Thurs Dec 1st - 18:00 - Cork Athletics Weekly Middle Distance & Endurance Coaching Autumn 2016
Fri Dec 2nd - 19:00 - Free Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon Seminar with Boston Marathon Trailblazers
Sat Dec 3rd - 09:00 - Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k 
Sun Dec 4th 11:00 - Munster Athletics Intermediate and Juvenile 'B' Cross-Country Championships
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin
Wednesday November 30th 2016
Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) was named as the Athlete of the Year at the Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards which took place on Wednesday 30th of November in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.
Barr grabbed the country’s attention with his sparkling performances at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro which culminated in an agonising, but magnificent, fourth place finish in the 400m Hurdles in a world class time of 47.97 seconds.
Barr came out on top ahead of Robert Heffernan (Togher) for the top gong who won the Endurance Athlete of the Year award with his excellent 5th in the 50km Race Walk at the Olympics. Athletics Ireland were also delighted to acknowledge the retrospective rewarding of his Olympic bronze medal from London 2012.
Marcus O’Sullivan was inducted into the Hall of Fame for 2016. His long list of achievements includes: three gold medals at the World Indoor Championships over 1500m in 1987 (Indianapolis), 1989 (Budapest) and 1993 (Toronto); third all-time with total sub-4 minute miles, at 101; 1500m silver at the 1985 European Athletics Indoor Championships; qualified for four Olympic Games in 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996, at both 800 metres and 1500 metres. He reached the 1500 metre final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
He set an indoor 1500 metres world record of 3:35.4 on 10 February 1989, and won the prestigious Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games six times (1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1996).
His personal best for the mile, which was set indoors in 1988, is 3:50.94. His personal best for the 1500 metres, which was set outdoors in 1996, is 3:33.61.
O'Sullivan, a long time member of Leevale, along with Ray Flynn, Eamonn Coghlan, and Frank O'Mara established the still standing world record in the 4 x 1 mile relay, when they combined in Dublin on August 17, 1985 to run 15:49.08.
He is currently the head coach of Villanova and recently coached his 16th national champion Patrick Tiernan to the NCAA Cross Country title.
While the National Athletics Awards is a celebration of the many successes of our international and national it also commemorates the association’s exceptional volunteer base. Liam Hennessy was named as the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient – the pinnacle volunteer award. Michael O’Hart won the Outstanding Official of the Year.
Georgina Drumm
It was an historic year in Irish athletics with Georgina Drumm becoming the first female President – also the first in Europe.
President Drumm recalled a great year including Phil Healy’s (Bandon) magnificent ‘from the depths of hell’ relay performance that went viral all around the world. Today also marks the 60th anniversary to the day of Ronnie Delany’s Olympic 1500m gold medal winning performance.
“Our talented and dedicated athletes gave us great performances and an athletics year to remember. The list is long including Ciara Mageean, Thomas Barr, Robert Heffernan, Fionnuala Mc Cormack, Mark English and of course Phil Healy’s inspirational performance at the University Championships.
“The National Awards gives Athletics Ireland the opportunity to formally acknowledge our coaches officials and clubs for their enormous contribution to the success of our sport.
“We wish all our athletes success at the forthcoming European Cross Country Championships.
“With a long list of Major International Events planned for 2017 we look forward to another great year of Athletics.”
Athlete of the Year: Thomas Barr (Ferrybank)
Hall of Fame: Marcus O’Sullivan
Lifetime service to Athletics: Liam Hennessy
Official of the year: Michael O’Hart
U20 Athlete: Adam King (Iveragh)
U23 Athlete: Siofra Cleirigh Buttner (DSD)
Endurance: Robert Heffernan (Togher)
Track & Field: Thomas Barr (Ferrybank)
Inspirational Performance: Phil Healy (Bandon)
Performance Club: Clonliffe Harriers
Development Club: Cushinstown AC
Team of the Year: Women’s Senior Team European Cross Country Championships
Irish Team: Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) 4th, Lizzie Lee (Leevale) 13th, Caroline Crowley (Crusaders) 23rd, Ciara Durkan (Skerries) 43rd, Michelle Finn (Leevale) 54th, Kerry O'Flaherty (Newcastle) 55th
Service to Coaching: Donie Walsh (Leevale)
Mountain Runner: M35 Team Mountain Running World Champions
Master Athlete: Brian Lynch
Ultra Athlete: Eoin Keith (Sportsworld)
University Athlete: Michelle Finn (Leevale/UL)
Tailteann Schools Award: Michaela Walsh (Swinford)
Held before the men’s race, the women’s 8060m event saw a magnificent display of determination by McCormack, the 2011 & 2012 European cross country champion.
