Podebrady, Czech Republic
Sunday May 21st 2017
Cian McManamon (Westport AC), Alex Wright (Leevale AC) and Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) Euro Race Walks Bronze Medal Team
Photo: James Veale
Athletics Ireland Press Release - Feidhlim Kelly
The Irish men created history at the European Race Walking Cup by winning team bronze medals over 20km in Podebrady, Czech Republic today (May 21).
Ireland landed bronze behind Spain and Germany who won gold and silver medallists respectively. The race was won by by Germany’s Christopher Limk in 1:19:28.
Alex Wright (Leevale) led the team home in 6th in 1:21:48 with Robert Heffernan (Togher) 13th in 1:22:40 and Cian McManamon (Westport) 26th in 1:24:03.
Earlier in the day Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley) was an agonising fourth in the 50km race walk in 3:49:49 won by Ukraine’s Ivan Banzeruk in 3:38:15. Boyce had been in the bronze medal position in the final 10km but was unfortunately passed by Italy’s Michele Antonelli who won bronze with 3:49:07.
In the junior women’s 10km Orla O'Connor finished (Waterford) 21st in 51:39 and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge) finished 27th in 53:29 which saw the team finish 9th.
Team manager Patsy McGonagle said: “Irish walkers acquitted themselves admirably here in Podebrady Czech Republic with an historic return from the 20k men digging out a gutsy spirited response. Add a fourth for Brendan Boyce in a medal position and I’m proud of this dedicated bunch. I’m looking forward to the World Championships in London with enthusiasm.
High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: “There were so many highlights provided by our racewalkers in Podebrady today, from Brendan's heroic push for an individual medal, the individual performances of the lads in the 20k, to the debuts at this level by Niamh and Orla, but the team medals from Alex, Rob and Cian is really very exciting and a credit to the collective preparation of our elite men.
Rob's Video
Alex, Cian and Rob after the event
Related Articles
Cork Duo among Athletics Ireland Walks Squad at EuropeanRace Walking Cup
Live streaming available for European Race Walking Cup in Poděbrady
Podebrady is fast becoming a home from home for Europe’s finest race walkers
Podebrady, Czech Republic
Sunday May 21st 2017
 |  |
| Alex Wright (Leevale AC) | Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) |
Alex Wright (Leevale AC) and Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) are among those selected to represent Ireland at next Sunday's European Race Walking Cup, in Podebrady, Czech Republic, May 21st 2017
Athletics Ireland Press Release - Feidhlim Kelly
A strong Irish team will compete at the European Race Walking Cup in Podebrady, Czech Republic this Sunday (May 21st).
The biannual event will provide a marker for the senior walkers, in preparation for the World Championships, in London next August.
The team will be spearheaded by Togher's Robert Heffernan who will compete alongside Alex Wright (Leevale) and Cian McManamon (Westport) in the 20km, while Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley) gets action underway in the 50km – his first time to compete over the distance in the this event.
Live Streaming
Live streaming will be available on
http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10183677624-sportovni-beh-a-chuze/217254000170001-ep-druzstev-v-chuzi/ from 7.00am Irish time, starting with the men’s 50km walk, and concluding with the women’s Under 20 10km walk, at 6.00pm. Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC) and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC) will compete in the women’s U20 race.
A total of 226 athletes from 26 countries have been entered for the event in the historic Czech Republic spa town, situated around 50km to the east of Prague.
High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: "Athletics Ireland is excited to give the opportunity to our emerging talent who are seeking to follow in the footsteps of greats such as Olive Loughnane, Gillian O’Sullivan and Deirdre Gallagher, while at the same time this event showcases our elite male walkers, who are already well established amongst the best in Europe and the World, as part of their preparation for London 2017."
Men's 50km Walk – 7am - Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley)
Men's 20km Walk – 3pm - Alex Wright (Leevale AC), Robert Heffernan (Togher AC) and Cian McManamon (Westport AC)
Women's U20 10km Walk – 5pm - Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC) and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC)
Related Articles
Live streaming available for European Race Walking Cup in Poděbrady
Podebrady is fast becoming a home from home for Europe’s finest race walkers
Cork Athletics is holding a Timing course TONIGHT, Wednesday 17th May, from 6:30pm, in CIT. The basics are that it will involve this evening (Wednesday) and Saturday morning, the day of the Munster Schools Track and Field Championships, Saturday May 20th.
