News

Clonakilty Waterfront's Marathon Seminar 2017

Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon's 2017 Seminar

Quality Hotel, Clonakilty

Friday December 8th 2017

On Friday December 2nd, a large crowd was present to hear a 'Fireside Chat' with Boston Marathon winner (1968) Amby Burfoot, along with Jim Roy, from the city of Mystic, Conneticut, Colette O'Hagan and Frank Greally.  The evening finished with a group chat/interview/discussion. The evening was MC'd by Frank Greally.

Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2016

Session Videos

The session was recorded by Cork Athletics, with apologies to Jim Roy, who kicked off the evening - The seminar started early, and I was late, so missed the beginning.

Jim Roy's Presentation on John J Kelley

Jim Roy, from Mystic Conneticult, USA, spoke about his friend, coach, and mentor, John Joseph Kelley (called John Kelley "The Younger") from Norwich, Conneticut, and who was of Cork descent.  "John J. Kelley “The Younger”, winner of the 1957 Boston Marathon, competed in two Olympics (1956 and 1960) and won the marathon at the 1959 Pan American Games in addition to running in 32 Boston Marathons.

Jim Roy - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.

Amby Burfoot Presentation

Amby Burfoot is 1968 Boston Marathon winner, and is former editor of the famed Runner's World. He is now often called Runner's World's 'Editor-at-Large'). He is also author of a wide range of running books,

Amby Burfoot - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.

Colette O'Hagan

68 year old Dundalk woman Collette O'Hagan, is the first woman in Ireland to run more than 500 marathons

Colette O'Hagan - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.

Frank Greally

Frank Greally is Irish Runner Editor and holder, for the past 47 years, of the Irish Junior 10,000m record of 30:17...and this was set on a cinder track

Frank Greally - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.

Discussion

Burfoot-Roy-Greally-O'Hagan - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.

Ten Cork Athletes Selected for Celtic International 2018

Ten Athletes from Seven Clubs to Represent Ireland in January 2018

Greenmount, Antrim, N. Ireland

Saturday January 6th 2018

Fionnuala McCormack winning Antrim International 2013

The 2018 Celtic Cross Country International Championships will be incorporated into the Antrim International, on Saturday 6th January, in Greenmount, Antrim, on Saturday January 6th.

Ten athletes, from seven Cork clubs; Bandon AC, Bantry AC, Leevale AC, Midleton AC, St Catherines AC, West Muskerry AC and Youghal AC, will represent Ireland at the International Cross-Country event

Registered Cork Athletics Road Races This Weekend Sun December 17th

Registered Cork Athletics Events This Week - to Sunday December 17th 2017

This Week: National Novice & Juvenile Uneven Age XC, Cloyne Commons 4k & Newmarket 5k Classic

Another appetising weekend coming up!  Two very popular road races on Sunday: Cloyne Commons 4k and Newmarket 5k Classic, while, in Waterford IT, we have the Athletics Ireland National Juvenile Uneven-Age and Novice Cross-Country Championships
  

Sunday December 17th, 09:30am, Cloyne - Cloyne Commons 4k - Race 2 in 2017/18 series

Sunday December 17th, Newmarket, 1pm - Newmarket Christmas Classic 5k
Note: Online Registration available for Newmarket

Sunday December 17th, 11:30am, Waterford IT -  Athletics Ireland National Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross-Country Championships

Winter-Coaching Series 2017 - Day 6 - High Jump Report

High Jump Report from Day 6 of Cork Athletics Winter Coaching Series 2017

By Martin O'Sullivan, High Jump Coach

CIT Track

Saturday December 9th 2017

 
Photos from Day 4 on Cork Athletics Flickr! Account

Photos from Day 4 in Cork Athletics Facebook Album

Day 6 Report by Martin O'Sullivan

It was a very wet afternoon at CIT today, so will done to all who attended today, the 6th and final day of the Cork Athletics winter coaching series.

Key points from today’s session;

•  Mat exercises with landing drills & bar clearance.
•  Take off drills to jump higher.
•  Key drills to do at home to improve / maintain technique.
•  Used the jumping board to do practice jumps.

As it was so wet today we could not do any running drills for proper curve and lean as the surface was too wet and slippery. The conditions made jumping very difficult but again fair play to the athletes as they never complained and just got on with the training & jumping as if there was no rain at all.

