News

Road Races and Athletics Events Week Ending Sunday March 19th 2023

Cork Athletics Event Listing - Week Ending Sunday March 19th 2023

This Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 19th 2023

Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 26th 2023

This Month's Events - March 2023

Next Month's Events - April 2023

Athletics Ireland Event Calendar

Key Event Summary

Webinar: Wed 15th Mar, 8pm - Managing Transitions for Endurance with Emmett Dunleavy

 
Coaching: Sat Mar 18th, 10am - Assistant Coach Course - Mardyke Arena, Mardyke Arena, Cork

Road: Sun Mar 19th, 11am - Cork Athletics County Road Championships, Castlelyons

Indoor T&F: Sat 18th & Sun 19th Mar - Munster U9-U11 Indoor Championships, Nenagh

The Events

Wednesday 15th Mar, 8pm - Managing Transitions for Endurance with Emmett Dunleavy

Online Webinar

Saturday Mar 18th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations

Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Tramore Valley Park, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Youghal

Saturday Mar 18th, 10am - Assistant Coach Course - Mardyke Arena

Mardyke Arena, Cork

Saturday Mar 18th, 11am - Munster U9-U11 Indoor Championships

Nenagh

Sunday Mar 19th, 11am - Cork Athletics County Road Championships

 Castlelyons

Sunday Mar 19th, 11am - Munster U9-U11 Indoor Championships

Nenagh

Sunday Mar 19th, 2pm - Mt. Claragh - Millstreet (IMRA - Cork)

Millstreet

Assistant Coach Education Course - March 2023

Assistant Coach Education Course - Cork

Mardyke Arena

10am - 4pm, Saturday March 18th 2023

Assistant Coach Group - CIT Track, February 2016

Coach Progression Pathway

Registration Fee: €70

Register for Assistant Coach Course

Enquiries

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Regional Development Officer, Athletics Ireland, phone 0858006892

This Assistant Coach Edcation Course begins at 10am on Saturday March 18th 2023

Course Information

Information on Assistant Coach Course

Aims Of Course

The aim of the assistant coach course is to give some basic skills to the beginner coach to help assist a more senior coach in the delivery of coaching sessions to young athletes. It is an introduction to coaching in three key event areas

• Running (Sprints and Endurance)
• Jumping (Long Jump) and
• Throwing (Shot Putt)

Content

The content for this course includes;

•     Group coaching skills and identifying ways to make coaching sessions fun
•     Fun and functional warm ups and cool dow
•     Safety in Athletics, including Child Welfare
•     Rules of key events
•     Communicating with young athletes and giving effective feedback
•     Basic Running skills
•     Basic Long Jump Skills
•     Basic Shot Putt skills

Duration:

This is a course over 1 day (5.5 hours)

Entry Requirements:

The Assistant Coach Course is open to all those aged 16 years or over

Assessment/ Qualification:

There is no exam

Cost: 

€70 - Included in the price for this course is an Athletics Ireland Assistant Coach Manual

The course will begin at 10 am until 5pm

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Olivia Scully Hahne, Athletics Ireland Regional Development Officer Mid-West/South, 0861528813 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please pass on the news to others who may be interested. and encourage everyone to get involved!

Level 1 Coaching Course

Level I, Athletics Leader and Run, Jump, Throw workshops are also planned over the coming months. Further details later

Cork Athletics Registration Figures - February 28th 2023

Record Cork Athletics Registration Figures - February 28th  2023

February end-of-month registrations for Cork Athletics stand at a record 6,265

Traditionally the first few months are slow for Registrations, with clubs scampering to collect members subscriptions, but, this year, no doubt the new Athletics Ireland One Day Levy (ODL) is spurring the registrations on. Under the levy, non-AAI members, including those who have yet to renew their club memberships, including AAI registrations, are liable for a €2 premium on their race entries, so that incentivises people to register quickly

The figures include several 'anomalies'; There are at least 12 exact duplicate registrations in Cork, where exactly the same individuals are included twice.  Along with this, there is one registration that does not expire at the end of the year

Another set of anomalies relate to New Memberships, of which 1129 are listed.  Many long term AAI members are listed as 'New Members', some of which have as much as 30 or 40 years unbroken AAI/BLE membership. One club has twenty three members wrongly listed as New Registrations

