The year-end registrations for Cork Athletics saw a new record of 8,692, up from the previous, 2022, record of 8,521
It should be noted that 2023 registrations closed, as scheduled, on November 14th, compared to November 22nd in 2022
Note: The top image is from Athletics Ireland's Registration page, and shows 73 less registrations than are in the actual Cork registration data... 8619 Vs 8692....????]
| Year | Registrations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8692 |
| 2022 | 8521 |
| 2021 | 7193 |
| 2020 | 6919 |
| 2019 | 8227 |
| 2018 | 8455 |
| 2017 | 8264 |
| 2016 | 7822 |
| 2015 | 6936 |
| 2014 | 6602 |
| 2013 | 5852 |
| Category | Age/Year |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | Born 2008 or After |
| Youth | Born 2006 or 2007 |
| Junior | Born 2004 or 2005 |
| Senior | Age Under 35 |
| Masters | Aged 35 or Older |
Juvenile: Those born in 2008, or since then
Youth: Those born in 2006 or 2007
Junior: Those born in 2004 or 2005
Senior: For Registration purposes (only), a Senior is someone aged 18, or more, and also aged Under 35. Consequently, in these statistics, there is some overlap between Junior & Senior
Master: Those aged 35 or Older. A person becomes a Master on their 35th birthday
Bandon AC and Leevale AC head the table, with 605 and 591 members respectively. Togher AC jump to third place, on 417, with North Cork AC dropping to fourth, on 412. Nine clubs exceed 300 members, while Fourteen clubs exceed 200 members. A further 18 clubs have 100 or more registered members
28 Largest Clubs 2023
Next 28 Largest Clubs 2023
| Club | Juvenile | Youth | Junior | Masters | Senior | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandon A.C. | 478 | 20 | 22 | 82 | 20 | 605 |
| Leevale A.C. | 257 | 68 | 86 | 120 | 111 | 591 |
| Togher A.C. | 212 | 22 | 23 | 133 | 45 | 417 |
| North Cork A.C. | 346 | 10 | 14 | 38 | 13 | 412 |
| Midleton A.C. | 200 | 21 | 15 | 154 | 11 | 389 |
| Youghal A.C. | 192 | 10 | 13 | 156 | 22 | 386 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 149 | 2 | 7 | 161 | 23 | 337 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 166 | 21 | 20 | 78 | 55 | 331 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 216 | 9 | 4 | 89 | 11 | 325 |
| Carrigaline A.C. | 139 | 0 | 1 | 96 | 30 | 266 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 226 | 5 | 2 | 28 | 2 | 261 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 0 | 0 | 2 | 195 | 46 | 241 |
| Cork City A.C. | 206 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 7 | 240 |
| Tracton A.C. | 110 | 4 | 4 | 94 | 9 | 217 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 162 | 5 | 6 | 17 | 3 | 191 |
| Mallow A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 172 | 9 | 181 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 83 | 1 | 1 | 83 | 13 | 180 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. | 113 | 3 | 1 | 57 | 3 | 176 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 60 | 3 | 3 | 91 | 20 | 174 |
| Eagle A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 146 | 17 | 163 |
| Beara A.C. | 74 | 1 | 2 | 66 | 14 | 155 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 110 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 6 | 150 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 122 | 3 | 1 | 22 | 2 | 149 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 75 | 7 | 4 | 45 | 10 | 137 |
| Bantry A.C. | 70 | 4 | 5 | 54 | 7 | 137 |
| Courcey A.C. | 100 | 1 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 137 |
| Mount Hillary A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 114 | 16 | 130 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 41 | 1 | 2 | 71 | 12 | 126 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 111 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 123 |
| Durrus A.C. | 80 | 4 | 7 | 30 | 1 | 119 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 85 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 111 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 81 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 7 | 107 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 85 | 11 | 96 |
| Bridevale A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 13 | 84 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 56 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 1 | 82 |
| Aghada Running Club A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 73 | 6 | 79 |
| Clonakilty Juvenile A.C | 71 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 76 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 4 | 71 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 61 | 7 | 69 |
| Doheny A.C. | 55 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 65 |
| Cork Track Club A.C. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| East Cork A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 8 | 43 |
| Buttevant A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 6 | 38 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 2 | 32 |
| The Churchtown Roadrunners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 7 | 30 |
| Fota Island Running A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 25 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 4 | 24 |
| Wibblies A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 24 |
| Doneraile A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 23 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 21 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 20 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 19 |
| Rebels A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 17 |
| Carrigtwohill A.C. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 17 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 14 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 14 |
Bandon AC head the table, with 520 Juvenile registrations, followed by Leevale AC on 411, with North Cork AC on 370. Nineteen clubs have over 100 juvenile members
| Club | Juvenile | Youth | Junior | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandon A.C. | 478 | 20 | 22 | 520 |
| Leevale A.C. | 257 | 68 | 86 | 411 |
| North Cork A.C. | 346 | 10 | 14 | 370 |
| Togher A.C. | 212 | 22 | 23 | 257 |
| Midleton A.C. | 200 | 21 | 15 | 236 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 226 | 5 | 2 | 233 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 216 | 9 | 4 | 229 |
| Youghal A.C. | 192 | 10 | 13 | 215 |
| Cork City A.C. | 206 | 0 | 2 | 208 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 166 | 21 | 20 | 207 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 162 | 5 | 6 | 173 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 149 | 2 | 7 | 158 |
| Carrigaline A.C. | 139 | 0 | 1 | 140 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 122 | 3 | 1 | 126 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 110 | 5 | 5 | 120 |
| Tracton A.C. | 110 | 4 | 4 | 118 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. | 113 | 3 | 1 | 117 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 111 | 2 | 2 | 115 |
| Courcey A.C. | 100 | 1 | 1 | 102 |
| Durrus A.C. | 80 | 4 | 7 | 91 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 81 | 2 | 5 | 88 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 75 | 7 | 4 | 86 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 85 | 1 | 0 | 86 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 83 | 1 | 1 | 85 |
