2008 News Archive

www.corkathletics.org

Dec 18 – Update

UPCOMING EVENTS
21st - Newmarket to Kanturk RR, 1.30pm
25th - Goal Mile CIT & other locations, see www.goal.ie
26th - Belgooly 4 mile, 12pm, Belgooly GAA
28th - Bandon 5
For more details see www.corkrunning.blogspot.com

TV COVERAGE
There will be some local athletics coverage aired on Chorus/NTL Channel South on Friday evening from 7:30 to 8 and repeated on Saturday at 3pm. 

MUNSTER INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dates are available on www.munsterathletics.com

COUNTY AGM & AWARDS NIGHT
Both these events will take place in the Vienna Woods Hotel in Glanmire (for directions please contact me).  The AGM takes place on Saturday January 10th @11am and the awards night is on Friday January 16th @8pm.  Clubs are invited to nominate athletes for awards who represented Ireland in recognised junior, senior or masters international competitions.

Dec 14 – Cork County Junior & Senior Cross Country Championships

Well done to all who took part in todays championships, full results are now available. A sincere thanks to Carraig na bhFear AC and the O’Reilly Family for the hosting and organisation of todays championships. Also thanks to Liam O’Brien, Tim Twomey and John Walshe for organising the results.

Photos (courtesy of John Quigley in Eagle)

Report for C103fm Radio – Tony Kelleher, PRO, Cork County Board

There was a strong field of 40 athletes lined up today for the Senior mens race at the County Senior Cross Country Championships. The gruelling event over 10km was held in cold, breezy conditions in Watergrasshill but with a dry, sunny day, conditions underfoot were reasonably good.

As predicted, Mark Hanrahan of Leevale AC who just missed out on a place in the European Cross Country Championships, also held in Brussels today, recorded a runaway victory. He was unchallenged throughout the race and crossed the finish line almost a minute and a half ahead of Italian native Mauro Lanfranchi who was running in the green and white singlet of Togher AC. East Cork duo Sean McGrath and James McCarthy followed in 3rd and 4th place with Millstreet’s Des Casey rounding out the top 5.

In the team placings, East Cork AC scored a record 6th consecutive victory with McGrath and McCarthy supported by Munster Masters Champion Donnacha O’Mahony in 7th place and Frank Hayes in 16th. Togher were second team with 4 athletes inside the top 20 and St. Finbarrs 3rd, also with 4 runners inside the top 20 finishers.

The ladies contest over 5km was dominated by Eagle Athletic club as their 4 athletes raced to the clubs 1st ever team victory in this event. Rhona Lynch started the race conservatively and was rewarded with a comprehensive win by the time she crossed the finish line 19mins and 43 seconds later. Michelle Scott of host club Carrignavar filled 2nd place with Louise Kavanagh of Bandon taking 3rd. Lynch was supported by teammates Niamh Roe, Gail Mullanney and Jane McGrath in taking the team title.

There was a small field in the Junior ladies race. Nonetheless, Andrea Bickerdyke of Leevale AC had a good win from teammate Aisling Gould in 2nd and Niamh O’Regan of Youghal in 3rd.

Togher men were clear winners of the team title as expected in the Junior Mens race. However, the individual honours went to Ronan Duggan of Bandon AC from Dean Cronin, Blarney-Inniscarra in 2nd and Alan O’Reilly of Glenbower in 3rd.

Further afield today, Craig Murphy of Togher AC was 1st of the Irish finishers in the Junior Mens race at the European Cross Country Championships held in Brussels, Belgium. Murphy finished in 19th place in his race with the Irish team finishing 8th overall. There was Cork interest also in the Senior Mens race as Leevales Mark Carroll finished 5th of the Irish scorers in 42nd place and the Irish team finishing 7th overall. The mens U23 team also finished in 8th place. The Senior Womens team finished 9th, the U23 team a good 4th and the Junior team also filled 4th place.

Dec 12 – Cork County Junior & Senior Cross Country Championships

Intriguing Contests Ahead for County Cross Country Titles 

The Premier Event of the Cross Country Season takes place this Sunday (December 14th) as Watergrasshill stages the County Senior and Junior Cross Country Championships.  These events will no doubt attract some of Cork's top athletes as they battle it out for the four individual and team titles which will be on offer.  

The Senior Mens title over 10km and has an honour roll that incudes some of Cork's finest athletes.  Last year's title was won by former Cork City Marathon winner Alan O'Shea of Bantry.  O'Shea took the honours ahead of Cathal Lombard of Leevale who was returning to competition after a lengthy absence from the sport.  Lombard went on to win the National Inter-Clubs title in Belfast earlier this year.  

"This is a competition that is wide open this year" according to County Board PRO, Tony Kelleher.

"Alan O'Shea is on a years sabattical in Australia and Cathal Lombard retired from the sport shortly after capturing his National title earlier this year.  Mark Hanrahan of Leevale ran very well at the National Inter-Counties in November and only marginally missed out on making the Irish team for the European Cross Country Championships."  

"Those championships also take place in Brussels this weekend and Mark will be anxious to atone for missing out by regaining the title he last won in 2005".  

There will of course be a number of other athletes in contention for the County Senior title.  

"James McCarthy of East Cork has shown some good form lately.  He is a former National Intermediate Champion and he was 3rd behind O'Shea and Lombard last year.  He could see this as a good opportunity to take his 1st County Senior Cross Country title.  His teammate Donnacha O'Mahony recently won the Munster Masters title for the 4th time in succession and he is a 5-time winner of the County Senior title.  Others to watch will be the Leevale duo of James Grufferty and John Shine, Des Casey of Millstreet and Eoin O'Sullivan of Togher".  

"East Cork will be favoured to capture their 6th consecutive team title but St. Finbarr's, Togher and Leevale will be fielding strong teams in an attempt to thwart this.  Honestly, there is nothing cut and dried about this race this year and any number of individuals or teams could come away with the honours".  

The Senior Ladies race could also spring a surprise this year.   "Carmel Crowley of Bandon will probably start as favourite to capture this title again this year" according to Kelleher. 

"However, it will be very interesting to see how Niamh Roe of Eagle will perform.  She finished 6th last weekend in the National Novice championships and she wasn't that far behind Crowley in the National Inter-Counties in November.  Niamh loves cross country running and it will be a very exciting contest.  We could see a new champion here!"

Others to watch include Carmel Parnell of Leevale AC, Carmel McCarthy now with St. Finbarrs AC and former scholarship athlete Collette O'Riordan of West Muskerry AC.  

And what of the Junior titles on offer this weekend ?  

"One thing for sure is you can expect Togher athletes to dominate the Junior Mens race and this is despite the absence of Craig Murphy this weekend.  Murphy won the National Junior title in dramatic fashion a few weeks ago.  He is in Brussels this weekend with coach Steven Macklin where he will lead the Irish charge in the Junior Mens race at the European Cross Country championships."  

"Any one of Craig's clubmates could challenge for the County Junior title this year.  These include the likes of Richard Quirke, Craig Harrington or Peter Hanrahan if he steps up from the juvenile ranks.  Track specialist Ronan Duggan of Bandon may also be one to watch for an individual medal.  He was the 2nd Cork finisher behind Craig Murphy at the National Inter County Championships in November"  

"Duhallow athletes are likely to be equally as dominant in the Junior ladies contest.  Michelle Twohig was 9th at Nationals and will be favourite to take individual honours.  You can also expect Duhallow to take the team title as with Togher in the mens race".  