The 32-year-old kicked off quietly, running comfortably at Ethiopian Etenesh Diro’s shoulder for the first half of the race. Shortly after the 2000m mark McCormack and Diro were already a class apart, with only Spanish champion Trihas Gebre, running five seconds behind still maintaining contact.
But the in-form Irishwoman broke away with incredible ease some 14 minutes into the race and from then offered a brave solo effort to the delight of the large crowd assembled. Even with her win secured before the final lap, McCormack maintained top gear to cruise to a 38-second victory, 200 metres ahead of the Ethiopian. Gebre was third another 25 seconds back.
McCormack produced fourth, sixth and fourth place finished respectively at the European championships after her back-to-back victories, and is eager to return to the continental podium in the Italian city of Chia in two weeks’ time.
“Wow, it was a very tough race because of the muddy circuit,” McCormack said. “Sometimes it wasn’t easy to know how close or far the others were so I just decided to run as quickly as possible.”
When asked about how her pre-championships form compares with that of 2012, McCormack was cautious.
“That was long ago so I don’t remember now exactly, but I feel OK now and look forward to fighting in Chia.”
McCormack confirmed that she’ll likely not compete on the track indoors in 2017, choosing to prepare instead for a spring marathon. McCormack clocked a lifetime marathon best of 2:31:22 at the Rio 2016 Olympics, finishing 20th.
Uganda’s Timothy Toroitich and Fionnuala McCormack of Ireland captured convincing victories at the 35th Cross Internacional de la Constitución, the second leg of 2016-17 IAAF Cross Country Permit series, on Sunday (27).
Toroitich’s victory was his second of the season and his fourth consecutive podium finish at this event in the outskirts of Madrid while McCormack dominated the women’s contest, winning by 38 seconds.
The men’s 10,060m event featured a breakaway group of five by the second kilometre consisiting of Toroitich, Eritreans Aron and Goitom Kifle, Bahrain’s El Hassan El Abbassi and Kenyan Jairus Birech. It was Toroitich who controlled the early going with Aron Kifle running closest.
Shortly after the third kilometre the Ugandan built a small lead but Kifle and Birech met the challenge and rejoined the leader.
The following 2300-metre loop, covered in 6:58 by the leading trio, didn’t offer any dramatic changes. My the midway point, El Abbassi and Goitom Kifle ran in solitude six and nine seconds behind while Spain’s Ayad Lamdassem and Italy’s Yemanem Crippa fiercely battled to be first European home.
Some 16 minutes into the race Birech could no longer match Toroitich’s rhythm turning the race into a two-horse battle just as a rain began to fall. Much as had been the case last weekend in Soria, Toroitich’s relentless pace reaped dividends by the seventh kilometre when he dropped Kifle.
By the bell (7:01 for the penultimate circuit), the Ugandan led Kifle by eight seconds, who in turn was three seconds ahead of Birech. Crippa was running sixth as the top European, 37 seconds adrift with Lamdassem another four seconds back.
Facing a course mixed with rain and mud, the last lap proved to be especially tough for the competitors. Toroitich seemed unaffected, padding his lead throughout the closing stages to romp home in 30:52, nine seconds clear of the 19-year-old Eritrean. Birech completed a classy podium 14 seconds behind the victor.
With El Abbassi and Gotom Kifle securing the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, attention turned to the fight for sixth place, with Lamdassem prevailing over Crippa in the very last metre, with both athletes credited with the same time of 31:43.
“I had already competed here several times in the past and knew the circuit was tough but this year was even more difficult and there was a lot of mud and I sometimes found it difficult to remain upright,” said Toroitich, who’ll now return home to prepare for the Ugandan trials for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Kampala 2017.
“That’s an important campaign for me as the world cross country championships will take place in my country, although it’s still early days to know what kind of performance I can expect there.”
Held before the men’s race, the women’s 8060m event saw a magnificent display of determination by McCormack, the 2011 & 2012 European cross country champion.
The 32-year-old kicked off quietly, running comfortably at Ethiopian Etenesh Diro’s shoulder for the first half of the race. Shortly after the 2000m mark McCormack and Diro were already a class apart, with only Spanish champion Trihas Gebre, running five seconds behind still maintaining contact.
But the in-form Irishwoman broke away with incredible ease some 14 minutes into the race and from then offered a brave solo effort to the delight of the large crowd assembled. Even with her win secured before the final lap, McCormack maintained top gear to cruise to a 38-second victory, 200 metres ahead of the Ethiopian. Gebre was third another 25 seconds back.