If you have already indicated your interest, just come along for 6:30pm.
If you have NOT indicated your interest, just come along. If possible, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to say that you're coming tonight.
The course will be conducted by Karl O'Connell, who was, at last month's Athletics Ireland Annual Congress, along with Tim Ahern (Blarney-Inniscarra AC) and Padraig Kelly (Ballincollig AC), presented with his IAAF Level 1 (Athletics Ireland Level 5) certificate.
The evening session will deal with cabling and equipment set-up, while the Saturday morning session will be a real-time practical, in competition, session.
The intent of the course is to train-up new timing officials, to increase the pool of available Timing Officials. The course is open to all registered Athletics Ireland members. Those interested in doing this course should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., as soon as possible.
The course will start with an introduction, the basic principles of the setup and operating - this is probably the easy part, it is only with practice and having to deal with issues that people will learn the system.
This approach is taken throughout the Athletics Ireland structure, Paul Stack for example would have started with county championships, then moved to Munster events, and eventually to National operator. So there is potential for operators to progress. Donal Murnane is another operator who has been trained , and is accredited for events up to Munster championships.
There are a number of Munster Championships, in CIT, during June, and these can be used as training days. Two systems would be used in parallel, the training system and the official system. This takes the pressure of the operators. Small groups, 2 or 3 max, would be involved in the practical sessions. This means they will actually operate the system, as opposed to just watching. Depending on the numbers interested, the training will be spread out over a period, to ensure that groups involved in the practical sessions are kept small.
It is hoped that newly trained officials would then progress onto the Athletics Ireland technology officials training, where other topics would be introduced; EDM, Field Terminals, Meet Manager systems, false start etc. Athletics Ireland Technical Officials range from Level 1 to 5, anf from there, to IAAF certification
Cork Athletics would hope to identify how many on the night have an aptitude for it and want to continue. Unfortunately this is not a quick training and away you go, it takes time, practice and patience.
Next Sunday, May 14th 2017, Day 2 of Cork Athletics County Juvenile Championships will be held in CIT. Cork Athletics invites persons interested in Timing to come forward and observe/assist in the meet timing. Those interested should make themselves known, on the day, to Cork Athletics Chairman, Bill Allen
Week Ending Sunday May 21st 2017
Tues, May 16th, 7pm - Pre-Register & 'Practice Run' for Friday night's Kilcredan 5k Road Race
Thurs, May 18th - Last Chance to enter Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon & Relay
Postal/Hand deliveries close 5pm, On-Line entry closes at 12 Midnight
Thurs, May 18th, 7pm - Eagle AC The Cheetah Run Juvenile 1 Mile Road Race
Thurs, May 18th, 8pm - Eagle AC The Cheetah Run 5k Road Race
Thurs, May 18th, 8pm - Knocknagree 5k Road Race
Fri, May 19th, 8pm - Kilcredan 5k Road Race
Sat, May 20th, 11am - Munster Schools T&F Championship
Sun, May 21st, 10:30am - Blackwater 10 Mile Road Race
Sun, May 21st, 11:00am - Cork Athletics Senior, Masters & Juvenile Combined Events T&F Championships
Details of all Athletics Ireland Registered Road Races in Cork during May 2017
As of yesterday, May 10th, Cork Athletics Registrations passed the 7,000 mark, with 7,007 registered Cork Athletics-Athletics Ireland members. In comparison with last year, the 7,000 mark wasn't exceeded until late August. The 2016 end of May figure was 6,481, while the May 2015 figure was 5,909, representing an increase of 8.6% on 2016, and 18.6% on 2015....and there's still almost three weeks to go to the end of May!
To date, fifty two of Cork's fifty three registered clubs have registered athletes, while Cork Athletics newest club, Ballinacurra Villagers AC, has, in the past few days, been set-up on the Athletics Ireland registration system. This will add further numbers, once their athletes are registered.
At the May 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
Clubs are reminded that 2017 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 January 31st and does NOT include competition. Therefore any athlete remaining unregistered beyond January 31st is NOT covered by Athletics Irelands insurance, for ANY purpose, training or competition.
Clubs are urged to register all remaining unregistered personnel without further delay.
NB: The "grace period" covers official club, county, provincial and national training sessions. It does NOT cover competition. All athletes competing in Championship or representative events MUST be registered. Club Registrars are reminded that there is a new Registration System in operation.
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.