The schedule commences in Watergrasshill this Sunday (December 14th) with the Ladies Junior Race at 12:30pm.  This will be followed by the Mens Junior Race at 12:50pm.  The Senior Ladies race is scheduled for 1:20pm with the Mens Senior Race commencing at 1:50pm.

Dec 10 – European Cross Country Championships

Best of Luck to Cork athletes Ciaran O’Lionaird & Mark Carroll of Leevale, Craig Murphy of Togher and the Irish teams who compete in the European Cross Country Championships this weekend.

Dec 10 – Cork Underage Athletes Impress in Cavan

National Cross Country Uneven Ages - Ballyhaise, Co Cavan - 7th December, 2008

Congratulations to all Cork athletes who participated in both Club and County teams last Sunday in Ballyhaise, co Cavan in very cold but dry weather conditions. The ground was frozen and very bumpy for the first few races and then turned to slush for the older age groups making underfoot conditions quite demanding.

The Cork U/19 Boys County team was placed 3rd with Togher AC athletes all scoring for the County, Alan O' Brien 34th, David O' Keefe, 37th, Richard Quirke, 42nd, Padraig McSweeney, 46th, Adam Kelleher, 51st and Cormac Lehane, 53rd. Unfortunately their club team were out of medal contention.

Well done to Togher AC 's club team on winning the U/17 Boys Club team championship title with team scorers, Peter Hanrahan, 8th, Patrick Coleman, 13th, Brian Murray, 15th, and Cullen Lynch 38th. These lads together with John Harrington, 9th, Bantry and Dean Cronin, BIAC, 24th all scored on the victorious Cork team bringing home Gold inter-county medals.

The Cork U/15 Boys team came 2nd with Ian Hartnett, 6th, Ian tobin, 13th, Andrew O' Keefe, 25th, James Kelleher, 37th, Emmet Brandon, Togher AC and Eoin Burke all scoring. Again well done to Togher AC's club team which came second all of whose athletes also scored for the County.

The Cork U/11 Boys team came 3rd and saw three of it's scorers in the first 12 individual placings, Fearghal Curtin, Youghal AC who won the championship title, Adam Buckley, W. Muskerry, 7th and Diarmuid Clancy, Youghal , 8th. These lads also won gold medals on the Munster team. Richard O' Brien, 41st, Caolan O' Brien 44th, Midleton and Seamus Fox, Grange Fermoy 86th completed the Cork scoring to take bronze medals.

The Girls U/17 race had Orlagh Farmer putting in a very impressive performance to take 5th individual medal. Cork were unlucky to be out of the medals in 5th place as were the BIAC club team. The Girls U/15 County team finished in 2nd place and included some good performances from Blaithin Lynch, Midleton AC, 2nd, Lorraine Bernard, Youghal AC, 20th, Claire O' Brien, BIAC, 35th, Emma Hennessy, 44th, Emma Flavin, 48th, Ciara Broderick-Farrell, 67th. The Youghal club team which also included Patricia Curtin were very unlucky in 4th position. Blaithin and Lorraine also scored on the Munster team.

The Girls U/13 County team were also out of the medal table but some superb performances were given by Maeve Ahearne, Carrignavar, 5th and Cara O' Brien, Midleton 12th both winning individual medals. The Youghal AC U/11 Girls club team won the Club Team Championship title winning a total of 13 medals. The team included Jennifer Hennessy, 3rd, Emily O' Keefe, 12th, Rachel Dunne, 25th, Niamh Bernard, 45th and Fidelma Flavin. The Cork team came 2nd and also included Grainne Lucey, 52nd, Bandon, and Donna McCann, Midleton, 84th.

Full results are available on www.athleticsireland.ie.

It is encouraging to see six juvenile County teams in medal positions in the inter-county section, two Club teams winning Club team Championship titles and an individual Championship title holder arising out of this National Cross Country Championships. It was also great to see so many Cork athletes participating on the Munster teams. Well done to all athletes for participating and to all club coaches, parents, Co Board officials for looking after the athletes.

Geraldine Curtin, Juvenile PRO

Dec 9 – News Update

COUNTY JUNIOR & SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

This event will take place on Sunday next @ 12.30pm in Watergrasshill.

Order of Events:

Junior Women (~12.30pm)

Junior Men (~12.50pm)

Senior Women ~(1.20pm)

Senior Men (~1.50pm)

COMMUNITY GAMES

There is a meeting on Tuesday Dec 9th @ 7pm in the Vienna Woods for anybody interested.

COUNTY AWARDS NIGHT

This will take place on Friday January 16th @ 8pm, venue TBA.  Clubs are invited to nominate any junior, senior or masters athlete who competed in a recognised international athletics competition during 2008. nominations to [email protected].

COUNTY AGM

Details of AGM

FIXTURES

Please forward to [email protected] the dates of any planned events (sports, road races & cross country) for 2009.

Dec 8 – AAI Cross Country in Cavan

Well done to all who travelled to Cavan to compete yesterday, full results are available on www.athleticsireland.ie.

Dec 2 – Mallow 10 on Jan 11^th 2009

Mallow 10 Flyer, more details on www.mallowac.ie

Dec 2 – AAI Senior Indoor Championships

The 2009 Woodie’s DIY Irish Indoor Athletic Championships will be launched tomorrow in Belfast. The event is on Saturday 7th- Sunday 8th February 2009.

The website is now live (www.indooratletics.net ) and all information for the event should be posted here first and then on ANI/AAI after. (Launch information will appear tomorrow afternoon on all websites).

Tickets went on sale from Monday 1st December and ticket prices for the general public can be found on the site. However, please see attached prices for all affiliated Athletics NI and Athletic Ireland clubs/ members only. These will be on sale from our office and are only applicable to pre-sales. (Tickets cannot be collected on the day).

We have teamed up with the Premier Inn Belfast which has two hotels, the family orientated Alfred St venue and the livelier centre of town Waring Street which will act as headquarters. The cost is £70 per room [Rooms can take up to 2 adults and 2 children (but not 3 adults). Children must be under 16 years. Full Breakfast £7.50; Children eat free with two paying adults].

There is a special link on the indoors website to book your accommodation to get the discounted rate and for every booking, a £1.00 contribution will be made to athletics. Also attached is an Accommodation flyer to distribute to members/ put on website etc.

Cost to enter is £10/ €12 and online entry is available for Seniors (downloadable form also available); closing date is Friday 23rd January 2008.

More details - www.indooratletics.net

Ticket Prices

Accommodation Offer

Dec 1 – Offer from MCSPORT

10% Discount for AAI Members

Dec 1 – Busy Weekend for the Development Team

The Athletics Ireland Development team were very busy over the weekend – read more

November 30 – Munster Juvenile B and Masters Cross Country Results

Today was a very good but cold day in Killeagh for Cork athletes. A sincere thanks to Youghal AC for hosting the days competition and well done to all who took part.

Juvenile B Results

Masters Results

The County Junior & Senior Cross Country Championships will be held on Sunday December 14th @ 12.30pm in Watergrasshill. As this is our premier cross country event, athletes are requested to make a special effort to support the event.