The introduction of the jumping board proved to be very popular, (a big thank you to Liscarroll AC for letting us borrow it. ). The jumping board gave the athletes an opportunity to hit new heights whereby they would not be able to hit. It can also get the jumper to focus more on the technique above the bar by allowing them to have that bit more time in the air, but of course the enjoyment of been sprung into the air seemed to get a smile each time.

We were mainly concentrating on jumping technique today and did a quick summary on what we had done over the last five sessions. As the weather did not allow us to get in a jumping competition, please see below the heights achieved with the jumping board. Congrats to all jumpers, they cleared well above their target height be it with the jumping board.

Over the past 6 weeks, 28 athletes in total took part in the high jump in some form or another. May I take this opportunity to wish all the jumpers the very best of luck in the up and coming competitions, I hope that they have taken something away with them from the last 6 sessions that will benefit them in to the future. Thanks also to all those parents who helped out. Very much appreciated 
Regards Martin.

High Jump Report - Day 5 - Saturday November 25th

High Jump Report - Day 4 - Saturday  November 11th

High Jump Report - Day 3 - Saturday October 28th

European Cross-Country Championships 2017

European Cross-Country Championships

Samorin, Slovakia

Sunday December 10th 2017

Eight Cork athletes represented Ireland in Samorin today, and all, along with the other twenty members of the squad, acquitted themselves admirably

First into the fray, were the Under 20 Women. Knowles-Jones (UK) won in 13:48. Sophie Murphy was first for Ireland, in 10th place, in 14:15. West Muskerry's Stephanie Cotter was 27th, in 14:35, Jodie McCann, 34th, in 14:43. Bandon AC's Laura Nicholson was 39th, in 14:47, while clubmate Fiona Everard was 62nd, in 15:11. Fian Sweeney 72nd, in 15:22, rounded off the Irish performances. Ireland were 7th of 20 teams, on 71 points

In the Under 20 Men, Ingebritsen (Nor) retained his title in 18:39. Fearghal Curtin, Youghal, finished in 22nd, in 19:08, his presence having been evident in the top 20 throughout. Craig McMeechan was next for Ireland, in a joint 4th blanket finish with several runners, on 19:30. James Edgar was next, in 38th, in 19:31, Bantry AC's Darragh McElhinney was just after him, in 39th, 19:32, while Leevale AC's Charlie O'Donovan was a further two places behind, in 41st, in 19:34. Brian Fay finished 49th, in 19:42. Ireland finished in 10th place, on 97pts, from 20 teams.

Senior Women

The women’s team finished 7th, led home by Fionnuala McCormack, in 12th place, while Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) was 33rd, with Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) 37th.   Michelle Finn (Leevale AC), 40th, Fionnuala Ross (Armagh) , 47th, and Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC), 49th completed the team.

Athletics Ireland Release - Feidhlim Kelly

Senior Men Head Good Performances at Euro Cross

The Senior Men’s team headed excellent performances by the Irish team at the European Cross Country Championships in Samorin, Slovakia with a fine fifth place finish today, December 10th.

With three to score, Sean Tobin (Clonmel) worked well with Hugh Armstrong (Ballina) and Kevin Maunsell (Clonmel) as they came in 15th, 19th and 24th respectively over the 10km distance.

“It was a great team effort,” said Tobin afterwards with Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) 48th, Kevin Dooney (Raheny Shamrock) 51st and John Travers (Donore Harriers) 72nd.

It was a tremendous performance by the men, with the three scorers all making their senior debuts – Tobin and Armstrong are 23, with Maunsell an ageless 36. The senior men were only two points off France, in fourth.

Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) was making a record-breaking 15th appearance at these championships, but she had to settle for a 12th place finish over 8km in the senior women’s race. “Obviously I would have liked to have finished higher but I will be back and hope to get back in the mix. I just couldn’t get into it today at the top even though I gave my best throughout.”

The women’s team finished 7th, with Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) 33rd, and Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) 37th, rounding out the scorers. Michelle Finn (Leevale), 40th, Fionnuala Ross (Armagh) , 47th, and Lizzie Lee (Leevale), 49th rounded out the team.