A small number of clubs have less than 10 registered members, and, therefore, club registration is not yet fully valid

Clubs are reminded that new members may 'try out' the club for a few weeks, after which they MUST be registered, or they will NOT be covered by Athletics Ireland insurance

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

Overall Registrations as at February 28th 2023

Largest Clubs, by Total Registered Members

Next Largest Clubs, by Total Registered Members

Leevale AC top the Leaderboard, on 474, followed by Bandon AC (429), with Midleton AC third on 327, followed by Youghal AC (319) and North Cork AC (318).  Carraig-Na-Bhfear AC, Grange-Fermoy AC, St. Catherine's AC, Togher AC and Belgooly AC all exceed 200, while another 14 clubs top the 100 members mark. A total of 24 clubs exceed 100 registered members

Juvenile/Youth Registrations as at February 28th 2023

Leading Cork Juvenile Clubs

Bandon AC hold a clear lead at the top, with 350 registrations, followed by North Cork AC (278), Leevale AC (258), and Belgooly AC (200) with nine more clubs over the 100 mark

Senior/Masters Registrations as at  February 28th 2023

Leevale AC head the table with 216 adult registrations, followed by St Finbarrs AC (170), Youghal AC (167) Grange-Fermoy AC (159), Midleton AC (147) and Eagle AC (139), Mallow AC (136), Togher AC (124)and Carraig-na-bhFear AC (122)

 Leading Adult Registrations by Club - February 28th 2023

Next Largest Adult Registrations by Club - February 28th 2023

Road Races and Athletics Events Week Ending Sunday March 12th 2023

Cork Athletics Event Listing - Week Ending Sunday March 12th 2023

This Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 12th 2023

Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 12th 2023

This Month's Events - March 2023

Next Month's Events - April 2023

Key Event Summary

Cross-Country: Irish Schools Cross Country Championship, Waterford

Road: Sun Mar 12th, 9:30am - Cloyne Commons 4k Road Race Series - Race 5 2022/23, Cloyne

Indoor T&F: Sat 11th Mar - Track and Field Live Tour Nenagh

The Events

Saturday 11th Mar - Track and Field Live Tour

Nenagh

Saturday Mar 11th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations

Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Tramore Valley Park, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Youghal

Saturday Mar 11th, 10am - Nagles Marathon (IMRA - Cork)

Saturday Mar 11th, 11am -  Nagles Half-Marathon (IMRA - Cork

Saturday Mar 11th - Irish Schools Cross Country Championship

 WIT, Carriganore, Waterford

 Saturday Mar 11th - European Throwing Cup

Leiria, Portugal

Sunday Mar 12th, 09:30  - Cloyne Commons 4k Road Race Series - Race 5 2022/23

Cloyne

Enter on the Day!

MTU Track Update - March 2023

Track Closes! - MTU Track & Facilities Update

March 1st 2023

Worlk starts at MTU Track

Work on replacing the tartan track at MTU (formerly CIT) finally started earlier this week, with the stripping of the top layer. Track is closed earlier this week and is now a construction site, so is completely off-limits for the next few months.  The substructure will be completely dug up and replaced next, and preparatory work is expected to take 4 weeks. Laying of the new track running surface is expected to begin in May and, weather permitting, will take eight weeks, with an expected completion date around late June. Good weather conditions will also be necessary to enable lining of the new track surface

Trackside lighting will also be fully replaced with LED lights, this will be a big improvement on the existing system, both in terms of lighting quality, and also with maintenance and running costs

The MTU track surface was last relaid in 2001

All works must be complete in time for the 70th Cork City Sports on Thursday July 20th

Pile-Up at the finish line!

High Performance Facility Opens

Night view of High Performance Performance Centre

The High Performance Centre opened quietly this week, and is already proving to be a very popular

Design view of new High Performance facility

Athletics Ireland and MTU have been granted funding from the Government’s Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, to deliver an indoor community and high performance sports facility adjacent to the track. Work on this has been going on for the past two years or so, and is scheduled to open in the coming days. This facility will replace the existing Gym, which will be demolised to make way for the next phase of the Track Facilities Development

Artist's impression of the view of the Track from inside the High Performance facility

Design work work is progressing on the next Phase, which will include a double height area to facilitate Pole Vault, an indoor Long Jump area, along with a 60m Sprints Track