McCormack produced fourth, sixth and fourth place finished respectively at the European championships after her back-to-back victories, and is eager to return to the continental podium in the Italian city of Chia in two weeks’ time.
“Wow, it was a very tough race because of the muddy circuit,” McCormack said. “Sometimes it wasn’t easy to know how close or far the others were so I just decided to run as quickly as possible.”
When asked about how her pre-championships form compares with that of 2012, McCormack was cautious.
“That was long ago so I don’t remember now exactly, but I feel OK now and look forward to fighting in Chia.”
McCormack confirmed that she’ll likely not compete on the track indoors in 2017, choosing to prepare instead for a spring marathon. McCormack clocked a lifetime marathon best of 2:31:22 at the Rio 2016 Olympics, finishing 20th.
Report: Emeterio Valiente for the IAAF
Leading Results:
MEN (10,060m) -
1. Timothy Toroitich (UGA) 30:52
2. Aron Kifle (ERI) 31:01
3. Jairus Birech (KEN) 31:06
4. El Hassan El Abbassi (BRN) 31:14
5. Goitom Kifle (ERI) 31:36
6. Ayad Lamdassem (ESP) 31:43
7. Yemanem Crippa (ITA) 31:43
8. Sergio Sánchez (ESP) 31:57
9. Adel Mechaal (ESP) 32:03
10. Ayoub Mokhtar (ESP) 32:06
Women (8060m)
1. Fionnuala Mc Cormack (IRL) 28:18
2. Etenesh Diro (ETH) 28:56
3. Trihas Gebre (ESP) 29:21
4. Irene Sánchez (ESP) 29:53
5. Alessandra Aguilar (ESP) 30:11
6. Iris Fuentes Pila (ESP) 30:15
7. Azucena Díaz (ESP) 30:17
8. Veronica Inglese (ITA) 30:18
9. Ana Lozano(ESP) 30:26
10. Tania Carretero (ESP) 30:36
Video resumen de la elite femenina en el cross del @CAPAlcobendas pic.twitter.com/T8vU329TbN
— ANOC (@fundacionanoc) November 27, 2016
Sunday Nov 27th
This morning's Athletics Ireland registered Great Glenville Run, organised and hosted by Watergrasshill AC, in conjunction with Glenville GAA Club has been postponed until a later date, due to unsafe icy conditions on the race route.
The Great Glenville Run Event Page
Watergrasshill AC website
Watergrasshill AC Facebook page
Great Glenville Run Facebook page
Los Alcazares, Murcia, Spain
Sunday November 27th 2016
St Finbarr's AC athlete, Alex O'Shea represents Ireland in tomorrow's IAU World 100k Championships, in Los Alcazares, Murcia, in southeastern Spain. This is Alex's first time to don the Irish shirt.
50k
Rufus Photo (RSA) 3:44:10
David Gatebe (RSA) 3:44:57
Gift Kehele (RSA) 3:44:57
Bongmusa Mthembu (RSA) 3:44:58
Hideaki Yamauchi (JPN) 3:45:06
60k
Alex O'Shea 4:13:12 - 54th Place
70k
Alex O'Shea 5:01:04 - 51st Place
80k
Alex O'Shea 5:52:xx
90k
Alex O'Shea 6:40:xx
100k
Alex O'Shea finishes in 55th place, in a time of 7:37:15, a PB by approx. 11 minutes.
Mens Results
Many congratulations to our new World Champion Hideaki Yamauchi (JPN) in 6:18:22, Silver Medallist Bongmusa Mthembu (RSA) 6:24:05 and taking bronze Patrick Reagan (USA) 6:35:42.
In women, the Gold medal goes to Kirstin Bull (AUS) in 7 34.25. In silver medal position is Nikolina Sustic in 7:36:09 and in bronze position Joasia Zakrzewski (GBR) 7:41:47.
Alex O'Shea with the Norwegian squad
The course consists of 10 x 10k laps on the streets of the town of Los Alcazares
Course Elevation Profile
At first glance the course appears to be somewhat challenging, however the elevation change ranges between approx. 1m and 7m, though the changes are quite sharp
Pharmacy Building UCC
Wed November 23rd 2016
Students from the UCC Sports Law Clinic, with Dr. Aisling Parkes (standing, on right) and Dr Seán Ó Conaill (standing, back row, on left), at the Sports Law Clinic launch, where the FAI Cup was on display.
