East Cork Athletics Division 2019 Stars Honoured at Annual Awards Function
Midleton Park Hotel
Friday February 28th 2020
Download full Brochure in PDF format
86 Photos on Cork Athletics Facebook Album
apologies - the quality of a small number of photos was too poor to post
Kate Veale and Bill Allen, Guests of Honour at the Function
A large gathering of athletes and their families, along with many, many supporters and friends gathered in the Midleton Park Hotel last Friday, for the East Cork Athletic Division's Annual Awards Night. The evening was introduced by East Cork Division Secretary Tim Twomey, of Youghal AC, who handed over the reins for the evening to MC Michael Byrne, St Catherine's AC, who conducted the proceedings for the evening. Guests of Honour were Olympian Kate Veale (West Waterford AC) and Bill Allen, Vice-Chairman, Cork Athletics County Board
Top Table: Tim Twomey, Martin Drake, Kate Veale and Bill Allen
Opening by Tim Twomey
Tim Twomey
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| Some of the successful Teams from East Cork Division | ||
The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements, at National level, of members of clubs in the East Cork Athletics Divisional area, namely Youghal AC, Ballintotis Fit4Life AC, East Cork AC, Midleton AC, Carrigtwohill AC, Ballymore-Cobh AC, St Nicholas AC, Carraig na bhFear AC, Watergrasshill AC and St. Catherine's AC, and another record number of awards were presented this year. The majority of the awards were presented to Juvenile athletes, and, in keeping with juvenile enthusiasm and exuberance, each presentation being met with typical unrestrained acclamation, with the reception for some recipients almost seeming to bring the house down!
Orla Coffey, Carraig na bhFear AC, receiving the Kathleen McCarthy Memorial Shield, East Cork Division's Athlete of the Year, from Dan McCarthy
Presentation of Perpetual Trophies
The final award of the night was the closely guarded secret - probably more 'hush hush' than the Oscars - which was preceded by silence and bated breadth, before erupting into loud cheers when the nomination went to Carraig na bhFear AC's Orla Coffey, whose name was met with resounding acclaim, aclearly a popular and endorsed choice.
Carraig na bhFear AC swept the boards this year, taking all before them:
Maureen O’Connell Trophy – Best Girls Juvenile Cross-Country Club: Carraig na bhFear AC
Gerry Russell Trophy – Best Boys Juvenile Cross-Country Club: Carraig na bhFear AC
Willy Harte Trophy – Best Club at T&F Championships: Carraig na bhFear AC
River Lee Hotel
Wednesday February 26th 2020
Joan Healy, Leevale AC is Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month for January 2020
The award was presented at a function at the River Lee hotel, on Tuesday January 26th 2020
The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Echo, The River Lee, Cork Crystal and Leisureworld
Cork City Sports - Awards Archive
The Cork City Sports Athlete for the Month of January 2020 is Joan Healy, Leevale AC
Yesterday afternoon, Wednesday February 26th, 2020, Joan Healy, Leevale AC was presented with the Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award for January 2020
The Cork City Sports Athlete for the month of January is Joan Healy (Leevale AC). Joan set a new indoor personal best of 7.31 sec for the 60m in Athlone at the National Indoor league. This very fast time now ranks her in 4th place in the All Time Irish national ranking list.
