October 2020
At a virtual meeting of the Officers of Cork Athletics County Board, this evening, Wednesday September 2nd, it was decided to go ahead with the Cross-Country season, with all County Cross-Country Championships taking place at the Board's grounds at Slieveroe, Riverstick.
Given the ongoing Covid pandemic, and the continued fallout arising from it, very detailed planning will be necessary to ensure that the Championships go ahead ... AND go ahead safely. Hamish Adams, Athletics Ireland CEO, attended the virtual meeting and said that Athletics Ireland has prepared a Cross-Country Protocol, however this will not be released until after the next Government Guidelines update, due by September 13th. The protocol will not be released before then as it may need revision following the Government update.
It is likely that the regular Cross-Country format(s) will be changed for the 2020 season, given the current 200 person limit on site. The races themselves are the easy part, the devil is in the detail of the, literally, hundreds of issues and problems that need to be addressed and solved, from numbers on site, toilet facilities, contact tracing, (probably) ensuring that the site is cleared (as far as practical) following each race. There will be no gate charge, to minimise contact, and maximise social distance, and it is planned to have chip recording of positions ... this will elimate the regulary queues that for at the end of Juvenile XC races, in particular. Chip timing is likely to be used for adult races (only) - Juvenile races position only.
At this point in time, only dates have been decided, as the Board needs to look at all the options/formats, to minimise numbers on site at any one time, and, at the same time, ensure that all ages and categories have their day out over Cross-Country.
Details will published as soon as finalised, however, at this point in time, it is not possible to say which particular Championships will happen on which day - just that the Championships are going ahead ....subject, as always, to the ever-changing Government, HSE and AAI Guidelines...and the vagaries of Covid-19.
Cork County Cross-Country Day 1 - Sunday October 4th, Riverstick
Cork County Cross-Country Day 2 - Sunday October 11th, Riverstick
Cork County Cross-Country Day 3 - Sunday October 25th, Riverstick
Cork County Cross-Country Day 4 - Sunday November 1st, Riverstick
Day 4 is a provisional date to cater for "overflow" from previous dates
Going up the Country - Canned Heat
Permitted Road Races - On The Road Again
August 31st 2020
There was welcome news yesterday, August 31st, when updated and clearer guidance on Road Races, and activities involving juveniles, was issued by Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland. This is particularly welcome, when a number of road races, with Athletics Ireland permits, are scheduled to go ahead in the next few weeks, in Charleville and Allihies.
It's been a rough couple of months, and, while we're not out of the woods year, it does look like we have a chance of seeing some more races over the coming months.
With the calendar so sparse, it may be an opportunity for clubs to go ahead with races involving 200 or less people. A barrier that will need to be addressed, however, is the 3 month notices requirement for Permit Applications (Cork County Board require a months notice and Athletics Ireland HQ require a further 2 months). It remains to be seen if AAI HQ will allow dispensation with, at least part of, their 2 months.
Main Points
Some parents/guardians may wish to attend underage sporting events, competition and training in a supervisory capacity. Such parents/guardians are not classified as spectators.
All parents/guardians attending must be included in the numbers onsite for planned outdoor athletics competition, and included in the 200 person maximum attendance
Each organisation shall determine if they can facilitate such attendance.
Organisations who choose to permit events to proceed shall ensure that the 200 person limit is not exceeded, and shall ensure that strict adherence to social distancing and public health guidelines is maintained at all times.
At a minimum, the following measures should be implemented by organisers:
1. No more than one (1) designated individual shall attend the session per child/family/group of children.
2. Overall numbers must be kept to a minimum, with due consideration to the available space in the venue/facility.
3. Electronic Contact Tracing & Health Questionnaires must be completed by parents/guardians in advance of attendance.
Each organiser must ensure that there are robust mechanisms in place to limit overall numbers, assist with contact tracing and implement compliance with social distancing and other public health guidelines.
Further Government Covid protocol announcements relating to Sport are due in the coming days, and after September 13th
Sport Ireland has acknowledged issues arising with the staging of events on public roads.
Sport Ireland has advised that competition and events may go ahead as planned, under strict protocols and adherence to public health measures, we wish to clarify the following:
Organisers must follow normal procedures when planning events run public roads.
County Boards, Divisions and/or Clubs are required to obtain a licence from the relevant local authority, and engage with the HSE and Gardaí when planning for the event.
The authority for licensing the event remains with the relevant Local Authority – Sport Ireland guidance does not supersede that of the Local Authority. If the Local Authority is not satisfied that the event can be held without breaching the restriction on spectators or other regulations, it can refuse to grant a licence. Sport Ireland has no role with regard to licensing events of this nature.
"Athletics Ireland can confirm that any permitted road racing events with up to 200 participants can proceed under the current government guidelines. However, please ensure all Covid protocols are followed and that the event is advertised as a closed event with no spectators, and please include strategies to prevent groups forming during the event."
Editorial Comment
The clarifications relating to road races are welcome. In essence, apart from the 200 person limit, along with Covid Protocols, organisers of Registered Athletics Ireland events just need to do what they have always been doing - liaise with the City/County Council, Gardai, and Emergency Services.
It's probably a good idea to ensure that the local Community Council is aware of the event - and on board. Sadly, last weekend, a long-running Athletics Ireland event in Wexford, the Oyelgate Half-Marathon, which had all the boxes ticked with respect to Gardai and road closures, were forced to cancel at a very late stage, due to local objections.
Canned Heat - On the Road Again
National Masters & Juniors T&F Championships Open Today - and Close on Friday
Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin
Juniors: Saturday 5th September
Masters: Sunday 6th September
Entries for both the National Masters and National Junior T&F Championships opened this afternoon, and will remain open until 3pm this Friday, August 28th.
Junior Athletes are confined to two (2) event only, while Masters are confined to a single (1) event.
Late entries will not be accepted, and athletes may not change events after Friday's closing date.
Please note, there may be a change of dates once entries are received
Athletes should take current government guidelines into account prior to completing their entries.