Leevale AC head the list, ahead of Bandon AC, with both club having over 500 registered members, and each over 200 registrations ahead of third placed Ballymore-Cobh AC, with Midleton AC in fourth position, and Youghal AC in fifth, with the latter three clubs all having over 300 registered members. A further six clubs exceed the 200 registrations mark, and another sixteen clubs now have over 100 registered members.
| Club | Junior | Juvenile | Senior | Masters | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leevale A.C. | 16 | 389 | 85 | 113 | 603 |
| Bandon A.C. | 8 | 439 | 35 | 98 | 580 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 1 | 184 | 22 | 166 | 373 |
| Midleton A.C. | 0 | 159 | 18 | 140 | 317 |
| Youghal A.C. | 2 | 152 | 20 | 128 | 302 |
| Togher A.C. | 2 | 146 | 23 | 102 | 273 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 2 | 200 | 3 | 29 | 234 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 0 | 171 | 13 | 47 | 231 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 1 | 185 | 8 | 37 | 231 |
| North Cork A.C. | 1 | 154 | 13 | 55 | 223 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 0 | 107 | 20 | 80 | 207 |
| Mallow A.C. | 1 | 1 | 20 | 173 | 195 |
| Tracton A.C. | 0 | 113 | 10 | 62 | 185 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 0 | 118 | 7 | 45 | 170 |
| Eagle A.C. | 0 | 0 | 18 | 148 | 166 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 2 | 122 | 6 | 34 | 164 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners | 0 | 110 | 3 | 51 | 164 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 0 | 58 | 8 | 77 | 143 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life | 0 | 1 | 16 | 120 | 137 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 0 | 2 | 25 | 104 | 131 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 0 | 123 | 0 | 5 | 128 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 0 | 106 | 5 | 16 | 127 |
| Doheny A.C. | 0 | 112 | 1 | 7 | 120 |
| Carrigaline Road Runners A.C. | 0 | 75 | 7 | 30 | 112 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 2 | 103 | 1 | 6 | 112 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 0 | 0 | 21 | 85 | 106 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A,C, | 0 | 0 | 31 | 71 | 102 |
| Aghada Running Club ARC | 0 | 0 | 12 | 82 | 94 |
| Courcey A.C. | 0 | 78 | 0 | 11 | 89 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 0 | 68 | 1 | 20 | 89 |
| Bantry A.C. | 0 | 34 | 15 | 38 | 87 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 3 | 66 | 3 | 15 | 87 |
| Durrus A.C. | 0 | 55 | 2 | 20 | 77 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 0 | 66 | 0 | 9 | 75 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 0 | 61 | 2 | 8 | 71 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers | 0 | 2 | 11 | 52 | 65 |
| Carrigtwohill | 0 | 1 | 21 | 41 | 63 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 0 | 1 | 5 | 37 | 43 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 0 | 0 | 7 | 35 | 42 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 0 | 0 | 9 | 29 | 38 |
| Fota Island Running Club | 0 | 0 | 12 | 18 | 30 |
| Buttevant R.C. | 0 | 0 | 7 | 22 | 29 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 29 |
| Glanmire A.C. | 0 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 25 |
| Churchtown Road Runners | 0 | 0 | 10 | 13 | 23 |
| Rising Sun A.C. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 23 |
| East Cork A.C. | 0 | 0 | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| Garryvoe A.C. | 0 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 17 |
| Cork Mental Health A.C. | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 16 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 13 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 11 |
| Cork Varsity A.C. | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 9 |
| 44 | 3790 | 591 | 2578 | 7003 |
Juvenile/Junior Registrations as at May 10th 2017
As with the overall figures, Bandon AC and Leevale AC stand clear of the other clubs, while a total of nineteen clubs now have over 100 registered Juvenile/Junior members.
