Cork to Cobh 40 Years Ago - Guest Article by John Walshe

CORK TO COBH RACE OF 1978 – WHEN WOMEN COMPETED FOR THE FIRST TIME

 Start of Cork to Cobh Road Race 1978 - Photo: Copyright Evening Echo

This article by, John Walshe, appeared in the April 10th 2018 issue of the Evening Echo

This weekend marks a significant anniversary for Cork (and indeed Irish) athletics for it was on this Sunday 40 years ago that women took part for the first with the men in an Irish road race. The occasion was the Cork to Cobh 15-mile event and the iconic picture (courtesy and copyright of the Evening Echo) shows the three pioneering women – Marion Lyons, Dervla Mellerick and Elaine Kelly – at the start line on the Lower Road. The following article, published last Tuesday in the Evening Echo, tells the story of that historic day.

CORK TO COBH RACE OF 1978 – WHEN WOMEN COMPETED FOR THE FIRST TIME

On Monday next, April 16, the famous Boston Marathon takes place for the 122nd time. Twelve months ago, the race honoured Kathy Switzer on the 50th anniversary of her participation in the race which made her the first woman to run the iconic course from Hopkinton to Boston.

Entering by just using the initials ‘KV Switzer’, during her run a race official famously attempted to stop her but he was shoved to the ground by Switzer’s boyfriend and the 20-year-old went on to finish the 26.2-mile course. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that women were officially allowed to take part in the event.

This weekend also marks a significant date here in Cork for it was 40 years ago – on Sunday April 16, 1978, that women were allowed for the first time in this country to line up in a road race beside the men.

The occasion was the 15-mile event from Cork to Cobh, a race with already a chequered history as it had on a number of occasions hosted both National and Munster championships.

Road running in the 1970s was a far cry to what it is today. That year of 1978, the Cork to Cobh attracted just 33 entries, of which 27 finished. Race headquarters was at the old Arcadia Ballroom where entries (at 40 pence) were taken. The race started at 3pm underneath the railway bridge at Water Street and finished outside the post office in Cobh.  

Amongst that small entry were the names of Marion Lyons, Elaine Kelly and Dervla Mellerick – three pioneering women in the history of Irish athletics. A preview in the previous Friday’s Evening Echo stated: “It is an ambition at the back of every club athlete’s mind to finish the course [from Cork to Cobh]. It could be regarded as a race that separates the men from the boys but on Sunday next it will be a matter of separating the men from the women.”

The PRO of the Ballymore-Cobh club, the organisers of the race, was quoted as saying he was delighted to hear of women taking part. “They certainly show a lot of courage,” he said, adding that the club may in fact consider having a special prize for the first female to finish.

Marion Lyons is the only one of the three still involved in the sport. She is currently President of her beloved St Finbarr’s AC and as recently as a month ago was the winner of the F60 category at the County Road championship at Castlelyons.

She recalls that historic occasion on the road to Cobh four decades ago: “I suppose we were afraid that the men would object, but nobody really minded. If anything, I’m sure the men were delighted we were there and you could say we have never looked back.

“I knew Elaine and Dervla and we decided we’d love to take on the challenge of running against the men and doing a longer distance. We didn’t really want to tell them in case they would object as at the time there were no women running with the men, even though men were my greatest friends to train with, they were so good to me.”

Of the three, Marion was the most experienced having represented Ireland at senior level on a number of occasions, the highlights being the World Cross-Country Championships at Chepstow and Düsseldorf.

Dervla Mellerick had, a month before, made the Irish team for the World C-C in Glasgow but for Elaine Kelly, 15 miles was a lot longer than she was used to. She was mainly a 400m/800m track runner with two national titles over the latter distance to her credit in 1971 (2:14.7) and 1977 (2:06.07).

“As we got nearer to the race, the organisers heard about us and they said they would allow us run,” says Marion. “We had actually run the 15 miles in training and on the day we stayed together for most of the race and then towards the end I just stepped ahead and won it.

“We felt very good throughout the race, the men were saying to us ‘don’t pass up, don’t pass us’ but I said to them ‘come on lads, come with us, sure we’re all in the same boat’.”