Athlete Online Transfer Window Open - March 2023

Online Transfer Window is Open NOW - Deadline is March 20th 2023

Cork Athletics Facebook page

Athletes wishing to transfer clubs MUST apply using the Athletics Ireland ONLINE PORTAL ONLY, and are reminded that transfer forms are NOT being accepted by Athletics Ireland

The Online Transfer Portal is OPEN NOW

Access the portal through your own individual registration login on the Athletic Ireland website

Athletics Ireland Transfer Workflow Document (PDF Doc)

Athletics Ireland Transfer Workflow:

Step 1:
Access the AAI membership page - https://membership.athleticsireland.ie/check.html

Step 2:

Enter your email address that you use to manage your membership and press “check” 

Step 3:

Enter your password and sign in

Step 4:

Action “Create Club Transfer”

 Select the new club you wish to join and submit

Paper/PDF Transfer Forms

Up to now, Completed forms were submitted to Cork AAI County Board Registrar, John Copithorne, this is no longer the procedure. Any paper/pdf transfer form received CANNOT be accepted, as all transfer applications MUST be submitted via the Online Portal

Notes:

• Athletes must be in good standing with the outgoing club, i.e. they must not owe any membership fee, or other arrears, and all club property in their possession must have been returned

• Athletes whose membership of the outgoing club has lapsed by more than three years do NOT require a transfer, i.e. they are free to change clubs without going through the formal transfer process - they can be simply registered by the incoming club
  
• Note: Effectively this means that anyone transferring, who has been registered in ANY of the years 2020, 2021, or 2022, will need to complete an Online Transfer Application
  

Next Transfer Window, following March 20th 2023, will open on August 1st 2023

Conversation Series with Athletics Ireland - 4 Webinars for Female Athletes and Their Coaches

A Conversation Series with Athletics Ireland

Four Online Webinars

8pm on four conseculive Mondays: March 20th & 27th and April 3rd & 10th 2023

This series aims to engage with the Athletics Ireland community, and help support those already involved (coaches & female athletes), while also encouraging anyone interested in getting involved with their local club

This 4 part series covers topics specific to the female athlete, and their supporting coaches. After attending each session, each participant will receive a full pdf of resources

The following is an overview of each webinar:

   8pm Monday March 20th - Working with the menstrual cycle

8pm Monday March 27th - Communication & well-being - supporting the coaches

8pm Monday April 3rd - Getting girls involved in athletics & sports

  8pm Monday April 10th -‘Oh the places you'll go’ - A panel interview event with Irish runners (Aoibhe Richardson and Sarah Quinn)

This online series is in collaboration with Orna Murray, of Your Health Psychology. Orna is a former International Cross-Country athlete & National Cross-Country Champion. She has an M.Sc. in Health Psychology, B.A. in Applied Psychology, is a 500 YTT Yoga Teacher, and Social Entrepreneur. She is also a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, and a NLP practitioner

Stephanie Cotter Runs NCAA Div II Indoor Championship Double - March 2023

Stephanie Cotter Wins NCAA Div II Indoor Mile and 3000m Championships 2023

Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Saturday March 11th 2023

Stephanie Cotter on the Double! - NCAA Div II Indoor Mile & 3000m Champion 2023

Stunning Double Victory for Stephanie Cotter

 Following her Mile Final qualification on Friday night, Stephanie Cotter, Adams State University and West Muskerry AC, came out yesterday, and just an hour after winning the Final of the Mile, strode to victory in the 3000m. Not only that, but her maximum points score from the two events took Adams State to the Div II title by a single point, 52 points to 51 for Minnesota State. This was the 'Grizzlies' fifth win, and their first since 2019

NCAA Womens Indoor T&F Championships 2023 - Overall Final Standings

Results of Womens Mile - Heat 1

Heat 1 of Womens Mile

Womens Mile Final

Results of Womens Mile Final

Womens Mile Podium

Womens Mile Final

3000m Final

Results of Womens 3000m

Womens 3000m Final

Adams State University Report

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.- Riding a 21-point team performance in the women's 3,000-meter run and two individual titles by junior Stephanie Cotter, the Adams State University Grizzlies were the surprise NCAA Division II Team Champions after the dust settled at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. The Grizzlies scored just enough to prevent Minnesota State from winning back-to-back titles

The title came down to 0.77 of a second. After all Adams State's participants were done competing, the Grizzlies led by one point, 52-51 over Minnesota State. The women's 4x400 meter was the final event and Minnesota had a team in the race. As the race progressed, Lee (Tenn.) was able to nip Minnesota state and earn the final team point with a time of 3:47.15

The Grizzlies have now won five indoor titles with the Grizzlies' last trip to the top coming in 2019

In addition to the one-point team win, the Adams State saw Cotter win individual titles in the 3,000-meter and mile while senior Miguel Coca won the men's mile title. The Grizzlies now have 38 Individual NCAA DII titles.

