News

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 Figures to end November 2017

Athletics Ireland End-of-Month Registration Figures - November 2017

 


Cork Registration Figures for November

Detailed Cork figures as at November 30th

 
Number of Clubs

In terms of the number of clubs, both Cork and Dublin stand apart from the other counties, with 35 Dublin clubs, while Cork has 53.  These higher figures may be explained by Dublin's large population density, and Cork's sheer size, being the largest county.

Cork Athletics Registrations stand at 8,255 registered Cork Athletics-Athletics Ireland members.

Total Registrations

During November, Total registrations exceeded 60,000 for the first time, and now stand at 60,404, having more than doubled in number since 2009. As can be seen vividly from the graph, Cork and Dublin are the biggest counties, comprising over 25% of total registrations, with Meath and Galway both well ahead of the rest.  Six counties; Dublin, Cork, meath, Galway, Kildare and Mayo, between them, make up over 50% of the total.  At the other end, eleven counties: Monaghan, Carlow, Leitrim, Westmeath, Cavan, Roscommon, Longford, Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh total just over 9% of total, however, in fairness, the latter four are in Northern Ireland.

 Top Fifty Clubs Nationally, by Total Registrations

There are five Cork clubs among the top fifty clubs in Ireland, with Leeavle AC and Bandon AC heading the Cork listings

Six Cork Clubs, Leevale AC, Bandon AC, Ballymore-Cobh AC, Midleton AC, Togher AC and Youghal AC make the top 50. Leevale AC head the Cork clubs, having increased membership by a stunning 28% since November last year, while Bandon AC are marginally down. Both clubs, in terms of membership alone, are among a small group of "Super Clubs", with approx. 700, or more members.

Top Fifty Clubs Nationally, by Juvenile/Junior Registrations

Five Cork clubs appear in the Top 50 Junior/Juvenile listings, with Leevale AC and Bandon AC, in second and third places respectively, both hot on the heels of Galway club Craughwell AC. Ballymore Cobh AC, Belgooly AC and West Muskerry AC are the other three Cork clubs to make the Top 50. Incidentally, Midleton AC were just outside, in 51st place.

Top Fifty Clubs Nationally, by Adult Registrations

There are thirteen Cork clubs in the top 50 adult clubs, however the combined adult membership of the top two Cork clubs, Leevale AC and Mallow AC, doesn't approach Galway City Harriers adult membership of 530

Registration by County

Dublin and Cork stand apart from the rest of the counties, with both having approx. double that of third placed Meath

Age Grouping Changes

All age grouping show an increase except Senior, however without the basic data, it is not possible to analyze more deeply.

Male - Female Ratio

St Catherine's AC to Host Athletics Leader Course - January 2018

Athletics Leader Course in Conna

Conna Sports Complex

10am - 4pm, Saturday January 20th 2018

Athletics Leader course, CIT, February 2017

St Catherine's AC will host an Athletics Leader Coach Education Course on Saturday January 201th, in Conna Sports Complex, Conna, Co. Cork.

 The course is being held by request of St. Catherine's AC, who are being given priority booking. Coaches from other clubs local to the area have also been invited.

There are a limited number of places available on this course for other coaches.

Register Online

Enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Regional Development Officer - 0858060440

 
Event Listing on Cork Athletics Calendar

Athletics Leader Program

Entry Requirements:

Athletics Leader is open to all those who are 16 years or over

Assessment/ Qualification:

There is no exam

Cost:

€60, Included in the fee for this course is the Athletics Leader Manual, full of fun games and activities for use with young athletes

Winter-Coaching Series 2017 - Day 5 - High Jump Report

High Jump Report from Day 5 of Cork Athletics Winter Coaching Series 2017

By Martin O'Sullivan, High Jump Coach

CIT Track

Saturday November 25th 2017

 
Photos from Day 4 on Cork Athletics Flickr! Account

Day 5 Report by Martin O'Sullivan

It was a very, very cold afternoon at CIT so well done to all who attended today, the 5th day of the Cork Athletics winter Coaching Series.