Athletes who reside in a county that is under government lockdown, or those who have been off the island of Ireland in the 14 days leading up to the competition may not compete
Bromley Twilight Invitational
Bromley, Kent, UK
Friday August 21st 2020
Louise Shanahan, Leevale AC and Cambridge University, running 2:03.17, lowered her 800m best having set her previous best, 2:03.71 in Belfast, just last week. Louise is the reigning British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) indoor 800m champion.
The race was led out, for the first 600m, by a male pacemaker, so will not count for record purposes, nevertheless it was a strong performance in testing windy conditions. The pacemaker led the ield of five women through 400m in 60 sec dead, with Shanahan in fourth place. Khaisha Mlanga led from the outset, and was never challenged, winning in 2:01.91. Louise made a move on the back straight, and was third at 600m, in 1:31. Coming into the finishing straight, she moved into second place, only to be overtaken again by Georgie Hartigan, with 2:02.99.
Louise's 2:03.17 retains her third place in the women's mixed 800m standings.
In the earlier Women's 800m B race, Katie Kirk reduced her own PB, also set in Belfast last week to 2:02.98, to go third overall, behind Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner, and, of course, Ciara Mageean's recent stunning 1:59.69
Women's 800m Results - B Race
Women's 800m Results - A Race
August 11th 1991
Mark Carroll, European Under 20 5000m Champion 1991
Euro Gold - Mark Carroll - European U20 5000m Champion - Irish Runner Annual 1992, P18-21
The 5000m gold medal performance by Mark Carroll at the European Junior Track and Field Championships in Thessalonika in August was one of the most impressive achievements in years by an Irish junior athlete. Brother John Dooley gives the background to Carroll’s training build-up for the European gold strike.
Mark Carroll’s outstanding achievement in becoming the first Irish based athlete to win a European athletics championship (junior or senior!) merits close examination and analysis. While each athlete is an individual and what works for one may not work for another, the basic principles of middle distance training and racing apply to all. Mark’s path to glory (including its pitfalls) may light the way for other talented, disciplined and ’hungry’ athletes. Talent without "B & B" (Brains and
Bottle) never won a major championship.
Obviously talent is necessary for international success. Mark Carroll, before the European Juniors, had run 3:43.36 / 8:09 / 14:09 for 1500m, 3K and 5K, respectively. He had finished 19th in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 1990. More important than his impressive times was his ability to race and win when the going was at its toughest, e.g. the Irish Schools Senior Cross Country Championships, against John Murray, in Belfast, after John had ’hammered’ him in the B.L.E. Junior, in Plassey, three weeks earlie,r and the B.L.E. U/21 1500m against Bobby Farren in Tullamore, when Bobby appeared to have made the winning break, and was 10m clear entering the home straight.
This talent emerged quite gradually. Mark never won a B.L.O.E. title, even though he was competing from the age of eleven. He won his one and only club cross-country title in his last race in B.L.O.E. (U/17) in Mullingar, in December 1989.
From then on, Mark gained rapidly in strength and confidence. Der O’Donovan, his coach at Leevale, planned his training and racing programme, so that he trained regularly and progressively, and raced sparingly and intelligently. His second placing behind the year older Paul Logan (Limerick / Providence) in the B.L.E. Junior Cross Country Championships in Killenaule, in February 1989, demonstrated a mental and physical toughness which have become his hallmarks.
The 1989 World Junior Cross Country Championships in Stavanger were nearly a disaster. A somewhat overawed 17 year old never got to grips with the demanding muddy course and flying Africans, and consequently finished a deeply disappointed 103rd. Time, sound advice and encouragement gave perspective to that experience, and made Mark more determined than ever to succeed internationally.
The 1989 track season gave an indication of things to come. Munster U/17 1500m and 3000m titles were won in new record times of 3:55.25 and 8:36.40. At national level, Nigel Brunton proved too strong in the 3K, winning in 8:29.16 from Mark’s 8:36.41, and P.J. O’Rourke reversed Munster placings with a 3:55.0 win in the 1500m.
From the first school day in September he applied himself diligenly to both academic 11 and athletic excellence.
Heavy academic demands were the norm during the ’89-’90 season, as Mark prepared for an honours Leaving Certificate. Now, two more of his outstanding talents blossomed - his singlemindedness and his self-discipline. Mark analysed the situation and planned his study, training and social life carefully. From the first school day in September, he applied himself diligently to both academic and athletics excellence. He trained every day in September and October, running 188 and 214 miles, at 7-6:30 min. pace per mile. Two sand-dune sessions and two minor races were included in October.
November sessions comprised 23 easy/steady runs of 4 to 12 miles at 6:45 to 6:15 pace, two sand-dune sessions and two races.
December heralded the big breakthrough at national level, with victory in the B.L.O.E. U/17 Cross Country Championships over John Murray, P. J. O’Rourke and Nigel Brunton. Confidence soared and another impressive win in the B.L.E. Inter-Counties Junior Cross Country Championships at Dundalk Racecourse established Mark as the outstanding junior in Ireland.
Total Mileage 185 miles. Weight 58kg.
January’s mileage increased to 210 miles and Mark began to experience slight strains in hamstrings and tendons. Physiotherapy and home icing appeared to cure the problem. Mark noted in his diary that he "felt tired at times", so he increased his sleeping hours.
February produced one of the great Junior C.C. races in the B.L.E. championships with an epic struggle between Mark and defending champion, Paul Logan (returned from Providence). Paul finally prevailed, and for the second year in a row Mark had to be content with the runner-up spot and a place on the World C.C. team. Total Mileage 164 miles. Weight 60kg.
Quotes from Diary. "eased down this month, but sharpened up - raced well - National Juniors toughest race of year - felt good during month - very happy."
March was an incredible month, with an easy victory in the Irish Schools Senior C.C. Championships in Boyle, and a 19th placing in the World Junior C. C. Championships in Aix-les-Bains. Once again Mark had prepared methodically and maintained his composure and concentration when the pressure was greatest. Total Mileage 142 miles. Weight 60kg.
Quotes from Diary. "World C.C. the best race of my life - felt super - sore all over for three days afterwards."