Not only did she win the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship in the fall but Cotter made it three titles during the academic year. In the mile, she took off in the final two laps to pull away for the title with a time of 4:49.89. Freshman Maggie McCleskey finished in eighth place with a time of 4:56.11

Cotter than had a good race in the 3,000-meter and pushed by her teammate junior Brianna Robles, she won the title and set a new NCAA Division II record with a time of 9:06.03. Robles finished just over a half a second back with a time of 9:06.72

Related Articles

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month of December 2022 - Stephanie Cotter

Stephanie Cotter wins NCAA Div II Cross-Country Championship - December 2022

Stephanie Cotter and Charlie O'Donovan to run 1500m at European U23 Championships 2021

Stephanie Cotter wins RMAC 1500m Championship - May 2021

Stephanie Cotter Retains NCAA Div II Mile Title

Indoor PBs for Finn and Cotter - February 2021

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month December 2019 - Stephanie Cotter

Stephanie Cotter - NCAA Div II Woman Athlete of the Year 2019

Stephanie Cotter Continues in Winning Way - NCAA Div II Regional 2019

Stephanie Cotter wins RMAC XC Championship and Named NCAA Athlete of the Week

Stephanie Cotter Wins NCAA Div II Outdoor 1500m Title 2019

Stephanie Cotter Wins NCAA Div II Mile Title

 Stephanie Cotter Named as Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Female Freshman of the Year 2019

Stephanie Cotter is Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Female Freshman of the Year 2018

Stephanie Cotter Heads for Adams State

Stephanie Cotter Runs for Europe in Edinburgh International 2018

Stephanie Cotter Third in Antrim International Cross-Country 2018

Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month May 2017 Stephanie Cotter

Cork City Marathon Measurement News - March 2023

Measurement the Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10k 2023

Status as of March 5th 2023

The Cork City Marathon, and it's associated Half-Marathon are AIMS Registered events, and are required to be fully remeasured by an AIMS Certified Measurer, every five years, or if the course changes.  They were both fully remeasured last year, 2022

This year, the Relay has been dropped and, in it's stead, there will be a 10k, which, under AIMS licencing, must also be measured by an AIMS Measurer. The three Cork courses were measured by John Quigley AIMS/World Athletics Grade 'A' Measurer

One of the benefits of AIMS Certification is that qualifying times achieved at AIMS accredited events, like Cork, are accepted for the Marathon Majors, such as New York and Boston

In any city, it's difficult to maintain exactly the same Marathon course, year on year, and it will come as little surprise to find the there are a few, relatively minor, but nevertheless significant changes along the Cork City Marathon Route this year

Second Change in Marathon Route

The first change people will see will be almost unnoticed by many on the day: The City bound exit from the Tunnel is being streamlined, removing an estimated 30m from the route - This is Link B on the Dunkettle Interchange plans.  It is planned to measure the section from Mahon Point to the old Dunkettle Roundabout early in April, to coincide with a closure of the North Bore during a planned Tunnel Maintanance outage ...assuming that Link B is finished in time!

Third Change - Atlantic Pond/ Páirc Uí Caoimh

Another deviation from the 2022 Marathon course will be at the interface of the Old Railway Line Greenway, by the Atlantic Pond, with the Marina.  Major works, taking almost 12 months to complete, are planned for the Marina, to commence in May. The section of these works impacting on the Marathon and Half-Marathon has been re-jigged to ensure that the Marathon & Half-Marathon runners can pass through [After the Marathon week-end, works will commence fully, resulting in, it is understood, full closure of the Marina]

The Marathon will now continue directly along the path, towards Pairc Uí Caoimh, skirting the Stadium and then a short climb up the Pairc Uí Caoimh access road, and joining the Marina briefly, by Lee Rowing Club. This section will be remeasured in the coming weeks, and is likely to add some 3 or 4 metres to the course