| Bantry A.C. | 70 | 4 | 5 | 79 |
| Beara A.C. | 74 | 1 | 2 | 77 |
| Clonakilty Juvenile A.C | 71 | 0 | 0 | 71 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 60 | 3 | 3 | 66 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 56 | 4 | 5 | 65 |
| Doheny A.C. | 55 | 2 | 3 | 60 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 41 | 1 | 2 | 44 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 5 | 3 | 2 | 10 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Cork Track Club A.C. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Largest Adult Clubs
St Finbarr's AC is the largest adult club, with 241 registrations, followed by Leevale AC on 231. Grange Fermoy AC are next, on 184, with Mallow AC, on 181. Fifteen clubs top the 100 mark
Next Largest Adult Clubs
| Club | Masters | Senior | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 195 | 46 | 241 |
| Leevale A.C. | 120 | 111 | 231 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 161 | 23 | 184 |
| Mallow A.C. | 172 | 9 | 181 |
| Togher A.C. | 133 | 45 | 178 |
| Youghal A.C. | 156 | 22 | 178 |
| Midleton A.C. | 154 | 11 | 165 |
| Eagle A.C. | 146 | 17 | 163 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 78 | 55 | 133 |
| Mount Hillary A.C. | 114 | 16 | 130 |
| Carrigaline A.C. | 96 | 30 | 126 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 91 | 20 | 111 |
| Tracton A.C. | 94 | 9 | 103 |
| Bandon A.C. | 82 | 20 | 102 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 89 | 11 | 100 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 83 | 13 | 96 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life A.C. | 85 | 11 | 96 |
| Bridevale A.C. | 71 | 13 | 84 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 71 | 12 | 83 |
| Beara A.C. | 66 | 14 | 80 |
| Aghada Running Club A.C. | 73 | 6 | 79 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 67 | 4 | 71 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A.C. | 61 | 7 | 68 |
| Bantry A.C. | 54 | 7 | 61 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. | 57 | 3 | 60 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 45 | 10 | 55 |
| North Cork A.C. | 38 | 13 | 51 |
| Cork Track Club A.C. | 17 | 28 | 45 |
| East Cork A.C. | 35 | 8 | 43 |
| Buttevant A.C. | 32 | 6 | 38 |
| Courcey A.C. | 36 | 0 | 36 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 29 | 6 | 35 |
| Cork City A.C. | 25 | 7 | 32 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners A.C. | 30 | 2 | 32 |
| Durrus A.C. | 30 | 1 | 31 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 28 | 2 | 30 |
| The Churchtown Roadrunners A.C. | 23 | 7 | 30 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 24 | 1 | 25 |
| Fota Island Running A.C. | 24 | 1 | 25 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 22 | 2 | 24 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 20 | 4 | 24 |
| Wibblies A.C. | 24 | 0 | 24 |
| Doneraile A.C. | 20 | 3 | 23 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 15 | 7 | 22 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 20 | 1 | 21 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 18 | 3 | 21 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 17 | 3 | 20 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 19 | 1 | 20 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 16 | 3 | 19 |
| Rebels A.C. | 9 | 8 | 17 |
| Carrigtwohill A.C. | 16 | 1 | 17 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Doheny A.C. | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Clonakilty Juvenile A.C | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Senior registrations rose to 670, 535 in 2022 and 471 in 2021. Our Provincial and National Champions and contenders, along with International representatives are more than likely to come from these ranks. The numbers active in this range have increased, but are are still disappointingly small, pointing to a significant problem in attracting and retaining athletes, both male and female, in the age range 18 to 34
While the overall numbers in this category are disappointingly small, Leevale AC outpunch the rest, by a significant margin, with 111 Senior members. Carraig na bhFear AC rise to 55,followed by St Finbarrs AC, 46, and Togher AC on 45, with six further clubs with 20 or more Senior Members
| Club | Sen |
|---|---|
| Leevale A.C. | 111 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 55 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 46 |
| Togher A.C. | 45 |
| Carrigaline A.C. | 30 |
| Cork Track Club A.C. | 28 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 23 |
| Youghal A.C. | 22 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 20 |
| Bandon A.C. | 20 |
| Eagle A.C. | 17 |
| Mount Hillary A.C. | 16 |
| Beara A.C. | 14 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 13 |
| Bridevale A.C. | 13 |
| North Cork A.C. | 13 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 12 |
| Midleton A.C. | 11 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 11 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life A.C. | 11 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 10 |
| Mallow A.C. | 9 |
| Tracton A.C. | 9 |
| East Cork A.C. | 8 |
| Rebels A.C. | 8 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A.C. | 7 |
| Bantry A.C. | 7 |
| Cork City A.C. | 7 |
| The Churchtown Roadrunners A.C. | 7 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 7 |
| Aghada Running Club A.C. | 6 |
| Buttevant A.C. | 6 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 6 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 4 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 4 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. | 3 |
| Doneraile A.C. | 3 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 3 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 3 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 3 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 3 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 3 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners A.C. | 2 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 2 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 2 |
| Durrus A.C. | 1 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 1 |
| Fota Island Running A.C. | 1 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 1 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 1 |
| Carrigtwohill A.C. | 1 |
| Doheny A.C. | 1 |
St Finbarrs AC has the largest Masters membership with 195 masters, followed by Mallow AC (172) and Grange-Fermoy AC third on 161
| Club | Masters |
|---|---|
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 195 |
| Mallow A.C. | 172 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 161 |
| Youghal A.C. | 156 |
| Midleton A.C. | 154 |
| Eagle A.C. | 146 |
| Togher A.C. | 133 |
| Leevale A.C. | 120 |
| Mount Hillary A.C. | 114 |
| Carrigaline A.C. | 96 |
| Tracton A.C. | 94 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 91 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 89 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life A.C. | 85 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 83 |
| Bandon A.C. | 82 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 78 |
| Aghada Running Club A.C. | 73 |