April brought the reward of a two weeks warm weather training camp in Yugoslavia. It was an invaluable experience - coping with a different climate, strange food and basic living conditions. Relating with management and seniors was another significant experience. Bernard Dunne (Exercise Physiologist) and Physiotherapists Siobhan Treacy and Shirley Roycroft provided an excellent service which heightened Mark’s appreciation of professional back-up. This Olympic Council-funded venture was one of the best athletic educational experiences international athletes could have had. Total Mileage 191miles. Weight 61kg.
May was made up of steady runs 5 to 11 miles, 2 quality track sessions weekly, i.e. 10 x 400m in 64 secs, with 1 to 2 mins recovery, and 3 sets of 4 x 150m fast, with 150m jog recovery. Highlight of the month was 1st in Munster Schools Senior 1500m in 3:52.5. This was followed by shin soreness which had not cleared up for the Irish Schools Championships.
June was a month of rest, ice and swimming. Orthotics were prescribed and procured, and by the end of June they appeared to be solving the problem.
July saw Mark back in training and still hoping to make the qualifying time for the World Junior 5000m.
An impressive 14:32 behind Noel Richardson in Tullamore in early August indicated a quick return to fitness. Unfortunately, an ill-advised senior 4 mile road race, which Mark won, brought about a return of the shin soreness. Further treatment and an active rest from athletics for the rest of August and all of September was the prescribed cure. (Weight 63kg.)
October was a month of great frustration. Despite taking all the precautions and maintaining a high degree of fitness through swimming and cycling, the shin soreness persisted. Visits to Dr. Mick Molloy failed to bring about any apparent improvement. Now negative questions began to persist. Am I going to be permanently injured? Even if it does clear up will it return as soon as I put pressure on it? How can I go to Providence if I’m so injury prone? Will I lose my scholarship? I’m running out of time to get fit for the cross-country season. Will I miss the World C.C. Championships? Ray Treacy’s regular letters and his encouraging words "you don’t lose talent. I’ll honour your scholarship next August whether you are injured or not" were an invaluable support during this period of darkness.
A visit to Dr. Brendan O'Brien (B.L.E. Hon. Medical Officer) at the end of October was the first light at the end of a dark tunnel. His obvious interest, careful examination and reassuring words greatly relieved Mark. The bone scan in the Blackrock Clinic showed no stress fracture, but highlighted hot spots on the shins which indicated "resolving shin splints."
Brendan O’Brien recommended two to three weeks rest from running, but to continue with stretching, swimming and use of exercise bicycle. By the end of November Mark felt sufficiently recovered to start back running (Weight 65kg).
The first week of December, Mark daily ran 3-4 miles easy on grass; 4-5 miles the second week, 5 miles the third week and 6 miles the last week. Once weekly, he did an aerobic session in the pool, i.e. 8 x 70 secs. Running across pool wearing flotation jacket, with 1 minute recovery. Total mileage 117 miles. (Weight 64kg).
Quotes from Diary: "Learned a valuable lesson in December. A gradual comeback is much more effective and safer than rushing it. Didn’t seem as if I had missed six months - feels good to be back - injury not fully healed yet."
January saw the steady runs increase to 5 to 10 miles, with weekly pool sessions as in December. The first race was a low-key Senior C.C. League on January 13th (when established seniors were racing in Limerick). Victory did wonders for confidence. The second race was a week later in the Munster Junior C.C. Championships. A second placing behind John Murray, after a spirited battle for 3 miles, signalled further progress. Total Mileage 150 miles. Weight 63kg.
February provided the supreme test of Mark’s return to fitness with the National Junior C.C.Championships in Limerick. Another ‘head to head’ with John Murray was decided after one mile, when an inspired John broke clear and won comfortably. Mark ran on strongly for a satisfactory second placing. While there was disappointment at losing,
Mark was delighted with his level of fitness on less than three months training, and especially with the way his shins stood up to the test. Racingwise, he was rusty, and he accepted that he would improve with every race. The following Saturday he easily won the Munster Schools C.C. from an off-form John Murray. Total mileage 187 miles. Weight 63kg.
Quotes from Diary: "Two good races - strength beginning to return - enjoying being back with the group - felt super in the Munster Schools."
March was an incredible month, highlighted by the memorable win in the Irish Schools Senior C.C. in Mallusk, Belfast after an epic head-to-head race with friend and team-mate John Murray. An added bonus was leading the North Mon. to their third senior team title in a row (March 9th).
The North Monastery had been invited to take part in the High Schools Distance Medley Relay (1200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m) at the famous Penn Relays in Philadelphia. A condition of their acceptance was that they run a qualifying time (sub 10:30) before April 1st. The only suitable date was Wednesday, March 13th! With Sean Naughton’s co-operation, a race against Nenagh Olympic was arranged in the Nenagh indoor track, where Mark ran a 4:20 mile to bring North Mon a qualifying time of 10:20.
Having decided that the European Junior 5K was the No. 1 goal for the year, and with less than four months training behind him, Mark raced cautiously in the World Junior C.C. and was quite pleased with his 35th placing. The last week of the month consisted of four runs of 5 miles, a 10 miler, 18 sand dunes and a 14 miler. Total mileage 181 miles. Weight 63kg.
Quotes from Diary:"Enjoyable month - excellent runs in Schools - had a comfortable 4:20 indoor mile and a 35th place in W.C.C. - altogether a great month - I’m back."
April was both a fantastic and a frustrating month. On April 4th Mark stood on a stone and strained ligaments in his ankle. Penn was only three weeks away. Physiotherapy, ice, exercise bicycle and swimming pool were used until the 18th, when Mark ran an easy six miles on grass - ankle sore but improving. Relaxation tape and exercises were also a positive factor. Flew to Philadelphia on 24th, ran 4:17 for the 1600m leg at Penn, bringing North Mon from 5th to 3rd and the bronze medals in the last 100m. Total mileage 109 miles. Weight 60kg.
Quotes from Diary: "Disrupted month, good start but got ankle injury - Penn Relays boosted me up this month."