Joan Healy with Cork City Sports Committe Members and Sponsors
Photos
Photo album from the function on Cork Athletics County Board Flickr a/c
Joan Healy Interviewed by John Quigley
Watch all Cork Athletics Videos on Vimeo
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| Saturday February 29th, 10am, Douglas - Endurance Running Course | Sunday March 1st, 11am, Killeagh - Killeagh 4 Mile | Sunday March 1st, 12 noon, Dungarvan, Co Waterford - Munster Road Championships | Saturday February 29th & Sunday March 1st, Abbotstown - National Senior Indoor Championships - Day 1 & 2 |
w/e Sun March 1st - Endurance Running Course, Killeagh 4 Mile, Munster Road Championships, National Senior Indoor Championships
See further down page for Direct Registration Links
Comprehensive Calendar of Registered Athletics Ireland events in Cork
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
Cork Events This Week
Saturday February 29th, 10am, Douglas - Endurance Running Course
Sunday March 1st, 11am, Killeagh - Killeagh GAA Club 4 Mile
Sunday March 1st, 12 noon, Dungarvan, Co Waterford - Munster Road Championships
Saturday February 29th, Abbotstown - National Senior Indoor Championships - Day 1
Sunday March 1st, Athlone - National Senior Indoor Championships - Day 2
Online Registrations
The Following Upcoming Races currently have Online Entry or Online Registration open:
If your event is missing, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Crosshaven 5k & 10k, Sunday March 8th - SOLD OUT
Duhallow 10 Mile, Sunday March 8th
Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10, Sunday April 5th
Locha Lua Half-Marathon, Ballingeary, Saturday, 11th April
Karen Fenton 5k, Ballinora, Sunday April 19th
Dromina 10/10k, Sunday April 19th
Cheetah Run 5k & Juvenile 1 Mile, Thursday May 16th
John Hartnett 10k, Ballyhooly, Fermoy, Sunday May 17th
Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon & Relay, Sunday May 31st
Doneraile 10k, Saturday June 6th
Cork City 10 Miler, Saturday August 22nd
We are entering a new year and, at this point in time, permit applications are steadily coming in. Several events have even been granted permits for 2021.
A Permit will NOT be granted if there is already a permit in place for another event, on the same day, and within 30km of the venue OR Within 36 Hours of the event and within 30km. Please check Cork Athletics Events Calendar to ensure that there is not a clashing event already in the system.
A permit will not be granted for an Open Sports within the County, if there is already a permit for another Open Sports within 3 days of the proposed event
Permits will NOT be granted for events on the following dates:
March 17th - This clashes with Cork Athletics Road Championships
May 31st (2020) - This clashes with the Cork City Marathon, in which Cork Athletics County Board is an active partner, managing 60% of the course and providing significant stewarding personnel
September 20th (2020) - This Clashes with Cork Athletics' Echo Women's Mini-Marathon, a significant fund-raiser for the organisation
The completed application form must be sent to Cork Athletics County Secretary, Anne Murray, Dromina, Charleville, Co. Cork
NB: A frequent error has been where the completed application form has been sent directly to Athletics Ireland Head Office. This results, at best, in delay to approval of the permit, as it must first be returned to Cork Athletics, for local approval. In some cases, sending directly to Dublin has resulted in significant delay in approval of the application.
Event Registrations should be sought at least three months in advance of the date of each event. [Athletics Ireland require at least 2 Months clear notice of the event. Therefore Cork Athletics Permits should be submitted, at the very latest, in advance of the County Board meeting (Generally the first Wednesday of the month) preceding the start of the 2 months notice period required by AAI HQ
NB: A representative of the Sponsoring Club MUST be present at the Board Meeting, to propose the approval of the Permit Application, otherwise the application is unlikely to be approved.
Since the introduction of the Cork Athletics Online Fixtures Calendar, many clubs and organisations have taken advantage of early application, with resulting calendar listing, of their event.
Athletics Ireland Event Licensing
The Athletics Ireland Road Race Licence is a system whereby the governing body helps to ensure that the essential organisational requirements for a road race are in place, to ensure the safety of all concerned, and consistency in race organisation standards across the country.
Write to the local Garda Siochana, informing them that a race is being planned, and requesting that they nominate a liaision Garda member. The name of the relevant contact at your local Garda station will be required when applying for a Licence.
Contact your Local Athletics Club at the earliest opportunity, as they have vast local knowledge of licensed races in the area, and will guide the organising committee on a choice of date(s) to avoid clashes with other races in the area.