| Bridevale A.C. | 71 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 71 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 67 |
| Beara A.C. | 66 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A.C. | 61 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers A.C. | 57 |
| Bantry A.C. | 54 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 45 |
| North Cork A.C. | 38 |
| Courcey A.C. | 36 |
| East Cork A.C. | 35 |
| Buttevant A.C. | 32 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners A.C. | 30 |
| Durrus A.C. | 30 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 29 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 28 |
| Cork City A.C. | 25 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 24 |
| Fota Island Running A.C. | 24 |
| Wibblies A.C. | 24 |
| The Churchtown Roadrunners A.C. | 23 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 22 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 20 |
| Doneraile A.C. | 20 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 20 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 19 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 18 |
| Cork Track Club A.C. | 17 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 17 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 16 |
| Carrigtwohill A.C. | 16 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 15 |
| Rebels A.C. | 9 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 9 |
| Doheny A.C. | 7 |
| Clonakilty Juvenile A.C | 5 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 4 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 3 |
| Cat | F | M |
|---|---|---|
| 18-34 | 370 | 378 |
| Over-35 | 249 | 220 |
| Over-40 | 414 | 372 |
| Over-45 | 439 | 358 |
| Over-50 | 304 | 298 |
| Over-55 | 123 | 164 |
| Over-60 | 57 | 88 |
| Over-65 | 25 | 55 |
| Over-70 | 13 | 26 |
| Over-75 | 2 | 21 |
| Over-80 | 0 | 9 |
| Over-85 | 2 | 2 |
As per the last few years, the overall age distribution throws up some interesting observations:
There are two distinct distributions, based around Young Juveniles and Masters Athletes, with older Juveniles and Seniors literally nowhere to be seen
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | 44 | 27 |
| 6 | 88 | 83 |
| 7 | 197 | 161 |
| 8 | 309 | 305 |
| 9 | 368 | 325 |
| 10 | 305 | 325 |
| 11 | 296 | 344 |
| 12 | 213 | 240 |
| 13 | 161 | 223 |
| 14 | 89 | 137 |
| 15 | 68 | 114 |
| 16 | 58 | 84 |
| 17 | 52 | 68 |
| 18 | 38 | 39 |
| 19 | 27 | 28 |
| 20 | 26 | 10 |
| 21 | 19 | 12 |
| 22 | 12 | 15 |
| 23 | 9 | 7 |
| 24 | 18 | 10 |
| 25 | 20 | 11 |
| 26 | 12 | 12 |
| 27 | 17 | 15 |
| 28 | 16 | 14 |
| 29 | 12 | 24 |
| 30 | 17 | 15 |
| 31 | 18 | 28 |
| 32 | 16 | 24 |
| 33 | 27 | 36 |
| 34 | 19 | 42 |
| 35 | 34 | 26 |
| 36 | 37 | 45 |
| 37 | 32 | 51 |
| 38 | 50 | 39 |
| 39 | 45 | 62 |
| 40 | 66 | 67 |
| 41 | 68 | 88 |
| 42 | 83 | 96 |
| 43 | 76 | 106 |
| 44 | 78 | 120 |
| 45 | 74 | 110 |
| 46 | 79 | 80 |
| 47 | 73 | 86 |
| 48 | 61 | 83 |
| 49 | 73 | 81 |
| 50 | 69 | 63 |
| 51 | 59 | 60 |
| 52 | 59 | 50 |
| 53 | 49 | 59 |
| 54 | 45 | 38 |
| 55 | 35 | 27 |
| 56 | 28 | 34 |
| 57 | 29 | 24 |
| 58 | 28 | 22 |
| 59 | 26 | 22 |
| 60 | 21 | 14 |
| 61 | 18 | 9 |
| 62 | 12 | 12 |
| 63 | 18 | 10 |
| 64 | 15 | 6 |
| 65 | 12 | 7 |
| 66 | 12 | 6 |
| 67 | 8 | 1 |
| 68 | 8 | 3 |
| 69 | 10 | 5 |
| 70 | 5 | 3 |
| 71 | 1 | 0 |
| 72 | 7 | 1 |
| 73 | 4 | 3 |
| 74 | 7 | 0 |
| 75 | 4 | 0 |
| 76 | 6 | 0 |
| 77 | 5 | 2 |
| 78 | 0 | 1 |
| 79 | 4 | 0 |
| 80 | 3 | 0 |
| 81 | 2 | 0 |
| 82 | 1 | 0 |
| 84 | 2 | 1 |
| 85 | 0 | 0 |
| 86 | 0 | 0 |
| 87 | 0 | 1 |
| 88 | 0 | 0 |
| 89 | 0 | 0 |
| 90 | 0 | 0 |
| 91 | 0 | 0 |
| 92 | 0 | 0 |
| 93 | 1 | 0 |
Overall, Girls outnumber boys by 101 registrations (190 in 2022) - 2,472 to 2,371 (2,440 to 2,250 in 2022) and comprise 51.04% of all Juvenile Registrations. Some notable features of the stats is that, up to age 10 (age 9 in 2022), the boys are in the majority. However, from age 10 through to 19, girls outnumber boys
A worrying feature is that, as was the case in 2022, in spite of increasing registrations, the "Cliff" - the age at which registrations start to drop off - continues to drop. Numbers now fall off from age 9
The drop off of Juveniles has been noted across many sports in Ireland, and is worrying from a number of perspectives, not just athletics membership. In particular the non-participation of juveniles, along with the related and alarming growth in obesity, among juveniles and younger adults, is almost certainly going to lead to a significant rise in general population health issues in the coming years
The total number of Senior registrations remains alarmingly low, with just 665 registrations; 323 men and 342 women between 18 and 34. The women's figure is somewhat skewed, as, between 29 and 34, there are significantly more women than men; 169 to 104
From an athletics perspective, the low numbers between 18 and 34 is of particular concern, as this is the group from which our Championship, International and Olympic hopes will emerge. Historically, Cork has 'punched above its weight' in producing European, World and Olympic Champions and medalists, along with many, many International athletes. To continue this proud and valued heritage, we really need to be attracting, and retaining, more people in this age range
In recent years there has been a huge, and welcome, growth in women's registrations, with women of all ages taking up the sport. The stats illustrate this vividly; women outnumber men at every age, with one or two exceptions, from 35 through to 56, and, overall, comprise marginally over 50% of the total (50.23%)
Related Articles
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Cork Athletics Year-End Registration Figures 2016
Updated AAI Registered Membership Figures for November 2015
It was with great regret and sadness that we learnt of the death, on Thursday December 21st 2023, of our esteemed colleague, National Past-President NACAI and late of Rising Sun AC, Donal (Donie) Webb
The Officers, Officials and members of Cork Athletics County Board extend their condolences and deepest sympathies to the Webb family; Donal's wife Kathleen, children Linda and Daniel, and their extended families
Glanmire, Cork
WEBB (Glanmire, Co Cork):On December 21, 2023, peacefully, at home, in Glanmire Village, DONAL (DONIE), late gravedigger and Past President of N.A.C.A.I. and Rising SunA.C., dearly loved husband of Kathleen (nee Healy) and much loved father of Linda and Daniel and loving brother of Liam, Ann, Kathleen, George, John, Jimmy, Peggy, Maura, Oliver, Michael and the late Joe
Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, brothers, sisters, daughter-in-law Tracy, Linda’s partner Brian, grandchildren Kayla, Lochlann and Brendan, brothers-inlaw, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends
Reposing at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood Glanmire on Tuesday (St Stephen’s Day) from 3.00pm to 4.00pm. Requiem Mass on Wednesday, December 27 at 11.00am in St Joseph’s Church, Springhill
Funeral afterwards to St Joseph’s Cemetery, Little Island
Please leave your personal message for Donie's family on the condolence section
"May he rest in peace"
Tribute by Jim Murray, Rising Sun AC
The late Donie Webb RIP, had a lifelong involvement in the competitive and administrative side of athletics.
