), Ann Donnelly, Catherine O’Rourke (St Finbarrs), Ann-Marie Healy (Eagle).  Subs: Ailbhe Creedon (Leevale), Angie Amoeba (St Finbarrs)

Junior Men: Ciaran O’Lioaird, JohnShine, Chris Horgan (Leevale), Kevin O’Brien, Joe Fitzgerald, Nicky O’Donoghue (Glenbower), Joe Warne (Dohenys), Shane Coffey, Peter Fennell, Stephen Lynch, Mark Dineen, Kevin Hassett (Togher). Subs: Kieran McCarthy (Togher), Ross Kelly (Leevale).

Junior Women: Lorna Comyn, Christina Broderick, Louise Finn, Sarah Gayer (Belgooly), Joyce Curtin (Glenbower), Sally McCarthy (Grange Fermoy), Margaret McCarthy (Blarney Inniscarra), Aoife Cooke (Youghal).  Subs: Eadaoin O’Neill (Glenbower), Triona O’Neill (Ballincollig).

A bus is traveling up on Saturday with accommodation organised also.  Anybody interested in traveling on the bus should contact Noreen Murphy on 021 4884495 quickly!

As always anybody unable to take part is asked to notify the County Team Manager – Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

 

November 20 – County Teams for Munster Masters & National Novice Cross Country Championships

County Teams for Munster Masters X-Country, December 4th, Limerick.

Men over 40 – Donnacha O’Mahony, Denis McCarthy (East Cork), Cathal O’Connell, Eamonn Carroll, Christy Walsh, Michael Murphy, Paul Dinan (St Finbarrs), Noel Curtin (Youghal), John Hallahan (Leevale), John Roche, Pat Murphy, Tony Smyth (Eagle), Joe O’Sullivan (Bandon), Declan Coakley, Patrick O’Brien (Skibbereen).

Men over 50 – Eamonn McEvoy, Michael Dunne, Dan Kennedy (St Finbarrs), Tommy Murphy (Skibbereen), Frank Cashman (East Cork), Joe Murphy, John Quigley (Eagle), John O’Riordan, Jimmy Murray (Rising Sun).

Women over 35 – Margo Dinan, Angela McEvoy, Angie Amoeba, Elaine Keaty, Catherine O’Rourke, Mary Murphy (St Finbarrs), Maria Hurley (Bantry), Emma Legrand, Mary Cotter (Eagle), Grainne Caulfield, Carmel Crowley (Bandon), Benedicte Coleman (Beara).

Women over 45 – Mary Sweeney, Joan Hough, Marioan Lyons, Ann Donnelly, B Gallagher (St Finbarrs), Maura McCarthy (Bantry), Carmel Parnell (Leevale).

 

County Teams for National Novice Cross Country, December 11th, Athlone IT.

Men – Tony Kelleher (Eagle), Thomas Maunsell, John Shine, Ian Donovan, Mark Hanrahan (Leevale), James McCarthy, Frank Hayes, Sean McGrath, Fergus Meade (East Cork), Jamie McCarthy (Riverstick Kinsale), Michael Herlihy (North Cork). Ian O’Leary (St Finbarrs) Subs: Tony O’Mahony (East Cork), Arijav Cragia, Simon Doherty (Togher)

Women – Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Sharon McGarry, Catherine O’Rourke, Ann Donnelly (St Finbarrs), Jennifer Goggin (Leevale), A Cashman, Emma Legrand, Martina Carver (Eagle).  Subs: Elaine Keaty (St Finbarrs), Angie Amoeba, P. O’Brien (St Finbarrs).

 

November 20 – Cooke’s Good Form continues in the US

CHINO, California - Arkansas Tech Golden Suns sophomore cross country runner Aoife Cooke (Youghal Athletic Club) made history here once again Saturday at the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship Meet held at Prado Park and hosted by Cal Poly Pomona.  Cooke, who was Tech's first-ever NCAA regional champion in cross country, became the school's first-ever All-American in cross country as she finished ninth at Saturday's national championship meet. Cooke ran a time of 21: 35 over the 6,000­meter course.