| Club | Junior | Juvenile | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandon A.C. | 8 | 439 | 447 |
| Leevale A.C. | 16 | 389 | 405 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 2 | 200 | 202 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 1 | 185 | 186 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 1 | 184 | 185 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 0 | 171 | 171 |
| Midleton A.C. | 0 | 159 | 159 |
| North Cork A.C. | 1 | 154 | 155 |
| Youghal A.C. | 2 | 152 | 154 |
| Togher A.C. | 2 | 146 | 148 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 2 | 122 | 124 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 0 | 123 | 123 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 0 | 118 | 118 |
| Tracton A.C. | 0 | 113 | 113 |
| Doheny A.C. | 0 | 112 | 112 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners | 0 | 110 | 110 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 0 | 107 | 107 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 0 | 106 | 106 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 2 | 103 | 105 |
| Courcey A.C. | 0 | 78 | 78 |
| Carrigaline Road Runners A.C. | 0 | 75 | 75 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 3 | 66 | 69 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 0 | 68 | 68 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 0 | 66 | 66 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 0 | 61 | 61 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 0 | 58 | 58 |
| Durrus A.C. | 0 | 55 | 55 |
| Bantry A.C. | 0 | 34 | 34 |
| Glanmire A.C. | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Mallow A.C. | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Carrigtwohill | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Cork Varsity A.C. | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Rising Sun A.C. | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Senior/Master Registrations as at May10th 2017
Leevale AC top the list, closely followed Mallow AC, who leapfrog Ballymore Cobh AC this month, with thirteen clubs now having 100, or more, registered adult members.
| Club | Senior | Masters | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leevale A.C. | 85 | 113 | 198 |
| Mallow A.C. | 20 | 173 | 193 |
| Ballymore Cobh A.C. | 22 | 166 | 188 |
| Eagle A.C. | 18 | 148 | 166 |
| Midleton A.C. | 18 | 140 | 158 |
| Youghal A.C. | 20 | 128 | 148 |
| Ballintotis Fit4Life | 16 | 120 | 136 |
| Bandon A.C. | 35 | 98 | 133 |
| St. Finbarrs A.C. | 25 | 104 | 129 |
| Togher A.C. | 23 | 102 | 125 |
| Watergrasshill A.C. | 21 | 85 | 106 |
| Dromahane Road Runners A,C, | 31 | 71 | 102 |
| St. Nicholas A.C. | 20 | 80 | 100 |
| Aghada Running Club ARC | 12 | 82 | 94 |
| Grange/Fermoy A.C. | 8 | 77 | 85 |
| Tracton A.C. | 10 | 62 | 72 |
| North Cork A.C. | 13 | 55 | 68 |
| Bweeng Trail Blazers | 11 | 52 | 63 |
| Carrigtwohill | 21 | 41 | 62 |
| St. Catherine's A.C. | 13 | 47 | 60 |
| Clonakilty Road Runners | 3 | 51 | 54 |
| Bantry A.C. | 15 | 38 | 53 |
| Ballincollig A.C. | 7 | 45 | 52 |
| West Muskerry A.C. | 8 | 37 | 45 |
| Duhallow A.C. | 7 | 35 | 42 |
| Rosscarbery Steam Runners A.C. | 5 | 37 | 42 |
| Carraig-Na-Bhfear A.C. | 6 | 34 | 40 |
| Galtee Runners A.C. | 9 | 29 | 38 |
| Carrigaline Road Runners A.C. | 7 | 30 | 37 |
| Belgooly A.C. | 3 | 29 | 32 |
| Fota Island Running Club | 12 | 18 | 30 |
| Buttevant R.C. | 7 | 22 | 29 |
| Donoughmore A.C. | 1 | 28 | 29 |
| Churchtown Road Runners | 10 | 13 | 23 |
| Durrus A.C. | 2 | 20 | 22 |
| East Cork A.C. | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| Rising Sun A.C. | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Millstreet A.C. | 1 | 20 | 21 |
| Skibbereen A.C. | 5 | 16 | 21 |
| Liscarroll A.C. | 3 | 15 | 18 |
| Garryvoe A.C. | 5 | 12 | 17 |
| Cork Mental Health A.C. | 9 | 7 | 16 |
| Courcey A.C. | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Shandrum A.C. | 2 | 9 | 11 |
| Blarney/Inniscara A.C. | 2 | 8 | 10 |
| Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Cork Varsity A.C. | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Doheny A.C. | 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Abbey Striders A.C. | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Old Abbey A.C. | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Glanmire A.C. | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 591 | 2578 | 3169 |
Week Ending Sunday May 14th 2017
Tues, May 9th, 7:30pm - Streets of Fermoy 5k Road Race
Thurs, May 11th, 11:00am - South Munster Schools T&F Championships 2017 - Day 2
Fri, May 12th - Cork City Marathon/Half-Marathon/Relay - Final Date for Entries
Sun, May 14th, 10:30am - Bay Run Half Marathon
Sun, May 14th, 11:00am - Bay Run 10k
Sun, May 14th, 11:00am - Cork Athletics Juvenile T&F Championships - Day 2 2017
Details of all Athletics Ireland Registered Road Races in Cork during May 2017
Podebrady, Czech Republic
Sunday May 21st 2017
| |
| Alex Wright (Leevale AC) | Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) |
Alex Wright (Leevale AC) and Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) are among those selected to represent Ireland at next Sunday's European Race Walking Cup, in Podebrady, Czech Republic, May 21st 2017
Athletics Ireland Press Release - Feidhlim Kelly
A strong Irish team will compete at the European Race Walking Cup in Podebrady, Czech Republic this Sunday (May 21st).