November 30 – T&F Coaching Day Postponed & no County Board Meeting on Wednesday

The T&F coaching day scheduled for Saturday December 13^th has been postponed until the new year and there will be no county board this Wednesday (Dec 3^rd) to facilitate an officers meeting ahead of the county AGM on Saturday January 10^th 2009.

November 30 – Provisional 2009 County Athletics Calendar

Any club that wishes to have events included in the Provisional 2009 County Athletics Calendar is asked to email [email protected] with the date, nature of event and contact details as soon as possible.

November 30 – Scottish Indoors

There is a possibility that the date of the Scottish indoors may be changed, athletes affected are recommended to contact Georgina Drumm.

November 24 – County Teams for Munster Masters Cross Country Championships

The Munster Masters Cross Country Championships will be held in Killeagh (not Carrignavar) on Sunday at ~ 1.30pm. Anybody unavailable is asked to contact county team manager, Joe O’Flynn 087 6483532. As this event is being held in Cork athletes & clubs are requested to make a special effort to support this event.

Men O35

Trevor Woods, Colm O'Donovan, Kieran O'Sullivan, Cathal O'Connell - St.Finbarrs AC

Donncha O'Mahony, George Murray, Eric Meade, Frank Hayes, Denis McCarthy - East Cork AC

Tom Laffan - Bandon AC

Dave Muldowney - Eagle AC

John Hallahan - Leevale AC

Tony Kelleher - Togher AC

Men O50

John Collins - Leevale AC

Michael Murphy, Paul Dinan, Willie Hayes, Dan Kennedy - St. Finbarrs AC

Frank Cashman - East Cork AC

Pat Murphy, Pat Twomey, Joe Murphy, Paul Cotter - Eagle AC

Tim Joe Buckley - Donoughmore AC

John O'Driscoll - Rising Sun AC

Women O35

Sharon McGarry, Margo Dinan, Denise Twohig, Blaithin Ni Hannon, Ger O'Shea, Maria Collins - St. Finbarrs AC

Nollaig Hunter - Leevale AC

Louise Cavanagh, Carmel Crowley - Bandon AC

Sally Drennan - Midleton AC

Clotilde Fitzgibbon, Joan Ennis - Grange Fermoy AC

Women O45

Kate Coveney, Siobhan Dineen - Bandon AC

Mary Sweeney, Mary Murphy, Angela McEvoy, Ann Donnelly - St. Finbarrs AC

Carmel Parnell - Leevale AC

Joan Hough - Midleton

November 23 – National Inter County Cross Country Championships

Expectations were high for Cork Athletics today as Craig Murphy of Togher Athletic Club toed the line in the mens Junior Race at the National Inter County Cross Country Championships held in Tramore, Co. Waterford. 

Murphy, a past pupil of Douglas Community School and currently a student at Dublin City University was arguably favourite for the title having won the Irish Schools Cross Country Championships in Galway last March, 2 weeks after finishing 2^nd in the Junior race at the National Inter-Clubs championships in Belfast. 

On a testing course, there was near disaster for Murphy as he lost a shoe on the 1^st of 3 laps leaving him well down the field.  However, Murphy maintained his composure as he gradually reeled in the field to take this title in his last year as a Junior athlete.  Craig Murphy is coached by Athletics Ireland Regional Development Officer Steven Macklin at Togher Athletic Club and will now represent Ireland in the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels in December. 

In the ladies Junior race, Michelle Finn of Duhallow AC finished in the top 10 and was the 1^st Cork athlete over the line in that event.  Carmel Crowley of Bandon AC was 1^st of the Cork Senior ladies whilst Mark Hanrahan of Leevale AC was 1^st of the Cork athletes in the mens Senior Race, finishing in 6^th place overall. 

Well done to all the Cork athletes who competed today – juvenile, junior and senior, full results are available on www.athleticsireland.ie.

Next on the agenda for Cork athletes is the Munster Masters Cross Country Championships which will be held in Killeagh, near Youghal on Sunday next, November 30^th.  This will be followed by the County Senior and Junior Cross Country Championships which will be held in Watergrasshill on December 14^th. 

November 18 – County Teams for National Inter County Cross Country Championships

The championships will be held on Sunday next, November 23rd in Tramore, Co. Waterford. Anybody unavailable is asked to contact county team manager, Joe O’Flynn 087 6483532.

Senior Men

Mauro Lanfranchi - Togher AC

Tom Maunsell, Mark Hanrahan - Leevale AC

Roy Fahy, Donncha O'Mahony, Sean McGrath - East Cork AC

Trevor Woods, Con Marshall, Cathal O'Connell - St. Finbarrs AC

Brian McMahon - Clonliffe AC

Cillian O'Leary - Raheny Shamrocks AC

Tim Murphy - Grange Fermoy AC

Subs. Frank Hayes - East Cork AC, Gary O'Sullivan - Grange Fermoy AC, Eoin O'Sullivan - Togher AC

Senior Women

Carmel Crowley - Bandon AC

Ann Donnelly, Margo Dinan - St. Finbarrs AC

Anne-Marie Healy, Niamh Roe, Rhona Lynch - Eagle AC

Nollaig Hunter - Leevale AC

Subs. Sharon McGarry - St. Finbarrs AC, Niamh Walsh - Youghal AC, Sarah Gayer - Belgooly AC

Junior Men

Richard Quirke, Craig Harrington, Peter Hanrahan, Craig Murphy, Cormac Lehane, Alex Kelly - Togher AC

Ryan Creech - Leevale AC

Philip O'Neill, Alan Lane - Glenbower AC

Brendan Lynch - West Muskerry AC

Ronan Duggan - Bandon AC

Junior Women

Michelle Twohig, Michelle Finn - Duhallow AC

Linda O'Donovan, Ailish Crowley - Bandon AC

Ashling Murphy - Skibbereen AC

Niamh O'Regan - Youghal AC

Andrea Bickerdyke - Leevale AC

Claudette Kelly - Belgooly AC

November 16 – County Inter & Masters Cross Country

County Inter & Masters Cross Country Results

November 11 – County Juvenile Teams for National Cross Country Championships in Cavan on December 7th

November 10 - National Novice Cross Country
The County Board is considering organising a bus to these championships in Cavan.  To date insufficient interest has been shown to justify the cost of organising a bus.  A definite decision will be made on Wednesday about the bus, anybody interested in travelling on the bus is asked to reply to this email before then.
(It is intended to leave Cork on Saturday and travel as far as Longford.  Athletes must arrange their own accommodation in Longford! The bus will then depart for Ballyhaise, Co Cavan on Sunday and return to Cork Sunday night)

November 10 – Cross Country Training
There will be cross country training in Glebower Wood in Killeagh this Saturday @ 11.00am.  For those attending it is advised to park near the Old Thatch Pub in Killeagh and walk to the woods then.  further details see www.corkathletics.org

November 10 – County AGM
The County AGM will be held on Saturday January 10^th in a venue TBA at 11.00am. Lunch will be provided for delegates.

Any motions and nominations for the County AGM are to be sent to Padraig Kelly, Crioch, Ballyburdenmore, Ballincollig, Co. Cork or email [email protected]. Closing date for nominations and motions is December 1^st 2008. Nominations and motions will not be accepted over the phone or by text!