Coming from a family who were deeply immersed in sport, brothers George, Liam and Joe, having a long association with GAA and Cycling in the Carrigdhoun region of Cork while first cousins Willie and George Webb were leading athletes with Rising Sun AC for many years
His association with sport started at an early age, competing as a cyclist with Riverstick Cycling club, and playing hurling with Ballymartle GAA club
However it was his involvement in the sport of athletics that his excellence came to the fore, firstly as an athlete, and in later years as an administrator
His commitment to Rising Sun Athletics club was total in that he was ever willing to toe the start line, be it a 4 x 100m, interclub or intercounty relay, cross-country or road race
When his career as an athlete ended, he gave his time to administration, firstly as Chairperson of Cork County Board of NACAI, before becoming National Vice-President, then, finally, the accolade of his career,NACAI when assuming the position of National President of NACAI, in 1995
Rest easy now dear friend
Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis
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Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday December 31st 2023
Look up your AAI Membership number
| Cork Athletics | Munster Athletics | Athletics Ireland Championships | Athletics Ireland Races | IMRA | Cork BHAA |
The Events
Monday December 25th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 4 Locations
Glengarriff, Clonakilty, Ballincollig & Glen River
Monday December 25th - Goal Mile - 3 Locations
Doneraile Park (10am) MTU Track & St Catherine's GAA Club (10:30am)
Christmas Day, Monday December 25th - Goal Mile
Doneraile Park (10am) MTU Track & St Catherine's GAA Club (10:30am)
St Stephen's Day, Tuesday December 26th, 11am - Farranfore 5k (Kerry Race)
St Stephen's Day, Tuesday December 26th, 11am - Goal Mile
Glountaune
St Stephen's Day, Tuesday December 26th, 11am - Limerick 10k Road Championships (Limerick Race)
St Stephen's Day, Tuesday December 26th, 12 Noon - MSD 4 Mile (Tipperary Race)
Wednesday December 27th, 10:15am - Goal Mile
Glanmire Community College
Thursday December 28th, 11am - Goal Mile
Cloyne
Saturday December 30th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations
Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Tramore Valley, Youghal
Saturday December 30th, 10am - Goal Mile
Canovee GAA Club, Carrigadrohid
Saturday December 30th, 11am - Mooreabbey Milers Mile Challenge (Limerick Race)
Saturday December 30th, 11am - Shandrum AC 5k
Newtownshandrum
Sunday December 31st, 11am - Togher AC 5k
Register for Togher AC 5k 2023
Sunday December 31st, 12Noon - Grange-Fermoy 10k
Fermoy
Register for Grange Fermoy AC 10k 2023
December 21st 2023
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) released the report below today, Thursday December 21st, 2023
Cork Athletics County Board has been engaging, with Athletics Ireland, and continues to do so, on aspects of this matter relating to the One Day Licence (ODL) aka 'The Levy', and is awaiting a full response, from AAI, to a formal letter sent in 2022. Cork Athletics County Board will not be making any public comment on the CCPC's findings until, at least, after it's AGM, on Sunday January 21st 2024
CCPC Release
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has concluded its recent engagement with the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI). The AAI are the national governing body for athletics in Ireland
The AAI issues ‘permits’ to organisers of athletic events (such as track and field meetings, road races or cross-country events) to certify that these events satisfy the AAI’s essential organisational requirements regarding consistency in race standards and health and safety practices. Participation in such AAI-permitted events can be considered as official participation for satisfying qualification criteria in other athletic events. In order to obtain an AAI permit, event organisers are required to use the AAI’s chosen online race registration platform, EventMaster, to register participants in that event. Through this online race registration system, organisers can populate entry forms, collect entry fees, register their participants, and record relevant data and share this information with the AAI
The CCPC’s engagement with the AAI followed a number of complaints made to the CCPC which alleged that an exclusive arrangement between the AAI and EventMaster, for the provision of online race registration services, was anti-competitive in nature as event organisers are required to use EventMaster as an online race registration provider in order to obtain an AAI permit and could not use other online race registration providers for their event. As part of its examination of these complaints, the CCPC sought information in relation to the AAI’s tender process for the provision of online race registration services. The CCPC sought clarification that AAI members would not be restricted from participating in races organised without an AAI permit. The CCPC also reviewed the contracts between the AAI and EventMaster
During its review, the CCPC did not uncover evidence to suggest that the AAI’s decision to use an exclusive online event registration provider for the contracted period, in itself, raised competition concerns. Based on the information available to it, the CCPC is of the view that the three-year partnership (2023 – 2026) between the AAI and EventMaster for the provision of online race registration services does not appear to be unduly restrictive
The AAI confirmed to the CCPC that race organisers are not restricted from organising races without an AAI permit and AAI members are not restricted from running in such non-permitted races. The CCPC considers that this confirmation reduces concerns of any potential restriction on competition as race organisers have the option to set up non-permitted races with their chosen service providers
However, considering the AAI’s potentially dominant role as the national governing body for athletics and the issuer of permits for athletic events, the CCPC made a number of recommendations to the AAI to ensure its processes are compliant with relevant competition law. The AAI has accepted these recommendations
