2007 County AAI News

www.corkathletics.org

 

December 16 – News

County AGM

The County AGM will take place on Saturday, January 12th at 11.00am in the Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel (formerly Christys).  For directions, contact the secretary.  Each club is entitled to have four voting delegates at the AGM  (Boards are entitled to 2 voting delegates).  Lunch will be provided for delegates and clubs and boards are requested to notify the secretary of the number of delegates attending. 

Any clubs that wish to have a fixture included in the provisional 2008 calendar, please send in dates as soon as possible to the secretary.

 

Awards Night

The County Awards Night will take place on Friday, January 18th at 8pm at a venue to be confirmed.  Senior medals (individual & club) and cups will be presented on the night.  Any athlete who represented Ireland at senior, junior or masters level during 2007 is entitled to an international award, clubs are requested to nominate athletes for these awards before January 3rd so that medallions can be ordered.  A presentation will also be made to athletes who performed exceptionally during the recent cross-country season.  The county board officers will select these athletes.

An open invitation is extended to all those who would like to attend the awards night.

 

Coaching

There will be track and field training in preparation for the indoor season from 2-4pm in the CIT Track on Saturday January 19th and February 16th.  (subject to confirmation, see www.corkathletics.org)

 

Cork City Marathon

The Cork City Marathon takes place on Monday June 2nd 2008.  As per last the board will receive €5 from every entry fee.  Please promote this event in January as this is the time most people would make the decision to run the marathon.  See www.corkcitymarathon.ie

 

Club Details

Please inform the county board of any changes in club details (secretary name & address, email address, website).  If anybody wants to join the county email list (officers, coaches, athletes, etc.) simply email corkathletics@eircom.net with name & club.

 

Wishing you and your club a happy Christmas and successful 2008.

Pádraig Kelly

Secretary, Cork County Athletics Board

 

 

November 10 – County AGM

The County AGM will be held on Saturday January 12th, 2008.

Any motions and nominations for the County AGM are to be sent to Pádraig Kelly, Crioch, Ballyburdenmore, Ballincollig, Co. Cork or email corkathletics@eircom.net.  Closing date for nominations and motions is Friday November 30th 2007.  Nominations and motions will not be accepted after this date or over the phone or by text!  

Clubs are requested to give careful consideration to motions they are submitting and note that congress (national AGM) is taking place in 2008.   Motions should be submitted under the following headings – Administration/General, Competition, Cross Country/Road or Track & Field/Indoor.  Clubs should indicate if they wish their motions to be forwarded to Munster and/or National. 

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, Masters Committee.

Notice of the AGM will be sent out to clubs along with venue details in December.

 

November 10 – County Awards Night

County International Awards night will take place on Friday January 18th 2008 at 8pm.  Athletes who were selected to represent Ireland at Junior, Senior or Masters level during 2007 are eligible for an award.  The names and addresses of the athletes being nominated along with details of their achievement should be sent to Padraig Kelly, Crioch, Ballyburdenmore, Ballincollig, Co. Cork or email corkathletics@eircom.net.

 

November 10 – County Athletics Calendar 2008

It is hoped to be able to present at the AGM a draft 2008 calendar for athletics in Cork.  If clubs could send in permits or notice of events to be held during 2008 a soon as possible it would greatly aid the preparation of the Calendar.

 

November 3 – County Junior & Senior Cross Country Championships

The County Junior and Senior Cross Country Championships took place in Carrignavar today. Michelle Finn of Duhallow won the junior womens race with Shane Coffey of Togher winning the junior mens race.  Carmel Crowley of Bandon won the senior womens race while Alan O’Shea of Bantry  won the senior mens race. Results posted

 

October 30

The County Junior and Senior Cross Country Championships will take place in Carrignavar this SATURDAY with the junior womens race first off at 12pm.  Entries to Pat Buckley see Senior Cross Country Entry Forms

 

October 14 - Cross Country
Results Masters & Intermediate

Any Corrections to corkathletics@eircom.net

Juvenile Results

 

October 7 - Cross Country
Results posted

Novice & U23 Full Results

 

October 5 - Cross Country
The County Novice & U23 cross country championships are on Sunday. Mens race is at 12pm followed by Womens
race. The juvenile races start at 1pm.
Any club with athletes for the county teams for the munster novice & u23 X-Country in Limerick on October 21st is asked to contact team manager Joe O’Flynn,
087 6483532.

October 5 - Mini Marathon Website
The Mini marathon website has been nominated for an IIA and Enterprise
Ireland Net Visionary Award 2007.

Voting for this award is now open and a final shortlist of three will be
made from the nominees who receive the highest number of votes. As such
we are asking you to please vote for the Mini Marathon website. All you
have to do is ...

* Click on this link: http://www.netvisionary.ie/vote2007.html
* Scroll down to the *Social Contribution* category
* Vote for Pat Walsh, Cork Mini Marathon www.eecho.ie

 

September 24 – Cross Country Coaching

Cross Country Coaching will take place on Saturday at 11.00am in James Fort, Kinsale. See Cross Country Coaching for details.

 

September 24 – Mini Marathon

The 2007 Cork womens mini marathon was held last Sunday.  The event went off very successfully and a sincere thanks to all who helped on the day.  A review meeting will take place next week, any suggestions to corkathletics@eircom.net are welcome

 

September 19 – Mini Marathon

The 2007 Cork womens mini marathon takes place on Sunday.  This is the most important fundraising event for the board and lots of help is needed on Sunday.  Anybody available to help is asked to report to Kennedy Park by 11.30am on Sunday.  It will all be over by 3pm, further details contact Noreen Murphy 021 4884495.

 

September 14 – Cross Country

Juvenile Cross Country Details

 

September 13 – Mallow AC Website

See www.mallowac.ie

 

August 29 – Cross Country Coaching

There will be cross country coaching in Ballincollig Regional Park this Saturday at 11.00am.  Top coaches will be in attendance and athletes from 13 years and older are welcome to take part.  There is no cover and any athlete who attends 4 of the 5 cross country coaching sessions will receive a T-Shirt.