The biannual event will provide a marker for the senior walkers, in preparation for the World Championships, in London next August.
The team will be spearheaded by Togher's Robert Heffernan who will compete alongside Alex Wright (Leevale) and Cian McManamon (Westport) in the 20km, while Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley) gets action underway in the 50km – his first time to compete over the distance in the this event.
Live Streaming
Live streaming will be available on
http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10183677624-sportovni-beh-a-chuze/217254000170001-ep-druzstev-v-chuzi/ from 7.00am Irish time, starting with the men’s 50km walk, and concluding with the women’s Under 20 10km walk, at 6.00pm. Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC) and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC) will compete in the women’s U20 race.
A total of 226 athletes from 26 countries have been entered for the event in the historic Czech Republic spa town, situated around 50km to the east of Prague.
High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: "Athletics Ireland is excited to give the opportunity to our emerging talent who are seeking to follow in the footsteps of greats such as Olive Loughnane, Gillian O’Sullivan and Deirdre Gallagher, while at the same time this event showcases our elite male walkers, who are already well established amongst the best in Europe and the World, as part of their preparation for London 2017."
Men's 50km Walk – 7am - Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley)
Men's 20km Walk – 3pm - Alex Wright (Leevale AC), Robert Heffernan (Togher AC) and Cian McManamon (Westport AC)
Women's U20 10km Walk – 5pm - Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC) and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC)
Related Articles
Live streaming available for European Race Walking Cup in Poděbrady
Podebrady is fast becoming a home from home for Europe’s finest race walkers
Derrick Neff, Rob O'Neill, Pat Whelan, John Quigley, Karl O' Connell and Liam O'Brien
Cork Athletics held a course for prospective Electronic Timing Officials, at CIT Track, on Wednesday 17th May.
The course was conducted by Karl O'Connell, who was, at last month's Athletics Ireland Annual Congress,re-affirmed with his IAAF Level 1 (Athletics Ireland Level 5) certification for a further two years. Karl is Chair of Athletics Ireland's Technical Committee. Karl was assisted by Liam O'Brien, Technical Director for Cork City Sports.
The course was attended by Derrick Neff, Pat Whelan, Rob O'Neill and John Quigley. Rob O'Neill has already officiated at several Cork Athletics T&F meets.
Having completed the introductory session; the basic principles of the setup and operation, the candidates must now put in to practice what they experienced and learnt this evening. The practical 'hands on' sessions will include assisting and observing at forthcoming events, including next Saturday's Munster Schools T&F Championships, along with various other Munster Championships during June, and Cork Athletics Championships and Graded Leagues. Karl and Liam both stressed the critical importance of hands-on experience.
Cork Athletics is keen to increase its panel of Technical Officials, so tonight's welcome initiative should start some of the candidates, if they wish, along the track to officiating at County Championships, Munster events, through to National operator and possibly on to IAAF Official certification. Athletics Ireland Technical Officials range from Level 1 to 5, anf from there, to IAAF certification.
If you missed this evening's session, but are interested in training as an Electronic Timing Official, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. No date has been set for another Electronic Timing Officials course, but if there is sufficient interest, another course will be arranged.
Victoria Park, Belfast,
July 1st -2nd 2017
Aidan Hogan, Rising Sun AC, has been selected to represent Ireland at the World 24 hour Championships in July. Aidan previously represented Ireland at the European 24 Hour Championshios, in Albi, France, last October. Aidan made his debut at the distance at last year's Irish Championships, also in Belfast, where he took the Silver Medal, behind Eoin Keith, having run 238.132km.