First Change - Maddens Buildings

The first change on the route, is listed here in third place, because it will be the last measurement change to be made, once the Tunnel section remeasurement has been carried out

So...between the Tunnel adjustment, and that at Pairc Uí Caoimh, the course will be short by some 26 to 30m. The same start and finish, on Patrick St, as in 2022, are being maintaned. This means that extra distance must be found along the course, and it is proposed to insert this on the Blackpool ByPass, by Maddens Buildings, where, as in the past, a short 'S Type' loop will be added. This section will not be finalised until after the Tunnel section remeasurement

Half-Marathon Route

The only change envisaged in the Half-Marathon route is a slight realignment, near the 'Marquee Road', inside the first mile, due to more roadworks.  It's likely that this will result in the Half-Marathon start line moving just a few metres along the route, in the Blackrock direction

The 10k Route

While the route is being kept 'under wraps' until there is an official Press Release, in the next few weeks, the 10k route was measured over the past two weekends, and only final details, such as locations of restriction barriers and other course managemnt items, which may impact slightly on the measurement, remain to be finalised. Once these are agreed, final adjustments will be made

So the route remains 'Secret' for now....but there were lots of runners out early on the past few Sundays, so anyone who spotted me might have some clues to the route!

Cork Juvenile Track and Field Championship Venues and Schedules 2023

County Juvenile T&F Championships 2023 to be Held in Mardyke and Castleisland

May 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th 2023

 

MTU Track - Being Relaid and Resurfaced	Mardyke Arena - Venue for Days 1, 2 & 3	An Ríocht AC Track, Castleisland - Venue for Day 4

 
This year's Track & Field Championships, both County and Divisional, along with the regular Leagues, Track Meets and club T&F meets & sports have all been thrust into a cauldron of organised chaos, due to the long anticipated MTU Track revamp.  Work finally began at MTU Track last week, and is expected to last until late June, and to be 'Up and Running' in time for the 70th Cork City Sports, on Thursday July 20th

In the meantime, the County Juvenile T&F Championships must be held, as many events lead to qualification for Munster and National Championships, so must be held before June. To complicate matters further, the Mardyke venue does not have either the equipment or capability of holding certain events, particularly field events

Consequently many events must be held at the An Ríocht AC Track, in Castleisland, Co. Kerry as this is the nearest available track that has the capability of covering the field events that cannot be run in Cork. Unfortunately Bandon AC's track, currently under development, will not be ready this year, while other venues are also in the very early stages, with most still at the concept stage

The first three meets, on Sundays May 7th, 14th & 21st, will be held at the Mardyke Arena, in Cork, while the fourth and final day will be held at the An Ríocht AC Track, in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, on Sunday May 28th

Senior Championships and T&F Leagues

No decision have been made yet regarding the Senior (adult) Championships and T&F Meets, but these are likely to take place later in July/August/September, after MTU Track re-opens

Message from Cork County Juvenile Track and Field Competition Secretary Michael Flynn

We will be running our annual Cork Juvenile Track and Field Championships during the month of May. Due to the closure of the track and field at MTU, we have had to look at alternative locations

We will host three days of events at the Mardyke track, on the first three Sundays in May (7th, 14th and 21st), for Under 12 to Under 19 age groups. This will cover the track disciplines, plus shot put, long jump and triple jump. We also plan to have the turbo javelin and long jump, for under 9 to under 11, at the Mardyke on 21st May

As we are restricted in the ability to host field events in the Mardyke, the final day (Sunday 28th May) will be held at the An Riocht track in Castleisland, Co Kerry, where we will have turbo javelin (for under 12), javelin, discus, shot put, high jump and pole vault. We will also have the under 9-under 11 track events (Sprint, Middle Distance & Relay)

For Health and Safety reasons, we will not be running a Steeplechase event. However we will consider the top three Cork finishers in the Munster Championships as the de facto county medal winners for each age group, and will present these medals at a later date. We will communicate more about how to ensure you can be included in this closer to the Munster championships

Athletes will be confined to two events each per day with the following exceptions

a) there is no restriction on under 9-12 athletes from entering any of their events. However they should be considered as technically competent in throwing the turbo javelin and performing the long jump before being entered

b) age eligible athletes can take part in one 4x400m relay and two 4x100m relays (this only applies to those aged Under 17 and Under 18)

c) if you enter the triple jump on day 2, you may also enter two other events on that day.