[Writer’s note:- On the plane journey home from Penn, Mark and I discussed his preparations for the European Juniors. I felt that he needed six weeks of uninterrupted training if he was to be at his peak in Greece. He had never won a Schools track title and was both hungry and the favourite for the 5K. The North Mon. had never won the College of Science Shield and, after Penn, had the team to do it. What to do? Mark reflected for a while and then decided that he would miss the Schools and concentrate on his build-up for the Europeans. I believe that this decision was one of the key elements in the magic formula that produced European Gold.]
May consisted of 30 days training - 28 steady runs (6 to 12 miles) at 7 mins to mile pace, 1 exercise to exhaustion on treadmill and 1 Fartlek (1 x 800m; 1 x 400m; 6 x 150m) on grass. Total mileage 256 miles. Weight 60kg.
Quotes from Diary:"It's taken 12 months to get back into a regular uninterrupted schedule. This month was excellent. All runs at 6:45 - 7 min. pace. I now feel I can have a good summer and winter to come."
June saw Mark hungry for racing and counting the days until June 18. The steady runs continued, 2 fartleks and 2 track sessions on grass, e.g. 4 x 400m plus 4 x 300m and 8 miles (55 mins) on June 17. Cork Senior 5K on 18th - a cool windy night, not suitable for a sub 14:25. Mark took the lead during the first lap and front ran 14:16 for an unchallenged victory. June 20th right tendon sore, back to treatment, exercise bicycle and swimming pool until July. Total mileage 189 miles. Weight 59kg.
Quotes from diary:- "Month began well - some quality fartleks. Right tendon became inflamed - cycled hard and swam well for a week. I believe now it was a good mid-season break.
On arrival in Thessalonika on August 5th, the primary task was to adjust and get into a routine as similar as possible to the normal one and which would be suitable as preparation for the race.
Heat and food not a problem - humidity not a major factor - accommodation satisfactory, Mark and John (Murray) shared - major disruption caused by the hotel’s nite club which ‘boomed’ into action every night at 11 pm and continued ‘booming’ until 3.30am. Bedroom windows opened out on to the bandstand - [close windows and you were in danger of suffocating]. Car park did not clear until after 4.00am.
John and Mark were quite upset and switched rooms next day. 22 mins easy run after sundown."
Wednesday 7th Technical meeting - no heats in 5000m (only 14 entered) or 3000m. s/chase (18! entered). Mark and John rose at 11 am. and went for a relaxed 20 min. run - joined us for lunch (their breakfast). {Note:- Here I must pay tribute to Sean Naughton and Joe Doonan, who allowed the athletes the freedom to work out a routine that suited them and enabled them to retain their control and confidence.] They rested/ slept for a few hours in the afternoon - 20 min. run - dinner - enjoyed the nite club - bed 2.30 - slept 4.30.
Thursday 8th 11.30 to stadium - a relaxed track session 2 x 200m; 2 x 400m, strides - Mark bouncy and perky again. 6pm. Impressive opening cenemony.
Friday 9th 11.30 20 min. run - 7pm to stadium 30 degrees C. - Mark ‘dozed’ on terrace - "wrecked" - 9pm 25 mins run on Esplanade - "refreshed, felt good.”
Saturday 10th 25 min. run "felt good and bouncy." 6pm to the stadium, watched some early events. At 7.30pm Mark accompanied John to the warm-up area. John was tense but in control. As race time approached John became more tense. He cleared the practice hurdle on the track almost 20 times before the delayed start of the race. At the ‘gun’ he shot into the lead to avoid trouble in an 18 man field but ran a 63 sec. opening lap! John stayed with the leaders until the penultimate water jump which he took badly and consequently missed the ‘break’ by the three leaders.
In a matter of 50m the medals were decided and John finished a dejected 7th in 9:02.94. The winner, Loucaides Georgios, Cyprus [now a freshman in Washington State University] set a new Games record of 8:49.24 and 2nd Brands, Germany 8:50.1 and 3rd J. Svendy, Norway 8:50.02 were also inside the old ecord of 8:54.83, in a temperature of 35 degrees C.
Sunday saw Mark follow same routine. He rose at 11.30am, went for an easy 1 mile run, lunched, relaxed with tapes, chatted briefly about the race and assured me that he was both in control and in form. At 6.15pm we departed for the stadium, watched events until 7.30pm and then proceeded to the warm-up area. As was still very warm (32 degrees C)
Mark decided to sit in the shade and relax to the "Mission" tape on his walkman. I sat silently nearby watching his rivals burning up energy in vigorous warm-ups. He did a 15 min. gentle warm-up, proceeded to the call room at the last minute and gave the thumbs-up sign as he walked out onto the track.
Mark Carroll Striding to European Victory
The race itself was tactical, with the opening kilometre covered in 2:58 (74, 71, 33). Mark stayed at the rear for
the first lap, cruised up to third spot on the second lap, and stayed in the leading five through the second kilometre (3:00), third kilometre (2:49) and fourth kilometre (2:53). The next lap (11th) was covered in a steady 69 secs. With 600m to go, Gomez (Spain) made a decisive break, and at the ‘bell’ was 10m. clear, with Mark and Belester (France) giving chase. Mark increased his pace, and joined Gomez with 300m to go. He then 'changed gears’ and, in 50m, opened up a 10m lead which he maintained round the bottom bend and into the home straight. A victory salute 50m from the finishing line was reminiscent of Eamonn Coghlan in Helsinki in 1983.
A historic victory had been achieved by the athlete who had "kept his head when all about him were losing theirs." (apologies to R. Kipling). The presentation ceremony, the hoisting of the Tricolour and the playing of Amhran na bhFiann were magic moments treasured by the Irish team and management, but especially by Mark Carroll, European Junior 5000m Champion 1991.
Note:- A well-deserved tribute is due to BLE not only for the memorable welcome home reception but, and more importantly, for the international competition they provided for Mark Carroll during the past three years, competition which opened his eyes to the international scene and which gave him the experience and confidence to aim for success in the European Juniors.
Christy Wall was one of the first to recognise Mark’s exceptional talent and was especially supportive during the injury and recuperative period.