In 2 weeks time it will be our last session so the plan would be to have a quick summary on what we have done over the last five sessions, and ending with a jumping competition, hopefully we will see some targets being hit.

See updated tracker (below). Again, please note that this is open to all athletics on the day, so feel free to come on down and get a jump in.

Looking forward to meeting you all again in two weeks time, on Saturday December 9th. Please spread the word to any more high jumpers out there who might be interested.

Thanks also to all those parents who helped out. Very much appreciated
Regards Martin.

Key points from Saturday's session:

- Mat exercises with landing drills & bar clearance.
- More work done on the plant foot, i.e. getting that plant foot in the correct place.
- Take off drills using hands and legs.
- Running drills for proper curve and lean.
- Key drills to do at home to improve / maintain technique.

Checklist

1.    Spikes.
2.    Spare pair of socks. (Needed afterwards.)
3.    Leggings. (Keep those legs warm between jumps. )
4.    Blanket. (May be easier to use then leggings..)
5.    Warm top. (Keep warm between jumps. )
6.    Gloves & Hat.
7.    Know your Mark and marking tape.
8.    Club singlet & black shorts. (If doing event. )
9.    Measuring tape. (Optional.)
10.    Foam roller. (Optional.)
11.    Umbrella. (Always good while waiting on a rainy track)
12.    Warm up plan for the day.
13.    Snack & Water.
14.    Towel.
15.    A total change of Kit may be necessary, depending on the weather.

Eight Cork Athletes Selected for European Cross-Country Championships 2017

Cork Has Largest Representation on Irish Team for European Cross-Country Championships

Samorin, Slovakia

Sunday December 10th 2017

On Monday November 27th, Athletics Ireland announced the twenty eight person squad for next month's European Cross-Country Championships, in Samorin, Slovakia.

Cork has the largest representation of any county, with eight athletes on the panel, followed by Dublin on seven.  On the Under 20 Women's team, Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC) and Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry AC) both qualified automatically, when finishing in first and second place respectively, in last Sunday's Athletics Ireland combined Under-18/Junior Women's National Cross-Country Championship, at the National Sports Campus, in Abbottstown, Dublin.  The girls are joined on the team, by Laura's clubmate Fiona Everard.

Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC)	Stephanie Cotter (West Muskerry AC)	Fiona Everard (Bandon AC)

There are also three Cork men on the Junior Men's Team: Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale AC), who pipped Fearghal Curtin (Youghal AC) for the Bronze medal, last Sunday, right on the line.  The third man is Bantry AC's Darragh McElhinney. As in all of last Sunday's Junior & Senior races, there were two automatric selection places up for grabs, so competition in this event was fierce, with all three of the Cork athletes in contention for the automatic places, well into the final lap.

Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale AC)	Fearghal Curtin (Youghal AC)	Darragh McElhinney (Bantry AC)

The two Cork Athletes on the Senior Women's Team are Michelle Finn and Lizzie Lee, both Leevale AC, who finished third and fourth respectively, on Sunday.

Michelle Finn (Leevale AC)	Lizzie Lee (Leevale AC)

Registered Cork Athletics Road Races This Weekend Sun November 26th

Registered Cork Athletics Events This Weekend - Sunday November 26th 2017

This Weekend: Coaching, Great Glenville Run & National Senior & Juvenile XC
 
The Autumn/Winter Technical Coaching Days continue, with the penultimate day on Saturday. Sunday morning sees Watergrasshill AC's The Great Glenville Run. Looking good for the race this year - last year's event had to be postponed until January, due to weather conditions. Highlight of the weekend is teh Narional Senior & Juvenile Even-Age Cross-Country Championships, at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin, where strong Cork squads hope to be "in the mix" in all events.