The 21: 35 time was Cooke's second fastest 6K time on the season as she ran a season-best 21: 21 at the NCAA South Regional meet two weeks ago.  "I am very proud of Aoife and all she accomplished for only being a sophomore," Tech Head Cross Country Coach Tom Aspel said. "It was a strong field of runners and she was right there throughout most of the race with the top finishers, but faded down the stretch."

Aspel said the course conditions were tough for Saturday's race.  "The course was tight as the competitors were bunched together, plus, it was sunny and warm afternoon with temperatures in the low 80’s," Aspel added.  Grand Valley State's Mandi Zemba won the NCAA women's individual title as she ran the 6,000-meter course in 21:01.7, while Western State's Esther Komen ran a 21: 12.9 to finish in second place.

In addition to earning All-American honors this season and winning the South Regional Meet and being named the South Regional Female Athlete of the Year, Cooke also became Tech's first-ever Gulf South Conference individual cross country champion, as she won the GSC Championship Meet in a school-record 5K time of 17 minutes and 10 seconds.   .

On the season, Cooke won five of the seven meets she competed in, including bettering the school-best mark five times. The only races she did not win was the Chile Pepper X-C Festival in Fayetteville and the NCAA D-II Championships.  Aoife Cooke will compete with her Club, Youghal AC in next weekend’s National Inter-County Championships in Sligo (Ger Flanagan Youghal AC)

 

November 20 – County Novice B Cross Country Championships

The County Novice B cross country championships were held today in Gour near Castletownbere. This was the first time a county championship event was held on the Beara peninsula since 1969 when the BLE County Ladies Cross Country Championships were held.  A special thanks to Beara athletic club for organising the event and the O’Neill family for allowing their lands be used.  The course was flat and overall underfoot conditions were not bad.  The weather was ideal with athletes and spectators able to enjoy both the competition and wonderful scenery around the course.

Back in 1969 Beara won the BLE Ladies Cross Country Championships and today the Beara Ladies won another county title winning the Ladies Novice B team competition with a clean sweep of the individual medals.  First home for Beara was Annette Dreher followed by Benedicte Coleman in second and Sorcha Coleman third.

The mens race was a close affair with Tom Laffan of Bandon and Denis Coughlan of St Finbarrs battling it out for the title.  At the half way mark Laffan overtook the lead from Coughlan.  Laffan however was never able to open up the gap between himself and Coughlan and coming down the home straight Laffan was overtaken by Coughlan.  Despite a brave effort by Laffan to retake the lead Coughlan held out to win his first county title.  Laffan took silver with his club mate Joe O’Sullivan finishing third.  Bandon won the team competition. 

There was some impressive performances in the juvenile B races.  Youghal athletes made the long journey from East Cork down and were rewarded with a number of individual and team medals.  It was encouraging to see the host club and Dohenys of Dunmanway winning a number of team medals. Well done to all who took part and best of Luck to the athletes who will go on to compete in the Munster B’s in Limerick in December.  Results

 

November 13 – County Senior Cross Country Championships

The County Junior and Senior Cross Country Championships were held today near Riverstick.  Host Club Rising Sun, hosting their first county cross country championships, did an excellent job organising the event. Many thanks to Ruth and Jimmy Murray for allowing their lands be used for the event.  The weather was ideal with almost uninterrupted sunshine for the competition.  Underfoot conditions were good for the most part but parts of the course were pretty mucky after the recent heavy.  A stiff climb in the course also put it up to the athletes.