Donie Walsh of Leevale was first across the line in the men’s race in a time of 77:35 ahead of Midleton’s Liam O’Brien who recorded 78:14 with former winner of the race, Richard Crowley, third in 78:48. The times of the three women on that historic occasion were: Marion Lyons, 1:42:30; Dervla Mellerick, 1:42:37; Elaine Kelly, 1:44:56.

Marion Lyons would go on to run six marathons - which included a win in the Cork Marathon of 1986 – recording a personal best time of 2:54:57 for the distance. She is one of the most enthusiastic and inspiring figures in athletics and her passion for the sport is as evident today as it was all those years ago.  

“I would still encourage people to get involved in sport because the self-esteem and confidence gained is invaluable. Everyone is important and can make a difference, whether you’re elite or down the field,” sums up this remarkable pioneer who has certainly left her own historic mark on women's athletics in Cork.

Cork Athletics - Events Week Ending Sunday April 15th 2018

Registered Cork Athletics Races & Events for Week Ending Sunday April 15th 2018

 

Emer Casey 5k - Thursday April 12th	Karen Fenton 5k - Sunday April 15th

This week - Two Cancer Fundraiser 5k's: Emer Casey 5k & Karen Fenton 5k, West Cork T&F Chps and Inaugural CYDI Session

Cork Events

Thursday April 12th, 8pm, Youghal - Emer Casey 5k Road Race

Saturday April 14th, 1pm, CIT Track - Cork Youth Development Initiative (CYDI)

Sunday April 15th, 11am, CIT Track - West Cork Division T&F Championships Day 1

Sunday April 15th, 11:30am, Ballinora, Waterfall - Karen Fenton Memorial 5k Road Race

National Events

Friday April 13th, QUB, Belfast - IUAA Track & Field and Combined Events Championships

Saturday April 14th, QUB, Belfast - IUAA Track & Field and Combined Events Championships

Sunday April 15th, 11am, Dublin - Athletics Ireland National 10k Road Championships

International Events

Monday April 16th - Boston Marathon 2018

Cork Athletics County Juvenile T&F Championships 2018 - Order of Events

Cork Athletics County Juvenile T&F Championships 2018

Schedules of Events

Programs may be brought forward

May 6th May 2018

ORDER OF EVENTS DAY 1

Download Day 1 Schedule (PDF File) Updated April 15th

Check in 10am        Start 10:30am

All Long Hurdles G&B U14 - 200h – G&B U15 & U16 - 250h, G&B U17 -  300h

G&B U18 & U19 - 400h
500m – BU10, GU10 Heats
600m GU12, BU12, G13, B13 Heats
Steeplechase Boys & Girls U17 - U 19

Check in 12:30  -  CIT side

       Heats of Boys and Girls U/9
•    Sprint Hurdles Boys and Girls U12,U13 (Heats followed by Final) Boys and Girls U14
      Check in 12.30 - Sprints - Stand side
•    Sprints Boys & Girls U11, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 Heats
•    All  Semi Finals and Final at stand side

Check in 2:30pm

•    400m Boys and Girls U 17 - U19 Heats
•    1500m U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 Boys and Girls
•    500m/600m/400m Finals

Field Events: 10:30 am                    Check in 10am

10:30 am

1.    Javelin:       BU14, BU15, B U17, BU18, BU19, BU16, BU13
2.    High Jump:  BU11, BU18, BU16, GU15, GU17, GU13, G11, BU14, BU19
3.    Shot:          GU12, GU11, GU13, GU18, GU19, GU15, GU16, GU17, GU14
4.    Discus:       GU13, GU14, GU15, GU16, GU17, GU18, GU19

10:30am

5.    Long Jump      G18, G19, G12, G14, G16, B12
                            BU13, B15, B17, B10, GU10

11:00am

6.    Turbo-Javelin:      G9, B9, GU11, B11 - as runways are available

1:30pm

7.    Pole-vault:    BU19, BU18, BU17, BU16, BU15, G15, GU16, GU17, GU18, GU19
8.    Hammer       BU13, BU14, BU15, BU16, BU17, BU18, BU19