 

August 29 – Mini Marathon

Preparations for this years mini marathon are well underway.  This Saturday, 5000 goody bags will be packed.   Help will be needed to pack the bags and anybody available to help is asked to ring Pat Buckley on 085 1480725.

This year, for the first time, participants can enter online on www.corkminimarathon.com.

 

August 28 – World T&F Championships

There was some great news from Osaka where the World T&F Championships are being held over the weekend.  Robert Heffernan of Togher who has endured a frustrating few years enjoyed a fantastic performance in the 20K walk to finish 6th.  This is his highest placing in a major international championships and will result in a welcome increase in his grant. 

Derval O’Rouke of Leevale qualified for the semi finals of the 100m Hurdles after running 12.91 in the 100m Hurdles heats.

 

July 22 – Cork City Marathon

There will be a reception in the City Hall (Millenium Hall) at 7.30pm on Thursday (July 26th) for all who helped out with the Cork City Marathon.

 

July 19 – County Juvenile Relay Trials

Trials for Cork Teams for the national juvenile Inter County Relays will take place on Tuesday, July 24th at 7.30pm in the CIT Track.  The Trails will be for U13, U15, U17 and U19 relay teams, athletes may move up one age group to take part.  The U9 and U11 inter county relays have been discontinued this year.   Anybody unable to travel to the relays in Tullamore on Monday August 6th is asked not to take part. 

 

July 11 – County Master T&F Results

Results

 

July 4 – Spar Mile Challenge

For further details about this event see www.sparmilechallenge.com

Friday July 6th Mardyke Track

Saturday July 7th Bandon Town Park, 1-5pm, see www.bandonathleticclub.com

Saturday July 7th CIT Track, 11-3pm

Saturday July 7th – Ballincollig Regional Park, 11-12pm

 

June 5 Marathon a Huge Success

The Cork City Marathon was held yesterday in Cork.  The event was a spectacular success with nearly 4000 taking part.  Alan O’Shea of Bantry was the winner, continuing his spectacular season this year.  The first five men over the line all compete with clubs in Cork.  First Cork woman home was May O’Leary on a visit home from Munich.  Full results are available on www.corkcitymarathon.com.

A special thanks to all who helped out stewarding on the day.

 

June 5 Tracton Sports

Tracton Athletic Club hold their annual opens sports on June 17th, there is an impressive programme of events - programme.

 

May 3 Very Busy Weekend Ahead

One of the busiest weekends of athletes this year starts on Saturday with the South Munster Schools T&F Championships taking place in the CIT.

On Sunday the first leg of the county juvenile Track and Field championships takes place in the CIT.  The programme has been changed this year to help run events more efficiently – but this will only happen if there is enough help on the day!! 

On Monday The Munster Junior & Under 23 T&F championships take place in the CIT (see www.munsterathletics.com) while in Riverstick GAA, Riverstick Kinsale AC hold their annual open sports starting at 1pm, programme.

 

April 29 Leevale Sports

Leevale Athletic Club held their annual sports on Sunday last in the Mardyke track.  There were some fine performances but performance of the day belonged to Ciaran Collins of Emerald AC who ran a qualifying time for the European Junior T&F Championships.  Full results are available on www.leevale.org.

 

April 28 County T&F Season Begins

County Masters T&F Results 

 

April 25 County T&F Season Begins

The first leg of the county junior and Masters T&F championships is being held this Friday in the CIT Track in Bishopstown.  A big entry is expected with many guests travelling from other counties.  Athletes are asked to arrive on times and have their entries in by this evening.

On Sunday Leevale Athletic Club host their annual open sports this Sunday in the Mardyke Track,  There is a comprehensive programme events with Juvenile events starting at 10.30am.  For more Details see www.leevale.org. 

 

April 24 Cork City Marathon

The County Board was recently granted €700,000 by the Dept. of Sport for the development of facilities at the CIT Track.  A sincere thanks to all who helped secure this funding.  For the development to go ahead, the board and its partners must match this funding.  The board will have to borrow to meet it’s funding commitment.

 

On Monday June 4th the Cork City Marathon will take place.  The event is being supported by the County Board.  For every athlete / relay team that enters, the board will receive €5.  This event should realise considerable income for the board this year and also for the next few years.  This income will be very important to clear any debt arising out of the development of facilities at the CIT.  In the event of this money not being required to clear debt, it will be used exclusively for development purposes (equipment grants etc.).  The development of facilities at the CIT will require Cork City Council to make available €200,000 for the development.

 

On the day of the Marathon stewards will be needed from 8am until 3.30pm.  Given the financial importance of his event to athletics in Cork, it is essential that every club plays its part and has volunteers available to help on the day of the race even if only for a few hours.  Volunteers will be well looked after - they will receive lunch, a drink and a goody bag.

Clubs should contact me with the names, phone numbers of volunteers available to help on the day of the Marathon (Monday June 4th) as soon as possible.

It there are any questions please contact me.  Padraig Kelly, 086 8689599, corkathletics@eircom.net.

 

April 8 Next County Board Meeting

The next county board meeting will be held on Wednesday May 2nd at 7.30pm in the SMA Hall.

The organisation of volunteers for the marathon and the Development at the CIT will be discussed at this meeting.

 

April 8 County T&F Championships

Details of the upcoming County Junior, Masters, Novice and Senior T&F championships are now available.  Guests are welcome to participate in the County Junior, Masters, Novice and Senior T&F championships.  All events will be held in the CIT on Friday starting at 7.00pm.

County Junior, Novice, Masters & Senior T&F Programme

County Junior, Novice, Masters & Senior T&F Entry Forms - (Microsoft word format)

 

April 8 Coaching Day

A Coaching Day has been scheduled for Saturday April 8th in the CIT Track.  The events being covered are throws, hurdles, jumps, middle distance and sprinting.  The event is open to juveniles (U13 and older) as well as adults.  Coaches or interested individuals interested in learning the rules of the events are welcome to attend.  All athletes who take part will be entered in a draw.  Registration Fee €5.