First Race of the day was the junior womens race. Last year this race was dominated by Duhallow athletes with Michelle Finn taking gold.  This year Belgooly athlete Lorna Comyn dominated.  Lorna Comyn of Belgooly who has only recently taken up the sport went into the lead early on and was never challenged.  She took gold leading Belgooly to their first county junior womens tile.  Lst year’s winner MichelleFinn of Duhallow took silver helping her club finish 2nd. Joyce Curtin of Glenbower was third while Ballincollig took bronze in the team competition.

The junior mens race was controlled throughout by defending champion Ciaran O’Lionaird of Leevale.  The European youth olympics medallist came under some pressure from his club mate John Shine early on but held out to take gold.  John Shine was second ahead of Kevin O’Brien of Glenbower.  Glenbower retained the team title while Togher were second with Leevale third. 

Louise Cavanagh of UCC was a very impressive winner of the senior womens race.  She took the lead from the whistle and was never seriously challenged, comfortably retaining her title.  The silver medal went to the Ballycotton 10 winner Claire Gibbons of Leevale.  Third place went to the experienced Carmel Parnell of Leevale.  The world masters 10000m champion ran a very good tactical race gradually moving up through the field to take third.  Leevale won the senior womens team competition with St Finbarrs second.

The final event of the day was the Senior mens race.  A big field took part, which is very encouraging for athletics within the county.

European junior cross country medallist Mark Hanrahan of Leevale took an early lead in the race.  After the first lap defending champion Brian McMahon of Carraig na bhFear mounted a serious challenge on Hanrahan moving up on his shoulder.  An injection of pace by Hanrahan saw him pull clear of McMahon whose challenge faded.  During the third lap fellow European Junior Cross Country Medallist Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale moved onto Hanrahan’s shoulder.  Hanrahan responded with an injection of pace opening a gap on McCarthy which was never closed.  Hanrahan took gold ahead of Munster Intermediate Champion Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale with Sean McGrath of East Cork taking bronze.  McGrath and a good run by 2003 champion Donnacha O’Mahoney helped East Cork successfully retain their title for the third year running.  Togher were second, led home by David Doherty in 5th.  Leevale were third.  St Finbarrs won the B section ahead of Carraig na bhFear, competing for the first time, while Eagle took bronze.  Well done to Denis McCarthy of East Cork who was competing in his 25th consecutive County Senior Cross Country Championships today. 

Many athletes who finished in the top ten in their races today will be named in the County teams for the national inter county cross country championships in Sligo on Sunday, November 27th.  Anybody unavailable is asked to contact the county team manager, Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

A special thanks to John Walshe of Ballycotton Running Promotions for helping compile the results.  Individual medal winners received a voucher this year while winning teams received long sleeved t-shirts, this was organised by County Chairperson Noreen Murphy.

Results

 Senior Men:

1.     Mark Hanrahan (Leevale), 2. Jamie McCarthy (Riverstick Kinsale), Sean McGrath (East Cork).  Team: 1. East Cork, 2. Togher, 3. Leevale.  Full Results

Senior Women:

1.     Louise Cavanagh (UCC), 2. Claire Gibbons (Leevale), 3. Carmel Parnell (Leevale). Team: 1.Leevale, 2 St Finbarrs. Full Results

Junior Men:

1.     Ciaran O’Lionaird (Leevale), 2. John Shine (Leevale), 3. Kevin O’Brien (Glenbower). Team: 1. Glenbower, 2. Togher, 3. Leevale. Full Results

Junior Women:

Lorna Comyn (Belgooly), 2. Michelle Finn (Duhallow), 3. Joyce Curtin (Glenbower). Team: 1. Belgooly, 2. Duhallow, 3. Ballincollig. Full Results

 

Next Sunday the County Novice B and juvenile B cross country championships will be held in near Casletownbere.  The Novice B race will take place at 12pm followed by the juvenile races.  Entries to Noreen Murphy.  The course is located on the main road about 2 miles beyond the town itself.