Saturday November 25th, 2pm, CIT Track - Day 5 - Cork Athletics Autumn-Winter Technical Coaching Days

Sunday November 26th, 11:30am, Glenville - The Great Glenville Run

Sunday November 19th, 11:30am, Abbotstown, Dublin - National Juvenile Even Age Cross-Country Championships

 Sunday November 19th, 1:45pm, Abbotstown, Dublin - National Senior Cross-Country Championships

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

Registered Cork Athletics Road Races This Weekend Sun December 10th

Registered Cork Athletics Events This Week - to Sunday December 10th 2017

This Week: Schools XC, Clon Marathon, Coaching, East Cork XC & European XC Championships

Lots of 'Juicy' attractions this week, however pick of them must be Sunday's European Cross-Country Championships, featuring no less than eight Cork athletes
 

Friday December 8th, 1pm, Riverstick - South Munster Schools Cross-Country Championship 2017

Friday December 8th, 8pm, Clonakilty - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Talk with Amby Burfoot

Saturday December 9th, 9am, Clonakilty -  Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, Half-Mar & 10k

Saturday December 9th, 2pm, CIT Track - Cork Athletics Autumn-Winter Technical Coaching Days

 Sunday December 10th, 11:30am, Watergrasshill - East Cork Cross-Country Championships Day 2

Sunday December 10th, Samorin, Slovakia - European Cross-Country Championships

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - November 30th 2017

Record Cork Athletics Registration Figures - November 30th 2017

As at November 30th, Cork Athletics Registrations stood at 8,255 registered Cork Athletics-Athletics Ireland members, compared to 7,733 at the end of November 2016, representing an increase of 6.75%.  The December 2016 end of year figure was 7,822, so, with just under a month to go to year end, registrations for the year are up 5.5%, however new registrations during December will almost certainly diminish, so we can expect little change at the end of this month.

All of Cork's fifty three registered clubs now have registered athletes, however, as per the past five months, Ballinacurra Villagers AC, with just 1 registered member, has less than the requisite ten (10) members to constitute an Athletics Ireland registered club.

 

2018 Registrations

The Athletics Ireland registration portal will close towards the end of December and reopen, probably on January 2nd, when all the 2017 registrations will have been erased, and we begin afresh for the New Year, when all athletes and officials must be re-registered.

Please note:
For the first three (3) weeks in January - and ONLY for those weeks, athletes, coaches and officials ARE covered by the Athletics Ireland insurance, BUT *ONLY* for training and other non-competition purposes.  Any athlete, official or coach takibng part in competition, whether official championship event, or open competition, e.g. road races, *MUST* be registered for 2018.

At the May 2017 meeting of Cork Athletics County Board, Registrar, John Copithorne, said that many coaches and officials are continuing to be actively involved in Athletics,  but remain unregistered.

 Unregistered athletes, coaches and/or officials are NOT covered by the Athletics Ireland insurance for any purpose whatsoever, leaving those athletes, officials, coaches and clubs in a precarious position. 

Any club having difficulties registering their athletes should contact Cork Athletics Registrar, John Copithorne 0861713500

2017 Athletics Ireland Registrations are now Due

Clubs are reminded that UNREGISTERED athletes are NOT covered by Athletics Irelands insurance, for ANY purpose, training or competition.

Clubs are urged to register all remaining unregistered personnel without further delay.

Webmaster's Note: I have been 'Banging on' for ages about the Bandon Rugby Club case. The Irish Times reported on the case in April 1997.  Twenty years later, the judgement is still as relevant, and stands out as a warning to the consequences of not registering members of an organisation.  A further related Irish Times article advises clubs to ensure that members are registered.

Overall Registrations as at November 30th 2017

Leevale AC have consildated their position at the head of the list even further, ahead of Bandon AC, with 760 members, an increase of 25% on last year's figure. Bandon are in solid second place, with almost 700 members, while third placed Ballymore-Cobh AC have also exceeded the 400 mark, with Midleton AC close behind, in fourth position.  Togher AC are now in fifth place, with 358 registrations, pushing Youghal AC down one place, with 328. Belgooly AC remail just shy of the 300 registrations mark.   A total of fourteen clubs have passed the 200 registrations mark, while thirty one, of fifty three Cork clubs, in total, have over 100 registered members.

Sadly one club has less than the minimum required 10 members to constitute a valid Athletics Ireland club.