 

March 28 Coaching Day

The Coaching Day planned for Monday March 19th which was cancelled has been rescheduled for Saturday March 31st in the CIT Track.  The events being covered are shot, hurdles, high jump, long jump and javelin.  The event is open to juveniles (U13 and older) as well as adults.  Coaches or interested individuals interested in learning the rules of the events are welcome to attend.  All athletes who take part will be entered in a draw.  Registration Fee €5.

 

March 28 Transfers

All Transfers must be with the County Registrar by March 31st or they will not be dealt with until August.  The next county board meeting will be held on Wednesday April 4th, there will be a juvenile meeting at 7.30pm followed by the main meeting.

 

March 21 Juvenile T&F 2007

Details about the 2007 County juvenile T&F championships are now available online.  Entry forms and programmes are available on the county juvenile T&F 2007 webpage.

 

March 6 Officials Grading Structure

The AAI have agreed a grading structure for officials.  An accreditation scheme is being introduced.  Existing officials will be assimilated to the appropriate level as follows:

Level 1 – Persons officiating at club, county, club or regional schools.

Level 2 – Persons who have officiated at Region/Provincial level at least 3 occasions in the past 2 years.

Level 3 – Persons who have officiated at National level at least 5 occasions in the past 2 years.

In order to assist with assimilation the County is required to draw up a list of active officials within the county.  Any person who falls into one of the above official level is asked to forward their details (name, address, email address, reg. number, club, events) to corkathletics@eircom.net.  Anybody who has not emailed this information yet please do so quickly.

 

March 6 St Patricks Day 60m Dash

The St Patrick’s Day 60m Dash sponsored by the Market Tavern is taking place again this year.  Athletes (men and women) interested in taking part should contact John Sheahan on 086 8548428.  The dash will be launched on Friday night in the Market Tavern.

 

March 6 Development Day in the CIT

An athletics Development Day will take place on Saturday in the CIT Track – for details see www.munsterathletics.com

 

March 4 Irish Schools Cross Country

Well done to Craig Murphy of Togher athletic club who took silver in the senior race at the Irish Schools Cross Country Championships – results see www.isaa.ie

 

March 4 O’Shea wins Ballycotton 10

Bantry athlete Alan O’Shea became only the fourth Cork man to ever win the Ballycotton 10 and the first Cork man since 1989 to win the race.  Conditions for the race were not ideal.  Heavy rain overnight meant the course was nearly flooded in places and athletes had contend with a strong gale.  O’Shea was always to the fore in this race.  After the 3rd mile he dropped back slightly but by mile 5 he had opened up a big lead and was never threatened for the remainder of the race and finished in a time of just over 51 minutes.  Pauline Curley of Tullamore Harriers retained the womens title.  Well done to all who took part today and the organisers of the race who once again did a fantastic job, as they have done every year since 1978.  John Walshe of East Cork and Willie O’Mahony of Youghal took part in their 30th Ballycotton 10 RR today.  Results see www.ballycottonrunning.com 

 

March 3 Gold for Gillick

DSD athlete David Gillick successfully retained his European indoor 400m title today in Birmingham.  Running a fantastic race, he set a new Irish 400m record and is now the fastest Irish man over this distance both indoor and outdoor after this race.  Further details see www.athleticsireland.ie

 

February 25 County Road Championships

The County Road Championships were held today in Millstreet.  The host club, once again did a great job hosting the event.  Conditions were ideal and a record entry took part in todays event.   The County novice mens race was eon by Michael O’Herlihy of North Cork with Niamh Roe of Eagle AC winning the womens race.  Eagle AC won the novice mens title while Carraig na bhFear won the womens title.  Billy Flaherty of Skibbereen was first home in the masters mens race with Eagle taking the club title.  Carmle Crowley of Bandon was an impressive winner of the womens race with St Finbarrs winning the club title.  Results, Full Results

Next weekend will be a busy weekend, the European indoors take place in Birmingham, while on Sunday the premier road race of the year the Ballycotton 10 takes place, see www.ballycottonrunning.com for details.  If you are looking for an entry – its too late!! 

 

February 18 County Road Championships

The County Road Championships will be held next Sunday in Millstreet starting at 1pm.  The closing date for entries is Wednesday and race HQ is in Millstreet GAA.

Also on next weekend is the second round of the Munster juvenile Indoor championships in Nenagh, details see www.munsterathletics.com.

 

February 15 AAI Intermediate & Masters X-Country championships

The AAI intermediate & masters Cross country championships were held in Santry last weekend.  It turned out to be a good weekend for Cork athletes.  Carmel Parnell of Leevale led the county masters women team to Gold.  St Finbarrs took silver in the club competition.  The masters men fihed 6th in the inter county competition while East Cork finished 6th. 

James McCarthy had a thrilling win in the intermediate mens race while his East Cork club mate Sean McGrath took silver in the race.  The county team won bronze while Togher athletic club won silver.  Sharon McGarry of St Finbarrs led homes the county womens team which finished third.

Full Results see www.athleticsireland.ie

 

February 9 AAI Intermediate & Masters X-Country championships

The Athletics Ireland Intermediate and Masters cross-country championships take place in Santry, Co. Dublin on Sunday February 11th.  A bus is travelling.  It will stop in Bandon at 6.30am by Kellehers Garage, St Patricks Quay (behind the Metropole Hotel) at 7am, others stops can be arranged by contacting the team manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

The venue is Santry (near Morton Stadium).

 

February 5 County Board Meeting

There will be a county board meeting on Wednesday at 8pm in the SMA Hall in Wilton.

 

February 5 Spectacular Improvement for Crowley

The Irish Rugby team were no the only Irish athletes in action in Cardiff over the weekend.  At an indoor competition in Cardiff, Christopher Crowley of Belgooly stunned a Welsh crowd with a jump of 2.15m to win the high jump competitions.  This jump represented an improvement on his indoor personal best by 14 cm.  Christopher is currently studying in DCU on an athletics scholarship and all going well this could be a very good year for him. 