The weather was extremely cold, with a wind chill factor to boot, on a fast course that had plenty of twists and turns, along with some man-made obstacles.

There was a very positive start to the day with Sophie Murphy (DSD) finishing 10th in the U20 women’s 4km race, and leading the team to 7th overall from 20 teams.  She was followed home by Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry) in 27th, Jodie McCann (DSD), 34th, Laura Nicholson (Bandon), 39th, Fiona Everard (Bandon), 62nd, and Fian Sweeney (DCH), 72nd.

Up next were the U20 men, over 6km. They were lead home by Fearghal Curtin (Youghal) in 22nd, followed by Craig McMeechan (North Down), 37th, James Edgar (City of Lisburn), 38th, Darragh McElhinney (Bantry), 39th, Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale), 41st and Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock) in 49th.

Bethanie Murray (DSD) was the sole Irish representative in the U23 women’s 6km race. She ran well to finish 38th.

There were two Irish runners in the men’s U23 8km race, with Eoin Strutt (Raheny Shamrock) 49th and Tom O’Keeffe (Kilkenny City Harriers) 60th.

These were very positive results for Ireland with four teams placing in the top ten  at these championships and an excellent base to build from with all of the runners performing pretty much to form.

High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: “I’m really pleased with the performances. There were some heroic performances out there starting with Sophie Murphy and then right through to the senior men who were magnificent. We have a strong tradition in cross country and for a country of our size we performed at a very high level.”

Team results

U20 Women – 7th

U20 men – 10th

Senior women – 7th

Senior men – 5th

Videos

Mens Senior Scorers

Womens Under 20 Race

Mens Under 20 Race

Womens Under 23 Race

Mens Under 23 Race

Senior Womens Race

Senior Mens Race

Mixed Relay Race

Burfoot Greally and Roy for Clon Marathon Symposium

Amby Burfoot, Jim Roy and Frank Greally to Talk in Clonakilty

Quality Hotel, Clonakilty

8pm Friday December 8th 2017

The Run Clon Marathon organisers have another treat in store again this year, and maintain the Boston Marathon connection. Amby Burfoot will speak alongside Irish Runner Editor Frank Greally and Jim Roy, from the town of Mystic, Conneticut, USA.

This is a FREE Seminar

Amby Burfoot is 1968 Boston Marathon winner, former editor of the famed Runner's World (and now called Runner's World's 'Editor-at-Large') and author of a range of running books, while Frank Greally is Irish Runner Editor and holder, for the past 47 years of the Irish Junior 10,000m record of 30:17...and this was set on a cinder track!  The third speaker is Jim Roy, from the city of Mystic, Conneticut, who, along with Amby Burfoot, was coached by John Kelley, whom both regarded as "coach, teacher and friend"

John Joseph Kelley (John Kelley "The Younger") was born in Norwich Conneticut, and is of Cork descent

"John J. Kelley “The Younger”, winner of the 1957 Boston Marathon, was honored on September 21st with a larger than life statue in his hometown of Mystic, CT.

Statue of John J. Kelley in Mystic, CT by sculptor Brian P. Hanlon

Runner's World article John J. Kelley Statue Unveiled In Mystic, Connecticut

Wikipedia excerpt: "Kelley, who died in 2011 at the age of 80, competed in two Olympics (1956 and 1960) and won the marathon at the 1959 Pan American Games in addition to running in 32 Boston Marathons.

Following his running career, Kelley coached high school runners including Amby Burfoot who went on to win the 1968 Boston Marathon and Julia Chase, the first woman to sucessfully challenge the gender barrier in the Amateur Athletic Union."
 
Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Website

Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Facebook Page

 Clonakilty Road Runners AC Website

Clonakilty Road Runners AC Facebook Page

Cork Athletics Homepage

Cork Athletics Facebook Page

Results of Athletics Ireland Registered Events - April 2014 - May 2016 (on Old Cork Athletics website)

Results of Athletics Ireland Registered Events - May 2016 to date

Race Calendar / Fixtures List - Athletics Ireland Registered Events

Amby Burfoot Talking at Clon 2016 Seminar

Clonakilty Waterfront's Boston Marathon Seminar 2016

Big US Contingent for Clon 2017

Jim and Amby have brought a bigger US contingent with them this year, a total of twenty eight, with, as far as can be ascertained, twenty six running. Jim has said that, since the group made their travel arrangements for Clon, many more have come forward to say that they wished they'd known about the venture, auguring well for Clon IX - the 2018 event.