Related Articles
Energia Open 24 Hour Championship 2017
Aidan Hogan of Rising Sun AC added to Irish Squad for European 24-Hour Championship
Energia 24 Hour National Championship 2016
The World 24 Hour Championships will be held in Victoria Park, Belfast on July 1st & 2nd. There will be around 40 nations participating and over 400 athletes will compete. Ireland will be represented by strong teams in both the men’s and women’s races.
Men's Team: Eddie Gallen (captain), Eoin Keith, Darragh O’Loughlin, Aidan Hogan (Rising Sun AC), Malcolm Gamble, Tim Brownlie
Women's Team:Ruthann Sheahan, Amy Masner, Yvonne Naughton, Louise Smart, Susan McCartney, Catherine Guthrie
John O’Regan is team manager and Gary McConville will lead the support team.
Some of the team members have vast experience in this event. Ruthann has a number of top 10 performances at World and European level in this event while Eoin has recorded numerous international victories in events of 24 hours and multi-day events. Ruthann has a personal best of 229.346k while Eoin has covered 244.64k within the timeframe. Eddie has a long history of competing for Ireland in this event and will captain the team in his native city. They are joined by Tim, Yvonne, Louise and Catherine who will make their international debuts. It’s an even more notable occasion for Tim and Susan, who are siblings.
This race also incorporates the Irish 24H championships which provides further incentive and makes it even more interesting for the athletes.
The 2017 Energia Open 24 Hour Championship will be held in Victoria Park, Belfast, in conjunction with the World 24 Hour Championship, on Saturday July 1st 2017, starting at 12 noon. There will be no 12 hour, 100k or Team Relay events next year. Energia, sponsors of the 24H race, and Belfast Council are fully supporting the Championships for 2017 as are, jointly, Athletics Northern Ireland (ANI) and Athletics Ireland.
24hr World Championships Belfast 2017 from Kate Finn on Vimeo.
Thursday May 18th 2017
The final closing date for the 2017 Cork City Marathon has been extended until this day week, Thursday May 18th. Postal and hand-delivered entries will be accepted up to 5pm on Thursday, but cannot be accepted after that date/time. On-Line entries will remain open until midnight on Thursday May 18th
Course information, including maps, photographs and general information, on Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay Legs, on Cork Athletics website
View facing those on the Start-Line of the 2017 Cork City Half-Marathon - essentially the finish point of the Evening Echo Mini-Marathon
Enter Cork City Marathon/Half/Relay 2017
International Racewalkers Rob Heffernan and Alex Wright, accompanied by Liam O'Reilly, checking out the 2017 Half-Marathon Start
Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon Press release
By Hopkins Communications
-Due to the influx in entry enquires, the 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon has extended its registration deadline to Thursday 18th May -
11th May 2017: The hotly-anticipated 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is just around the corner and the level of entries to date has surpassed all expectations. After a decade of participants marking the end of their June Bank Holiday weekend crossing the finish line of the Cork City Marathon, organisers have answered the requests from past and potential participants to move this iconic race to Sunday 4th June. This date change has indeed proved to be extremely popular among runners and walkers alike who are flocking to the registration page to add this bucket list event to their diaries. In light of this surge in late entries and registration enquires from those interested in taking part, organisers have made the decision to extend the deadline for entries from Friday 12th May to Thursday 18th May. Entries are now due in by midnight for online entries and postal entries received on or before 5pm on Thursday 18th May.
With almost 10,000 participants last year and increased numbers expected for 2017 in the Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon has firmly secured its place on the Irish sporting calendar as one of the must-attend events of the year. Over the years, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon has become more than a marathon, recognised for its inclusivity. It’s for runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes, fitness enthusiasts and supporters. It is for those looking for a way to get fit, to set a new personal best; a way to raise money for a local charity or a fun day out with family and friends.
The marathon is a platform for outstanding achievements and unforgettable memories and this year will be no different. Among those already registered to take on this sporting challenge are some amazing individuals such as Boston Firefighter Greg MacCurtain, great grandnephew of the former Lord Mayor of Cork Tomas MacCurtain, who will be running his first ever marathon with 6 year old daughter Abby, in her modified wheelchair. Abby is battling Leigh’s Disease, which is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system, but won’t stop her taking to the streets of Cork this June! Others are running on behalf of some very worthwhile charities such as 26-year-old Cobh native, Niall Kavanagh who is running to raise money and awareness for Cork Mental Health Foundation. Some participants are running to fulfil their own personal goals, for example New Jersey athlete, Daniel McCann who is in pursuit of joining the prestigious Seven Continents Club. He has competed the Great Wall of China Marathon and the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon will secure a special spot as his first Europe Marathon. Many runners who take part in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon are touched by the sense of community, spirit and atmosphere which surrounds this special race, just like Kildare man, Peter Mooney, who has run all the Cork City Marathons since the race returned to the city in the mid-2000s.