 

February 5 Munster U14-U19 Indoor Championships

A number of very impressive displays by Cork athletes here, well done to all who took part – for results see www.munsterathletics.com.

 

February 1 – South Munster Schools Cross Country

Massive number took part in the South Munster Schools Cross Country Championships held today in Midleton.  Well done to the organisers and all who took part.  Full Results - South Munster Schools Cross Country Results

 

January 29 National Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships

The Athletics Ireland Intermediate and Masters cross-country championships take place in Santry, Co. Dublin on Sunday February 11th.  A bus will leave St Patricks Quay (behind the Metropole Hotel) at 7am on the day of the race.  Anybody named on the county team who is unable to travel is asked to contact the county team manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

Masters Women (1.00pm start)

Mary Sweeney, Margo Dinan, Joan Hough, Anne Donnelly, Blaithin Hannon, Mary Murphy (St Finbarrs), Carmel Crowley (Bandon), Carmel Crowley (Bandon).  Subs: Angie Amoeda, Catherine O’Rourke (St Finbarrs), N Fitzpatrick (Bandon).

Masters Men (1.20pm start)

Donnacha O’Mahony, Frank Hayes, Denis McCarthy (East Cork), Cathal O’Connell, Eamonn McEvoy, Trevor Woods (St Finbarrs), Tom Laffan (Bandon), Billy Flaherty, Tommy Murphy (Skibbereen), Pat Murphy (Eagle), John Hallahan (Leevale).  Subs: John Logan (Skibbereen), Michael Creedon (Bandon), Joe Murphy (Eagle).

Intermediate Women (1.50pm start)

Jennifer Goggin (UCC), Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Sharon McGarry, Ann Ryan (St Finbarrs), Margaret McCarthy (Blarney Inniscarra), Niamh Roe, Ann Cashman (Eagle), Joyce Curtin (Glenbower).  Subs: E murphy (St Finbarrs), B Liston, S Murphy (Eagle)

Intermediate Men (2.10pm start)

Simon Doherty, Aaron Hornibrook, Eoin O’Sullivan, Elton Heffernan, Steven Macklin (Togher), Declan Murphy (St Finbarrs), B O’Connor, B Lyons (Grange Fermoy), James McCarthy, Sean McGrath, Donnacha Sheehan (East Cork), John Shine (Leevale).  Subs: Ronan Foolkes, Tim Healy (Togher), T O’Leary (St Finbarrs).

 

January 26 County International Awards Night

The County international awards night was held tonight in the Business centre of the Blarney Park Hotel.  Twenty Cork athletes were given international awards – Derval O’Rourke, Ailis McSweeney, Mark Hanrahan, Ciaran O’Lionaird, Derek Duff, Carmel Parnell, David Berry, Orla Barry (Leevale), Robert Heffernan, Craig Murphy (Togher), Linda & Ann Marie Cronin (Old Abbey), Tommy Murphy (Skibbereen), Mary Sweeney, Cathal O’Connell, Flor O’Leary, Joan Hough (St Finbarrs), Lorna Comyn (Belgooly), Kathleen O’Brien, Donnacha O’Mahony (East Cork).  The following athletes were recognised for their performances at the County Track & Field Championships – Sarah Bradfield, Liz Coomey (Bandon), Pavel Hazler (Leevale), Christopher Crowley, Dawn Kelly, Christina Broderick (Belgooly), Sinead Ni Chonchuir (Tracton), Denis Howard (Rising Sun), Joe Warne (Dohenys), Fergus Meade (East Cork)

 

January 24 International Awards Night

The County international awards night takes place on Friday next at 7.45pm in the Business centre of the Blarney Park Hotel.  Twenty Cork athletes competed internationally during the year who will all be honoured at this event.  Also being honoured are a number of athletes who impressed at the county track and field championships.

 

January 24 UCC fit4life Results

UCC Fit4Life 3k 24/1/06
Donal Coakley 10.31
David O'Dwyer 10.35
Mark Nolan 10.43
John O'Riordan 11.47
Orlagh Farmer 12.12
Don O'Hanlon 12.23
Batt Kearney 12.30
John Walshe 12.33
Jim Murray 12.39
Michael McCarthy 12.39
Kevin Cronin 12.42
Padraig Kelly 14.08
Tim Murphy 14.23
Sean Farmer 14.30
Mary Walsh 14.32
Billy Caball 14.54
Ray Lynch 15.07
Majella Butler 15.10
James Mealy 16.11
Declan Murphy 16.12
Sean Neff 17.00

 

Next Event is a 1 mile run on Wednesday February 7th at 7.30pm in the Mardyke Track

 

January 24 Schools Cross Country

The South Munster Schools Cross Country Championships will be held on Thursday February 1st  in Midleton CBS.  There will be events for boys in all age groups and first year girls.  For further details see Schools Cross Country

 

January 21 Murphy continues to impress

Craig Murphy of Togher is continuing his fantastic cross country season winning a big race over in the UK taking a number of notable scalps.  Also running at this event in the senior race was Fergus Meade of East Cork who was 36th.

 

January 21 Munster Cross Country

Cork athletes were very impressive at the Munster Juvenile B and masters cross country championships held in Ennis, Co. Clare today.  Despite high winds on Saturday night, the weather was not bad.  A number of county teams impressed.  Results see www.munsterathletics.com.