 

November 7 – County Senior Cross Country Championships

Highlight of the County Cross Country season, the County Junior and Senior Cross country Championships will take place on Sunday near Riverstick.  The event is being hosted by Rising Sun AC and starts at 1pm with the junior womens race.   Last year the Championships were held in Duhallow and spectators were treated to an exciting days competition.  This year promises to be no different and with a dry weekend forecasted all athletic supporters in the county should make an effort to support the event which will start at 1pm and be over by ~3pm. 

To get to the race take the road from Five-Mile Bridge to Riverstick.  Take the third turn on the right about 2 miles from Five-Mile Bridge. There is a mechanics garage just on the turn off. About a half mile up this road on the right is where the race will be run.  (Entrys to Noreen Murphy)

Entry Forms

 

November 7 – AAI EGM

Clubs should receive in the next few days documents relating top the AAI EGM on Saturday, December 3rd in Portlaoise.  Any club that wants an electronic copy of the documents can email corkathletics@eircom.net. The Egm will be discussed at the county board meeting on Wednesdday November 16th.

 

November 7 – Cooke on Form in the US

DADE CITY, Florida - Arkansas Tech Golden Suns sophomore cross country runner Aoife Cooke of Youghal Athletic Club continued to set records and make history here Saturday at the NCAA South Regional Meet at the Little Everglades Ranch hosted by Florida Southern College and Saint Leo University.

Cooke made history as she became Tech's first-ever regional champion in cross country as she won the women's meet in a school-record time of 21 minutes and 21 seconds. She broke her own record of 21:41.4 which was set earlier this season at the Chile Pepper Festival in Fayetteville. Tampa's Allison Macsas was right behind Cooke, as she finished second after running a time of 21: 28.  With her win on Saturday, Cooke becomes Tech's first-ever runner to qualify for the NCAA Championship Meet in school history. This year's championship meet is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at Pomona, Calif.

"I am very proud of Aoife and all of her accomplishments this season," Tech Head Cross Country Coach Tom Aspel said. "It was a tough race for her today and she really was pushed, especially near the end, but she had enough to hold on."

Prior to Cooke's first-place finish Saturday's, the best previous finish by a Tech runner at NCAA Regionals was a 10th place finish by former Tech runner Siobhan Lenihan at the 2000 NCAA South Regional at Jacksonville, Fla.  It was the fifth time this season that Cooke had broken a school-best mark as she broke the school's 5K mark three times and the school's 6K mark twice.  At the meet, the top four teams and top four individuals not from among the top four teams automatically qualify for the NCAA Championship Meet.

 

November 6 – PB for Fahy

Roy Fahy of East Cork and Ireland was 44th in todays New York Marathon in a time of 2.33.

 

November 6 – Munster Intermediate Cross Country Championships

The Munster Intermediate cross country championships in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny today.  The course seemed to have either held up remarkably well or missed the recent torrential rain that has fallen in Cork.  The underfoot conditions were ideal and the sun was shining for most of the competition. 

The men’s intermediate race was first off.  Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale and Sean McGrath of East Cork were among the leaders during the first lap.  As the race progressed McGrath and McCarthy emerged from the leading group to battle it out for first place.  With two laps to go McCarthy started to move away from McGrath and held on to win gold.  This is his second Munster medal this season having won silver at the Munster Under 23 cross country championships two weeks ago.  McGrath took silver leading East Cork to gold in the inter club competition.  The County team won gold.

The women’s race was dominated by the winner Orla Power of Carrick on Suir.  Dawn Kelly of Belgooly went into a early lead in the race but was overtaken after the first lap.  County Intermediate Champion Anne Kelleher of St Finbarrs had a very good run keeping up the pressure on Power throughout never letting her get comfortably in front.  Kelleher finished second leading her club and county to gold.

So far it has been almost a clean sweep for the county at the Munster cross country championships only missing out on gold in the Womens under 23 championships where no county fielded a team.  Well done and thanks to all who have lined out for the county to date.  The next Munster Fixture is the Masters Cross Country which will take place in Limerick in December.