Clubs are asked to give careful consideration to motions they are submitting and note that there is no congress (national AGM) taking place in 2009. 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 - Chairman, other members

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

November 9 – Munster Cross Country Results

www.munsterathletics.com

November 6 – County Intermediate & Masters Cross Country

This competition will take place on Sunday November 16^th @ 12pm in the Clonakilty Showgrounds. A sincere thanks to the West Cork Board for hosting this competition.

Entry Form, Closing Date for Entries Wednesday November 12^th.

November 6 – Full Results County Juvenile Cross Country 2008

November 5 – County Teams for Munster Intermediate Cross Country

Anybody unavailable is asked to contact county team manager Joe O’Flynn on 087 6483532.

The race is on this Sunday in Cooraclare, Co Clare @ ~2pm

James Grufferty Leevale

Declan Murphy St Finbarrs

Noel Curtin Youghal

John Shine Leevale

Con Marshall St Finbarrs

Garry O'Sullivan Grange Fermoy

Tony Kelleher Togher

George Boyle Leevale

Colm Donovan St Finbarrs

U23 Men

John Shine Leevale

Donal Coakley Togher

Peter Fennell Togher

Shane Coffey Togher

Kevin Hassett Togher

Aidan Mullins Bantry

Novice Women

Sharon McGarry St Finbarrs

Andrea Ryan St Finbarrs

Jessica Vonhatten Leevale

Michelle Finn Duhallow

Carol Finn Duhallow

Aine Murphy UCC

Terry Hennessy Grange Fermoy

Sally Drennan Midleton

Dawn Kelly Belgooly

Niamh Walsh Youghal

Irene Hartigan UCC

Alice Dunalves St Finbarrs

U23 Women

Carol Finn Duhallow

Katie Fitzgerald Ballincollig

S Noonan Leevale

Sinead O'Connor Leevale

Katey Byrd Leevale

October 12 – Cross Country

A sincere thanks to land owner Teddy O’Sullivan and Carraig na bhFear AC for holding todays Cross Country Championships.

More action next Sunday in Turnpike, Co Tipperary.

Juvenile Cross Country Results

Senior Results (full results)

October 11 – Regional Squad Sessions

Letters of invite will be posted out to athletes at end of next week and this years squad sessions are strictly for the u15-u19 age group this year.

Further Details:

Steven Macklin, [email protected]

Regional Development Officer (Southwest Region)

Tel: 087 6335565

October 9 – Cork County Athletics Board Honours Beijing Olympians

by Tony Kelleher, PRO, Cork County Athletics Board

photos http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/PresentationToOliveAndRobbie

The October meeting of the Cork County Athletics Board was somewhat special this year as the Board took the opportunity to honour 2 Cork based Olympians for their outstanding performances at this years Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Coachford based Olive Loughnane and Togher man Robert Heffernan were both in attendance to receive special awards to mark their world class performances at the Games. Loughnanes performance was arguably the best result achieved by an Irish athlete in Beijing as she strode to a 7th place finish in the ladies 20k walk in a personal best time of 1:27:45. Olive Loughnane was born in Cork in 1976. Her family moved a number of years later to the Loughrea area and she is still a member of the athletics club there. She returned to Cork a number of years ago to take up a job as a statistician with the CSO and she lives in Coachford with husband Martin and 2 year old daughter Eimear. She recently took some time out from her job to prepare for the Games and her 7th place finish in Beijing was just reward for an athlete who has shown steely determination and unwavering commitment to her sport since making her Olympic debut in Sydney 8 years ago.

Equally impressive in Beijing was Togher athlete, Robert Heffernan who stormed to 8th place in the mens 20k walk in a time of 1:20:36. The diminutive Heffernan (30) holds every Irish race walking record from 3k to 20k and is ranked as one of the top-10 race walkers in the world. He is a popular and dedicated member of Togher Athletic Club and is held in the highest regard in local and international athletics circles. Heffernans Olympic debut was also in Sydney 8 years ago and his 8th place finish in Beijing was a remarkable progression from his 28th place finish on that occasion. Also present with Robert was fiancee Marian Andrews, the Irish 400m champion whom he is to wed next year.

Cork County Board Chairperson, Noreen Murphy paid tribute to both athletes as she presented them with their awards. She wished the athletes well in their athletics endeavours in the years ahead and thanked them for their contribution to athletics locally, nationally and at the highest level on the worldwide stage.

October 5 – Cross Country

A sincere thanks to land owner Gus Murphy and West Muskerry AC for holding today Cross Country Championships – results

More action next Sunday in Carrignavar.

September 29 – Mini - Marathon

A sincere thanks to all who helped out yesterday at the mini marathon. The event went extremely well and due to the exceptional quality and quantity of help given.

September 17 – Mini - Marathon

The 2008 Cork Womens Mini Marathon is being held on Sunday September 28^th. As always it is essential that there is enough help on the day to run of the event efficiently. As this event is an important fundraiser for the board all clubs are requested top provide help on the day of the race. Anybody available to help is asked to contact Padraig 086 8689599, Noreen 021 4884495 or Pat 0851480725.

September 17 – Leevale Multi Events Coaching

Leevale AC are organising a number of multievent coaching days in the coming months, an open invitation is extended to interested athletes and coaches from other clubs if they wish to attend.

Details of Coaching Days

September 14 – Eagle AC Archive

Eagle AC have compiled a fantastic archive of results of road races and other events in Cork. This is a useful resource for athletes in Cork and anybody who can add to it is encouraged to do so. View this archive on www.eagleac.net.

September 14 – Blarney Half Marathon

See www.stfinbarrsac.com for results. Munster results available on www.munsterathletics.com.

Well done to all who helped out and took part in the event.

September 6 – Juvenile Cross Country Details

Cover Letter & Entry Forms

September 1 – Cross Country Coaching

Saturday September 6^th

Ballincollig Regional Park 11.00am

Saturday September 13^th

James Fort, Kinsale 11.00am

Saturday November 1^st

Mallow / Strand in Youghal 11.00am

Saturday November 15^th

Mallow / Strand in Youghal 11.00am

August 15 – Liscarroll Sports Results

July 30 – Rising Sun Sports this Monday

Rising Sun Sports Programme

July 29 – Araglin Sports

Araglin Sports Report

June 29 - County T&F Results

County Novice & Masters T&F Results

June 13 – County Senior T&F Results

County Senior T&F Results

Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/CountySeniorChampionships106062008

June 5 – Mark Carroll to compete in County Senior T&F

Dear all,

I am pleased to confirm that the 1,500m event at tomorrow evenings Cork County Senior Track and Field Championships will feature one of Irelands greatest ever athletes, Mark Carroll of Leevale Athletic Club. The line-up also includes top Irish Internationals Mark Hanrahan, also of Leevale AC and Mark Christie of Mullingar AC who is guesting in the event.

Mark Carroll is a former European Indoor 3,000m champion and outdoor Bronze medallist over 5,000m. He holds the Irish Record for 3,000m and 5,000m and is currently aiming to compete over 10,000m at this Summers Olympic Games in Beijing, China. His clubmate, Hanrahan is the current Irish Under-23 1,500m Champion whilst Mark Christie holds the Irish Junior Record for 3,000m. Hanrahan and Christie have previously represented Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships.