January 18 Coaching News

MUNSTER ATHLETICS SCHOOLS AND CLUBS JUVENILE COACHING
VENUE : RIOCHT AC TRACK, CASTLEISLAND. CO. KERRY.
DATE / TIME : 11.00 am to 1.30 pm Sunday 11th February, 2007.
EVENTS : All events catered for, except middle distance.
COORDINATOR: John Sheehan, Dooneen AC, Limerick.
COACHES: Experienced coaches will assist in each event area.
SUITABLE FOR: All experienced club and school athletes, their coaches and parents. It will be a good opportunity for those athletes going to Scotland, and any athlete looking for help with technique improvement for the season ahead.
AIM OF SESSION: Each athlete will be shown two aspects of her / his event to work on when training.
COST: 3 EURO PER ATHLETE
This is the first coaching session organised for 2007. It is hoped to have a full programme of coaching days available on this site soon. There should be at least one full coaching session per month and some specialised smaller coaching sessions also. Any school or club with special requests can contact John Sheehan at jsheehan58@eircom.net

 

January 17 UCC Fit4Life League Results

UCC Fit4Life 1 Mile 17/1/07
Aaron Hornibrook 5.08
Donal Vaughan 5.30
John Lynch 5.32
David O'Dwyer 5.36
Frank O'Carroll 5.50
Orlagh Farmer 5.55
Don O'Hanlon 6.05
James Mealy 6.25
Padraig Kelly 6.40
John Walshe 6.44
Mike Hornibrook 6.51
Michael Mc Carthy 6.54
Tony Neff 6.56
Raymond Lynch 7.35
Majella Butler 7.39
Billy Caball 7.42
Jim Murray 7.55
Sean Farmer 7.55
Edel Mc Donnell 8.12
Tina O'Regan 9.10

 

January 16 Munster Junior & Senior Cross Country

The Munster Senior and Junior Cross Country Championships were held in Bilboa, Co. Limerick last Sunday.  The course was relatively flat and underfoot conditions despite all the heavy rain were very good.  There was a strong breeze blowing but it stayed dry throughout.  The day got off to a disappointing start as the county failed to field a junior mens team.  The county junior women took bronze led home by Michelle Finn of Duhallow with her club mate Michelle Twohig close behind her.  Goof runs by Niamh O’Regan of Youghal, Duhalow girls Miriam Cashman and Carol Finn and Eadaoin O’Neill all helped the county secure bronze.  Duhallow took silver in the club competition.  The senior mens race was won by the great Seamus Power.  County Champion Brian McMahon of Carraig na bhFear was home in second with East Cork’s Sean McGrath 3rd.  Good runs by Des Casey of Millstreet, James McCarthy, Donnacha O’Mahony and Kevin O’Brien of East Cork all helped the county comfortably win the senior competition with East Cork winning the inter club competition.  Rosemary Ryan had a straightforward victory in the womens race never coming under any pressure.  The county team had an easy victory with Carmel Parnell of Leevale, Carmel Crowley of Bandon, and St Finbarrs athletes Anne Donnelly, Sharon McGarry and Joan Hough all scoring for the county team.  St Finbarrs took gold in the inter club competition.

 At the juvenile intercounty cross country relays the under 14 girls team took gold with the under 10 teams both finishing 5th.

Full Results: www.munsterathletics.com.

 

January 16 County AGM

The County AGM was held on Saturday in the Blarney Park Hotel.  There was a good attendance with the majority of clubs represented at the meeting.  All outgoing officers seeking re-election were re-elected.  The position of PRO was left vacant and at a time when our sport needs more publicity this is worrying – the immediate effect of this will be the county board website will not be updated as regularly.  Ina Killeen of Leevale was elected vice chair of the juvenile committee with Geraldine Curtin of Youghal being appointed PRO of the juvenile Committee.  The next county board meeting will be held on Wednesday January 7th at 8pm in the SMA Hall in Wilton. 

 

January 8 Munster Junior & Senior Cross Country

The Munster Senior and Junior Cross Country Championships will be held this Sunday in Bilboa, Co. Limerick.  Strong County teams have been named.  Anybody named who is not able to take part is asked to contact the County team manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

Senior Men: Brian McMahon (Carraig na bhFear), Des Casey (Millstreet), Fergus Meade, James McCarthy, Sean McGrath, Donnacha O’Mahoney (East Cork), Alan O’Shea (Bantry), Simon Doherty, Colin Merritt, Elton Heffernan, Steven Macklin (Togher), Mark Hanrahan (Leevale), Trevor Woods, Cathal O’Connell, D O’Leary (St Finbarrs).

Junior Men: Craig Murphy, Shane Coffey, Eric Murphy, Richard Quirke, Matthew Murphy, Adam Kelleher, Mark Carroll (Togher), Barry O’Donovan (Ballincollig), J O’Driscoll (Skibbereen), Denis Metcalfe, Ryan Creech (Leevale), Philip O’Neill, Eanna Cantwell (Glenbower), Michael O’Sullivan, Brendan Lynch (West Muskerry).

Senior Women: Carmel Parnell, Catherine Keohane (Leevale), Rhona Lynch, B Liston (Eagle), Margo Dinan, Ann Donnelly, Catherine O’Rourke, Sharon McGarry (St Finbarrs), Jennifer Goggin (UCC), Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Carmel Crowley (Bandon).

Junior Women: Michelle Twohig, Michelle Finn, Carol Finn, Miriam Cashman (Duhallow), Sarah Gayer (Belgooly), Eadaoin O’Neill (Glenbower), Lynda O’Donovan (Bandon), Emer O’Connell (Blarney (Inniscarra), Emily White (Ballincollig), Sinead Power, Niamh O’Regan (Youghal).

 

January 8 Grading Structure for Officials

The AAI have agreed a grading structure for officials.  An accreditation scheme is being introduced.  Existing officials will be assimilated to the appropriate level as follows:

 

Level 1 – Persons officiating at club, county, club or regional schools.

Level 2 – Persons who have officiated at Region/Provincial level at least 3 occasions in the past 2 years.

Level 3 – Persons who have officiated at National level at least 5 occasions in the past 2 years.

 

In order to assist with assimilation the County is required to draw up a list of active officials within the county.  Any person who falls into one of the above officlal level is asked to forward their details (name, address, email address, reg. number, club, events) to corkathletics@eircom.net by Saturday if possible.

 

January 7 County AGM

The County AGM will be held on Saturday January 13th starting at 11.00am in the Blarney Park Hotel.  Clubs are entitled to have 4 delegates present while divisional boards are entitled to have 2 delegates present.  Lunch will be provided for delegates attending and delegates are asked to confirm their attendance (corkathletics@eircom.net) before Saturday so the lunches can be booked.