The BLE cross-country squad sessions in Clonmel organised by Michael Guinan, Paddy Marley and Eamonn Harvey were another important element in Mark’s education for international competition. Eamonn’s approach and relaxation exercises were a very positive influence in Mark’s 19th placing in the World Junior C.C. 1990.
Without the Cospoir grant (£1,000), it is doubtful that Mark would have been able to avail of the intensive and prolonged treatment (physiotherapy, swimming, exercise bicycle) which were vital for his return to health and fitness in time for the Europeans.
Medal Ceremony, Men's 5000m, European U20 Championships, Thessalonik1, August 1991
July was when everything came together and each performance surpassed the previous one. It began with four days of steady running (5, 10, 8, 5 miles) .
5th: Cork City Sports Senior 5000m. Mark ran evenly and strongly to clock 14:09 (second fastest ever by an Irish junior behind John Treacy’s 14:04.6).
6th - 12th: steady 8-10 mile runs at 6:45 pace, with one 15 mile run in 1:43 and one track session; 6 x 400m in 58-56 secs.
13th: 1st in 1500m heat (3:50 PB) in B.L.E. Championship.
14th: 2nd to Frank O’Mara in 3:43.36, (third fastest ever by an Irish junior behind Ray Flynn 3:41.5 and Enda Fitzpatrick 3:42.65).
15th - 20th: 4 steady runs (8,10, 8, 6 miles at 7 mins, pace), one 15 mile run in 1:42 and one track (grass) session;
6 x 400m in 59-56 secs.
21st: 1st B.L.E. U/21 1500m in 3:47.21 ("won on the line; toughest race of season.")
22nd: 91/2miles in 64 mins. "Felt good"
23rd: 12 miles in 81 mins. "Felt good"
24th: 6 miles in 41i/2mins. "Felt wrecked"
25th: 8 miles on trails in 53 mins. "Felt O.K."
26th: 5 miles on trails in 35 mins. "Felt O.K."
27th: A.A.A. Senior 3000m 4th in 8:09.5 (second fastest ever outdoors behind Brian O’Keeffe’s 8:06.3).
28th: left tendon tight - rested.
29th: 10 miles on grass in 69 mins; "Leg better, felt good".
30th: 4 miles warm-up, 2 miles fartlek, 2 miles cool-down. "Tired"
31st: 3 miles 25 mins. "Tired”.
Total mileage 247 miles. Weight 59kg.
Quotes from diary: "Excellent uninterrupted month - four quality races on the trot - full of confidence with 3:43 - tired at end of month - tapered off and recovered."
August was the golden month.
1st - 3rd. relaxed easy running and strides.
4th. Fartlek.
5th. Flew to Thessalonika [left Knocknaheeny at 6.45pm - arrived Hotel Philemon at 9am on Tuesday 6th, breakfast, bed]. "Wrecked".
Related Articles
Mark of Distinction - Mark Carroll - Young Athlete of the Year 1991
Mark Carroll Interview - Irish Runner Annual December 2002
Mark Carroll's World Athletics Profile
Irish Runner Magazine Archives
Archived Articles
Looking Back - 25 Years of BLE in Cork
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The Summer Transfer Window closed on Monday August 24th. Transfer forms may be submitted at any time but will not be dealt with until the next Transfer Window closes, on March 24th 2021.
Twenty six (26) athlete transfers were approved at a Virtual meeting of the Officers of Cork Athletics County Board, on Wednesday September 2nd.
In case of any issues with these transfers, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0861713500
| Forename | Surname | Outgoing Club | Incoming Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noah | Dorgan | Ballymore/Cobh | Leevale |
| Joshua | Dorgan | Ballymore/Cobh | Leevale |
| Samuel | Dorgan | Ballymore/Cobh | Leevale |
| Gavin | Quaine | Bridevale | Watergrasshill |
| Helene | McSweeney | Bweeng Trailblazers | Cork Track Club |
| Denis | Hegarty | Carrig Na Bhfear | Watergrasshill |
| Brian | Gubbins | Doneraile | Buttevant Road Runners |
| John | O'Callaghan | Doneraile | Buttevant Road Runners |
| Diarmuid | Buttimer | Leevale | Ballincollig |
| Maeve | Donovan | Leevale | Ballincollig |
| Garry | Geoghegan | Midleton | Carrig na bhFear |
| David | O'Sullivan | Midleton | Cork Track Club |
| Jerry | O'Connor | Old Abbey | Bandon |
| Sean | O'Connor | Old Abbey | Bandon |
| Dennis | O'Connor | Old Abbey | Bandon |
| Noah | Switzer | St Catherines | Midleton |
| Andy | Switzer | St Catherines | Midleton |
| Charlie | Nestor | Togher | Leevale |
Approved Inter-County Transfers
There were eight (8) inter-county transfers, with five coming into Cork, and three going out.
| Forename | Surname | Outgoing Club | Incoming Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane | Collins | Crusaders | Leevale |
| Jen | Preston | Liffey Valley | East Cork |
| Denis | O'Sullivan | Ballincollig | Killarney Valley |
| Charlotte | Southgate | Blackwater | Leevale |
| Emily | Southgate | Blackwater | Leevale |
| Michael | McMahon | Raheny Shamrock | North Cork |
| Ronald | Ilsiey | St Nicholas | West Waterford |
| Stephanie | Ilsley | St Nicholas | West Waterford |
| Sophie | Merry | Bandon | Tullamore Harriers |
There may be other Inter-County transfers being processed by other Counties that have not yet been presented to Cork Athletics.
Sky is the Limit for McCarthy
Echo Feature on Paralympian Niamh McCarthy
Tuesday August 25th 2020
This article by Jordan McCarthy, on Leevale AC's Niamh McCarthy,appeared in The Echo, on Tuesday August 25th 2020
Echo feature on Niamh McCarthy - Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Jordan McCarthy's Echo feature on Niamh McCarthy
CARRIGALINE’S Niamh McCarthy should have been headed to Japan, this September.
But instead she'll have to wait an extra year, for the rescheduled Summer Games.