This will undoubtedly be the most competitive and exciting event that the County Senior Track and Field Championships has seen in recent years and I would greatly appreciate the support of you and your athletes at tomorrow evenings Championships. The program commences at 7pm and the 1,500m event is scheduled for 8:15pm. Full details on the Cork County Board Website http://www.corkathletics.org

Please note that entries have now closed for these championships but late entries for any of the events will be taken on the night from registered Senior athletes along with the appropriate late entry fee.

Tony Kelleher,

PRO Cork County Board

June 4 – Tracton Sports

Tracton AC hold their annual open sports on Sunday June 15^th - programme

June 2 – Cork City Marathon

The Champion Sports Cork City Marathon was run today in almost ideal conditions. Roy Fahy of East Cork who was 3^rd last year came through to take gold with Eoin O’Connell 2^nd and Cathal O’Connell of St Finbarrs 3^rd. Lucy Brennan of Sligo won the womens race with last years winner Tracy Guilfoyle of Kilnaboy AC in Clare was 2^nd with Sinead Ni Chonchuir of Eagle in 3^rd. Last years mens winner Alan O’Shea of Bantry won the Relay competition with his team ‘Rivergold Road Runners. Thurles Crokes AC were 2^nd ahead of Athenry. Gerry Forde of Blarney won the wheelchair race, his 3^rd marathon in a month!!

Full Results and more on www.corkcitymarathon.ie

Well done to all who took part in this event and a sincere thanks to all who helped out. Feedback and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

May 23 – County Junior & Masters T&F

Results

May 18 – County Juvenile T&F

Day 3 Results

May 11 – Marathon Workshop

Training for the Cork City Marathon?

Training somebody else for the Marathon?

Marathon Workshop

Saturday 17th May

Mardyke Arena, Cork

Programme:

2.00pm - Registrations

2.15pm - Marathon Injuries & Prevention

3.00pm - Marathon Nutritional Strategies

3.45pm - Tea/Coffee Break

4.00pm - Planning for Race Day

4.45pm - Conclusion

The workshop will include three presentations relevant to Marathon Training. To begin Freda Davoran (Physical Therapist) will discuss common injuries associated with Marathon training and also the very important prevention measures that can be taken. Tom Hill an exercise physiologist from UCC who has worked with numerous endurance athletes and their nutritional needs will discuss the importance of fuelling and hydrating in both training and on race day. Following a short break former Olympian Gillian O Sullivan will discuss the various ways one can prepare both physically and mentally for race day. After each presentation there will be a questions and answers session for 15 minutes.

Places are limited, therefore to avoid disappointment please contact Joe O Connor (Athletics Ireland RDO) on [email protected] or 087 6335565 to confirm attendance. There will be a €5 charge on the door.

May 11 – County Juvenile T&F Championships

Results Day 2

May 5 – County juvenile B T&F Championships

Details,

Entry Form in Microsoft excel format (right click on link, click save as, save in the correct location, open the file, edit and save, email as an attachment to [email protected]

Programme

Closing Date - Tuesday May 13^th

May 5 – County Juvenile Relay Entry Forms

Entry Forms in Microsoft excel format (right click on link, click save as, save in the correct location, open the file, edit and save, email as an attachment to [email protected]

Entry Forms

Programme

Closing Date – Friday May 9^th, email to [email protected]

May 5 - County Juvenile Team Competition (U10, U11 & U12)

The County Juvenile Team competition will take place on Sunday May 18^th. Closing Date for Entries – Friday May 9^th, email entries to [email protected]. If more than one team is being entered indicate with A or B or C. Please note there is a maximum of 3 teams per club. U9’s can move up to U10 but U10 cannot move up to U11 and U11 cannot move up to U12. For competition rules refer to the juvenile competition booklet available on www.athleticsireland.ie

Programme

Entry Forms in Microsoft excel format (right click on link, click save as, save in the correct location, open the file, edit and save, email as an attachment to [email protected]

Boys U10

Girls U10

Boys U11

Girls U11

Boys U12

Girls U12

May 4 – County Juvenile T&F

Results Day 1 County Juvenile T&F

Apr 28 – Douglas CS compete at World Schools Cross Country

Douglas CS today finished 11th out of 28 countries at the 18th World Schools Cross-Country championships held in Zdar Nad Sazavou in the Czech Republic recently. The team was the 6th European country overall. Team members were Peter Hanrahan (Captain), David O' Keeffe, Brian Murray, Alan O' Brien, Patrick Coleman and Adam Kelleher.

http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/WorldSchoolsXC

Best of Luck to Douglas CS and all other athletes who compete in the upcoming schools T&F season which is starts this Saturday in the CIT Track.

Apr 28 – County T&F Championships

Details about the County Juvenile Relays, County Team Juvenile Team Event and County Juvenile B Championships will be posted on Tuesday, May 6^th. Details about the County Junior, Senior, Masters & Novice T&F will be also posted on this date.

Apr 3 – World Cross Country

Craig Murphy of Togher Athletic club had an outstanding run in Edinburgh at the World Cross Country Championships finishing 48^th in the junior race. He was the 5^th European in the race. Craig enjoyed fantastic support at the event and we wish him all the best in the upcoming track and field season. Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/WorldXC2008

At the Schools International Cross Country, Ryan Creech Glanmire CC (Leevale) finished 7th and Patrick Coleman Douglas CS (Togher) finished 31st in Inter boys race at the Schools International Cross Country. Photos - http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/SchoolsInternationalXC Well done to both athletes.

Mar 30 – County Juvenile T&F

Information

Programme / Programme msword format

Girls Entry Form Excel

Boys Entry Form Excel

Mar 17 – St Patricks Day Sprint

The Market Tavern sponsored fastest man and woman in Cork organised by was held today before the St Patricks Day Parade today in Cork. Derek Duff of Leevale won the mens race while Marian Andrews of Togher won the womens race.

Results:

Men: 1 Derek Duff (Leevale) 7.0, 2 Carl McNamara (CIT) 7.3, 3 Tim Harrington (Bandon) 7.6, 4 Ciaran Kenny (BIAC), 5 Paul Stack (Leevale), 6 Denis Finnegan (UCC).

Women: 1 Marian Andrews (Togher) 7.6, 2 Kate Hunphreys (Leevale) 8.0, 3 Louise McArdle (Leevale) 8.3, 4 Katey Byrd (UCC), 5 Roisin Howard (Bandon).

Mar 16 – Munster Road Championships

Full results are available on www.munsterathletics.com

Mar 11 – West Cork Road Championships

Full results from the recent West Cork Athletics Board Road Races are on the Bandon A.C Web site at http://www.bandonathleticclub.com/Results/Results_WC_RoadRace_2008.htm

Mar 10 – Irish Schools Cross Country Championships

The Irish Schools Cross Country Championships were held in Galway over the weekend. Douglas Community School had a great weekend which saw Craig Murphy win the senior boys race. Other results -

Junior-Douglas CS team 4th

Inter boys- Ryan Creech Glanmire CC 2nd, Patrick Coleman Douglas CS 8th (Both make Irish team for schools international cross-country on march 29th in Scotland). Douglas CS team 2nd team.