Athletes may not enter both the discus and javelin on day 4, for Health and Safety reasons. These events are normally held on separate days but the availability of suitable facilities means that we now need to have them on the same day for this years Championships

Entry will be through the Entry4Sport system, and this will be made available at the beginning of April, and will close at 23:59 on the Tuesday prior to the day of the championships. There will be separate events set up on the Entry4Sport system for each day of the championships. Late entries will not be permitted. Therefore it is recommended that you try and get your entries in early, at least for the first day, so that you can resolve any challenges or issues you may encounter before the cut off point

It is the responsibility of club coaches to ensure that their athletes are technically competent at the disciplines for which they are being entered. Officials may stop any athlete they deem unable to compete in a safe manner

Cork Athletics County Juvenile U12-19 T&F Championships - Day 1 2023

Mardyke Arena

Cork Athletics County Juvenile U12-19 T&F Championships - Day 2 2023

Mardyke Arena

Cork Athletics County Juvenile U12-19 T&F Championships - Day 3 2023

Mardyke Arena

Cork Athletics County Juvenile U12-19 T&F Championships - Day 4 2023

 An Ríocht AC Track, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

Schedule Days 1 - 4

Note: Unfortunately, it will NOT be possible to hold the Steeplechase this year

Shot, Long Jump and Triple Jump will take place in the Mardyke, along with the Under-9 to Under-11 Turbo Javelin

Entry Notes

1.    Entry Fee for individual events is €2 per event.  Relay Teams €5 per team

2.     Athletes participating in Under-13 and above events are restricted to two events per day. The only exception is where an athlete selects the Triple Jump as one of their nominated events on Day 2. In that case a third event that day will be permitted. For Health and Safety reasons, athletes are not permitted to enter both the discus and javelin, as they are being held on the same day for this year only

3. There is no limit to the number of events an individual athlete may enter in the Under-9 to Under-12 age categories

4.    Entries must be made using the online Entry4Sport system. Separate events will be created for each day of the championships. Entries will close at 23:59 on the Tuesday prior to each day of the championships. No late entries will be accepted. Clubs should familiarise themselves with the Entry4Sport system and submit entries for day 1 in advance of the cut off point, so that any issues can be resolved

5.    On the day of competition Club numbers will be given to a club official/coach/parent who will be responsible for distributing the correct number to their club athletes. The designated person will have to sign for all of the numbers. Individual numbers will not be given out to an athlete or parent

6.    In individual events, athletes are confined to their own age group

7.    In relays, athletes may move up 1 age group, but 2 of the 4 athletes running must be the correct age, except in Under 17 4x400 relay, where ALL athletes MUST be Under 17

8.    Only those born in 2015 may compete Under 9 events

9.    No new entries will be accepted on the day of competition

Points to Note

1.    All athletes MUST be registered Athletics Ireland Members

2.    ONLY competing athletes and officials are permitted on the track and infield

3.    Athletes MUST wear Club singlets. Numbers are to be worn on front of singlet, (except pole vault competition)  5mm spikes only

4.    Field Events to be held in the Mardyke will commence at 10:30am. Practice jumps/throws for the first age groups must be completed before 10:20am. Competition starts 10:30am sharp. Adequate time will be allowed for practice jumps and throws for each age group thereafter

5. Field Events to be held at An Riocht will commence with the hammer at 9.30 am. Practice throws must be completed before 9.20 am. Other field events will not start before 10.30 am and may be dependant on the completion of the hammer and discus events

6.    Once a competition has started, no practice jump/throw will be allowed

7. It is the responsibility of club coaches to ensure that their athletes are technically competent at the disciplines for which they are being entered. Officials may stop any athlete they deem unable to compete in a safe manner

8.    In Shot, Hammer, Discus, Javelin/ Turbo Javelin, Long Jump & Triple Jump,  each athlete will be allowed 3 attempts

9.    High Jump opening heights, as per Munster Competition Booklet (see appendix), with the bar rising by 5cm, until 3 athletes remain, then by 3cm

10.    Athletes are NOT permitted to carry or use electronic devices in the competition area at any time. (Earphones, ear pods, I-phones, smart phones, tablets etc)

11.    Photographers: All cameras must be registered on the way into the track, in accordance with Athletics Ireland Photography and Film Guidelines

12.    Please respect all property at M.T.Uboth the Mardyke and An Riocht venues

13.    Clubs are responsible for keeping their areas clean of litter.  Please bring your litter away with you. There is a substantial clean-up charge levied on Cork Athletics, if the venue is littered. Please ‘Pull’ anyone you see littering the venue – if the venue is littered, we will all ‘Tarnished with the One Brush!’