The Paralympic discus thrower has become one of the best in the world in her discipline, the F41 category, having medalled at European, World and Paralympic level, across her eight- year career.
McCarthy’s ultimate goal remains the Tokyo Games, which have been moved to late August/ early September of 2021.
Despite the pandemic throwing the 2020 sporting calendar into disarray, the 26-year-old is determined to take the positives from the situation.
Most of all, it gives her an opportunity to get to where she wants to be at, if she’s to match the level of form she displayed when winning a medal at the Summer Games in Rio, or when she smashed the European record two years’ later.
She’s not looking too far ahead, mind, but the 2019 World bronze medal winner certainly doesn’t lack the motivation, one year out.
“It’s a bit weird. It’s not just a short little deferral, it’s an entire year. But I’m personally kind of thankful just for the extra time to prepare.
“Early this year, I was a bit anxious about my potential, because I had a tough time last year. I’m grateful, trying to get back on track this year to be in better form for next year. It’s for the best I think.
“I’m at this seven or eight years maybe. There have been good years and bad years. I had an injury year in 2017, so that was really difficult.
“You just need time and I've a very good support team to help me through things. Last year was another tough year, mentally. There was a lot of change with my coaching and whatnot.
“I wasn't seeing the performances I was hoping for. That has been my hardest year so far. I’m still trying to work on getting back to where I was with my mental strength. I’ve always been incredibly competitive. I don't put any limits on myself. Motivation can be harder the longer you’re in the sport.
“You’ve been through the ups and downs and you know more about what can happen. Training solo during lock- down was very intense. But I used that as an opportunity just to stray fit and healthy.
“Having a concrete goal and trying to be the best as I possibly can be [is the plan now]. Hopefully, Tokyo can roll around next year and I can see what result that gives me,” McCarthy said.
The 2018 European champion, when she set a record throw of 31.76m in Berlin, has a very structured training routine.
However, maintaining that level of preparation was put to the test, as it was for virtually every sportsperson, during lockdown.
Still, having kept on top of her physical fitness, she’s now getting back on track.
“I do also work part-time, with Dell, three days a wreek, Monday to Wednesday, so that plays into my training.
“I’ll do a heavy gym session of an hour early in the week. I wrould do another gym session after wTork on Wednesday. Sometimes, in the winter, there's even a third gym session. I have two or three throwing sessions as well.
“Those are the core sessions. I've also started doing pilates and I would have physio once a wreek as well,”’ she said.
McCarthy has shone wrherever she has represented Ireland, right across the globe. She’s bagged medals at Berlin, Doha, Dubai, Grosetto (Italy), London and Rio de Janeiro.
Asked about the highlight so far, she doesn’t cast any doubt; throwing her way to silver at the 2016 Summer Games.
“I think the highlight kind of has to be Rio, my first Paralympics. I really didn’t knowr what I wras in for. It was my third year of international competition and I wrent in to it with very little expectation, as I was a newcomer.
“Just the atmosphere of the village and everything. It’s not something you prepare for. It is just immense.
“It wras a very good games for me. The competition wras tough. Thankfully, I dug deep and wras able to pull out a throw that put me in second place and kept me there.
“Writn the pressure, with thousands and thousands of people watching it, and to be able to pull it out of the bag, it w*as a massive achievement for me,” she said.
As you can tell, the Corkonian loves a challenge. When not competing at major championships around the world, McCarthy enjoys an adventure from the sky.
Skydiving is something she discovered during her student days, at ucc.
‘”1 ahvays wranted to do a jump. My dear father paid for a skydive for my 18th birthday! I ended up doing a solo jump and that was me hooked.
“I’ve done over 100 solo jumps at this point now. I don’t jump as much as I used to, only after the end of a season.
“It is something that I go back to sometimes. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is character building. Going to Rio was intense, but I thought; ‘you’ve done skydives at this stage and you’ll get through this as well.’
“There are certain things that you hate doing, anything that might scare you a bit. After I started skydiving, very little gave me any type of fear,” she said.
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The August 2020 transfer deadline for the return of fully completed transfer forms, Monday August 24th, has passed. Any further Transfer Forms that have been received after that date will NOT be accepted, except, only, Inter-County transfers which will have already been processed by the outgoing county.
The next transfer window will close on March 24th 2021
Late Forms are .....Late...and will NOT be accepted for this transfer window - NO EXCEPTIONS
March 2021 Transfers
Transfer forms may be downloaded from the Athletics Ireland website.
The Procedure on the form MUST be followed.
Completed forms should be give/posted to Cork AAI County Board Registrar, John Copithorne, Belgooley, Co. Cork.
By the:
• Member (in the case of a minor by the parent or guardian)
• New Club
• Outgoing Club
• County Board (outgoing club)
• County Boards (out of county club transfer)
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Incomplete, improperly or incorrectly completed forms will be rejected.
Roller Coaster - Snakes & Ladders
Editorial - The contents of this editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of Cork Athletics County Board
In the game of Snakes and Ladders, we've hit a snake, and have slid back down the board. Following the upsurge in Covid-19 cases, with rising community transmission, this evening, the Government announced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. These restrictions will apply until at least Sunday September 13th.
While the effects on the upcoming Athletics Ireland National Senior T&F Championships are still unclear - Athletics Ireland has stated "We will update you all on the implications of tonight’s government announcement to our Championships ASAP" - The position with training and road races is pretty clear-cut: Training groups are limited to 15 persons max, while road races must, along with all sporting events, be "held behind closed doors".
"Our National Senior and U23 Track and Field Championships will proceed as planned behind closed doors. We will release further details regarding the schedule later today. All four days will be live streamed.
Thank you for your understanding and patience."
Sport Ireland Update - Wednesday August 19th
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said even when people meet up outdoors they should maintain physical distance. "We are not powerless against this disease, we can alter its course, but to do so we must act together now"
This is a disappointing, but not unexpected development. For the past 10 days or so, case numbers, and transmission rates have been rising, leading to much media speculation that it might be necessary to step back. Sadly this has come to pass, just at a time when Athletics Ireland registered clubs and events were taking their first steps back towards 'normality', with several road races and T&F meets taking place around the country and here in Cork. Sadly this is gone for now.