Senior- Craig Murphy Douglas CS 1st and Douglas CS team 5th.

Photos are available on http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/IrishSchoolsXC2008

Also held over the weekend were the IUAA cross country championships. Michelle Finn of Duhallow running for UL was 4^th overall while the UCC ladies team took bronze.

Mar 09 – Munster Road Championships

The Munster Road Championships take place on Sunday (march 16^th) in Ballyea, Co. Clare (on the Kilrush side of Ennis). Strong County teams have been named for ther novice and masters races. As always anybody named who cannot compete is asked to contact Joe O’Flynn - 087 6483532.

Men

Novice

Sean McGrath East Cork

Frank O'Carroll East Cork

David O'Dwyer East Cork

Wieslaw Sosnowski Eagle

Tony Kelleher Eagle

Declan Doyle Eagle

Kevin Wilmot Bandon

David Towey Grange Fermoy

Gary O'Sullivan Grange Fermoy

Brian O'Connor Grange Fermoy

Shane Maher Grange Fermoy

Noel O'Regan Midleton

Donal Broderick Midleton

Stanislaw Byczek Midleton

Denis Coughlan St. Finbarrs

O'35

Wieslaw Sosnowski Eagle

Tony Kelleher Eagle

Declan Doyle Eagle

John Desmond Eagle

Tom Laffan Bandon

Joe O'Sullivan Bandon

Denis Mc Carthy East Cork

Eric Meade East Cork

David O'Dwyer East Cork

David Towey Grange Fermoy

Gary O'Sullivan Grange Fermoy

Brian O'Connor Grange Fermoy

Noel O'Regan Midleton

Donal Broderick Midleton

Stanislaw Byczek Midleton

O'50

John Collins Leevale

Pat Twomey Eagle

Pat Murphy Eagle

Joe Murphy Eagle

Maurice Tobin Grange Fermoy

Phil Mc Grath East Cork

John Walshe East Cork

Liam O'Leary St. Finbarrs

Michael Dunne St. Finbarrs

Dan Kennedy St. Finbarrs

Eamon Mc Evoy St. Finbarrs

Flor O'Leary St. Finbarrs

Women

Novice

Rhona Lynch Eagle

Fidelma Kirwan Eagle

Aoife Cooke Youghal

Fiona Hickey Youghal

Niamh Walsh Youghal

Mary O'Keeffe Youghal

Michelle Nolan Midleton

Fiona Dukelow Midleton

Sally Drennan Midleton

Denise Twohig St. Finbarrs

Esther Murphy St. Finbarrs

Aine Murphy UCC

O35

Carmel Crowley Bandon

Ann Marie Healy Eagle

Fidelma Kirwan Eagle

Michelle Nolan Midleton

Fiona Dukelow Midleton

Sally Drennan Midleton

Breda Cahill Midleton

Maura O'Doherty Midleton

Blaithín Ní Hannon St. Finbarrs

Angela Mc Evoy St. Finbarrs

Margo Dinan St. Finbarrs

Louise Kavanagh UCC

O45

Joan Hough Midleton

Kate Coveney Bandon

Mary Murphy St. Finbarrs

Carmel Parnell Leevale

Ann Donnelly St. Finbarrs

Mary Sweeney St. Finbarrs

Amanda Stavros St. Finbarrs

Yvonne Bennett Carrignavar

Marion Lyons St. Finbarrs

Mar 02 – Munster Juvenile Indoors

A strong squad of athletes travelled to Nenagh to compete in the Munster Indoor Championships on 1st and 2nd March. Clubs competing included Leevale, Blarney Inniscarra, Bandon, Riverstick Kinsale, Grange Fermoy, West Muskerry and Youghal. Listed below are some of the successes of Cork athletics at the weekend. More detailed results will be published on www.munsterathletics.com during the week.

Girls U/15 60m Sprint Final.

This final was dominated by Cork athletes namely Jessica Sheehan Riverstick Kinsale, Grainne Moynihan West Muskerry, Jessie O' Flynn Leevale, Una O' Mahoney ane Lucy Howard Jones BIAC. The winner Sara Lavin of Emerald again provided another Championship best winning in a time of 8.02 but Cork obtained silver and bronze medals when Grainne Moynihan came 2nd in a time of 8.20 and Jessica Sheehan 3rd in a time of 8.26. This was a great achievement for these girls.

Girls U/15 Shot Putt BIAC's Niamh Murphy had a clear win with a throw of 11.12m. Lynn Bradfield of Bandon AC came third with a throw of 9.58m.

Girls U/16 800m

The Neville sisters of BIAC, Jessica and Christine won gold and silver in this final. Jessica won with Christine in second place.

Girls U/16 Shot.

Tracy Bradfield of Bandon AC won silver with a throw of 10.30.

Girls U/16 1500mChristine Neville of BIAC won gold honours in this raceGirls U/16 Long Jump/Sprint.Leevale's Jennifer Murphy won silver - her best jump was 5.07.Girls U/15 800MPatricia Curtin of Youghal narrowly missed out on qualification for the final. Girls U/15 High JumpJessie O'Flynn of Leevale and Niamh Daly of Youghal finished in 5th and 6th positions.Girls U/17 60M Sprint.Leevale provided another silver medalist when Rebecca Corbett finished in 2nd place in a time of 8.06.G U/17 High Jump/800M/Long Jump/60M HurdlesOrla Finn of Riverstick Kinsale put in more superb performances both in the 800m race finishing second in a time of 2.25.50. She had fantastic wins both in the high jump with a clearance of 1.60m and in the Long Jump (5.21).WalksBlarney Inniscarra girls won three medals in the walks, Eve O' Nahoney 2nd in U/17 walk, Eva Murphy 2nd and Margaret Carey 3rd in U/16 walk. Boys U/15 60m Hurdles.Daire Walsh of Leevale won thios event in a time of 9.91 followed by Shane Howard of Grange Fermoy in a time of 9.99Boys U/16 60m Hurdles,Spike Shaughnessy of Bandon AC won gold finishing in a time of 9.30.Boys U/17 60m Hurdles.Leevale dominated this race winning gold and silver medals when Patrick Maher finished first in 8.63 followed by his clubmate Edmond O' Halloran.Boys U/18 60MNiall Stanley of Riverstick Kinsale won in 9.32 securing his Munster title.Boys U/16 Shot.Bandon secured another championship medal with a win from Patrick McSweeny throwing 12.28. Boys U/17 Long JumpCork athletes were again to the fore in these events; Timmy Harrington of Bandon won the U/17 with a jump of 6.35 followed by Niall Stanley of Riverstick Kinsale jumping 5.79. BOYS u/19 Long Jump David Quilligan of Leevale won the U/19 competiton with a jump of 6.71.BOYS u/16 1500mDean Cronin of BIAC won in a time of 4.29.81.Boys/18 1500MLeevale's Eric Curran also won gold in a time of 4.53.73Boys U/18 Triple JumpTimmy Harrington of Bandon won this event followed by Dermot Hickey in second place. Boys U/17 Shot Dermot Hickey (Riverstick.Kinsale) won and in second place was Callum Burke O Driscoll of neighbouring club Belgooly.