Juvenile/Junior Registrations as at November 30th 2017

Bandon AC and Leevale AC both have over 500 Registered Juvenile/Juniors, with 535 and 509 respectively, more than double that of their closest rivals. Belgooly AC, West Muskerry AC, Ballymore-Cobh AC, Midleton AC and Togher AC have over 200. Twenty clubs have over 100 registered Juveniles/Juniors.

Senior/Master Registrations as at November 30th 2017

Mallow AC remain the largest senior club in Cork, topping the list with 233 registered members, closely followed by Leevale AC, with 225 registered adults. The number of clubs with 100, or more, registered adult members remains at fifteen (15).

Twenty four clubs have five or less Registered Juveniles/Juniors, including eleven clubs that have no Registered Juveniles/Juniors.

Related Pages

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - October - November 2016

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - November 2015

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - November 2014

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - October 2017

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - September 2017

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - August 2017

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - July 2017

Cork Team Selections for Athletics Ireland National Novice Cross-Country Championships 2017

Cork Athletics Squads Named for National Novice Cross-Country Championships

WIT (West Campus), Waterford

Sunday December 17th 2017

Page updated 4pm Tuesday Dec 5th

Twenty eight (28) athletes from thirteen (13) Cork Clubs have been named on the Novice Women and Men's squad for the Athletics Ireland National Novice Cross-Country Championships, at Waterford IT's Western Campus, on Sunday December 17th.

Update (Dec 5th): Squads have changed, primarily due to withdrawals, so the respresentation is now twenty six (26) athletes from nine (9) Cork clubs. Athletes whose status has changed should notify This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (085-1480725) IMMEDIATELY, as teams must be entered by Friday next, Dec 8th.

 All selected athletes MUST confirm their status with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (085-1480725) asap, and by 5pm, Wednesday December 6th, at the very latest.

If you CANNOT make it, please let Paddy Buckley know immediately. If you are doubtful, please let Paddy know - your place will be held, but replacements may be put on standby notice - Cork Athletics wants to field full squads in all events - please help us do that!

Anyone who has not been included in the listings, or who feels that they may have been inadvertently omitted, or who, having previously indicated that they did not wish to be considered, would now like to be considered for selection, should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (085-1480725) without delay

Novice Women - Start 14:45 - Distance 4km

Novice Men - Start 15:00 - Distance 6km

Cork Novice Womens Squad

Teams are eight (8) to run, with four (4) to score, all athletes on the panel run

All those named on the panel will be entered by Cork Athletics

Cork Novice Mens Squad

Teams are twelve (12) to run, with six (6) to score, all athletes on the panel run

All those named on the panel will be entered by Cork Athletics

Cork Team Selections for National Juvenile Uneven-Age Cross-Country Championships 2017

Cork Teams for Athletics Ireland National Juvenile Uneven-Age Cross-Country Championships

Waterford IT

Sunday December 17th 2017

The following are the Juvenile teams that have been entered for the National Championships, in Waterford IT, on Sunday December 17th

The parents of any Juvenile athlete selected, whose circumstances change, should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. without delay

Cork Juvenile Uneven-Age Teams

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month October 2017 Laura Nicholson

Laura Nicholson is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for October 2017

The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Evening Echo, Leisureworld and The River Lee

Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC) - Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for October 2017

Cork City Sports Homepage

Cork City Sports - Awards Archive

Cork Athletics Homepage

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month - October 2017 - Award

Citation

"After a stellar breakthrough season on the track, particularly in the steeplechase event, Laura was a comprehensive winner the 6000m Junior Women’s race, at the prestigious Autumn Open Cross Country Festival, held at the National Sports Campus Abbotstown on October the 22nd last"

The award was presented to Laura at a function in the River Lee Hotel, Cork, on Tuesday November 21st 2017.

Related Articles

Laura Nicholson Wins Celtic Games Under-18 Girls Steeplechase

Autumn Cross-Country Festival Results - October 2017

Photos - Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month October 2017

Photos from the function on Cork Athletics Flickr account

Video - Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month October 2017

Laura Nicholson interviewed by John Walshe

Laura Nicholson - Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month October 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.