14.    Dogs are not permitted inside the grounds of either the Mardyke or An Riocht, with the sole exception of REGISTERED Guide and/or Assistance Dogs

Queries: Please direct all queries to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 0876497193

The programme of events may be brought forward or amended on the day, depending on participation numbers, and weather conditions

Donie Walsh - Train to Race Don't Get Caught Up with Your Time - Article by John Walshe

Leevale Icon Donie Walsh: Train to Race, Don't Get Caught Up With Your Time

This article by John Walshe, appeared in The Echo, on Wednesday March 1st 2023

'If you beat people that are better than you, you are automatically going to run faster without trying.'

It was 50 years ago last Sunday, over a snow-clad seven-and-a-half gruelling miles on Dundalk racecourse, that his run of success began

In his first full season back from Villanova University, Walsh had the Cork county and Munster titles already in the bag but surprisingly wasn’t considered the favourite as he and his club colleagues made the trip north that weekend

Writing in the Cork Examiner in the lead-up to the national decider, athletics correspondent Tim O’Brien explained: “How can one oppose Danny McDaid for the individual gold medal? The Donegal athlete has stormed to the forefront with a number of stunning performances. Victories in the Dublin, Ulster and All-Ireland inter-counties championships have set him up for a grand slam and it will be something of a sensation if he does not carry the day.”

Former champion Fr Paddy Coyle was another fancied, although John Buckley of St Finbarr’s – who took the national title the previous year at Mallow Racecourse – was not in the line-up. “On form it should be McDaid and Coyle but I cannot see Walsh and O’Riordan [Pat, also Leevale] giving in that easily,” wrote Tim O’Brien

A light fall of snow the previous night soon cleared with the bright sun but it left underfoot conditions white and quite treacherous. A leading group of McDaid, Coyle, English-based Pat Gilsenan and Richard Crowley of St Finbarr’s (runner-up to Walsh in Cork and Munster) soon headed the field. But after two miles Walsh put in a devastating burst and the race was effectively over

GIANTS

“Walsh wins battle of the giants,” proclaimed the headline on the following morning’s Examiner

To make it an eventual day for Cork, he was followed over the line 19 seconds later by an elated Crowley with Coyle taking third ahead of Gilsenan as a bitterly disappointed McDaid had to settle for fifth

With Pat O’Riordan seventh, Gene Mealy 19th and Dick Kidney 27th, Leevale took the silver medals, seven points behind Donore who placed their scoring four in the top 16. Fifty years on, Leevale are still trying to win that elusive crown and indeed no Cork club has ever claimed that premier team title

Other Cork finishers that day in 1973 were: Finny Long (UCC), 14th; Jack O’Callaghan (Leevale) 35th; Denis Manning (St Finbarr’s) 48th; Jerry Murphy (Leevale) 49th; Dick Hodgins (Leevale) 53rd; Joe O’Flynn (UCC) 77th; Jack O’Leary (St Finbarr’s) 79th; Flor O’Leary (St Finbarr’s) 81st

Walsh would go on be national c-c champion again in 1974, 1975 and 1978. And, looking back a half-century later, the Leevale man admits on a few occasions it wasn’t just on running ability alone that he prevailed

“There were All-Irelands I should never have won; there were fellows better than me, but you were able to out-fox them on the day,” he now relates

Currently the respected coach at his beloved Leevale whose colours he wore so proudly (including that famous headband), Walsh imparts the same knowledge that brought himself such success in an era that didn’t have the hi-tech approach and equipment so readily available today

“You would always run 100 miles a week for five or six weeks and then peak for the day. Every Wednesday was twice a day when I used to do speedwork up in the Tank Field

I suppose I grew up learning how to race, you would always look at the opposition and see what was the best way to beat them

“When I was a youth with the NACAI, I think I ran 18 races and never lost a championship in cross-county. I won Cork, Munster and All-Ireland, along with the schools. What’s wrong with people nowadays is that they are so caught up with times

“You train to race, that’s what I always tell my athletes. And if you beat people that are better than you, you are automatically going to run faster without trying.”