Clon Update

Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k, Clonakilty, 09:00, Saturday December 9th 2017

As at 6pm on Thursday December 7th, there were 2,246 entrants registered for Clon 2017, with 620 in the full Marathon, 1,000 in the Half-Marathon and 700 in the 10k.

There will be a LIMITED number of entries accepted tomorrow morning, in the Quality Hotel, Clonakilty, BEFORE 8am

In the meantime, Registration is still open

Important Notes from Race Director, Bob Hilliard

It WILL be cold during the race. Wear hat, gloves and maybe an extra top. *DON'T* throw them away after a few miles, because you feel warm. If you do take them off, tuck them into your shorts, and keep until the later stages. Remember, when the wind is behind you, it can give the false impression of being much warmer than it is.

Showers

There will be showers available after the event, so bring your own towels and toiletries (shampoo, bubble bath, etc ;)

Car Pooling

Due to the numbers taking part, and spectating, parking will be at a premium, so please, if possible, car pool, or, if spectating, use one of the town car parks.

Athletics Ireland Registration 2018

2018 Registrations

The Athletics Ireland Registration System closed today, for 2017 registrations. The Registration System will re-open, for 2018 Registrations, on Monday next, December 18th.

New Login details will be sent to the Club Secretary that is on file with Athletics Ireland. If you do not receive email, and you are a Club Secretary, or if your Club Secretary has changed, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Club Affiliation fee must be paid by January 15th 2018. Athletes will not be insured to train after this date unless fee has been paid.

Individual registration fees must be also be paid. There is a grace period of a few weeks, by which time, individual registations must be paid.  This grace period does NOT include competition, including Championship events AND Open Competition, e.g. Open Road Races

Athletics Ireland Safety Statement Template for Clubs - December 2017

Safety Statement Template (December 2017)

The Athletics Ireland Finance and Risk committee has approved a Safety Statement for all Athletics Ireland clubs to adopt, as appropriate.

This is a comprehensive document that sets out the duties and responsibilities of committees, describes what a safe club is, and provides advice on hazard identification and control measures.

A number of safety policies are included in the appendices for clubs to adopt as appropriate.

Athletics Ireland suggests that this plan be reviewed by clubs, and its adoption minuted, by the club management committee. Please take local safety advice with regard to your own particular facility/facilities, as this document is designed as a comprehensive resource - some clubs are fortunate to have their own grounds and buildings, whilst others may only have access to facilities. Nevertheless, clubs should consider the safety implications of all facilities in which the club operates.

Download Athletics Ireland Safety Statement Template

West Muskerry and Belgooly Athletes in IWAS World Para Games 2017

Records and Medals for Ryan, Bradley and McCarthy at IWAS World Para Games

Monte Gorde, Portugal

3rd - 5th December 2017

Three Cork athletes, from West Muskerry AC and Belgooly AC competed at last week's IWAS World Para Games, in Monte Gorde, Portigal, capturing five medals and setting three new Irish records

Cathal Ryan, West Muskerry AC, with Pat Furlong, Irish Team Trainer, and Maria Furlong, Irish Team Manager

Cathal set new Irish records, in the 100m and Javelin, winning two Bronze and a Silver medal, in the 100m, Discus and Javelin respectively

Steven Bradley, West Muskerry AC, pictured here with a fellow competitor, competed in 200m, 400m and broke Irish record in the 800m.

Dylan McCarthy, Belgooly AC, won gold at Shot Putt and Silver in Javelin

Results Day 1 - Sunday December 3rd

Results Day 2 - Monday December 4th

Results Day 3 - Tuesday December 5th

Thanks to Ellen Ryan for the report & photos

Cork Athletics Races during Christmas 2017

Registered Cork Athletics Races during the Festive Season 2017

Sunday December 17th to Monday January 1st

Lots of races to choose from over the Christmas period, with races all over the County

First up, on Sunday December 17th, we have two popular races, the Cloyne Commons 4k and Duhallow AC's Newmarket Classic 5k

Christmas Day - Monday December 25th

The Annual GOAL Mile will be held in a number of locations around Cork. Details are being 'fleshed out' at the moment, but there will be GOAL Miles at CIT Track and Doneraile Park, with info about other locations yet to come in.