Applications are then submitted by the Local Club, to Cork Athletics County board, for approval. It is recommended that Applications be submitted to the County Board ideally six months in advance of the proposed event. This is to ensure that there is sufficient time to resolve any problems; dates etc.
Applications should include
An Licence Application Form:
Athletics Ireland Course Measurement Form completed by an AAI approved course measurer
A copy of the proposed entry form
A map of the course showing course marshals locations and mile/km points
Information/race instructions that is to be given/forwarded to entrants
Medical Plan
The Appropriate Permit/Licence Application Fee
On approval by Cork Athletics County Board, the Application will be submitted to Deirdre Marley, 19 Northwood Court, Northwood Business Campus, Dublin 9, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 018869933
NB: The Permit Application should NOT be sent directly to Athletics Ireland. If it is sent directly to Athletics Ireland, it will be returned to Cork Athletics County Board, without considerattion
Once your Licence has been approved, you will receive a unique Licence Number, which should appear on all Race Literature, along with a logo which certifies AAI Approval.
No event promotions should take place prior to a Licence being approved and granted, to avoid disappointment, should your event permit not be approved for your chosen date..
For Athletics Ireland Club events only, Athletics Ireland Insurance will provide insurance cover for the race, on issue of the Licence.
No Athletics Ireland Insurance is provided for Charitable, Non-Athletics Ireland Clubs and Organisations, Commercial or International events. These categories of event applications CANNOT be covered by Athletics Ireland Insurance, and Proof of insurance is required
A mandatory part of the process is a requirement to make a risk assessment.
The organising committee is responsible for the risk assessment.
The County Board and Athletics Ireland do not require a copy of the risk assessment; however, a copy should be available on the day of the race, for this to be checked by the Race Referee.
It is also recommended that a “Cancellation Procedure” document is prepared and displayed at Race HQ (An example document )
Permit Applications must be accompanied by a Medical Plan. In addition, each application should be accompanied by a measurement certificate (Measurement Certificates are valid for five years, unless the measured course has been changed).
Athletics Ireland Road Racing Handbook - PDF File
Event organisers are advised to apply for a permit as soon as possible, as approval means immediate listing on the Cork Athletics Fixtures List / Calendar, along with complete event listing (like this one), where information is available. Cork Athletics does not charge for promoting/advertising events that have an Athletics Ireland Event Licence / Permit.
All Events, for which permit applications have been approved by Cork Athletics, are listed on the Cork Athletics Fixtures List / Calendar. In addition to Cork events, Munster, National and International Championships are also listed, along with a small number of major international events.
Note: Events that do not have an Athletics Ireland Event Licence / Permit are NOT listed
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Saturday February 15th 2020
Villanova Report
Leevale AC's Charlie O'Donovan, on Athletics scholarship at Villanova University, in the USA, became the seventh Cork man, and fifth Leevale athlete to break the 4 minute barrier for the Mile, when he won his heat, at the David Hemery Invitational meet, at the Track & Tennis Center, on the Boston University campus. He also becomes the 42nd Villanovan to run a sub-four minute mile. Charlie joins the exclusive Leevale Sub 4 club, along with Marcus O’Sullivan, Mark Carroll, Ken Nason and Ciaran O’Lionard. After his exploits, Charlie returned to the track later in the evening, to pace the 3000 meters.
The significance, to Charlie, of running a sub-four minute mile can be seen from his reaction crossing the line, from esctacy to disbelief, as the impact sunk in. His closing kick, chasing down and annihilating the leader, only added to the magnitude of the moment. With 70 metres left, he deftly moved out into lane two, after sitting in behind frontrunner Patrick Gregory, who had stolen a march and generated a significant lead at the bell. Coming into the final bend Charlie eased past Gregory, bringing four more runners with him, one of who also went sub-4.
It was near-perfect execution of the Race plan went perfectly, with the pacer leading the 12 man field through the first 800 meters, in 1:58, to set the scene for a sub-four minute finish. The time for the first 400 meters was 58.74, with 1:59.28 at 800. Charlie stayed out of trouble, in third place, the first half of the race. When the pacer dropped out, after 800 meters, Gregory took the lead, with three laps to go, Wetzel and O'Donovan were in the second and third positions.