From early on, it was evident that the pandemic strategy was never going to be a quick lockdown, reopen and everyone then continueing as 'normal'. We need to play 'the long game'. The short to medium priority needs to be on protecting each other, and protecting the sport. For now, we must reset again, and hope that everyone abiding by the measures announced by the Government today will lead to the curvebeing flattened again, and relaxation of the measures from September 16th.
#Stay Safe Everyone!
Reminder of Synopsis of AAI Guidelines - Posted June 24th
Firstly, Read the Fecking Manuals!! ....Everyone!!
HSE Covid-19 Booklet (PDF File)
AAI Guidelines:
Road Race Event Organiser Guidelines
Road Race Volunteer, Staff and Marshalls Guidelines
Road Race Participant Guidelines
Guidelines for Small to Large Running Events (PDF File) U.S.A.
Looking Forward - Guidelines for Races (RRCA)
PRINCIPLES FOR STAGING ROAD AND MT RUNNING EVENTS DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS (UK Athletics)
UK HSE Covid-19 Risk Assessment
And for the amateur sleuths *** .... better off, as the ancient Romans did ...read the chicken entrails
Turku, Finland
1991
Report by BRENDAN O’SHEA
Irish Runner Annual 1992, P 82 - 83 (PDF File)
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| Irish Runner Annual 1992, P 82 | Irish Runner Annual 1992, P 83 |
The Irish veteran track and field team brought home an array of medals from the World Championships in Turku, Finland this summer. Brendan O’Shea competed with the team and reports on an Irish success story.
I was having a relaxed drink in the bar of the Listowel Arms Hotel. I noticed that the bar was less filled than usual - apparently many of the imbibers were watching the finale of the Rose of Tralee. Towards closing time a waiter returned from the TV lounge to announce to all who wished to hear, and to those who didn’t, "The Cork Rose. The Cork Rose." I must admit, I immediately thought of John Buckley.
No, John was not wearing a gown or swimsuit but he had been so wonderfully impressive in his running at the IXth World Veteran Games in Finland just a few weeks earlier that he was still to the forefront of my mind. Subconsciously, the combination of "winning" and "Cork" just had to mean John Buckley.
Since we became active participants in the World Veteran Games in the midseventies, we have enjoyed a success rate and status significantly greater than our numbers would warrant. This has largely resulted from the performances of our veteran superstar, Jim McNamara. At successive world games, New Zealand (1981), Puerto Rico (1983), Italy (1985), Australia (1987) and USA (1989) he won a basket of gold medals.
This year, Jim was not travelling to Turku, Finland for the Games, nor was Emily Dowling, who won two silver medals in 1989 and a further two golds at the Europeans in Budapest last year. We had hopes of medals of some colour from John Buckley and possibly the 0/45 marathon and cross country teams, but it was a case of hope rather than confidence.
John’s opening event was the 10,000 metres, which produced gold in the fine time of 31:30 from Overland (Norway) and Hulander (Sweden). His tactics of "sit with the leading pack until half-way and then go for home" were to gain two further golds in the 5000m and the cross country.
John had been a fine athlete when competing at senior level in the 70s but was best known as a cross country runner Irish style, plenty of muck and hills, rather than as a track or road runner. I remember how I used to then marvel at his ability to run on top of wet muddy terrain without apparently dirtying his socks. He was National Champion in 1972.
Irish Team
However a trip to Germany the following year for an international competition had a profound effect on his running career. John wanted international success, he was not content with being just a good domestic runner. To paraphase that well-known politician, Julius Caesar, "he went, he saw and he realised the folly of his expectations." He saw the superior facilities and support that the German, and other, athletes enjoyed and realised that he probably could never match them in international competition; so he retired, still only in his twenties, and concentrated on his working career.
Highlight Performances
On talking to him recently, he told me how he simply maintained a reasonable level of fitness in the intervening years and only started serious training once he became a vet. "I average about 100 miles a week," he said. Success was unspectacular until this year. His main goal since turning vet has been the marathon; a few times in the mid 2-30s and just one sub 2-30 were good but not exciting. "To what do you credit your spectacular improvement this year,?" I asked In typical self-effacing manner he answered, "I don’t know" and then proceeded to tell me, "I still do, on average,
100 miles a week, but I now also take care of my diet. I cut out most of the junk food. I thought I was thin (sic) but I have recently lost 5 or 6lbs and that seems to have made all the difference." Now you know what makes a super athlete: talent, 100 miles per week and a good diet Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Maeve Kyle and Emily Dowling had been our only female medal winners at World Games prior to this. With no estab- ished female star travelling, our prospects looked very bleak for any additional success. But fortune was to favour us again. The twins, Dorothy McLennan and Sheila Champion, won gold and silver in the 0/55 pole vault while Evelyn McNelis from Naas won silver and bronze in cross country and 10,000m, respectively. Dorothy and Sheila can thank their foresight in entering what is still a pioneering event in women’s athletics for their medals, while Evelyn had to work hard, mighty hard, for hers. Unlike Maeve and Emily, Evelyn entered the veteran scene having progressed through the "get-fit", "Mini-Marathon" ranks. By her success in Finland, she has shown that it is possible to take this path and reach the stars.
Glory Run for John Buckley
However, the World Veteran Games are not just for the elite athletes, the medal winners. If they were, then the Games would be the poorer as a result. Michael Whelan took up athletics at the age of 50. Now 62, he competed in Turku, getting personal bests in both 5,000m and 10,000m and new 0/60 Irish records in the process. Michael was proud of his running, he was thrilled at competing on a world stage. We were proud of him, we cheered for him as loudly as we did for John or Evelyn. Success is not simply measured in medais. Success is a very personal thing. Success is trying one’s utmost in competition, trying to reach one’s own personal star in the sky. The veteran movement provides a vehicle for this fulfilment.