St Stephen's Day - Tuesday December 26th - Dick Copithorne Memorial Belgooly 4

This highly popular St Stephen's Day 'Turkey/Pudding Burner' has the added bonus of chip timing this year, so we're probably looking at numbers in excess of it's usual 650/700 finishers

Saturday December 30th - Shandrum 5k

Sunday December 31st - Togher 5k

Donough Coughlan Memorial Bandon 5 - New Year's Day - Monday January 1st 2018

Get New Year off to a Flying Start!

Media Coverage of European Cross-Country Championships 2017

TV & Livestream Coverage of European Cross-Country Championships

Samorin, Slovakia

Sunday December 10th 2017

Eight Cork athletes are among the twenty eight person squad for next month's European Cross-Country Championships, in Samorin, Slovakia, tomorrow.

Related Article: Eight Cork Athletes Selected for European Cross-Country Championships 2017

TV Coverage

RTE 2 - 10am to 12 Noon
BBC 1 (via the RED button) - 07:45am - 12:15pm

Highlights

00:00am - 01:05am, BBC Two - Repeated 13:00pm -14:05pm Monday

Live Streaming

 Live Stream from European Athletics

Race schedule (Irish Time)

08:00: U20 Women; 08:25: U20 Men

08:55: U23 Women; 09:35: U20 Men

10:15: Senior Women; 10:55: Senior Men

12:10: Senior Mixed Relay

Start Lists

U20 Women

U20 Men

U23 Women

U23 Men

Senior Women

Senior Men

Mixed Relay

Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards 2017

Rob Heffernan Crowned Athlete of the Year at Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin

Wednesday December 6th 2017

Robert Heffernan (Togher) was named as the Athlete of the Year at the Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards which in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry today (December 6).

Heffernan (Togher) received the top honour as a result of his 8th place finish in the 50km Race Walk at the World Athletics Championships, in London, last July - his performance there also saw him collect the Endurance Athlete of the Year award.

Rob received three awards in all; Athlete of the year, Endurance Athlete of the Year and as a member of Team of the Year: Irish men's European Race Walking Team, with Cian McMenamon (Westport) and Alex Wright (Leevale)

The Corkman held off Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers) who won the Track and Field Athlete of the Year award.

Ray Flynn was inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2017. Flynn ran an impressive 89 sub 4 minute miles throughout his career, and he is the current Irish record holder for both the 1500m & mile. Flynn enjoyed a brilliant athletics career, which included representing Ireland at two Olympic Games – 1980 & 1984. He was a finalist in the 5000m at the 1984 Olympics in LA. Flynn was also part of the quartet that set the 4 x 1 mile world record in Dublin, in 1985, alongside previous Hall of Fame recipients Marcus O’Sullivan, Eamonn Coughlan & Frank O’Mara.

While the National Athletics Awards is a celebration of the many successes of our international and national athletes it also commemorates the association’s exceptional volunteer base. Al Guy was named as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient – the pinnacle volunteer award while Pat Kelly of St Abban's AC won the Outstanding Official of the Year.

Track & Field: Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers)

Inspirational Performance: Cliodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers)

Hall of Fame: Ray Flynn

Lifetime service to Athletics: Al Guy

Outstanding Official Award: Pat Kelly (St Abban's)

U20 Athlete: Gina Akpe-Moses (Blackrock - Louth)

U23 Athlete: Siofra Cleirigh Buttner (DSD)

Endurance: Robert Heffernan (Togher)

Performance Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Development Club: Nenagh Olympic AC

Team of the Year: Irish men's European Race Walking Team

 Cian McMenamon, Alex Wright & Rob Heffernan

Service to Coaching: Hayley and Drew Harrison

Special Recognition Award: Deirdre Ryan and Paul Hession

Mountain Runner: Des Kennedy (Raheny Shamrock)

Master Athlete: Mark O'Shea (Drogheda and District)

Ultra Athlete: Eoin Keith (Sportsworld)

University Athlete: Phil Healy (Bandon/UCC)

Phil Healy's Viral Video