Results

At the Juvenile race there once again many impressive performances by Cork athletes.  Lorna Comyn of Belgooly, who only recently took up the sport was a very comfortable winner of the under 18 girls race leading the county to silver.  Duhallow took silver in the inter-club competition.  European Youth Olympics medallist Ciaran O’Lionaird of Leevale continued his good season winning the under 18 boys race.  The county team took bronze here with Glenbower taking bronze in the team competition.  Results

October 31 – Munster Intermediate Cross Country Championships

The Cork teams for the upcoming Munster Intermediate cross country championships in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny on Sunday November 6th have been named.  The teams will be led by County Champions Ann Donnelly of St Finbarrs and Eoin O’Sullivan of Donoughmore.

Men: Eamonn Carroll (St Finbarrs), Eoin O’Sullivan (Donoughmore), Tony Kelleher, Sean Whelan, Ger Dunlea (Eagle), Thomas Maunsell (Leevale), Arijav Cragia, Simon Doherty, Stephen Macklin (Togher), James McCarthy, Frank Hayes, Sean McGrath, Tim O’Mahoney (East Cork), Tommy Murphy (Skibbereen), Donal Vaughan (Rising Sun).

Women: Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Dawn Kelly (Belgooly), Maria Hurley (Bantry), Angela McEvoy, Angie Amoeba, Ann Donnelly, Sharon McGarry (St Finbarrs), Ann Cashman, Martina Carver, Emma Legrand, Mary Cotter (Eagle), Jennifer Goggin (Leevale).

As always anybody unable to take part is asked to notify the County Team Manager – Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

 

Also on this day will be the Munster Even Age Cross Country championships, which will start at 12pm.  Best of Luck to all the Cork athletes in Action.

 

October 24 – Training Run

There will be a training run on Saturday next (October 29) at 2pm in Ballincollig Regional Park meeting in the car park. The run is targeted at Junior Girls and is hoped to give an opportunity to these girls to train with others their own age.  The Park is located on the western end of the town on the Banks of the Lee. 

Approaching from Cork Side – Drive straight through the town to the second roundabout (West End Roundabout, near Super Valu & Maxol Petrol Station), take the Inniscarra exit (the park is also signposted). The Park located on the right before crossing bridge.

Approaching from Macroom Side – Take first exit for Ballincollig. Drive to roundabout (West End Roundabout) near the Maxol Petrol Station, take the Inniscarra exit (the park is also signposted). The Park located on the right before crossing bridge.

 

October 24 – Munster Novice & Under 23 Cross Country Championships

The first round of the Munster Cross Country Championships took place in Ennis today. The course located in St Josephs Hurling Club was for the most part flat but incorporated a testing hill.  Thankfully they seemed to have got off very lightly compared to Cork as regards the rain that fell last week and underfoot conditions were very good.  The weather yesterday was good with the heavy rain only starting to fall during the last race of the day.

The Novice and Under 23 races proved to be very successful for Cork athletes.  Mark Hanrahan of Leevale was an impressive winner of the under 23 race.  He took the lead early on with Jamie McCarthy of Riverstick Kinsale following.  McCarthy drifted back from Hanrahan as the race progressed and Hanrahan enjoyed a comfortable victory with McCarthy taking silver and Thomas Maunsell of Leevale taking bronze.  The county team won gold.  In the novice men’s race Sean McGrath of East Cork finished third helping his club team to win silver and leading the county team to gold.  In the womens races Orla Drumm of UCC took silver in the under 23 race with Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll taking bronze.  In the Novice race the first athlete home for the County was county intermediate Champion Ann Kelleher of St Finbarrs in second leading the County to gold in this event. Results

In the juvenile races there were impressive individual performances by Lorna Comyn of Belgooly and Ciaran O’Lionaird who both comfortably won their under 19 races.  A number of Cork teams were among the medals.  Well done to all who took part.  Results

 

October 24 – Success for Cooke in US

Aoife Cooke of Youghal athletic club and Arkansas Tech University ran a new College record of 17.09 winning the Gulf South Championship 5K in Memphis recently. She ran 17.43 on the same course three weeks ago. She finished 6 seconds ahead of the second placed athlete. She finished in 18th place in a time of 19.50 last year in this Championship. She competes in two weeks time in the South Regional 6K in Dade City, Florida.