The biggest gap between O'Donovan and long time leader Gregory was at the bell. Official splits showed Gregory in front by 1.23 seconds with 200 meters to go, and Gregory appeared to increase his lead, urged on by the crowd, but Charlie caught him on the back straight, and Charlie passed him when he started his kick for the line.
He moved decisively, and he was in command of the race when he entered the finishing straight. The only question was whether he would break the 4 minute barrier.. The race was streamed live on Flotrack and, when Charlie crossed the line, the commentator shouted "Is it sub-four" before ecstatically exclaiming "YES!". A glance at the time clock, sealed the accomplishment for Charlie, who was visibly impacted by his feat.
There are now 44 Sub 4 Minute Irishmen. Charlie O'Donovan slots in there in 33rd position
| Pos | Athlete | Location | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ray Flynn | Oslo | 03:49.77 | 07-Jul-82 |
| 2 | Eamonn Coghlan | East Rutherford NJ | 03:49.78 | 27-Feb-83 |
| 3 | Mark Carroll | Oslo | 03:50.62 | 28-Jul-00 |
| 4 | Marcus O'Sullivan | East Rutherford NJ | 03:50.94 | 13-Feb-88 |
| 5 | Frank O'Mara | Roma | 03:51.06 | 10-Sep-86 |
| 6 | Ciarán Ó Lionáird | New York NY | 03:52.10 | 16-Feb-13 |
| 7 | Niall Bruton | Oslo | 03:53.93 | 05-Jul-96 |
| 8 | Dave Taylor | Cork | 03:54.48 | 13-Jul-83 |
| 9 | James Nolan | Rieti | 03:54.62 | 07-Sep-03 |
| 10 | Gerry O'Reilly | Villanova PA | 03:54.63 | 08-Jun-86 |
| 11 | Tom Moloney | Cork | 03:54.68 | 08-Jul-86 |
| 12 | John Hartnett | Eugene OR | 03:54.70 | 20-Jun-73 |
| 13 | Paul Robinson | Oslo | 03:54.77 | 11-Jun-14 |
| 14 | Alistair Cragg | Fayetteville AR | 03:55.04 | 21-Jan-06 |
| 15 | Niall O'Shaughnessy | New York NY | 03:55.40 | 28-Jan-77 |
| 16 | John Travers | Dublin | 03:55.44 | 11-Jul-14 |
| 17 | David McCarthy | Boston MA | 03:55.75 | 28-Jan-12 |
| 18 | Paul Donovan | Cork | 03:55.82 | 02-Jul-84 |
| 19 | Enda Fitzpatrick | Cork | 03:56.36 | 09-Jul-85 |
| 20 | Frank Conway | Boston MA | 03:56.78 | 22-Jan-89 |
| 21 | Andrew Coscoran | Boston MA | 03:56.85 | 25-Jan-20 |
| 22 | Seán Tobin | Cork | 03:57.00 | 18-Jul-17 |
| 23 | Ron Delany | Dublin | 03:57.50 | 06-Aug-58 |
| 24 | Gareth Turnbull | Philadelphia PA | 03:57.61 | 27-Apr-02 |
| 25 | Ken Nason | Cork | 03:58.09 | 24-Jun-95 |
| 26 | Frank Murphy | Los Angeles CA | 03:58.10 | 07-Jun-69 |
| 27 | Dave Campbell | Wanganui | 03:58.19 | 16-Feb-08 |
| 28 | Sean O'Neill | Cork | 03:58.42 | 07-Jul-87 |
| 29 | Tomas Cotter | Dublin | 03:58.50 | 24-Jul-15 |
| 30 | Eugene Curran | Cork | 03:58.54 | 08-Jul-86 |
| 31 | Desmond English | Cork | 03:58.71 | 25-Apr-94 |
| 32 | Eoin Everard | Dublin | 03:58.93 | 17-Jul-13 |
| 33 | Charlie O'Donovan | Boston MA | 03:58.95 | 15-Feb-20 |
| 34 | Andrew Walker | San Francisco CA | 03:58.96 | 29-Oct-00 |
| 35 | Mark Christie | London | 03:58.99 | 06-Aug-05 |
| 36 | Jerry Kiernan | London | 03:59.12 | 19-Jun-76 |
| 37 | Shane Healy | Cork | 03:59.23 | 25-Jun-94 |
| 38 | John Coghlan | Boston MA | 03:59.32 | 28-Jan-12 |
| 39 | Kieran Stack | Notre Dame IN | 03:59.4 | 06-Feb-88 |
| 39 | James McIlroy | Solihull | 03:59.48 | 05-Sep-98 |