The AAI confirmed that these recommended procedural changes will be in place by the end of 2023
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This Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday December 24th 2023
Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday December 31st 2023
Look up your AAI Membership number
| Cork Athletics | Munster Athletics | Athletics Ireland Championships | Athletics Ireland Races | IMRA | Cork BHAA |
The Events
Wednesday December 20th, 6:45pm - Forde's Daybreak League - Week 6 (Waterford Race)
Dungarvan
Saturday December 23rd, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations
Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Tramore Valley, Youghal
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This Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday December 17th 2023
Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday December 14th 2023
Look up your AAI Membership number
| Cork Athletics | Munster Athletics | Athletics Ireland Championships | Athletics Ireland Races | IMRA | Cork BHAA |
The Events
Wednesday December 13th, 6:45pm - Track and Field Live League
National Indoor Arena, Abbotstown, Dublin
Wednesday December 13th, 6:45pm - Forde's Daybreak League - Week 5 (Waterford Race)
Dungarvan
Saturday December 16th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations
Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Tramore Valley, Youghal
Saturday December 16th - Athletics Ireland National 35k & Masters 10k Walks Championships
St Annes Park, Raheny, Dublin
Saturday December 2nd, 9:30am - Cork Simon 5km Christmas Run (BHAA)
Blackrock Hurling Club, Blackrock, Cork
MTU Track
Christmas Day, Monday December 25th 2023
Start of 3rd GOAL Mile 2023
Start of 3rd GOAL Mile 2023
The ongoing closure of MTU Track, for resurfacing, meant that this year's annual Christmas Day GOAL Mile charity run took place around the MTU car park. It had previously been run around the car park, several years ago, when a severe frost/ice meant that the track was 'unrunnable'
The 'Rock Up & Run' nature of this annual run, in combination with the tiered car park, led to several races going the wrong way, with one race going short, missing the lower tier altogether, while another when the wrong way, meeting up with runners (who had gone on the correct route) coming against them
Nevertheless, it looked like nobody was particularly bothered - it's never a serious run...except for the a dedicated few
.... and is a family/run outing for GOAL, and a great Christmas Dinner appetiser
The second GOAL Mile of the Day was won by Aoife Quigley, Crusaders AC (Dublin) in a 'warm up' time of 5:56
Aoife Quigley, Crusaders AC, coming in to win the 3rd GOAL Mile of 2023
Cork Athletics Facebook Album - Third GOAL Mile 2023
If you missed any of today's GOAL Miles, you can still do your 2023 GOAL Mile tomorrow, St. Stephen's Day (Glountaune), Wednesday 27th (Glanmire), Thursday 28th (Cloyne) or Saturday 30th, in Canovee/Carrigadrohid
Results of Athletics Ireland Registered Events - April 2014 - May 2016 (on Old Cork Athletics website)
Results of Athletics Ireland Registered Events - May 2016 to date
Race Calendar / Fixtures List - Athletics Ireland Registered Events
Official Calendar of Registered Athletics Ireland events in Cork
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| Cork Athletics | Munster Athletics | Athletics Ireland Championships | Athletics Ireland Races | IMRA | Cork BHAA |
The Events
Monday December 25th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 4 Locations
Glengarriff, Clonakilty, Ballincollig & Glen River
Monday December 25th - Goal Mile - 3 Locations
Doneraile Park (10am) MTU Track & St Catherine's GAA Club (10:30am)
Christmas Day, Monday December 25th - Goal Mile
Doneraile Park (10am) MTU Track & St Catherine's GAA Club (10:30am)
St Stephen's Day, Tuesday December 26th, 11am - Goal Mile
Glountaune
Wednesday December 27th, 10:15am - Goal Mile
Glanmire Community College
Thursday December 28th, 11am - Goal Mile
Cloyne
Saturday December 30th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations
Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Tramore Valley, Youghal
Saturday December 30th, 10am - Goal Mile
Canovee GAA Club, Carrigadrohid
Monday January 1st, 9:30am - Parkrun - 6 Locations
Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Ballincollig & Glen River
This article by John Walshe appeared in The Southern Star of December 23rd, 2023
“You could say it’s a slightly milder version of the World Cross-Country,” states Courtmacsherry native Richard O’Flynn of the NCAA (American Collegiate) championship which took place for the 85th time at Charlottesville, Virginia, last month
And the man from Barry’s Point should know. Because, almost four decades ago, on November 19th, 1984, when representing Providence College he became one of a select group of Irish athletes to medal at these championships. On that day, over the rolling 10,000m course at Penn State College, O’Flynn finished just seven seconds behind winner Ed Eyestone from Brigham Young University with Yobes Ondieki of Iowa State a further second back in third
Just to show the quality of that field, Eyestone went on represent the US in two Olympic marathons and record a best of 2:10:59 for the distance. Kenyan Ondieki would go to win the 1991 World 10,000m title and two years later etch his name in the record books when becoming the first man to break 27:00 for the distance with his 26:58.38 at the Bislett Games in Oslo
“The NCAAs attracts the best runners in the country, everyone has to qualify. It starts with everyone in a straight line, I’ve gone back to see it a few times since and the ground absolutely rocks with around 200 to 250 people,” says O’Flynn
“The best advice I got was from Ray Treacy [former Providence colleague] when I ran my first one was not to go out too hard, go out strong and after a mile or so try and work your way through. You’re running with fellows around you the whole time.”