Speaking in relation to the entry extension, Race Director, Jim O’Donovan urged those who have not yet done so to make use of this window to secure their place on the starting line. “I would encourage individuals of all ages, levels and abilities who have not registered yet, to make use of this entry extension and get involved in the 2017 Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon. It will be a fantastic day in the city and a great way for participants to take in the iconic Cork sights and sounds as they take to the streets. We’re calling on everyone, from first timers to professional athletes, to lace up your trainers and we look forward to seeing you at the start and finish line!”
Now in its 11th year, the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is an internationally-recognised marathon welcoming participants from home and abroad, with certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Cork is a qualifying race for, amongst others, the prestigious Boston City Marathon. The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is a City Council initiative in partnership with Athletics Ireland, Cork Business Houses Athletics Association (BHAA), An Garda Síochána, Cork Education & Training Board, the HSE, Cork City Fire Service, Voluntary First Aid & Medical bodies such as St. John Ambulance, Irish Red Cross, Order of Malta, and Civil Defence, as well as local groups and communities.
The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon organisers are delighted with the number of seasoned and first-time participants who have registered for this year’s race. They hope that this deadline extension will ease the pressure for those still needing to enter and would encourage those thinking about taking part to register and become a part of this memorable day of personal achievement and community. Remember, this is more than a marathon so entries are still open for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, Inter-Services Championships and Youth Challenge. Register now or find out more information on the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon 2017 online at www.corkcitymarathon.ie. For helpful training tips or to share your Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon journey follow them on Facebook and Instagram\corkcitymarathon or on Twitter @TheCorkMarathon #MoreThanAMarathon
The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was revived in 2007 after a break of 21 years. It reflected a growing interest or a rekindling of interest in road running that had peaked in the mid-1980s but had waned in the intervening years.
One of the innovations in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon was the inclusion of a Team Relay challenge, with teams of between two and five members combining to cover the 26.2 mile distance. In 2013, a Youth Team Relay was introduced, providing an opportunity for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 to participate in what is one of the most challenging and rewarding sporting and personal achievements.
End of Release
Entries have been coming in at a brisk rate, with the original entry closing date set for tomorrow, Friday 12th, with many in a bit of a panic to book their place, so the extension of the closing date may come as a relief to some.
As of today, Marathon entries are up 11% on 2016, while entries for the Half-Marathon are up over 17%, while entries for the Relay are marginally up on 2016. These increases in entries are very welcome, while the Half-Marathon increase is particularly welcome.
The Marathon route measurement, by John Quigley AIMS/IAAF Grade B Measurer has been completed, and marking of the course, by Kevin Cummins, Cork BHAA, is in progress at the momemnt, with Mile marks, painted on the roads, popping up all over the city.
The Half-Marathon route essentially follows the Marathon route, apart from the first 1.5 Miles approx. This year, the Half-Marathon starts on Monaghan Road, by Kennedy Park, and heads directly east, with no turns/complications in the start area.
Change to a Sunday
The change to Sunday has also brought personnel resource complications; Sunday generally means a significantly reduced Garda availability, so more non-Garda personnel are required to manage/steward the route. Further pressure is being put on resources as there is a Munster Athletics Championship event in Ennis, on Marathon day, depleting the Cork Athletics crew, and, in particular, experienced key personnel. Consequently Cork Athletics is asking for volunteers to assist on the day. Indeed volunteers are not limited to Cork Athletics, as another Cork City Marathon partner, Cork BHAA, and the Cork City Marathon itself also seek volunteers, so, if you are available, why not approach any of the groups.
Cork Athletics and Cork BHAA, two of the Partners in the Cork City Marathon, urgently seek volunteer stewards for the event. If you are available for a couple of hours on the day, please don't hesitate to come forward.