 

October 20 – Munster Cross Country Season Starts

The first round of the Munster Cross Country Championships takes place in Ennis this Sunday. First off will be the Juvenile Uneven age races followed by the Novice & under 23 Cross Country championships.  Strong Cork Teams have been named, see below.  Best of Luck to all taking part.  The first race is @ 12pm.  The course is on the Quin Road near St Josephs GAA in Ennis.

 

October 18 – Special County Board Meeting

A special county board meeting will be held on Wednesday evening at 8pm in the SMA Hall in Wilton.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the proposed AAI constitutional changes.  To see the proposed changes click on the following link.  Proposed AAI constitution Changes The changes should be read in consultation with the current constitution. The county board must forward any changes it wants made at the end of this week, so the meeting must be held this week.

 

October 18 – New CEO appointed

It has been announced that Brendan Hackett is to be the new AAI CEO.  Brendan has been involved in the Irish Milers Club and has also coached Irish International athlete James Nolan.

 

October 15 – Training Run

A training run targeted at Junior Girls was held today in Ballincollig. Those who attended enjoyed themselves and there will be a run again on Saturday October 29th. 

 

October 14 – Bandon Launch Book

Bandon Athletic club launched a book tonight in the Munster Arms Hotel.  A big crowd was in attendance with many past and current members of the club coming to the launch.  The book titled ‘A photographic jog through the past, 1964-2004’ is available from club committee members, further details are available on www.bandonathleticclub.com.

 

October 14 – County Teams for Novice & Under 23 Cross Country

The Cork teams for the upcoming Munster Novice and under 23 cross country championships in Ennis, Co. Clare on Sunday October 23rd have been named.  The teams will be led by County Novice and Under 23 Champions Kieran Ryan of St Finbarrs and Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll.

Under 23:

Men: Thomas Maunsell, Mark Hanrahan (Leevale), Kieran Ryan (St Finbarrs), James McCarthy, Fergus Meade (East Cork).

Women: Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Dawn Kelly (Belgooly), Nicole O’Regan (Togher), Vicki Hennessy (Bandon).

Novice:

Men: Kieran Ryan, Denis Coughlan (St Finbarrs), Eoin O’Sullivan (Donoughmore), Tony Kelleher, Donal Keohane, Padraig McDonnell (Eagle), Thomas Maunsell, John Shine (Leevale), Arijav Cragia, Simon Doherty, Pat Brown (Togher), James McCarthy, Frank Hayes, Sean McGrath, Tim O’Mahoney (East Cork).

Women: Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Dawn Kelly (Belgooly), Nicole O’Regan (Togher), Vicki Hennessy (Bandon), Maria Hurley, Fiona Begley, Maura McCarthy (Bantry), Elaine Keaty, Sharon McGarry, Catherine O’Rourke (St Finbarrs), Gail Mullaney (Eagle), Benedicte Coleman (Beara).

 

As always anybody unable to take part is asked to notify the County Team Manager – Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

 

October 11 – Training Run

There will be a training run on Saturday next (October 15) at 2pm in Ballincollig Regional Park meeting in the car park. The run is targeted at Junior Girls and is hoped to give an opportunity to these girls to train with others their own age.  The Park is located on the western end of the town on the Banks of the Lee. 

Approaching from Cork Side – Drive straight through the town to the second roundabout (West End Roundabout, near Super Valu & Maxol Petrol Station), take the Inniscarra exit (the park is also signposted). The Park located on the right before crossing bridge.