Scholarship athletes have just four years of eligibility and, due to injuries and the like, not everyone makes the start line each November. O’Flynn’s four best finishing positions not only show a remarkable improvement but also make him the third most consistent Irishman in NCAA history behind John Treacy and Niall Bruton
“I had four good years; in 1981 I was 55th and we were second team which was unbelievable. We were probably disappointed to finish second again the next year, I finished 17th and it was Brendan Quinn who dragged me around, when you’re running with a team they kind of pull you around.”
Another improvement to sixth came in 1983, and then the runner-up spot to Eyestone capped off an exceptional collegiate career. “After about three-and-a-half miles that day I found the pace very comfortable so I made a big break, a mile later Eyestone made a break and caught me, I was falling back and going through a bad patch with a stitch
“Then it kind of eased off and I looked up and realised second was only up there and I roared down the finish. I was wishing there was another 400 metres to go as I felt I might have got him, but it was great to get second and to hold off Ondieki as I wouldn’t be known as a fast finisher.”
It all began for Richard O’Flynn in the late 1970s when he was first introduced to athletics at Hamilton High School. “They were looking to put a team together and like everyone else I ran my first race in football boots. I wasn’t particularly brilliant but Bandon Athletic Club were very kind to me, they used to bring their training group out to Courtmacsherry which meant an awful lot
“You had people involved at the time like the O’Neills (Diarmuid and Peter), Billy Good, Donough Coughlan and Brendan Crowley who were really nice, just like the people involved today in the club. They were also very open-minded to send me up to meet Donie Walsh to train with. Donie was a huge influence on me as he was an Olympian and someone who had finished second in the NCAAs.”
Success soon followed, with wins in the Cork Novice C-C in 1980, the Munster and National Junior C-C in 1981, along with the senior boys 5000m at the Irish Schools the same year. After that, came the offer of an athletics scholarship to Providence College.
Providence at the time was the go-to place for Irish runners. It had laid the foundation for John Treacy’s back-to-back World Cross-Country victories in 1978 and 1979 and, although Treacy had now graduated, O’Flynn joined some of the other rising stars such as Ray Treacy, Brendan Quinn, Charlie Breagy, Jimmy Fallon, Richard Mulligan and the like.
“Coach Bob Amato was a great recruiter, a great organiser, with the best of medical care even by today’s standards. In my third and fourth year I got in touch with Donie Walsh and did something radically different – I started doing 20 x 400m on the track once a week during the cross-country season, which wouldn’t be normal. I admired the coach for letting me do that on my own, he was very open-minded.”
During his time there, O’Flynn twice won the IC4A cross-country (1983 and 1984) along with the IC4A indoor 5000m in 1985. For his achievements as a college athlete, Richard was inducted into the Providence Friars Hall of Fame in 1999
“Providence College was good to me, both athletically and academically. When I graduated I was still running full-time and a couple of years later I was able to go back and do an MBA, which they paid for,” says O’Flynn, who now works as a General Manager for EBS
Successes on regular visits home include the Irish Inter-Counties C-C at Kilbarry in Waterford in 1985 while on the track he recorded personal bests of 13:38.66 for 5000m and 28:32.6 for 10,000m. He also represented Ireland on five occasions at senior level at the World Cross-Country. In the ‘States, performances on the road included victory in the Boston Milk Run 10km in a course record of 28:23 along with a remarkable streak of consistent finishes in one of the iconic of American races
Every Thanksgiving Day for the past 85 years the Manchester Road Race over 4.748 miles takes place in Connecticut. In 1982, O’Flynn finished fourth behind winner Eamonn Coghlan. The following year he moved up to third behind those two Irish legends, Coghlan and Treacy. Another second to Treacy came in 1985 and then, two years later, he had the satisfaction of beating the Olympic silver-medallist but again had to settle for second behind John Doherty despite recording his fastest time of 21:34 for this somewhat unusual distance
Now back living in his beloved Courtmac, his interest in athletics is maintained through his daughters, Lucy and Olive, who both compete with the Bandon club. “They’re enjoying it at the moment, both in athletics and hockey. The main thing for me is that they don’t overdo it, they’re improving and it’s building away nicely for them.” This past summer, all the family – Richard, wife Fiona, son Conor and daughters Lucy and Olive – travelled to the World Athletics Championships in Belgrade
And he still meets up on a regular basis with his former colleagues from those glory days at Providence. “It’s the friends you make along the way that’s important and thankfully I’m friendly with a lot of guys I ran with and against,” he says
Nowadays, Richard is heavily involved with the Great Wild Atlantic Walk which takes place in August over the marathon distance along the coast from Courtmacsherry to Inchydoney and back. ‘It’s a beautiful walk and a real community event, this year we raised €12,000 and every penny goes to the local lifeboat, it’s a joint venture between Courtmacsherry RNLI and Barryroe GAA club.’