Dr. Aisling Parkes is a member of Togher AC
Clinic Launch
UCC Sports Law Clinic was launched last night, at a special function in UCC. The Keynote Speaker, International Hockey player, Cliodhna Sergent outlined some of her experiences and how sports law might impact on such experiences. Pat Lyons, from Cork City FC, outlined how the Sports Clinic had helped significantly in drafting policies and procedures for the club.
Among those at the launch were representatives and members from several Cork Athletics member clubs, along with Cork Athletics County Board Representatives.
Invitation
The Sports Law Clinic welcomes invitations to provide information from any individual, club or entity.
Aims of the Sports Law Clinic
The aims of the Sports Law Clinic are:
Students manning the Sports Law Clinic will work on specific sports-related legal issues such as doping, governance, and disciplinary proceedings in a wide range of sports including rugby, athletics, soccer, GAA and boxing.
In particular, this module will address legal standards and professional ethics and will help raise awareness about minimum standards of regulation in the sports field. Students will work on actual cases and policy initiatives, and will benefit from guest seminars from a range of perspectives and disciplines.
UCC Sports Law Clinic is the first of its kind in the world. It is an undergraduate student-led law clinic, which provides free legal information and direction to individuals and organisations on many sports-related matters. The Clinic will not only provide a much-needed pro bono (free) service of a confidential nature, both within UCC and the wider community, but it will also equip UCC Law students with unprecedented skills and experience by working directly with sports clients. The Clinic will investigate issues which may involve a consideration of legal standards and professional ethics, and it will host much needed information sessions aimed at raising awareness about minimum standards of regulation in the sports field.
The Clinic operates under the direct supervision of the Co-directors, Dr Aisling Parkes and Dr Seán Ó Conaill, lecturers based in the School of Law, UCC.
Twitter - @SportsLawUCC
Facebook - UCC Sports Law Clinic @uccsportslawclinic
Website - https://sportslawclinic.wordpress.com/
Clarecastle GAA Club, Clarecastle, Co. Clare
11:30am, Sunday December 4th 2016
In the interest of Traffic Management, Clare County Board would like everyone coming to Clarecastle on Sunday to take EXIT 12 from the motorway.
Take the 1st exit at the Clare Abbey Roundabout into Clarecastle & venue is on right hand side. Access to the GAA Grounds is by Clarecastle National School. First race is at 11.30am.
Charge for adults will be 5 euro. Refreshments (soup, tea & sandwiches) & shop will be available by Clarecastle GAA Club.
Course Map can be found on the Munster Athletics website
Dundalk IT, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Sunday December 11th 2016
National Novice and Juvenile Uneven-Age Cross-Country Timetable
A Cork Athletics bus will leave St. Patricks Quay on Saturday morning (December 10th) at 12:00 noon SHARP! Travelling expenses will not be given to athletes who do not travel on the official bus, unless the bus is full.
All named athletes should contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (085-1480725) by 8pm on Wednesday night next, November 30th. Final Team selections MUST be submitted by Team Managers by Friday next December 2nd.
Any athlete who feels that he, or she, should be included on the team should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (085-1480725) asap, and by 8pm on Wednesday night, November 30th.
Travel expenses/meal allowances will paid only to athletes who wear Cork county singlets - Athletes who do not wear Cork singlets will NOT get expenses.