 

January 7 Action Packed Day of Athletics

There was plenty of athletics action today.  In Carrignavar today the County Novice B cross country championships were held in dreadful conditions.  Host club Carraig na bhFear enjoyed almost a clean sweep of the medals.  John Hallahan of Leevale won the mens race with Carraig na bhFear athletes Brian Atkinson and Don Sheehan taking silver and bronze.  Mairead Burns of the host club won the women’s race ahead of club mates Emer Murphy and Valerie Murphy. 

There were dreadful conditions in Mallow too for their annual 10 mile road race sponsored by Marathon Deliveries.  Last year the race had to be postponed due to fog but fortunately the weather this year did not force the postponement of the event.  Despite the bad weather almost 400 athletes took part.  West Waterford Athlete Raivis Zakis was first with Colin Merritt of Togher 2nd and Cathal O’Connell of St Finbarrs 3rd.  Lucy Brennan of Sligo was the first woman home with Mary Sweeney of St Finbarrs 2nd and Catherine Keohane of Leevale 3rd. 

County Novice B & Mallow 10 mile RR Results

The Munster Senior and Junior Open Indoor Championships were held in Nenagh today.  The field in the 3K and 5K walks proved very strong with Olympians Robert Heffernan of Togher and Gillian O’Sullivan of Farranfore Maine Valley taking part with both winning their respective events. 

In the Junior womens events Frances O’Shea of North Cork was an impressive winner of the 800m.  Roisin Howard of Grange Fermoy took silver in the high jump and bronze in the shot and long jump.  Louise McArdle and Alanna Quinn of Leevale were 3rd in the 200m and 400m.  In the junior mens events Graham O’Riordan of Ballincollig took an easy gold.  Leevale won the junior mens 4x200m relay.  Brendan O’Connor of Beara won the 60m hurdles.  Leevale’s David Quilligan took silver in the long jump while club mate Thomas O’Sullivan was 3rd in the 400m.  Christopher Murnan was 2nd in the 200m.  Ciaran Kenny of blarney Inniscarra was 3rd in the 60m and 200m.

In the senior womens events Leevale won the 4 x 200m relay with Belgooly taking bronze.  Christina Broderick won both the 200m, 400m and high jump and took silver in the triple jump.  Her club mate Dawn Kelly won silver in the 800m.  Katey Byrd of Leevale took silver in the 60m hurdles and bronze in the 200m.

Brendan Dennehy of Rising Sun AC won the senior mens triple jump, took silver in the long jump and bronze in the high jump.  Leevale had a clean sweep in the 60m sprint with Darren O’Donovan first, Carl McNamara second and Derek Duff 3rd.  McNamara had an impressive win the 200m taking gold in a time of 22.68 ahead of Gordon Kennedy of Tullamore Harriers.  Sean McGrath of East Cork won the 3000m finishing with a fast final lap, club James McCarthy was 3rd in this race.  Kieran Ware of Togher won the 400m which his club mate Conor Sheehy was 3rd in the long jump.

Full results available on www.munsterathletics.com

 

January 3 A Busy time for athletics

There was plenty of athletics action over the Christmas period.  The annual goal mile held on Christmas Day attracted a record crowd raising thousands for the charity Goal.  The Dick Copithorne memorial RR held on St Stephens in Belgooly also attracted a record crowd with nearly 400 taking part in the race which was won by Mark Hanrahan of Leevale with Michelle Murphy Scott of Carrignavar taking the womens title.  There was a new course for the Donough Coughlan Memorial 5 mile RR held in Bandon on New Years Eve.  The winner, in blustery conditions, was Alan O’Shea of Bantry with Laura McCreesh of Sale harriers winning the womens title.  Up in Nenagh the Munster juvenile combined events and Masters championships were held with Cork athletes wining a number of medals in these competitions.  See www.munsterathletics.com.

 

This Sunday (January 7) will be a very busy day for athletics.  The Marathon Deliveries "Mallow 10 Mile Road Race" - promoted by Mallow A.C. The race starts @ 12:30pm. Entry fee: €10.  Changing facilities & entries at Youth Centre.   1st race of the John Buckley / Munster Spring Classics Series 2007.  Contacts: Jerry McCarthy (021-7333004) / John Holland (022-21280).  The race incorporates the County 10 mile road championships.

The County Novice B Cross Country Championships take place in Carrignavar at 1.30pm on Sunday.  Also on in Carrignavar are the East Cork Cross Country Championships.  Trials for the Cork County Juvenile Cross Country Relays will also take place in Carrignavar for U10, U12 and U14 athletes starting at 11.00am.

Also on Sunday are the Munster senior & junior indoor championships which will take place in Nenagh. See www.munsterathletics.com

 

January 2  North Cork School Sports

The North Cork School Sports held before Christmas were a big success.  The event organised by the Avondhu Board attracted a large number of athletes - results

 

December 21  Upcoming Events

On Christmas Morning, a number of GOAL Mile events take place in Cork city and county. The main event will again be at the CIT Track in Bishopstown from 10.00am until 12.30pm. This is one of the longest running of the GOAL Mile’s outside of Dublin, having been established over 20 years ago.  Doneraile Park will cater for the North Cork area as Mallow AC stage their third GOAL Mile there from 10.00am to 11.30am.  In East Cork, the venue is the Tower Park in Youghal from 11.00am to 12.00 noon with St Catherine’s GAA club in Ballynoe staging an event from 11.00am to 12.30pm. Bantry also has a GOAL Mile beginning at 12.30pm.  Over 50 GOAL Miles take place throughout the country on Christmas Day. All you have to do is turn up and run, walk or crawl a mile and make a donation to help GOAL’s work in the Third World. If you require a sponsorship card, contact GOAL at 01-2809779. Further details on www.goal.ie. 

On St. Stephens Day (Dec 26th) Belgooly athletic club promote the annual Dick Copithorne Memorial 4 Mile Road Race taking place in Belgooly at 12pm.  The race entry fee is €10 with €5 of the entry fee being donated to the Bowel Cancer Treatment Support Fund at the CUH.  The usual prize categories apply.  Race HQ are in Belgooly GAA.  Further details John Copithorne 086 1713500 or Rose Copithorne 086 8411193.