Whither the World Games now? Having hovered between 3,000 and 4,000 athletes for a number of Games, the numbers took a quantum jump to 5,000 from fifty-two countries in the U.S. in1989 and added just a few more in Finland, this time with fifty-five countries participating. To put this into perspective, it is more than the number of participants in all the sports at the recent Olympics, not just track and field. Up until now, the Games have been predominantly a western phenomenon, with just a sporadic appearance of individuals from the Communist Bloc countries. All this changed in Turku when 120 Soviet athletes arrived, the result of perestroika.
How the Irish Fared
Who were these Soviets, any famous names among them? Let’s start with Tatyana Kazankina, dual Olympic gold medallist (1980) and still world record-holder for 1,500m. Add in a few more Olympic champions such as Ludmila Bragina (1976), Elvira Ozolina (javelin 1960) Nina Romanskova (discus 1952 and 1960). For good measure throw in former world record holder in the shot, Alexander Baryshnikov, toss in an extra sprinkle of Olympic champions, Ganis Lusis (javelin 1968) and Juri Tarmak (high jump 1972) and you get a flavour of the Soviet arrivals.
Did they dominate their events, as one might expect, considering their past wonderful achievements at the highest possible level? Not at all, only two won gold, Ozolina and Romanskova. Apparently veteran athletics is not strong in the USSR; in fact the Soviets had been unaware of the veteran movement abroad until very recently. When they retired from international competition, they effectively retired from all competition and usually from any meaningful level of training. Interestingly, their two gold medallists, Ozolina and Romanskova, at present have "manual jobs" and so retained a significant portion of their former strength; they are both in the throwing events.
The Soviets seemed very surprised at the high standard of competition at the Games; they were curious and wanted to know more. They came ill-prepared and unfit. They will be back, fitter and wiser next time. They will add enormously to the prestige and further development of the veteran movement. Would you like to race, jump or throw with such superstars of the past? The opportunity now is there. We have a part to play, we will do it. And we will do it well, just as we have done up to now. We have the athletes, we have the talent and, equally important, we have the psyche to do it. The world of veteran athletics is expanding worldwide and we want to be part of it. Exciting times lie ahead.
Roll on Japan, 1993.
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Looking Back - 25 Years of BLE in Cork
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Mark Carroll, Margaret O'Connor and Pat O'Reilly, M.D. EBS
View/Download Mark Carroll - Mark of Distinction - Irish Runner, Feb/Mar 1992, Vol 12, No 1, P 24 (PDF file)
If Mark Carroll longed for company while he logged up his 2,000 training miles in 1991 he certainly made up for it during his Christmas holidays. Home in Knocknaheeny in Cork after his first term at Providence College, he received a heap of prestigious awards in recognition of the wonderful performances he strung together last year.
Carroll certainly came good in '91, and Christmas was a time to look back and enjoy the memories. The outstanding junior athlete of the year, and indeed for many a long year before, he deservedly was chosen as the EBS Young Athlete of the Year.
He also picked up his second Irish Runner/Seiko award, as well as one of the monthly awards presented by Jury's of Cork.
Carroll is no overnight star. Yet neither is he one of those who particularly shone through during his juvenile days. Not much was waged on young Mark in the ante-post betting. Injury has regularly plagued his progress, but whereas muscle and bone may have yielded to the strain of his efforts, his ambition and his belief in his own ability never wavered. It was this belief that shortened his odds of success.
Winner of his first BLOE C.C. title in 1989, it was his performance in the Schools C.C. Championships during his time in North Monastery CBS that indicated a performance curve steadily on the rise. Tenth place in '87 to eighth in '88 and '89, before finally taking gold in '90 and '91, show the tireless apprenticeship he clocked up perfecting his talent.
They say that ‘talent will always out’. However talent does not develop by accident and gold medal performances are not achieved on flimsy dreams and neatly planned schedules. The gallops along the footpaths of Harbour View Road, and in the schoolfields around Our Lady’s Mount, as well as the odd quick dash around the tartan lanes of the Mardyke, have moulded a middle distance runner with the equipment to take on the very best.
Add to this mould the ingredients of a supportive home, the coaching of Der O'Donovan, the guidance of Bro. John Dooley, the friendship of fellow Leevale athlete Declan O'Callaghan and the camaraderie of the lads from ‘the Mon' and the recipe for real progress was complete.
His coach Der O'Donovan sees 1989, and particularly the second placing in the Munster Juniors, as the turning point in Carroll’s career. "When he transferred from Eagle Track Club I didn't know of him. The Leevale squad was built around Ken Nason at that time, and so we took no special notice of Mark. However his performance behind John Murray that day was gutsy.
Mark Carroll's main Cross-Country achievements
I told him that he would make the team for the World Juniors, and that turned him on. His greatest asset is his ability to handle pressure, he doesn’t crack up, and nothing or nobody frightens him. He has great ability, is very committed and my one hope is that he develops patience."
Mark Carroll was always interested in running. His mother, Anne, remembers him racing around the local square in competitions with his friends, as they lapped around the block in opposite directions. "He has always been extremely dedicated and worked hard to prepare properly for every race," she pointed out. "The tension on the day he was competing in Greece at the Europeans was fierce, it was a beautiful day, and during a long walk, his father, John, and I talked and wondered about how he was getting on. It was John who first heard the news on Sunday Sport. It was certainly the greatest moment in our lives."
The story of the historic win in Thessalonika, told so well by Bro Dooley in the Irish Runner Annual, completed a marvellous five weeks of top-class running by Carroll. During that time he won Irish Championship U/21 gold, and Senior silver at 1500m, he finished just out of the medals in the British AAA 3000m, won the European gold, and ran two splendid PBs. His 3:43 1500m ranks him third in the All-Time Junior list behind Ray Flynn and Enda Fitzpatrick (athletes also guided by Bro. Dooley), while only John Treacy's 8:06 is rated faster over 3K.
Mark Carroll has carved out a unique part in the history of Irish athletics and many more achievements are no doubt on the cards for the likeable, modest young man from Knocknaheeny.
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Mark Carroll Interview - Irish Runner Annual December 2002
Mark Carroll's World Athletics Profile
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