Cork Athletics urgently seeks volunteer stewards for the forthcoming Cork City Marathon, on Sunday June 4th. This year, the Marathon moves to a Sunday. A consequence of the Sunday event is a significant reduction of available Gardai. On top of this, the normal Cork Athletics stewarding cover will also be badly hit, due to a clash with Munster Juvenile T&F Championships, in Ennis on the same day, as many regular stewards will be officiating in Ennis, or accompanying/supervising their club's Juvenile athletes to the Championships.
Clubs and individuals should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0872354836
Cork Athletics intends holding a Timing course next week, on Wednesday 17th May, from 6:30pm, in CIT. The basics are that it will involve the Wednesday evening, and a Saturday morning, the day of the Munster Schools Track and Field Championships, on Saturday May 20th.
The course will be conducted by Karl O'Connell, who was, at last month's Athletics Ireland Annual Congress, along with Tim Ahern (Blarney-Inniscarra AC) and Padraig Kelly (Ballincollig AC), presented with his IAAF Level 1 (Athletics Ireland Level 5) certificate.
The evening session will deal with cabling and equipment set-up, while the Saturday morning session will be a real-time practical, in competition, session.
The intent of the course is to train-up new timing officials, to increase the pool of available Timing Officials. The course is open to all registered Athletics Ireland members. Those interested in doing this course should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., as soon as possible.
The course will start with an introduction, the basic principles of the setup and operating - this is probably the easy part, it is only with practice and having to deal with issues that people will learn the system.
This approach is taken throughout the Athletics Ireland structure, Paul Stack for example would have started with county championships, then moved to Munster events, and eventually to National operator. So there is potential for operators to progress. Donal Murnane is another operator who has been trained , and is accredited for events up to Munster championships.
There are a number of Munster Championships, in CIT, during June, and these can be used as training days. Two systems would be used in parallel, the training system and the official system. This takes the pressure of the operators. Small groups, 2 or 3 max, would be involved in the practical sessions. This means they will actually operate the system, as opposed to just watching. Depending on the numbers interested, the training will be spread out over a period, to ensure that groups involved in the practical sessions are kept small.
It is hoped that newly trained officials would then progress onto the Athletics Ireland technology officials training, where other topics would be introduced; EDM, Field Terminals, Meet Manager systems, false start etc. Athletics Ireland Technical Officials range from Level 1 to 5, anf from there, to IAAF certification
Cork Athletics would hope to identify how many on the night have an aptitude for it and want to continue. Unfortunately this is not a quick training and away you go, it takes time, practice and patience.
Next Sunday, May 14th 2017, Day 2 of Cork Athletics County Juvenile Championships will be held in CIT. Cork Athletics invites persons interested in Timing to come forward and observe/assist in the meet timing. Those interested should make themselves known, on the day, to Cork Athletics Chairman, Bill Allen
River Lee Hotel
Friday May 5th 2017
Emma Coffey, with her parents Eimear and Philip
Emma Coffey, Carraig na bhFear AC, is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for March 2017
The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Evening Echo, The River Lee and Leisureworld
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Cork City Sports - Awards Archive
Carraig na bhFear AC Facebook Page
The Cork City Sports Athlete for the Month of March is Emma Coffey (Carraig na bhFear AC).
At the Irish Juvenile Indoor Track and Field Championships, Emma vaulted a height of 3.25m, to win the Girls Under-17 Pole Vault competition. This was the culmination of a very impressive indoor season, at her specialist event, for Emma
This afternoon, Friday May 5th, 2017, Emma Coffey, Carraig na bhFear AC, was the recipient of the Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for March 2017, presented at a function in the River Lee.
Emma Coffey, flanked by Carraig-na-bhFear AC officers Noreen Murphy, Ger Foley, and her father Philip, Chairman of Carraig-na-bhFear AC
Emma was accompanied at the function by her parents, Eimear and Philip Coffey, and her sisters Maria, Orla and Hannah, along with her Coach Eamonn Flanagan (Old Abbey AC) and Carraig na bhFear AC representatives Noreen Murphy and Ger Foley.
Photos from the event, on Cork Athletics Flickr account
Emma Coffey, with Cork City Sports Officers, Tony O'Connell, Shay Curtin, Kevin McGeary (96 and 103FM), Nicola Cullinane (Evening Echo), Michael O'Connell and Terry O'Rourke
Interview with Emma Coffey, conducted by John Walshe and John Quigley, on Cork Athletics Vimeo account
Interview with Emma Coffey Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month March 2017 from Webmaster - Cork Athletics on Vimeo.