In the past few years the likes of Jane Buckley (Providence) and Fiona Nicholson (Temple University) have taken the American scholarship route. They followed on from another Bandon athlete, Breda Dennehy, who carved out a successful athletics career at Western Kentucky
But they all owe a dept of gratitude to the man from Barry’s Point who paved the way when he became the first West Cork athlete to follow that famous phrase “Go West, young man,” in pursuit of his sporting dream
Other Articles by John Walshe
100 Years of the Cork County Cross-Country Championship - Article by John Walshe
Brid Murphy - The Inspirational Story of a Three-Time National Champion - Article by John Walshe
Eight Decades on - Famous Cross-Country Victory Finally Honoured - Article by John Walshe
On The Road From Cork To Cobh - Fifty Years Ago - Article by John Walshe
FORTY YEARS AGO - WHEN ‘CMON AGHADA’ WAS HEARD ON HEARTBREAK HILL - Article by John Walshe
Donie Walsh - Train to Race Don't Get Caught Up with Your Time
A Brilliant Performance Sees East Cork AC Take National Silver
BANDON CONNECTION TO WORLD CHAMPION
CORK CITY SPORTS – A BRIEF HISTORY
Mary Sweeney – Youghal's First Lady of Running
Midleton AC County Novice Cross-Country Team 1971
Donie Walsh - 1971 European Championships 10,000m Recalled
Willie O'Mahony has clocked the miles building East Cork Athletics
Memorable Youghal Road Race Took Place at Midnight on New Year's Eve
Midleton AC Virtual Club Challenge
Cork Marathon Magic in 1986 as Marion Lyons Wins
Tullamore Man Won First Cork Marathon
Pioneering Women of Cross-Country
Grange International Cross-Country of 1980 Recalled 40 Years On
Youghal AC's London Emer Casey 10k Exploits
30 Years Ago - Liam O'Brien Wins Cork County Senior Cross-Country Championship
50 Years Ago - When John Buckley Beat The Olympic Champion
40 Years Ago - Jerry Murphy Wins Munster Marathon Championship
Aoife Cooke Runs 55:17 in Mallow 10 2019
Steeplechase Legends Meet at Antrim International
Unique National Double for McGraths
Dick Hooper Speaks at St Finbarrs AC Function
River Lee Hotel
Thursday December 21st 2023
Fiona Everard, Bandon AC and NUI Galway, is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for November 2023, pictured with Cork City Sports Sponsor representatives
Fiona Everard, Bandon AC and NUI Galway, pictured with Cork City Sports Committee Members and Sponsors
Fiona Everard with her parents, Martin and Denise Everard, sister Aisling and brother Ciarán
The award was presented to Fiona at a function at the River Lee Hotel, on Thursday December 21st 2023
The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Echo, The River Lee and Cork Crystal
Cork City Sports - Awards Archive
The March Cork City athlete of the month award goes to Fiona Everard, Bandon AC and NUI Galway
The Cork City Sports athlete for the month of November is Fiona Everard (Bandon AC). Fiona was a surprise winner of the Irish senior cross country title at Gowran County Kilkenny on what was a memorable day for herself, family and friends. This breakthrough performance earned Fiona an automatic place on the Irish team for the European cross country championships to be held a few weeks later in Belgium
Fiona Everard with Cork City Sports Chairman, Tony O'Connell
Related Articles
National Senior Cross-Country Champion Fiona Everard Interviewed
Fiona Everard is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month of April 2023
Sunday June 2nd 2024
Its full steam ahead for Cork City Marathon 2024. The event which had been under the management of Davis Event Agency (DEA) since 2019 is now back in the hands of Cork City Council who are looking forward to making next year’s event even better
2024 will again include a 10k, half and full marathon and once again we will strive for inclusivity, welcoming all nationalities, including our very own Sanctuary Runners, as well as local athletes
I would also like to thank our communities who come out in force on the day to cheer on the runners and provide sweets and water, despite the disruption to their roads. We are looking forward to welcoming all runners, from elites to first timers
On Friday last, December 15th, the Irish Examiner reported "Cork City Council has confirmed that it will manage the Cork City Marathon next year, after Davis Event Agency (DEA), who had been running the event since 2019, cut ties"
On Tuesday, the DEA “exercised their right to terminate their contract in accordance with its terms and without liability for compensation or damages”. Cork City Council had no prior knowledge that the contract would be terminated
However, the council has reassured race participants that a “successful and enjoyable marathon can be organised for 2024”
Cork City Council previously managed the marathon from 2007 to 2019, before DEA took over the reins. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for the council has stressed that there will be no changes to the 2024 event
Despite the change in management, the format will remain the same, with the full marathon, half marathon, and 10km race all still taking place. All entries received to date are valid and completely unaffected.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “It’s full steam ahead for Cork City Marathon 2024
“The event, which had been under the management of Davis Event Agency (DEA) since 2019, is now back in the hands of Cork City Council who are looking forward to making next year’s event even better
“All existing entries to the 2024 event will be unaffected by this change"
“2024 will again include a 10k, half and full marathon and once again we will strive for inclusivity, welcoming all nationalities, including our very own Sanctuary Runners as well as local athletes
“Cork City Council would also like to thank our communities who come out in force on the day to cheer on the runners and provide sweets and water, despite the disruption to their roads. We are looking forward to welcoming all runners from elites to first timers”
Brussels, Belgium
Sunday December 10th 2023
Shown live on European Athletics All TV Platform, in partnership with RTE
Also covered on RTE2 Television from 1pm
Four Cork athletes have been selected on the Irish teams for Sunday's European Cross-Country Championships, in Brussels, Belgium; Fiona Everard, Bandon AC (Senior Women); Anika Thompson, Leevale AC (Under 23 Women), are joined by Youghal AC duo of Avril Millerick (U20 Women) and Fearghal Curtin (Senior Men)
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| Anika Thompson, Leevale AC | Avril Millerick, Youghal AC | Fearghal Curtin, Youghal AC | Fiona Everard, Bandon AC |
| Event | Athlete | Club | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| U20 Women | Anna Gardiner | East Down AC | Peter Morgan |
| U20 Women | Amy Greene | Finn Valley | Helen McCready |
| U20 Women | Kirsty Maher | Moy Valley | Andy Bibby & Phillip Finnerty |
| U20 Women | Maebh Richardson | Kilkenny City Harriers | Ian Solof/Niamh Richardson/Noel Richardson |