Mar 02 – AAI Inter Club X-Country Championships

The AAI interclub cross country championships were held in Belfast yesterday on what was by all reported a very challenging course. A number of Cork athletes were in action. In the senior mens race Cathal Lombard of Leevale who took silver at the County Senior cross Country Championships in November was a surprise winner taking a number of notable scalps including that of Alister Cragg. Brian McMahon, formerly of Carraig na bhFear AC, helped Clonliffe win the senior mens club title. Craig Murphy of Togher was second in a very exciting junior mens race, only 3 seconds behind the winner. Munster Junior womens cross country champion Michelle Finn of Duhallow was 7^th in the junior womens race. Full results and report are available on www.athleticsireland.ie.

Feb 27 – Marathon Launched

The 2008 Cork City Marathon was launched today in City Hall. The marathon will take place on Monday June 2^nd and this year will be sponsored by Champion Sports. On hand to help with the launch was Olympic athlete Robert Heffernan and last years winner Alan O’Shea.

The Marathon will be a significant fundraiser for athletics in Cork and this will be particularly important as bills for the CIT development fall due, clubs are requested to ensure that as many people as possible are available to help with the marathon on June 2^nd!

Photos from launch - http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/CorkCityMarathonLaunch2008

Feb 27 – Coaching Level 1 - Mardyke Arena - Cork

Day 1: Saturday March 22nd

Day 2: Monday March 24th (Bank Holiday)

Day 3: Saturday May 24th

Day 4: Sunday May 25th

Contact : Joe O' Connor, Regional Development Officer Athletics Association of Ireland

Ph: (087) 6335565 or email [email protected]

Feb 27 – Munster Road Championships

The Munster Road Championships take place in Clare on Sunday March 16^th. Athletes who wish to be included in county teams are asked to contact county team Manager Joe O’Flynn - 087 6483532

Feb 27 – St Patricks Day Dash!

The annual St Patricks Day Dash will take place again this year just before the parade! Senior Athletes interested in taking part in this event are asked to contact John Sheahan as soon as possible - 086 8548428.

Feb 17 – County Road Championships

The Cork County Road Championships were held today (Sunday February 17th) in Whitechurch. This was the first county championships event hosted by Eagle AC. Sean McGrath of East cork won the novice mens race with Grange Fermoy winning the inter club competition. First masters athlete over the line was Wieslaw Sosnowski of Eagle Athletic Club. Sadly this is one of the last races Wieslaw will run in Ireland as he is returning to his native Poland next weekend, Wieslaw has been one of the top runners in Cork during his stay in Ireland and has represented club and county with distinction in numerous competitions. Host club Eagle Athletic club had a double in the master mens race winning both the over 35 and over 50 inter club competition. Rhona Lynch of Eagle Athletic Club won the novice womens race with Youghal Athletic Club winning the novice inter club title for the first time. Carmel Crowley of Bandon won the master womens race with Midleton Athletic Club winning the master womens inter club title for the first time. A special thanks to John Walshe and Liam O’Brien for their help with the results, Results

There are a couple of pics. from the County Road Championships at http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/CountyRoads2008, There are loads more on the Eagle website at http://www.eagleac.net/component/option,com_gallery2/Itemid,86/?g2_itemId=11222.

Eagle AC host the Carrigaline 5 next week, see www.eagleac.net for details. The Munster Road Championships will be held in Ballyea, near Ennis, Co. Clare on Sunday March 16^th at 1pm.

Feb 14 - National Intermediate & Masters Cross Country Championships

There was Silver for the Cork Ladies Masters team at the National Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships which were held in Wexford on Sunday, 10 Feb 2008. Louise Kavanagh (UCC), Carmel Parnell (Leevale), Anne Marie Healy (Eagle) and Mary Sweeney (St. Finbarrs) combined to take 2nd place in the Inter-County Masters competition behind the winning Dublin team and ahead of Meath in 3rd. St. Finbarrs finished 3rd in the Inter-Club competition.

In the men's equivalent, Cathal O'Connell, Trevor Woods and Eamon McEvoy of St. Finbarr's combined with Frank Hayes, Denis McCarthy and Eric Meade of East Cork to take 3rd in the Inter-County event. The Barrs finished 5th of the Masters clubs with East Cork in 11th place.

Munster champion Niamh Roe (Eagle) finished 11th and Sharon McGarry (St. Finbarrs) 40th in a competitive intermediate womens race. Cork's Cillian O'Leary picked up an excellent Silver in the men's race, albeit with his Dublin club, Raheny Shamrocks AC. The County team finished in 5th place. Togher A.C. finished best of the Cork clubs in 6th place with St. Finbarr's filling 14th spot.

A phone was found on the county bus, for details contact the team manager Joe O’Flynn.

February 9– County Road Championships

The County Road Championships will be held on Sunday, February 17^th at 12pm in Whitechurch. Women 2 miles, Men 4 miles. Anybody available to steward is asked to contact John Quigley – [email protected]

For the first time ever, athletes can now view maps of the course for the county road championships in advance of race day.

Ladies - http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/ireland/whitechurch/1065534053

Men - http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/ireland/whitechurch/1015325195

Further info, including embedded maps, is on the Eagle site: http://www.eagleac.net/content/view/115/1/

A special thanks to John Quigley and Eagle Athletic Club for these maps.

Entry Forms for County Road Championships

February 9– Munster Schools Cross Country

Well done to all who took part in the Munster schools cross country championships held in Tramore recently. Pictures of the victorious Douglas Community Schools teams are available on http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro/MunsterSchoolsCrossCountryTramoreCoWaterford07022008.

Report by Brendan Mooney in the Examiner http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=sport-qqqm=sport-qqqa=sport-qqqid=54702-qqqx=1.asp and the AAI website http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=3355 - more-3355

February 9– Coaching Courses

Level 1 - Mardyke Arena - Cork

Day 1: Saturday March 22nd

Day 2: Monday March 24th (Bank Holiday)

Day 3: Saturday May 24th

Day 4: Sunday May 25th

Contact: Joe O Connor, (087) 6335565, [email protected]

January 28– AAI Senior Indoor Championships

New Irish Record for Heffernan at Irish Indoor Championships

by Tony Kelleher, PRO, Cork County Board

Togher athlete Robert Heffernan kicked off the Irish Indoor Athletics Championships in style on Saturday, 26 January with a new Irish record in the mens 5k race walk. Heffernan lit up the Odyssey Arena in Belfast with a clocking of 18.51.46, a performance that saw him lap the entire field at least twice en route to shaving over a second from his own record set in Nenagh almost 6 years ago. This was a great start to the year for Heffernan as he sets his sights on the Olympic Games in Beijing this Summer where he is one of Ireland's best medal prospects.

There were also a number of creditable performances from other Cork athletes. Joe Warne of Dohenys claimed Silver in a top class mens 800m finishing 4th overall (1.51.76) behind former Irish international James McIlroy of Abbey A.C. (1.49.61) with Kenyan and Slovakian athletes filling 2nd and 3rd spots. Leevale's Carl McNamara was awarded the Bronze medal in the mens 200m, clocking the same time as silver medallist David Hynes of Menapians (22.76 secs). British athlete Daniel Cousins was the overall winner of that race. In the field events, Denis Finnegan of UCC took the Irish title in the Triple Jump finishing 2nd overall behind Slovakia's Jaroslav Dobrovodsky whilst in the High Jump, Christopher Crowley of Belgooly was in good company as Jamie Nieto of the USA set a new Irish All-Comers record of 2.26m. Crowley finished 3rd overall with a leap of 2.10m claiming the Silver medal on countback from Dublin athlete Mark Crowley.