May 13th 2018

ORDER OF EVENTS DAY 2

Download Day 2 Schedule (PDF File) Updated April 15th

Program may move forward

Check in 10 am - Start  10:30am

•          All walks Boys and Girls
300m – U9 Girls and Boys Heats
600m – U11 Girls and Boys Heats
200m Heats – U14, U1 5, U16, U17, U18, U19

Check in 12:15 pm -  CIT Side

        Boys and Girls u/10 sprint heats
•    Sprint Hurdles   Girls U15, Girls U16, Boys U15 80m, Girls U17, U18, U19 100m and Boys U16, Boys U17,100m, Boys 18, 19 110mH

Check in 12.15 pm- Sprints - Stand Side

•     U12, U13,U14, Boys and Girls sprints Heats,
•    All Semi Finals and Finals at stand side

Check in 2pm

      800m – U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U19 Girls and Boys
•    200m Finals
•    3000m G/B U16, U17, U18, U19
•    Finals 300m/ 600m

Field Events: 10:30 am                    Check in 10am

10:30 am

1.    Triple Jump    BU17, BU15, GU17, GU18, GU19, BU18, BU19, BU16 - Pit A
2.    Long Jump     B9, G9, B14, G15, G17, B18, B19
3.    Long Jump     G11, B11,  B16, G13 - Pit A
4.    Javelin:         GU14, GU15, GU17, GU16, GU18, GU19, GU13
5.    High Jump:    GU12, BU13, GU16, BU12, BU17, GU18, GU19, BU15, GU14
6.    Shot:            BU11, BU18, BU17, BU19, BU12, BU16, BU14, BU13, BU15
7.    Discus:         BU13, BU14, BU15, BU16, BU17, BU18, BU19

11:00am

7. Turbo-Javelin:  B12, G12, G10, B10

1:30pm

8. Hammer      GU13, GU14, GU15, GU16, GU17, GU18, GU19

Cork-Athletics-Track-and-Field-Information-2018

Information for Cork Athletics Juvenile Track and Field Championships 2018

 
Juvenile T&F Entry Forms 2017

1 All athletes must be registered members of Athletics Ireland

2  Athletes are confined to their own age group, except for relays, where athletes may move up by one age

3  Under-16 athletes may not compete in Under-17 4x4 relays

4  Athletes born in 2011 may not compete

5  Only competing athletes and officials are permitted on the track and infield area

6  All clubs are asked to provide 2 officials, and only those nominated will be given free entry

7  There is no limit to the number of events per athlete, but competitions will not be delayed waiting for the return of any athlete from another event

8  Closing Date is Friday April 27th for Competition on May 6th & 13th.

9  If additional entries are being submitted, please submit ONLY additional entries , on a NEW form (DO NOT RESEND original entry form with all entries)

10  Entries received after 12pm on Monday April 30th will be charged double fees.

11  No late entries or entry on competition day

12  Entries sent on modified forms will be returned. No entries will be taken over the phone!

13  Photography – To comply with Child Protection legislation and regulations, All photographers/cameras must register. This is done at the gate

14  Relays Under-12 to Under-19 qualify from county championships, Under-9 to Under-11 qualify from Munster

15  B competition is for athletes who have competed in “A”s, but who did not win a medal - No exception

16  There will be an Officials meeting, at 10 am each day of competition, in red brick building

17  All athletes must wear footwear and club colours

18  Please respect all property at C.I.T

19  Please do not litter - There is a cleaning charge levied by CIT!

Athlete Transfer Listings March 2018

Athletics Ireland Approved Transfers March 2018

The Spring Transfer Window closed on Saturday March 24th.  Transfer forms may be submitted at any time, but will not be dealt with until the next Transfer Window closes, on August 24th 2018. Two transfer applications were deferred until the August transfer window, as, having previously transferred last August, they may not transfer again until at least twelve months has elapsed


There were ninety seven (97) athlete transfers were approved at the April meeting of Cork Athletics County Board, on Wednesday April 4th. Ninety one (91) transfers were between Cork clubs, while six (6) more were 'out of county' transfers.  There may be other Inter-County transfers in the process of being approved by other Counties, but none have been presented to Cork Athletics at this point in time.