Approaching from Macroom Side – Take first exit for Ballincollig. Drive to roundabout (West End Roundabout) near the Maxol Petrol Station, take the Inniscarra exit (the park is also signposted). The Park located on the right before crossing bridge.

 

October 11 – Academy Meeting on Sunday October 16th.

The athletics association of Ireland academy is holding a meeting on Sunday in Dublin.  The County Board has organised a bus to transport up Cork athletes.  The Bus will be leaving Bandon at 6.00am, stopping on St Patricks Quay behind the Metropole at 6.45am and the Square in Mitchelstown at 7.30am.  Athletes who want to travel on the bus should contact Noreen Murphy on 021 4884495.  If the bus is not supported, there will be no more buses.

 

October 11 – Proposed AAI Constitution Changes

See Link - Proposed AAI constitution Changes

 

October 9 – Avondhu Cross Country Championships.

Great Day in Millstreet see Results from this Competition held on Sept 25th. Results

 

October 10 – Press Release from Bothar about Mini Marathon.

Presentation to Cork County Board AAI

Evening Echo Cork City Women’s Mini Marathon marked by Bóthar.

 

The Cork County Chairman of the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI), Mrs Noreen Murphy, was the recipient of a presentation from Bóthar, the Irish Development Aid organisation at a function in Cork last week.  Speaking at an evening for all their participants in the recent Cork City Mini Marathon, Jeremy Meehan, Bóthar’s Director of Education, paid tribute to the work of the AAI and its volunteers on the Cork County Board.  “But for the enormous amount of voluntary effort put in by committee members and others throughout the year, and especially in the weeks preceding the event, the Marathon simply could not happen,” he said.  “When you consider that this year over 8,500 participants entered, virtually all supporting some worthy cause or charity, it gives some idea of the scale of the undertaking and the benefits that accrue to so many people thanks to the work of the AAI.  This was Bóthar’s first year to organise a team, and we wish to acknowledge the great support and guidance shown to us along the way, both by the AAI and the Evening Echo.  Over 220 runners participated and the feedback has been very positive.”  Mrs Noreen Murphy said that she was delighted to accept the presentation on behalf of all of her colleagues and stressed that it was very much a team effort.  “This was the 24th event and the biggest yet.  Hopefully next year will be bigger again.  I would also urge all parents to consider the value of athletics to young people today.  It is a great way of keeping fit and being involved in your community, but also a great way to meet other people of a similar age in a positive environment.  We are also delighted that this particular event is of assistance to many charities and caring groups.”

Further information:  Jeremy Meehan, Director of Education, Bóthar, jmeehan@indigo.ie      

 

October 9 – County Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships

The second round of the County Cross Country Championships was held today near Macroom on the lands of Cillian & Margaret Lynch.  West Muskerry athletic club did a fantastic job hosting the event.  The course was testing but fair and there was a strong wind blowing but thankfully there was no rain.  A number of very exciting races took place.  First Race of the day was the womens intermediate and masters race.  Ann Kelleher of St Finbarrs won the intermediate race.  Anne Cashman & Emma Legrand of Eagle were in second and third in the intermediate race leading their club team to gold ahead of St Finbarrs.  Mary Sweeney of St Finbarrs went into the lead at the start and held on comfortably throughout to win the masters race.  St Finbarrs athletes won all the masters categories - Margo Dinan won the O35, Angela McEvoy the O40, Mary Sweeney the O45 and Marion Lyons the O50.  St Finbarrs won the team competition. Full Results