Novice Womens Team Selection
| Athlete | Club |
|---|---|
| Michelle Kenny | Leevale AC |
| Jessica Bruton | Leevale AC |
| Andrea Bickerdyke | Leevale AC |
| Orla Hayes | Leevale AC |
| Sorcha Kearney | St Finbarrs AC |
| Anita Murphy | St Finbarrs AC |
| Claudia McMorrow | St Finbarrs AC |
| Sinead Kevaney | Midleton AC |
| Evelyn Cashman | Youghal AC |
| Aoidhinn O'Neill | East Cork AC |
| Ronnie Barry | Banon AC |
| Elaine O'Donoghue | Riverstick-Kinsale AC |
| Anna Borkowska | Mallow AC |
| Rachael O'Shea | West Muskerry AC |
| Eimear O'Brien | Togher AC |
| Athlete | Club |
|---|---|
| Luke Horgan | Leevale AC |
| David Fox | Leevale AC |
| Steve Young | Leevale AC |
| Chris Murphy | Leevale AC |
| Donal Coakley | Leevale AC |
| Conor McCauley | Leevale AC |
| Denis O'Regan | Leevale AC |
| Mark Walsh | Leevale AC |
| Alfie Davis | Leevale AC |
| Michael Harrington | Bantry AC |
| Paul Moloney | Mallow AC |
| Eoin O'Keeffe | St Finbarrs AC |
| Rory O'Sullivan | St Finbarrs AC |
| Darragh Canavan | East Cork AC |
Any athlete selected who hasn't already done so, should confirm their availability with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. without delay
| Girls Under-11 | Boys Under-11 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete | Club | Athlete | Club | |
| Amy McCarthy | Bandon AC | John Murphy | Liscarroll AC | |
| Sorcha Kilgannon | Youghal AC | Oisin McCarthy | Bandon AC | |
| Nicole Dinan | Leevale AC | Ruaidhri Boyle | Carraig na bhFear AC | |
| Ava Fitzgerald | Carraig na bhFear AC | Adam Barry | Bandon AC | |
| Leah Dunne | Carraig na bhFear AC | Roman B Hogan | North Cork AC | |
| Lucy Lynch | Carraig na bhFear AC | Gavin Sweetman | Skibbereen AC | |
| Isabelle Nestor | Midleton AC | Charlie Twomey | Bandon AC | |
| Amy Buckley | Riverstick-Kinsale AC | Keith McCarthy | Doheny AC | |
| Aoiubhinn McKeogh | Bandon AC | Patrick Walsh | Midleton AC | |
| Áine Sheridan | Ballymore-Cobh AC | Ryan McCarthy | Riverstick-Kinsale AC | |
| Girls Under-13 | Boys Under-13 | |||
| Athlete | Club | Athlete | Club | |
| Emma Landers | Youghal AC | Diarmuid Healy | Midleton AC | |
| Kate Redmond | Leevale AC | Callum McCourt | Bandon AC | |
| Eva Murphy | Youghal AC | Billy O'Riordan | Belgooly AC | |
| Avril Cashman | Youghal AC | Eoin Quirke | Midleton AC | |
| Maeve O'Neill | Doheny AC | Jack O'Neill | Skibbereen AC | |
| Aniela B Hogsan | North Cork AC | Brian Cott | Midleton AC | |
| Alex Cashman | Youghal AC | Colm Gillespie | West Muskerry AC | |
| Kathryn O'Mahony | Carraig na bhFear AC | Glory Wenegiene | Belgooly AC | |
| Ellen Murphy | North Cork AC | Dan Andrews | Bantry AC | |
| Avril Millerick | Youghal AC | Jack Cullen | Bandon AC | |
| Girls Under-15 | Boys Under-15 | |||
| Athlete | Club | Athlete | Club | |
| Sarah Morrison | St Nicholas | Tommie Connolly | Leevale AC | |
| Shannon Cotter | West Muskerry AC | Paul Hartnett | Midleton AC | |
| Jane Buckley | Bandon AC | Daire O'Sullivan | Carraig na bhFear AC | |
| Mallaid O'Neill | Skibbereen AC | Eoghan Heaney | Leevale AC | |
| Meghan Carr | St Catherines AC | Tadhg M Manning | West Muskerry AC | |
| Grainne Egan | North Cork AC | Eoin Redmond | Leevale AC | |
| Lucy O'Keeffe | Youghal AC | Simon Collins | Leevale AC | |
| Caoimhe Carey | Midleton AC | Tiernan Morrissey | Leevale AC | |
| Lesley Cashman | Youghal AC | Ciarán McNamee | Youghal AC | |
| Olivia Tuthill | Bandon AC | Gavin Kenny | Bandon AC | |
| Girls Under-17 | Boys Under-17 | |||
| Athlete | Club | Athlete | Club | |
| Laura Hayes | St Catherines AC | Eoin Healy | North Cork AC | |
| Laura Nicholson | Bandon AC | Damien Madigan | North Cork AC | |
| Ellen Moran | Leevale AC | Simon Upton | Youghal AC | |
| Jennifer Cotter | West Muskerry AC | Naoise Ó Flaitheartaigh | Bandon AC | |
| Caoimhe O'Leary | Millstreet AC | Jake McCarthy | Youghal AC | |
| Caitlín Hurley | West Muskerry AC | Alan O'Donovan | Leevale AC | |
| Tamzin Muldowney | Midleton AC | Sean O'Sullivan | West Muskerry AC | |
| Sara Barry | St Catherines AC | Killian Nolan | Youghal AC | |
| Caoimhe Hayes | St Catherines AC | Tiarnan McCarthy | Youghal AC | |
| Joe Bosonnet | Leevale AC | |||
| Boys Under-19 | ||||
| Athlete | Club | |||
| Charlie O'Donovan | Leevale AC | |||
| Rory Casey | Togher AC | |||
| John Muckian | Bandon AC | |||
| James Murray Good | Old Abbey AC | |||
| Matthew Murnane | Leevale AC | |||
| Robbie Mulhall | Leevale AC | |||
Chia, Italy
Sunday December 11th 2016
 |  |  |
| Darragh McElhinney (Bantry AC) | Fearghal Curtin (Youghal AC), flanked by Paddy Buckley (Cork Athletics) and John Foley (CEO Athletics ireland) | Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale A.C.) |
Five Cork athletes have been selected on the Irish Teams for next month's European Cross-Country Championships, in Chia, Italy. Three of the five, Darragh McElhinney (Bantry A.C.), Fearghal Curtain (Youghal A.C.) and Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale A.C.), form the core of the six-person Junior Mens team. Leevale AC's duo of Mark Hanrahan and Michelle Finn are the other two Cork representatives, on the Senior Mens and Senior Womens Teams respectively.