In the ladies events, Ailis McSweeney of Leevale showed a return to form by taking the Irish title over 60m. McSweeney finished 2nd overall behind Anyika Onoura of the UK, her time of 7.46secs somewhat shy of the 7.37secs qualifying standard for the World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain in March. Cork athletes also medalled in the 400m, Marian Andrews of Togher and Jessica Zebo of Leevale taking Silver and Bronze respectively behind Melanie Purkiss of the UK and winner of the Irish title, Brona Furlong of Slaney Olympic. Dawn Kelly of Belgooly took bronze in the ladies 800m in a time of 2.18.67

Full Results see www.athleticsireland.ie.

January 25– Schools Cross Country

South Munster Schools Cross Country Results

January 24 – County Teams for National Intermediate & Masters Cross Country Championships

The teams are as follows:

Masters Men

Donncha O'Mahony East Cork

Frank Hayes East Cork

Denis McCarthy East Cork

Eric Meade East Cork

Trevor Woods St. Finbarrs

Cathal O'Connell St. Finbarrs

Eamon McEvoy St. Finbarrs

Tom Laffan Bandon

Noel Curtin Youghal

Billy O'Flaherty Skibbereen

Declan Doyle Eagle

Tony Kelleher Eagle

Subs.

Michael Murphy St. Finbarrs

Dave Muldowney Eagle

Dave Towey Grange Fermoy

Masters Women

Louise Kavanagh U.C.C.

Mary Sweeney St. Finbarrs

Margo Dinan St. Finbarrs

Ann Donnelly St. Finbarrs

Joan Hough Midleton

Carmel Crowley Bandon

Carmel Parnell Leevale

Ann Marie Healy Eagle

Subs.

Blaithín Ní Hannon St. Finbarrs

Angela McEvoy St. Finbarrs

Sally Drennan Midleton

Intermediate Men

Steven Macklin Togher

Elton Heffernan Togher

Kieran Ryan Togher

Eoin O'Sullivan Togher

John Shine Leevale

James Grufferty Leevale

Tom Maunsell Leevale

Tim Murphy Grange Fermoy

Brendan O'Riordan Eagle

Cillian O'Leary Raheny

Kevin O'Brien East Cork

Denis Coughlan St. Finbarrs

Subs.

Ian Tivy Togher

Guillaume Laget St. Finbarrs

Gary O'Sullivan Grange Fermoy

Intermediate Women

Niamh Roe Eagle

Mary Cotter Eagle

Sharon McGarry St. Finbarrs

Andrea Ryan St. Finbarrs

Ann Marie Hayes East Cork

Dawn Kelly Belgooly

Karen Kenny Grange Fermoy

Maire Heffernan Liscarroll

As always anybody named who cannot compete is asked to contact Joe O’Flynn - 087 6483532. A bus will leave for Wexford from St Patricks Quay, Cork @ 8am on Sunday February 10^th.

January 22 – Munster Indoor Championships

Owens Impresses at Munster Indoor Championships

by Tony Kelleher, PRO, Cork County Board

Cork athletes were in action at the Munster Junior and Senior Championships held at the Indoor track in Nenagh on Sunday, 20 January 2008.

In the Junior events, Cathal Owens of Leevale had an emphatic victory in the 400m, his time of 51.81 bettered only by Kevin Walsh of Togher, the winner of the senior title. Walsh's clubmate Eoin Joyce took the 200m title with Breandan Dennehy of Rising Sun scoring a double victory in the Long Jump and Triple Jump events.

Cork sprinters were again to the fore in the ladies events. The Junior and Senior 60m hurdles titles went to Orla Finn of Riverstick Kinsale and Katey Byrd of Leevale whilst Bandon's Joan Healy edged Togher's Marian Andrews in the Senior 200m. Healy, who only turns 16 this year, enjoyed a sprint double taking the 60m title as well.

Attention now turns to the Senior Indoor Championships of Ireland which take place in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Saturday/Sunday 26/27 January 2008.

January 22 – New Website

A new website has been set up profiling some of the country’s top athletes - www.runtrackireland.com (The Cork County Board is not responsible for the content of this website)

January 21 – Awards Night

Cork Athletes Honored at Cork County AAI Awards Night

By Tony Kelleher, PRO, Cork County Board

The Cork County International Awards night took place on Friday January 18th in the Imperial Hotel, Cork.  Athletes who were selected to represent Ireland at Junior, Senior or Masters level during 2007 were presented with international awards.  Athletes who performed exceptionally well during the recent cross-country season were also presented with county awards.

Among those honoured in the International category were popular race walker, Robert Heffernan of Togher and world indoor champion Derval O’Rourke of Leevale.  Heffernan finished an excellent 6^th place in the 20k race walk at last year’s World Track & Field Championships in Osaka, Japan and O’Rourke, despite a year frustrated by injuries advanced to the semi-final stage of the 100m hurdles at the same championships.  Among others honoured in this category were multiple masters champion Carmel Parnell of Leevale and talented Douglas youngster Craig Murphy of Togher AC who is a rising star of the future. 

Bantry native Alan O’Shea featured in the county awards category.  O’Shea had an exceptional year in 2007 and was a deserving recipient of this award for capturing his 1^st County Senior Cross Country title in November.  This followed a string of breakthrough performances on the roads, most notably a victory in the prestigious Ballycotton 10 in March followed by victory in the Cork City Marathon in June on his debut over the distance.  Junior and under 23 County Cross Country champions were also honoured in this category. 

The following is the full list of recipients: 

International Awards County Awards

Carmel Parnell(Leevale)   Shane Coffey (Togher)

Orla Barry(Leevale)    Michelle Finn (Duhallow)

Ailis McSweeney(Leevale)   Maire Heffernan (Liscarroll)

Derval O'Rourke(Leevale)   Peter Fennell (Togher)

Mark Hanrahan(Leevale)   Carmel Crowley (Bandon)

Joe Nagle(Leevale)    Alan O’Shea (Bantry)

Cathal Owens(Leevale)   Trevor Woods (St. Finbarrs)

Kathleen O'Brien(East Cork)   Nollaig Hunter (Leevale)

Joan Hough(Midleton)   Niamh Roe (Eagle)

David Berry(Leevale)

Mary Sweeney(St Finbarrs)

Stephen Field(Leevale)

Robert Heffernan(Togher)

Craig Murphy(Togher)

Carl McNamara(Leevale)

Flor O'Leary(St. Finbarrs)

John Corr(Leevale)

Christopher Crowley(Belgooly)

Anne Donnelly(St. Finbarrs)

Pictures available on http://picasaweb.google.com/corkaaipro

January 16 – Schools Cross Country

Details about the schools cross country championships - Schools Cross County Championships

January 1 – Cross Country Relay Trials

Trials for the county teams for the Munster cross country relays being held near Cashel on Sunday January 13^th will be held this Sunday (jan 6^th) in Watergrasshill at 11.00am. This event is being held in conjunctions with the East Cork cross country championships.