The men’s intermediate race was a very exciting affair with Eoin O’Sullivan of Donoughmore, Frank Hayes of East Cork and Stephen Macklin battling it out for first place.  By the last lap O’Sullivan looked to be safe in the lead with Macklin well back in second and Hayes in third.  Over this last lap thought, the gap between first and second closed with Macklin of Togher on O’Sullivans shoulder with a hundred metres to go.  O’Sullivan dug deep to draw away from Macklin to hold out and take gold winning Donoughmore’s first individual senior title.  Togher won the team competition ahead of Eagle A.C. and Rising sun.  Donnacha O’Mahony of East Cork was an impressive winner of the Masters race.  This was his first county masters cross country championships and he looked very impressive, perhaps a man to watch in the upcoming Munster and All Ireland Masters Cross Country Championships.  Michael Murphy and Eamonn McEvoy of St Finbarrs won the O45 and O50 categories. Frank Hayes of East Cork won the O55 category, while George Webb of Rising Sun and Willie Neenan of Rising Sun won the O60 and O70 categories.  The team competition was won by St Finbarrs with Rising Sun second.  Full Results

Craig Murphy of Togher won the U18 boys race today coming under a lot of pressure from Mark Fitzgerald of Glenbower in the closing stages of the race. Glenbower won the team competition here.  Michelle Twohig of Duhallow won the U18 girls race coming late to pass Sally McCarthy of Grange Fermoy who finished second.

Results

The next county cross country event will be the county senior and junior cross country championships which will take place on Sunday November 13 near Riverstick.  The event is being hosted by Rising Sun athletic club with the first race starting at 1pm.

 

October 2 – County Cross Country Championships Season Begins

The first round of the County Cross Country Championships was held today in Carrignavar on the lands of Teddy O’Sullivan.  Carraig na bhFear athletic club who have a long history of holding cross country events once again did a fantastic job.  There were some great races today. This year was the first time that the under 23 County Cross Country Championships were held and the winner of the men’s race was Kieran Ryan of St Finbarrs while the women’s race was won by Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll.  

The juvenile championships saw a number of athletes impress see  Results

 

September 27 – Cross Country

The first leg of the County Cross Country Championships will take place this Sunday in Carrignavar where the County Novice A and County Juvenile Uneven Age cross country championships will take place.  Last year the county novice A race was won by Thomas Maunsell of Leevale with Orla Touhy of Grange Fermoy winning the womens title.  The Novice race on Sunday will be held at 12pm with the women on first.  The juveniles will be on after the men’s race.

 

September 18 – Mini Marathon

The 2005 Evening Echo Cork Womens Mini Marathon was held today in Cork City. A record entry of well over 8000 took part in this years race making it the biggest yet.  Winner of the race was international athlete Rosemary Ryan of Limerick who only last week won the St Finbarrs Blarney half marathon.  Second was local athlete Claire Gibbons of Leevale who won the Ballycotton 10 earlier on this year.  In third place was Cork Born athlete Niamh O’Sullivan who runs for Riocht.  In 4th place was Carmel Parnell of Leevale, who just over a month ago won gold in the 10,000m at the world masters T&F championships. Well done to all who registered and took part.  Unfortunately a lot of unregistered athletes took part again, this continuing abuse of the race by these people will ultimately result in the race being cancelled. This year it is estimated that over €3 million was raised by charities.  A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day, there were people still busy at 9pm this evening tidying up after the race. Without the selfless efforts of these people there would be no marathon.

Results

 

 

September 16 – Mini Marathon Update

The number of entries for the 2005 marathon stood at 7986 last evening after a special opening in Roches Stores.

This means this years race will be the biggest yet so it is very important that we have plenty of help on Sunday. 

 

Help will be needed at the Start, meeting on Copley Street at 11.00am

Stewards are asked to assemble on Copley street at 12.45pm.

Helpers at the finish need to be in place by 2pm.

 

Approximately 100 people are needed to organise the race on the day.  It is essential that every club does it’s bit to ensure the race is a success.  The weather looks fine so once we have enough help everything should go alright.

 

Anybody without a number is asked to call the College of Commerce well before the Race on Sunday.  Runners are to go up the front of the race and the race will start at 2pm.