During the 1970s, Donie Walsh of Leevale dominated the Irish cross-country scene. Between 1973 and 1978, four national senior titles came his way, along with a second and third placing

And to cap it all off, he was a scoring member on the Irish team who captured the silver medals at that never to be forgotten World Championships at Limerick in 1979

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

Cork Athletics Race Calendar

Official Calendar of Registered Athletics Ireland events in Cork

Other Guest Articles by John Walshe

BANDON CONNECTION TO WORLD CHAMPION

A GLIMPSE AT A SIXTIES SPORTS

CORK CITY SPORTS – A BRIEF HISTORY

Mary Sweeney – Youghal's First Lady of Running - Report by John Walshe

Midleton AC County Novice Cross-Country Team 1971

Donie Walsh - 1971 European Championships 10,000m Recalled - Guest Article by John Walshe

Willie O'Mahony has clocked the miles building East Cork Athletics - Guest Article by John Walshe

Memorable Youghal Road Race Took Place at Midnight on New Year's Eve - Guest Article by John Walshe

Midleton AC Virtual Club Challenge - Guest Article by John Walshe

Cork Cross-Country of 1980 - Guest Article by John Walshe

Cork Marathon Magic in 1986 as Marion Lyons Wins - Guest Article by John Walshe

The 1985 Cork 800 Marathon - Guest Article by John Walshe

Tullamore Man Won First Cork Marathon - Guest Article by John Walshe

Pioneering Women of Cross-Country - Guest Article by John Walshe

Grange International Cross-Country of 1980 Recalled 40 Years On - Guest Article by John Walshe

Youghal AC's London Emer Casey 10k Exploits

30 Years Ago - Liam O'Brien Wins Cork County Senior Cross-Country Championship

50 Years Ago - When John Buckley Beat The Olympic Champion

40 Years Ago - Jerry Murphy Wins Munster Marathon Championship

Aoife Cooke Runs 55:17 in Mallow 10 2019

Munster Cross-Country of 1989

Steeplechase Legends Meet at Antrim International

Aidan Hogan - Ultra-Athlete

RUNNING FOR BETTER

Cork to Cobh 40 Years Ago

Unique National Double for McGraths

Dick Hooper Speaks at St Finbarrs AC Function

Road Races and Athletics Events Week Ending Sunday March 5th 2023

Cork Athletics Event Listing - Week Ending Sunday March 5th 2023

This Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 5th 2023

Next Week's Events - Week Ending Sunday March 12th 2023

This Month's Events - February 2023

Next Month's Events - March 2023

Key Event Summary

Admin: Wed 1st Mar, 8pm - Cork Athletics County Board Monthly Meeting, Red Brick Building, MTU Track

Road: Sun Mar 5th, 12:00 noon -  Munster Road Championships,  Quilty, Co. Clare

Indoor T&F: Fri 3rd - Sun 5th Mar - European Athletics Indoor Championships , Istanbul, Turkey; Sat Mar 4th, 09:30am - Munster U9-U19 Indoor Relay Championships, Nenagh

Cross-Country:

Saturday 4th Mar - IUAA Cross-Country Championships, University of Limerick (UL)

The Events

Wednesday 1st Mar, 8pm - Cork Athletics County Board Monthly Meeting

Red Brick Building, MTU Track

Friday 3rd - Sun 5th Mar - European Athletics Indoor Championships

Istanbul, Turkey

Saturday 4th Mar - IUAA Cross-Country Championships

University of Limerick (UL)

Saturday Mar 4th, 09:30am - Munster U9-U19 Indoor Relay Championships

Nenagh

Saturday Mar 4th, 9:30am - Parkrun - 10 Locations

Bere Island, Glengarriff, Castlehaven, Clonakilty, Macroom, Ballincollig, Tramore Valley Park, Glen River, Mallow Castle, Youghal

Sunday Mar 5th, 11am - Bansha Woods (IMRA - Tipperary)

Sunday Mar 5th, 11am -  MTU 5k (BHAA)

Bishopstown

Sunday Mar 5th, 12:00  - Munster Road Championships 2023

 Quilty, Co. Clare