 |  |
| Mark Hanrahan (Leevale A.C.) | Michelle Finn (Leevale A.C.) |
The squad was announced earlier today, following yesterday's Athletics Ireland National Cross-Country Championships, in Abbotstown, Dublin.
Athletics Ireland Press release - Feidhlim Kelly
Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) heads the Irish team entries for the European Cross Country Championships in Chia, Italy on December 11th.
McCormack had a fine win yesterday at the IAAF permit meeting in Alcobendas, Spain yesterday, and she will be hoping to lead another strong women’s team which includes UCD’s European `1500m bronze medallist Ciara Mageean.
The team also includes European 3,000m steeplechase finalists Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) and Michelle Finn (Leevale) who also competed at the Olympics in Rio. It is rounded out by An Riocht’s Shona Heaslip who won the Irish Life Health National Cross Country Championships yesterday which incorporated the trial.
The senior men’s team includes marathon specialists Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock) and Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) who both competed in Rio. Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers) won the trial yesterday and is no stranger to European competition.
Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers) heads the junior entries and will be looking to build on his 23rd place finish from last year.
Chia, Italy
Sun December 11th 2016
Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers A.C.), Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock A.C.), Mark Hanrahan (Leevale A.C.), Liam Brady (Tullamore Harriers A.C.) Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders A.C.), Kevin Dooney (Raheny Shamrock A.C.)
Shona Heaslip (An Riocht A.C.), Kerry O'Flaherty (Newcastle & District A.C.), Ciara Mageean (U.C.D. A.C.), Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole A.C.), Laura Crowe (An Riocht A.C.), Michelle Finn (Leevale A.C.)
Karl Fitzmaurice (Ennis Track A.C.), Mitchell Byrne (Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.)
Bethanie Murray (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.), Amy O'Donoghue (Emerald A.C.)
Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers A.C.), Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.), Darragh McElhinney (Bantry A.C.), Fearghal Curtain (Youghal A.C.), Barry Keane (Waterford A.C.), Charlie O'Donovan (Leevale A.C.)
Sophie Murphy (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.), Amy Rose Farrell (Blackrock A.C.), Emma O'Brien (Inbhear Dee A.C./Sli Cualann), Carla Sweeney (W.S.A.F A.C.), Jodie McCann (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.), Aisling Joyce (Claremorris A.C.)
Athletics Ireland Press Release by Feidhlim Kelly
Timetable and Euro Cross-Country Selection Policy at End of Release
There is set to be a second stampede this coming Sunday (November 27) at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown for the Irish Life Health National Cross Country Championships.
Previews can provide the commentators curse especially with a long list of highly competitive athletes vying for individual, club and county glory as well as potential places on the Irish European Cross Country at stake.
Raheny Shamrock’s Mick Clohisey has been a dominant force domestically over cross country and he will be looking to stretch his reign while also guiding his club to their first team title. The women’s race will also be wide open with Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) forgoing the championships to race in Spain.
Mick Clohisey has been able to churn a gear and derail his opponents in what would be his fourth national title over the country. However, on the team front, he has been unable to steer Raheny Shamrock to their first elusive men’s team title. He will he hoping that will all change at the National Sports Campus where a strong squad includes Dooney brothers, Conor and Kevin, Mark Kirwan and Cillian O’Leary.
They dominated the Dublin Championships over their arch rivals Clonliffe Harriers who know how to peak for the big one. They won’t be relinquishing their crown without a fight and will have the consistency of Brian MacMahon, David Flynn and Sergiu Ciobanu leading the black and amber charge.