Thirty Eight (38) of the transfers are from Duhallow AC to new club Mount Hillary AC, which is based in the Banteer area of North Cork. Mount Hillary AC  representatives were welcomed, as Cork's newest club, at last night's County Board meeting.

NB: Transferred athletes may NOT represent, in any championship or open events (inc road races), for their new clubs until May 1st 2018.

Approved Transfers

Approved Inter-County Transfers

There were nine inter-county transfers, with seven going out of Cork, and two coming in. There may be other transfers into Cork, from other counties, but these may come later as Inter-County transfers can take longer, having to go through a longer process.

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - March 31st 2018

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - March 31st 2018

March end-of-month registrations for Cork Athletics stand at 5,961. This is marginally down on the March 2017 figure of 6,059 and ahead of the corresponding 2016 figure of 5,575, while the March 2015 figure was 4,815, and 4,454 in March 2014.

To date, fifty one of Cork's fifty seven registered clubs have registered athletes, leaving six clubs yet to register a single athlete. 

These clubs, and their athletes, coaches, officials and other club members are NOT covered by Athletics Ireland insurance for any purpose whatsoever, leaving those athletes and clubs in a precarious position. In the situation where membership fees have been collected, but no Athletics Ireland registration paid, then that particular club, and its officers, leave themselves in a very precarious position, with the club, and the individual officers, personally covering any liability arising.

[Note: At least one club is still experiencing difficulties logging in to the registration system. Any club experiencing similar difficulties should contact Athletics Ireland immediately]

An additional consequence of failing to register a club and the minimum registration requirement of ten (10) registered members, is that permit applications from such clubs will, as has already happened this year, be declined, pending registration.

2018 Athletics Ireland Registrations are now Due

Clubs are reminded that 2018 registrations should be completed as soon as possible. There was a "grace period" of a few weeks, to allow sufficient time for re-registrations, whereby insurance cover continued, pending registration.  This "grace period" does NOT extend beyond the later end of January, and did NOT include competition.

Therefore any athlete, coach, official, or any member acting in any capacity, who remains unregistered is NOT covered by Athletics Irelands insurance, for ANY purpose whatsoever, including training and/or competition.

Clubs are urged to register their athletes without further delay.

Overall Registrations as at March 31st 2018

Bandon AC and Leevale AC continue to head the list, by a distance, with both clubs having over 400 registered members. There are now nine clubs with over 200 registrations, while another nine clubs exceed 100 registered members.

Total Registrations by Club - March 2018

Total Registrations for Cork Clubs March 31st 2018

Clubs with 100+ Members

Juvenile/Junior Registrations as at March 31st 2018

Bandon AC lead the pack, ahead of Leevale AC, who have almost double the Juvenile/Junior memebrshhip of third-placed West Muskerry AC.

Senior/Master Registrations as at March 31st 2018

Ballymore-Cobh AC top the list, just ahead of with Eagle AC, with Mallow AC dropping to third

Total Adult Registrations by Club - March 2018

Clubs with 40+ Adult Registrations - March 2018

Senior Registrations

Leevale AC surpass all others athe head of the Senior table, with 52 Seniors. Nearest rivals Togher AC, have 30, with third placed Bandon AC on 25.

Clubs with 10+ Senior Members

Masters Registrations

There is a tight group at the top, with Ballymore-Cobh AC, Mallow AC and Eagle AC, followed closely by Midleton AC, with another trio heading the rest; St Nicholas AC, Youghal AC and Togher AC

Clubs by Masters Registrations - March 2018

Adult Gender Ratio

Adult Athlete Female Ratio

The ratio of female athletes is, on the whole, pretty healthy, with over one third of clubs having in excess of 60% female membership.