 The Bandon A.C Annual 5 Mile road race which is normally held on New Years Day will this year be held on New Years Eve (Sun 31st Dec) over a new route.  More information is available on the club web site. http://www.bandonathleticclub.com/.  Any specific questions about this years route please contact the club secretary Tom Laffan at secretary@bandonathleticclub.com.

 

December 21  Cork City Marathon

The Cork City Marathon will take place on Monday June 4th in 2007.  The marathon is being organised by the City Council and with the assistance of the Cork County Board and the Cork BHAA.  It is hoped that the marathon will boost tourism for Cork and improve participation in healthy activities. 

 

The County Board was first approached by the City Council about the idea of a Cork marathon in June of this year.  There was concern at the June County board meeting about how much work the board would be expected to do if the marathon went ahead and a meeting with City Council officials was arranged.  Arising out of that meeting it was felt that holding the marathon would be in the best interests of athletics in the County.  The officers gave the marathon provisional approval in August while the Board itself gave full approval to the marathon in September.  At no stage was there any opposition to holding the marathon.  Concerns about the extra work this would result in athletics officials having to do were brought to the attention of the City Council and were taken on board by the city council who with the assistance of the board are endeavouring to make sure that the existing hard working athletics officials will not be overburdened in the run up and on the day of the marathon.  County Board meetings with the City Council to date have been well organised, at convenient times and focussed.  The City Council is aware of the huge undertaking the marathon will be.  The bulk of the considerable workload associated with the marathon is being undertaken by City Council officials.  There was no bullying or cajoling of the county board by the City Council.  The City Council has at all times afforded the board the greatest respect.

 

The principal benefits of the marathon to the County Board and athletics in general will be as follows:

1.      Direct Financial Benefit for the Board from the Marathon Entry.

2.      The profile of the County Board will be raised which will benefit athletics in the County.

3.      The marathon will enable the board establish a strong relationship with the City Council which will benefit athletics and the women’s mini marathon.

4.      Being involved with the marathon, an event that promotes participation among adults of all ages, genders, social backgrounds and abilities, will be of benefit to the board when applying for grants.

5.      The marathon is an athletics event and increased participation in an athletic event can only benefit the Board, athletic clubs and the sport in general.

 

The marathon undoubtedly will lead to extra work for athletics officials.  The county board, particularly the officers, are only too aware of how busy a time of the year May and June are.  The county board would never have become involved with the marathon if it was not in the best interest of athletics.  The article in the Evening Echo yesterday about the Marathon was very unfair to the County Board and the officials of the Cork City Council.  It was inaccurate and the criticisms of Cork City Council and its officials were unwarranted and potentially damaging to athletics. 

 

Many of the problems with the CIT Track highlighted in the article do need to be addressed and a good relationship with the City Council will help address these problems.  The County Board and the CIT in partnership with the City Council and County Council have applied for a sports capital grant to develop ancillary facilities, including a covered stand, at the CIT Track.  There is no issue about the management or ownership of the CIT track.  A management committee is in place to run the track and athletics is represented by three active athletics officials on the committee.  The CIT Track held over 70 events this year including a number of national and provincial events.  It is the venue of choice for provincial event because it is in an ideal location, fully equipped, has plenty of parking and is well managed.  There are a number of problems with the track, which require attention and hopefully the track committee will address these over the next year. 

 

Athletics needs publicity and the athletics column on Wednesday’s Evening Echo is an invaluable tool for informing athletics enthusiasts of current news.  However when moving away from reporting on athletic events to commenting on other issues it is essential and incumbent on the author that this commentary is informed, balanced and in the best interest of athletics.  What was written in the Evening Echo on Wednesday December 20th was uninformed, unbalanced and not in the best interest of athletics.  The County Board meets once a month where delegates attending are entitled to raise issues they feel are pertinent, alternatively they can write to the county secretary requesting the issue be raised at the next county board meeting.  It would have been better if the issues raised in this article were discussed at a county board meeting, as it would have cleared up any misconceptions about the marathon and the CIT.  As a result of this article some of the hard working athletics officials referred to in the article will have to now get onto the City Council to clear up any misunderstandings that have arisen and hope that the interests of our sport have not been damaged by this article.  It was also disappointing that the article never mentioned the County Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships which were hosted by Millstreet Athletic Club on Sunday last or upcoming athletic events such as the Goal Mile, the Belgooly 4 mile RR, the Bandon 5 Mile RR, the Munster Masters Indoors etc.

 

Pádraig Kelly,

Secretary, Cork County Athletics Board.

December 21st 2006

 

December 17  County Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships.

The County intermediate and masters cross country championships were held today in Mount leader near Millstreet.  Despite the recent drowning the country has received the underfoot conditions were very good.  The course set at the foot of Mount Claragh was an impressive but challenging course.  A special thanks to Millstreet athletic club and land owner John Murphy for hosting the event.

Simon Doherty, who helped Cork and his club Togher win gold at the AAI Novice Cross Country championships last weekend, continued his good season taking gold In the intermediate race ahead of Billy Flaherty of Skibbereen with Declan Murphy of St Finbarrs in the bronze position.  Togher won the team title with silver for Grange Fermoy and bronze for Skibbereen.  The women’s intermediate race was won by Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll with Sharon McGarry of St Finbarrs second and her club mate Angie Ameoda third.  St Finbarrs won the team title.

Donnacha O’Mahony of East Cork won the masters race with the Barrs duo of Trevor Woods and Cathal O’Connell in second and third.  East Cork won the team title ahead of the Barrs with Skibbereen taking bronze.  The legendary Willie Neenan of the host club took part winning the over 70 category.  Mary Sweeney of St Finbarrs won the womens race ahead of Carmel Crowley of Bandon with Margo Dinan of the Barrs third.  St Finbarrs took gold and silver in the team prizes with Bandon taking bronze. 