Munster champion Dara Chesser will be looking to score a surprise on three fronts – individually, for Ennis Track Club and his county Clare. Dublin will of course be heavy favourites for the county title but Clare have a team to be reckoned with.
Christie still has class
Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers) oozes class and he has been reeling back the years winning the Autumn Open in Abbotstown along with winning the Leinster title against Tullamore Harriers’ Liam Brady.
Among the other individuals looking to shine will be Rio Olympians Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) and Kevin Seaward (St Malachy’s) along with Shane Quinn (Ferrybank) who has returned specifically for this race and a tilt at European selection.
The deep field also includes national 5,000m champion Conor Duffy (Glaslough Harriers), Ryan Creech (Leevale), John Travers (Donore Harriers), Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham), Mark Hanrahan (Leevale) and Jake O’Regan (St John's) who could be a surprise package.
Under 23 men
Kevin Kelly (St Coca’s), Karl Fitzmaurice (Ennis Track), Michael McCabe (Raheny Shamrock) and Michael Carey (Clonmel) will be some of the contenders for the men’s U23 crown.
Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers) returns from Iona College to try and stamp his authority in the junior men’s race with the absence of Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track) and Pierre Murchan (DCH). Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers), James Edgar (City of Lisburn), Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers), Craig McMeechan (North Down), Darragh McElhinney (Bantry), Charlie O’Donovan (Leevale), Paul O’Donnell (DSD) and Barry Keane (Waterford) are among the long list.
Mageean Looking to Continue Fine 2016 Form
Ciara Mageean (UCD) has had a fine 2016 winning bronze in the 1500m at the European Athletics Championships and running a swift 4:01 after the Rio Olympics in Paris. Mageean missed out in Santry last year but with another winter behind her, and cuter tactics, she will be a force to be reckoned with on Sunday over 8km.
She used her racing savvy at the Dublin championships sitting on Caroline Crowley’s (Crusaders) shoulder before surging over the last 600-800m.
Crowley was second Irish woman at the Autumn Open and there is another stellar cast of women set for the starting line with Rio Olympians Michelle Finn (Leevale) Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle), Breege Connolly (North Belfast Harriers) all on the entry list.
The depth is highlighted with Annmarie McGlynn, Caitriona Jennings (both Letterkenny) , Sarah McCormack (Clonliffe Harriers), Siobhan O’Doherty (Borrisokane) and Una Britton (Kilcoole) also listed.
Leevale will be keen to retain their title but Dundrum South Dublin have a strong team with Laura Shaugnessy, Maria McCambridge, Meghan Ryan, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Sarah Mulligan and Niamh Devlin. Letterkenny should also mount a strong challenge.
Heaslip and O'Donoghue head U23 women
Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) and Amy O’Donoghue (Emerald) are two of the leading U23 athletes looking to mix it.
DSD U18 and Junior Production Line Continues
DSD’s production line shows no signs of abating in the junior and u18s with Eimear Fitzpatrick, Sophie Murphy, Niamh Carey, Jodie McCann and Abby Taylor to name but a few of their strong stable. Blackrock’s Amy Rose Farrell (Blackrock) will be looking to feature in the junior and U18 race which will be mixed together as will Lauren Dermody (Castlecomber), Carla Sweeney (WSAF), Emma O’Brien (Sli Cualann) and Clare Rafter (Tullamore Harriers)
Let the Juveniles Shine
There will be a wealth of energy and talent on show in the U12, 14 and 16 age groups where some have already made their mark in school competition. Rather than identify individuals and put pressure on them we will report on all of their performances on Sunday evening.
It is a great achievement for them to make it to the All Ireland’s and run on the purpose built cross country course where hopefully they will stay on and watch the older athletes – opening their eyes to the broader horizon that awaits them.
It promises to be a fun-filled and action-packed day where club colours will be out in force. Abbotstown awaits.