Surprisingly, some of the larger clubs have relatively low Female-Male ratios. In particular, the city clubs are all at the lower end of the scale, withthree clubs significantly "off the pace"; Eagle AC and Leevale AC both coming in below 30%, with St Finbarr's AC only just ahead,on 35%

Doneraile AC and Mt. Hillary AC - Cork Athletics Newest Clubs

Cork Athletics Newest Clubs, Doneraile AC & Mt. Hillary AC

Doneraile AC's Couch to 5k - C25k Group	Mt. Hillary AC Members pictured before the recent Mallow 10

Two new clubs, Doneraile AC and Mt. Hillary AC were recently admitted to Cork Athletics.   An administrative stage remains, whereby both new clubs must, as per procedures, be fully ratified at next January's Cork Athletics AGM In the meantime, both clubs are up and running.

Doneraile AC

Doneraile AC, as their name suggests, are based in the north Cork town of Doneraile, with the ideal training and racing venue, Doneraile Park, right on their doorstep. The club meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings, at 6.45pm, and Saturday mornings, at 10.20am.

The new club is certainly hitting the ground running, with their first race, the Doneraile AC 5km, planned for Saturday June 9th, in their popular local venue, Doneraile Park.

Mt Hillary AC

Mt. Hillary AC draws its membership from northwest Cork, running in the areas surrounding Mt. Hillary, near Banteer.

The Mt. Hillary region is steeped with a long and proud sporting history, dating back to 1886, where the famous Banteer Sports Meeting was hosted. The sports meeting ran up until 1950 and regularly drew thousands of spectators. The Mt. Hillary area also boasts both Olympic and World championship athletes. The famous Dr Pat O'Callaghan won Gold, in the Hammer, at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, while Denis Horgan who won the 1888 World Championship for the 16lb shot put.    

Mt. Hillary AC athletes compete at all levels from 5k's to marathons and are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future.  Mt Hillary AC are a new club, and are looking to recruit new members of all ages and abilities.

The club trains twice weekly, on Tuesday and Thursday, at 7:30pm,and meet at Banteer Sportsfield. The club also meets on Saturday mornings, at 8:45am, at the Mt. Hillary main entrance.

For further information, or to join the club, send a message to the Club's official Facebook Page, via Facebook Messenger, or simply turn up to one of the Tuesday or Thursday training nights.

Cork Athletics Graded Leagues 2018

Cork Athletics Graded Track & Field Leagues 2018 - Sponsored by John Buckley Sports

CIT Track, April - July 2018

Cork Athletics popular Graded Track & Field Leagues, sponsored, as always, by John Buckley Sports, returns later this month, on April 18th, and runs through to July.

A programme of four (4) graded meetings is planned for male and female athletes.
Athletes who compete Under-17 in 2018 are eligible to take part, with the exception of male athletes for Shot, Discus & Hammer, who must be Under-19 in 2018.

Rebecca McEvoy, Cork Athletics PRO writes:

"Round 1 of the John Buckley Sports Graded Track and Field Leagues is coming up on Wednesday 18th April.

This League is a series of track and field meets, graded to suit athletes of all levels of ability. There will be four meets over the summer months (18th April, 31st May, 25th June and 30th July). Each meet will feature different events, and these events will be graded, to cater for different standards, from track-beginners who want to try their hand at track, and field events for the first time, to high-standard fields for experienced track athletes.

The first meet, on 18th April, features 100m, 400m and Mile races on the track, as well as Long Jump and Shot Put. Entry is just €5 on the night, with field events beginning at 7:30pm and track events at 7:45pm.

These Leagues are a great opportunity for athletes of all ages and abilities to give track and field events a go,and it would be great to see a turnout from our Cork clubs!"

Guest Athletes

All registered Athletics Ireland athletes are eligible to take part in these Leagues.  Guest athletes are very welcome, but MUST be Athletics Ireland registered, or, if from outside Ireland, must be members of another IAAF member Federation.