| U20 Women | Avril Millerick | Youghal AC | Noel Curtin & Joe Ryan |
| U20 Women | Hannah Kehoe | Kilkenny City Harriers | Niamh Richardson |
| U20 Men | Niall Murphy | Ennis Track Club | Pat Hogan |
| U20 Men | Jonas Stafford | UCD AC | Feidhlim Kelly |
| U20 Men | Harry Colbert | Waterford AC | Des Colbert |
| U20 Men | Seamus Robinson | City of Derry Spartans AC | Martin Robinson |
| U20 Men | Nick Griggs | CNDR Track Club | Mark Kirk |
| U20 Men | Shane Brosnan | An Riocht | Alexander Gibby |
| U23 Women | Danielle Donegan | Tullamore Harriers | Emmett Dunleavy |
| U23 Women | Aoife Coffey | Lucan Harriers | Niamh & Eoin Fitzgerald |
| U23 Women | Eimear Maher | Dundrum South Dublin AC | Donal Hennigan |
| U23 Women | Aoife O'Cuill | St Cocas | Joe Ryan |
| U23 Women | Ava O'Connor | Tullamore Harriers | Damon Martin |
| U23 Women | Anika Thompson | Leevale AC | Shalane Flanagan / Ken Nason |
| U23 Men | Oisin Spillane | Ennis Track Club | Rory Chesser |
| U23 Men | Callum Morgan | CNDR Track Club | Mark Kirk |
| U23 Men | Matthew Lavery | North Belfast Harriers | Jim McGuinness |
| U23 Men | Abdel Laadjel | Donore Harriers | Ray Treacy |
| U23 Men | Michael Morgan | Sligo AC | Ray Treacy |
| U23 Men | Dean Casey | Ennis Track Club | Sean Carlson |
| Senior Women | Fiona Everard | Bandon AC | Matt Lockett |
| Senior Women | Mary Mulhare | Portlaoise AC | Michael Mulhare |
| Senior Women | Fionnuala Ross | Armagh AC | No Coach |
| Senior Women | Fionnuala McCormack | Kilcoole AC | Alan McCormack |
| Senior Women | Eilish Flanagan | Finn Valley | Damon Martin |
| Senior Women | Roisin Flanagan | Finn Valley | Damon Martin |
| Senior Men | Cormac Dalton | Mullingar Harriers | Joe Ryan |
| Senior Men | Kevin Mulcaire | Ennis Track Club | Pat Hogan |
| Senior Men | Hugh Armstrong | Ballina AC | Feidhlim Kelly |
| Senior Men | Keelan Kilrehill | Mov Valley AC | Emmett Dunleavy |
| Senior Men | Brian Fay | Raheny Shamrock AC | Feidhlim Kelly |
| Senior Men | Fearghal Curtin | Youghal AC | James Thie |
The women’s U20 team will lead out the Irish challenge on Sunday morning in what looks a hugely competitive race. Recent national champion Anna Gardiner (East Down AC) will be joined by Avril Millerick (Youghal AC) and Hannah Kehoe (Kilkenny City Harriers) who already boast European Cross Country experience
Kirsty Maher (Moy Valley) and a second Kilkenny athlete in Maebh Richardson (Kilkenny City Harriers) will make their Euro Cross debuts, while Amy Greene (Finn Valley) will complete the team and should head to Brussels full of confidence given her superb recent run of form
Last year’s U20 silver medallist Nick Griggs (Candour Track Club) will spearhead a strong looking U20 men’s team as he looks to go in search of more European success
Griggs is sure to have plenty of Irish company at the head of the field with national U20 champion Niall Murphy (Ennis Track) and Jonas Stafford (UCD AC) looking particularly strong this season
Harry Colbert (Waterford AC), Seamus Robinson (City of Derry Spartans AC), and Shane Brosnan (An Riocht) complete an exciting looking team who will face one of the hottest U20 races in recent years
European U20 1500m and 5000m champion Niels Laros (Ned) is set to make his debut at these championships, while Denmark’s Axel Vang Christensen won this title in 2021 and returns for another tilt at gold following a withdrawal in last year’s race
The Irish U23 team doesn’t lack for experience and Tullamore’s Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers) is sure to play another leading role following her fine performance in Turin last year which saw her cross the finish as the first Irish athlete home
Aoife Coffey (Lucan Harriers), Eimear Maher (Dundrum South Dublin AC), and Aoife O'Cuill (St Cocas) are sure to give their running as the team look to better last year’s 7th place finish, while the in-form pair of Ava O'Connor (Tullamore Harriers) and Anika Thompson (Leevale AC) return from impressive performances stateside
The race for individual honours looks hard to call with last year’s U20 champion, Maria Forero of Spain, likely to prove one of the leading contenders
The men’s U23 team picked up bronze in Italy last year and this year’s team is sure to have sights set on another top five finish. Abdel Laadjel (Donore Harriers) returns to the Irish singlet following his superb performance at the European U23 Track and Field Championships back in July, while last year’s U20 bronze medallist Dean Casey (Ennis Track) graduates to the U23 team
Casey’s clubmate Oisin Spillane (Ennis Track Club) will join Callum Morgan (CNDR Track Club), Matthew Lavery (North Belfast Harriers), and Michael Morgan (Sligo AC) in completing an Irish team stacked with potential
The senior women have been one of the most prolific medal winning teams in Irish athletics in recent times, and although not one of the favourites to medal on Sunday, few will discount them
Kilcoole's Fionnula McCormack continues to be one of Ireland’s most remarkable athletes and she will lead out the team in her 18th appearance at a European Cross Country Championships
McCormack will be joined on the team by Eilish Flanagan (Finn Valley AC) and Roisin Flanagan (Finn Valley AC) who produced outstanding performances in last year’s race to finish side-by-side in 11th and 12th place which helped Ireland to team bronze
Mary Mulhare (Portlaoise AC) and Fionnuala Ross (Armagh AC) are no strangers to European success and they will be joined on the start line by recent national champion Fiona Everard (Bandon AC)
Norway’s Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal will seek a hat-trick of titles in the race for individual honours, with one of her main challengers likely to be Italy’s Nadia Battocletti who successfully defended her U23 title last year
The senior men’s team includes newly crowned national cross country champion Cormac Dalton (Mullingar Harriers) who will be ably supported by Irish 5,000m record holder Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock), Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC), Keelan Kilrehill (Mov Valley AC), Fearghal Curtin (Youghal AC), and a resurgent Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track Club)
All six athletes came through one of the deepest national cross country fields in recent years to secure their places on the plane to Brussels and they will expect to be competitive on the day with conditions set to suit
With two-time champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen from Norway missing from the championships for the first time in his career, a new name will stand top of the men’s podium
Home favourite Isaac Kimeli is one of Belgium’s leading title hopes, while Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa - a two-time U20 champion - will be looking to add the senior cross country title to his 10,000m gold from the 2022 European Athletics Championships