European Cross-Country Selection Policy
European Cross-Country Selection Policy
Junior Criteria
3.7 The first three(3) finishing athletes (male/female) at the Inter‐Clubs will gain automatic selection.
Under 23 Criteria
3.8 The first two(2) finishing athletes (male/female) at the Inter‐Clubs will gain automatic selection.
Senior Criteria
3.9 The first three(3) finishing athletes (male/female) at the Inter‐Clubs will gain automatic selection
National Inter-Counties Inter-Club and Juvenile Even-Age Cross-Country Championships Timetable 2016
| EVENT | DISTANCE | START TIME |
|---|---|---|
| GIRLS Under-12 | 2,000m | 11:30 |
| BOYS Under-12 | 2,000m | 11:43 |
| GIRLS Under-14 | 3,000m | 11:55 |
| BOYS Under-14 | 3,000m | 12:10 |
| GIRLS Under-16 | 4,000m | 12:25 |
| BOYS Under-16 | 4,000m | 12:43 |
| GIRLS Under-18 & JUNIOR WOMEN | 4,000m | 13:00 |
| BOYS Under-18 & JUNIOR MEN | 6,000m | 13:20 |
| SENIOR & Under-23 WOMEN | 8,000m | 13:45 |
| SENIOR & Under-23 MEN | 10,000m | 14:25 |
by Colette Kelly
Day one of Cork Athletics technical coaching days was held on Saturday October 15th. Twenty eight (28) athletes, from twelve different clubs across Cork City and county, were present, and a great days coaching was had, in pleasant Autumn sunshine.
This is the third year of the series, with many returning for their third consecutive year, and many new members joining for their first time.
A departure from the previous two years was the splitting of the throws coaching into advanced and beginners groups. This was a great success, but we are still looking for a coach to introduce the standard Javelin to beginners. We had one masters athlete in the Discus, and she was delighted with the days coaching, and felt she got huge benefit from the session. She would highly recommend it to any experienced or aspiring masters athlete.
The aim of the sessions is to raise the technical standard in these events among Cork athletes, and to provide access to coaching and equipment in these events.
Beginners and improvers are welcome. Club coaches or parents who may wish to come along on any of the days are also welcome.
Each of these disciplines; Hurdles, High Jump, Shot, Discus, Javelin and Hammer, will be covered on each of the training days.
NB: Athletes must arrive in good time and participate in the warm up session, which will be part of the session, starting at 14:00 (2pm). Athletes who are late and have NOT completed their warm up routine will NOT permitted to take part, so it is essential that athletes arrive in good time.
Schedule
| Day | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | October 15th | 14:00 - 16:00pm | CIT Track |
| Saturday | October 29th | 14:00 - 16:00pm | CIT Track |
| Saturday | November 12th | 14:00 - 16:00pm | CIT Track |
| Saturday | November 26th | 14:00 - 16:00pm | CIT Track |
| Saturday | December 10th | 14:00 - 16:00pm | CIT Track |
Hurdles, Shot, High Jump - Born 2005, or earlier
Javelin, Discus, Hammer - Born 2004, or earlier
Except for the Minimum Age, per above, these sessions are open to athletes of all ages, including Senior & Masters
| Event | Level | Coach | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot | Advanced | Dave Fratioli | Limerick |
| Shot | Beginner/Improver | Eamonn O Ceallaigh | Ballincollig AC |
| Hurdles | Colette Kelly | Belgooly ACColet | |
| High Jump | Martin O'Sullivan | Liscarroll AC | |
| Discus | Finbarr McCarthy | Fanahan McSweeney AC | |
| Javelin | Advanced | Tom Galvin | North Cork AC |
| Javelin | Beginner/Improver | Coach sought | |
| Hammer | John Meagher | Blarney-Inniscarra AC |
In addition to the designated coaches, as per above, Cork Athletics welcomes other Technical Event Coaches and individuals who would like to become Technical Event Coaches. If you would like to be involved, you need only turn up. If you are interested in coaching, or becoming a coach, please, if possible, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in advance.
Registration will be on the day, at 13:30pm each day, in the equipment shed (by the 200m start/adjacent to the gate at the CIT Campus side of the track.
These Technical Coaching Events are confined to Athletics Ireland registered athletes who are registered with Cork Athletics clubs.
Club coaches and parents are welcome to come along and participate in the sessions.
Queries should be directed to John Copithorne, Cork AAI County Board Registrar, on 0861713500
Wed November 23rd, 7pm, LG 51, Pharmacy Building UCC - UCC Sports Law Clinic - Official Launch
Thurs November 24th, 6pm-7pm, CIT Track - Cork Athletics Weekly Middle Distance & Endurance Coaching Autumn 2016
Sat, November 26th, 14:00, CIT Track - Cork Athletics Winter Coaching Sessions - Day 3
Sat, November 26th, 11:00, Blarney - Dónal Ahern Memorial 5km Run/Walk 2016
Sun, November 27th, 11:00, Abottstown, Dublin - Athletics Ireland National Inter-Counties, Inter-Club and Juvenile Even-Age Cross-Country Championships
Sun, November 27th, 11:30, Glenville - The Great Glenville Run 2016