Notes

• Track events may be divided into separate races on the basis of performance, or numbers participating. 
• Some races may be mixed male and female.
• Club colours must be worn.
• Entries will be taken, on the day, at the track, from approx. 7pm.
• The entry fee per meeting is €5.   
• It is intended to have electronic timing at each meeting.    
• Throws - All athletes throw adult weights, except only ParaAthletes                                                 

                                    

Graded League Schedule 2018

Please take the time to fill in the Round 1 Form (Not compulsory, but it would help us greatly)

Triple Jump, Pole Vault , and/or Hurdles may be held, if requested at least two days before the meet.
Competitors will have four (4) attempts in Throwing Events and Long Jump

Scoring

Individual and club scores will be calculated using the IAAF Scoring Table of Athletics, as calculated by Meet Manager

Entry Forms Cork Athletics County T&F Championships 2018

2018 Cork Athletics Track & Field Championships Entry Forms

Please also read Cork Athletics Juvenile T&F Championships Information 2018

Remaining Forms, along with Schedules of Events, will be posted as soon as available

Cork Athletics Juvenile T&F Championships - Day 1 - Sunday May 6th 2018

Schedule of Events - Day 1

 
NB: The same form serves BOTH Days.

Please use a new SEPARATE form if/when making additional entry submissions

Cork Athletics Juvenile T&F Championships - Day 2 - Sunday May 13th 2018

Schedule of Events - Day 2 - (PDF File) - Updated Friday May 11th

Cork Athletics Juvenile Multi-Events T&F Championships - Sunday May 20th 2018

Form updated Friday May 11th

Cork Athletics Juvenile Relays T&F Championships - Sunday May 27th 2018

Information - Juvenile Relay Chps (PDF File)

Cork Athletics Senior T&F Championships - Sunday May 20th 2018

Cork Athletics Masters T&F Championships - Sunday May 20th 2018
Form Updated 21:55pm Tues 15th (Fee calculation error corrected)

Order of Events Senior & Masters T&F and Juvenile Multi-Events (PDF File)

Cork Athletics Juvenile B T&F Championships - Sunday May 27th 2018

Information - Juvenile B Chps (PDF File)

 Cork Athletics Junior T&F Championships - Sunday May 27th 2018

Further US Collegiate Circuit Successes for McKenzie & Cronin - April 2018

McKenzie and Cronin Excel

April 2018

Grace McKenzie, McNeese State University & Belgooly AC

McKenzie Sets New Record

"LAKE CHARLES – McNeese junior multi-event performer Grace McKenzie etched her name in the Cowgirl record book on Friday, after she placed first in the heptathlon at the SFA Carl Kight Invitational, in Nacogdoches, Texas, with a school record 5,406.
 
McKenzie broke the previous record of 5,265, was set by Mariah Georgtown in 2012. Her points total moves her up to the No. 1 position in the Southland Conference, and also ranks her second in the Division I East Qualifying, as well as seventh overall in Division I.
 
She won the event by more than 400 points.
 
In addition to setting a new school record, McKenzie blistered her previous PR point total by more than 1,000 points."

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon 100m Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon High Jump Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon Shot Put Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon 200m Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon Long Jump Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon Javelin Result

Carl Kight Invitational 2018 Heptathlon 800m Result

McKenzie now Fourth on Irish All-Time Heptathlon Listings

This performance shoots Grace right up the all-time Irish Heptathlon leaderboard, to fourth place behind Kelly Proper (5442),  Kate O'Connor (5759) and leader Elizabeth Morland (5801)

Athletics Ireland All-Time Heptathlon Listings @ April 9th 2018

McKenzie Shatters College Record

Grace McKenzie shatters pentathlon school record at ASU

Belgooly AC's Grace McKenzie Breaks McNeece State College Record

Belgooly AC Website

Belgooly AC Facebook Page

Read more ...

Cork Athletics - Events Week Ending Sunday April 8th 2018

Registered Cork Athletics Races & Events for Week Ending Sunday April 8th 2018

 

East Cork T&F - Day 1 - Sunday April 8th	Duhallow 10 - Sunday April 8th	Athletics Ireland Spring Throws - Saturday April 7th

This week - East Cork T&F Day 1, Rescheduled National Juveniles Day 1, AAI Spring Throws and Duhallow 10

Cork Events

Wednesday April 4th, 8pm, CIT - County Board Meeting

Sunday April 8th, 11:30am, CIT Track - East Cork T&F Championships - Day 1 2018

Sunday April 8th, 1:30pm, Newmarket - Duhallow 10 Mile Road Race 2018

National Events

Saturday April 7th, 10:30am, AIT Athlone - Athletics Ireland National Juvenile Indoor Championships - Day 1
Rescheduled Day 1