Results

 

December 14  European Cross Country.

A poor course and food poisoning didn’t help Irelands cause at the recent European cross Country Championships in Legnano in Italy. However a fantastic run by Fionnuala Britton taking silver in the Under 23 made it a memorable weekend for the Irish.  UCCs Orla Drumm was second home for the under 23 team.  The mens under 23 team also fared well finishing 4th with Leevales Mark Hanrahan 5th home for the team.  The mens junior team never figured with Leevales Ciaran O’Lionaird having to drop out after falling victim to rough tactics, which many athletes had to use because of the narrow course. 

 

The County Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships take place on Sunday in Millstreet starting at 12.30pm. Race HQ in the GAA.

 

December 14  AAI Novice Cross Country.

The Athletics Ireland Novice Cross Country Championships were held in Athlone IT last weekend.  The course was in good enough condition though there were one or two patches where the underfoot conditions were very slippy.  The mens race proved to be a very successful one from a Cork point of view.  After the second lap James McCarthy of East Cork settled into 3rd place.  He held on to third position but came under very serious pressure from his club mate Sean McGrath who made McCarthy sprint hard to hold onto third place.  Not far being the East Cork pair were Togher’s Simon Doherty, Elton Heffernan, Steven Macklin and Eoin O’Sullivan of Togher.  These fantastic runs helped the county team win Gold with East Cork winning the inter club competition ahead of Togher.

The county womens team found the going tough finishing 7th.  First home for the team was Joyce Curtin of Glenbower followed by Maire Heffernan of Liscarroll, Niamh Roe of Eagle and Margaret McCarthy of Blarney Inniscarra.

Well done to all the Cork athletes who took part in the juvenile races.  A number of County teams picked up medals with Riverstick Kinsale medalling in the inter club competition. 

Results will hopefully be available on www.athleticsireland.ie at some stage!

 

December 4  Cork Teams for AAI Novice Cross Country.

The County Teams for the Athletics Ireland Novice Cross Country Championships to be held in Athlone IT on Saturday December 9th have been named.  Anybody unable to attend is asked to contact the County Team Manager Joe O’Flynn 087 6483532.

Men: James McCarthy, Sean McGrath, Frank Hayes, Tim O’Mahoney (East Cork), Michael Herlihy (North Cork), Simon Doherty, Elton Heffernan, Eoin O’Sullivan, Steven Macklin (Togher), John Shine (Leevale), Tony Kelleher (Eagle).  Subs – Pat Murphy, Ian Tivy, Arijav Cragia (Togher).

Women: Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll), Sharon McGarry, Catherine O’Rourke, Anne Donnelly, Andrea Ryan (St Finbarrs), Ann Cashman, Niamh Roe (Eagle), Margaret McCarthy (Blarney Inniscarra).  Subs – S Murphy, B Liston (Eagle), Angie Ameoda (St Finbarrs).

 

December 4  European Cross Country Championships.

Best of Luck to Leevales Mark Hanrahan and Ciaran O’Lionaird who compete with the Irish team at the European cross country championships in Italy this weekend.  2005 County senior cross country champion, Mark Hanrahan, who recently led the county team to the silver medal at the AAI inter county senior cross country championships competes with the under 23 team.  Also on the under 23 team is Limerick athlete Orla Drumm, currently based in UCC.   Orla has impressed this season winning an international cross country race in Holland and recently finishing 4th at the AAI under 23 cross country championships.  Ciaran O’Lionaird competes with the junior men’s team.  The 2005 county junior cross country champion has a quiet year due to injury but in what will probably be his last junior competition hopefully we will see him impress.  Best of Luck to all taking part.  Further info www.athleticsireland.ie

 

December 4 UCC Fit4Life

Last Wednesday week, in very wet conditions round 4 of the UCC Fit 4 Life Track Series took place.  Not put off by the weather a large number of runners turned out to run the mile distance with great enthusiasm.  William Hughes showed his class on the night running 4.42 to win.  In second place returning after his win the previous week was Tony Kelleher in a time of 4.59 and once again Donal Vaughan in third place with 5.15.
In the ladies section we had Noreen Mackey in first with 6.44, followed by Majella Butler with 7.30 and Freda Wynne with 7.50, Majella has taken part in every Fit 4 Life so far and is in line for an overall prize at this stage. As is Margo Dinan of St. Finbarrs AC.
There was also a group of school athletes with the first athlete Conor O'Brien posting a fine performance with 5.49.  Not far behind was Stephen Ring with 6.06 and Cullen Lynch in 6.06 crossing the line at the same time.  Returning week after week are John Quigley of Eagle and Jim Murray of Rising Sun. This event gave the young athletes the chance to have a go at the mile distance and they were rewarded with some impressive performances.  We hope to see them and more 'younger' athletes at our future meets.
Next Fit 4 Life takes place on Wednesday the 6th December at 7.30 pm - Distance 3K.  We will run off a few races at the next meet if there are enough athletes.  This is the final event before Christmas and there will be a presentation of prizes and goodies after the meet.  In all we have had close to 70 athletes take part in the series and we hope to see many return for the pre-Christmas finale.  Thanks for supporting Fit 4 Life.  For more information please contact 087 9836970/ 086 8250238

 

The CIT Fit4Life league also continues this week meeting at 12.30pm in the CIT Track club house on Saturday!

 

December 4 Coaching Seminar

Brother John Dooley, who is one the country’s most respected and successful coaches, will give a presentation on middle distance running on Thursday December 14th at 7.30pm in the SMA Hall in Wilton (upstairs Room 7 & 8).  Athletes, Coaches, Parents are all welcome to attend. 

The Southern Region Development Officer Jacqui Freyne (Stokes) will also give a short presentation on the night and will be available to take questions.

No cover charge.

 

December 4 Munster Cross Country Championships Called Off

The Munster masters and juvenile B Cross Country Championships due to be held yesterday in Co. Clare were called off on account of the bad forecast and dreadful weather on Saturday.  No rescheduled date has been announced yet.