| 40 | Gary Murray | London | 03:59.52 | 06-Aug-05 |
| 41 | Kevin Batt | Leixlip | 03:59.53 | 27-Jun-14 |
| 42 | Basil Clifford | London | 03:59.80 | 03-Aug-64 |
| 43 | Seamus McCann | Cork | 03:59.84 | 05-Jul-88 |
| 44 | Brian Treacy | London | 03:59.91 | 07-Aug-99 |
| Pos | Athlete | Location | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Carroll | Oslo | 03:50.62 | 28/07/2000 |
| 2 | Marcus O'Sullivan | East Rutherford NJ | 03:50.94 | 13/02/1988 |
| 3 | Ciarán Ó Lionáird | New York NY | 03:52.10 | 16/02/2013 |
| 4 | John Hartnett | Eugene OR | 03:54.70 | 20/06/1973 |
| 5 | Ken Nason | Cork | 03:58.09 | 24/06/1995 |
| 6 | Charlie O'Donovan | Boston MA | 03:58.95 | 15/02/2020 |
| 7 | Kieran Stack | Notre Dame IN | 03:59.4 | 06/02/1988 |
1946 - 2020
This article, by John Walshe, appeared in the County Supplement, in the Irish Examiner, on Tuesday February 11th 2020
John Walshe's Irish Examiner Tribute to Mary Meagher
The Cork athletics scene, as well as Munster and National level, was saddened with the recent death of one of its greatest servants, Mary Meagher, of the Blarney-Inniscarra club.
Although ill for quite a while, Mary continued with her involvement at all levels and, as recent as a few months ago, was still diligently compiling the results from the various cross-country championships. Along with her husband, John, Mary’s contribution to the sport she loved goes back almost four decades.
Having first got involved through her local club, where her children Damien and Edel trained, Mary’s first position at County Board level was as Juvenile Competition Secretary, on the former BLOE juvenile board. In 2000, when Athletics Ireland was formed, she retained her position, and also fulfilled other County Board roles, on very short notice, such as team manager and secretary, along with positions on the Munster Council.
“Mary dedicated her life to athletics,” stated the Cork County AAI Board on her passing. “That commitment was shown best at club and county level. She was also an officer at Munster level for years and an esteemed official at national level for the AAI. She has been the competition secretary for juveniles at the Cork County Board for almost 40 years and doubled up as the senior competition secretary also for many years.
“Her commitment to athletics was such that it is unknown if she ever had a weekend off. She built up a vast knowledge, especially of juvenile athletics, which she imparted generously to thousands of athletes over the last five decades. Indeed, many owe the success of their athletic career to her.”
In recognition of her many years of administrative work, the Cork County Board last year presented Mary with an Outstanding Contribution Award.
Mary was also actively involved in the organisation and running of the Echo Cork Women’s Mini-Marathon. She joined the Mini-Marathon committee a few years after the event was established and was a familiar figure at the various outlets where the pre-race entries were taken in the lead-up to the event. For her contribution to the Mini-Marathon, Mary received the Evening Echo Hall of Fame Award in 2010.