Sunday April 8th, 11am, Templemore - Athletics Ireland Spring Throws

International Events

Sunday April 8th, Paris Marathon

Sunday April 8th, Rotterdam Marathon

Rescheduled - First Session of Cork Athletics Youth Development Initiative - CYDI

Rescheduled Date - Cork Youth Development Initiative (CYDI) - Invitation to Athletes born 2003 - 2006

CIT Track, Bishopstown, Cork

1pm - 4pm, Saturday April 14th 2018

The first meeting of the Cork Youth Development Initiative (CYDI) has been rescheduled for Saturday April 14th, commencing at 1pm, at CIT Track.
Meet outside red brick building on the South west side of the Stand

The event had originally been set for Saturday March 4th, but had to be deferred due to the severe weather that wek, along with closure of the snow covering on CIT Track

Day 1 Schedule

The session is from 1 to 4. The first hour to hour and a half will cover the introduction and aims. This was to be covered on the first day.

For the second half of the session, athletes will be broken up into groups, with their coaches, for a training session.
The coaches have been asked to pitch this session at a level one would expect to be able to do if aiming for the EYOF standard.

The session will finish off with feedback and expression of interest. Coaches will monitor performances over summer months, and nominate the athletes for their groups in September.

The programme proper is scheduled to commence in September, when the sessions will be divided in two 2 hours for the selected group, and 1 hour for those athletes not selected,along with anyone outside the age group, similar to the regular Cork Athletics Autumn/Winter coaching sessions that have been held up to now.

There will be flexibility of movement into the select group, where athletes have not been nominated demonstrate improvement.

CYDI Survey

If you intend to take part in the CYDI sessions, please take the time to fill out this short survey.  The purpose is simply to assess, in advance of the series, the level of resources necessary to satisfy demand.

CIT Track Meeting Rooms

Cork Athletics invites all registered Athletes born between 1/1/2003 and 31/12/2006, their parents and coaches to attend the initial session, on April 14th.  Jacqui Freyne, Phil Kearney, Event Lead Coaches, and members of Cork Athletics County Board Development Committee will be in attendance.

Jacqui Freyne, Performance Development Manager, Athletics Ireland High Performance Division

"I am passionate about skill acquisition, and inspiring the next generation of sport scientists and coaches to apply the core principles of skill acquisition in the development of athletes. A Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, I am committed to excellence and innovation in teaching. My research focuses on developing coaches and athletes, and enhances my practice as a sport scientist and the quality of my teaching."

Dr. Phil Kearney, PhD 

Phil earned his PhD at the University of Limerick under the supervision of Dr PJ Smyth and Dr Ross Anderson. He spent eight years as a lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology at the University of Chichester, UK, specialising in skill acquisition, where he was coordinator of the BSc Sport Science and Coaching programme. Phil returned to the University of Limerick in September 2017. He is also an athletics coach working in the youth participation context. His current research interests lie in exploring the extent to which players and coaches from a range of domains understand and apply core principles of skill acquisition in their practice

 
It had been intended to follow the initial (March) session with a further session later in April, however, due to the heavy schedule of Juvenile and Junior T&F Championships during April, May and June, the next session after April 14th, probably won't take place until the autumn.

There will be no sessions during May or June, due to the demands of competition for the relevant age group, and the state exams in June

Aims of CYDI

1)    To provide coaching and event peer training groups to aid achievement of qualification standards for EYOF competition in 2019 and 2021 (age dependant).

2)    To provide a pathway to the National High Performance Junior squad

Outline Plan: Year One

Provide information on qualification standards and selection policy, and how they are determined - Jacqui Freyne Athletics Ireland High Performance

To organise workshops around the area of physical development and the young athlete, and its impact on performance. - Mary Gleasure BSc SMISCP (Specialist in Sports Medicine, DIP Sports Psychology, DIP Nutrition).

To organise workshops on training pian towards achievement of standards, and to understand competition peaking. - Athletics Ireland High Performance    

To hold regular coaching sessions in the events with selected athletes