Mary was also a well-respected field events official, officiating at shot putt, hammer, discus and weights throwing competitions. She officiated at events ranging from the local Blarney athletics leagues all the way up to national level. Also, along with her long-time friend, and fellow County Board officer Noreen Murphy, Mary could be seen, regardless of the weather, recording results at various schools’ cross-country competitions and at many road races.
A recipient of the Cork City Sports Athletics Person of the Month Award in November 2011, on her death Frank Wally, President of the City Sports, described Mary’s contribution to the sport as enormous. “This has been acknowledged by athletic aficionados throughout Ireland and by the outpouring of sympathy and support expressed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her,” he stated.
On its website, Munster Athletics said goodbye to one of their most dedicated, loyal and beloved officials down through the years. “Mary will be greatly missed by us all, officials, coaches, parents and most of all, athletes. The impact of her loss will be huge in Munster and the athletics world beyond.”
In extending their condolences and deepest sympathy to their friend and colleague John Meagher, the officers and officials of Cork Athletics County Board said that Mary’s loss to her fellow officers of the board and the Munster Council, as well as her own club, is immeasurable.
“Many officers would have found their roles impossible to carry out without her advice, drive and generous offers of help. Cork Athletics has now a major void that will be almost impossible to fill.”
May she rest in peace.
Related Article
Death of Mary Meagher - Blarney-Inniscarra AC and both Cork and Munster Boards
Friday February 28th 2020
Darragh McElhinney Cork City Sports Athletics Person of the Year 2019
The award was presented to Darragh at a function at the River Lee hotel, on Friday February 28th 2020
The Cork City Sports Athlete of the Month Award is sponsored by 96FM/C103FM, The Evening Echo, The River Lee, Cork Crystal and Leisureworld
Cork City Sports - Awards Archive
Photos
Darragh McElhinney with Cork City Sports and sponsor representatives: River Lee, 96/103FM, Echo, Leisureworld and Cork Crystal
78 Photos on Cork Athletics Facebook Page
Darragh McElhinney Interviewed by Trevor Welch
Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road, Cork
Friday February 21st 2020
Cork Athletics International Award Medals
The Cork Athletics Annual International Awards presentations took place in the Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road, Cork, on Friday February 21st 2020. The awards are made to Cork athletes who have represented Ireland in athletics, during the previous twelve months, and have been nominated by their clubs.
Stephen Bradley, West Muskerry AC, who represented Ireland at the European IWASA Games, in the Czech Republic, winning 800m and taking Bronze in the 1500m
Cork Athletics Aspiring Young Athletes 2020
Along with the International Awards, training bursaries are presented to Aspiring Young Athletes, selected on several criteria, including significant athletic achievement, progression and application to their chosen athletic discipline(s).
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Tom Burke was the driving force behind the Grange International Cross-Country. Such was its popularity that, to this day, people ask where the Grange International was held - It was held on the Dublin Road, just outside Fermoy, on the lands of the Coughlan family.
He brought some of the best athletes from across the World to Fermoy; European Champions, World Champions and Olympic Champions. The great Rob De Castela, Craig Virgin, Steve Jones, Henry Rono, Hans Juergen Orthmann, Leon Schots, Danny McDaid , Noel Carroll, John Buckley, Donie Walsh, Eamonn Coughlan, John Treacy, Fanahan McSweeney, and many, many more, including the cream of athletes from across Ireland came to Fermoy.
Tom's vision of the Grange International Cross-Country brought World class athletes, and athletics to a small Cork town. In doing so, Tom was the inspiration for many organisers and administrators. He also provided an International platform for so many athletes around him. The Grange Fermoy International Cross Country may have ceased over 30 years ago, however the legacy of Tom Burke's vision has lasted the test of time.
Dear Tom: I am so happy to hear that you are being honored by the Cork County Athletics Board. It is a much deserved honor! You have contributed so much to the sport of Athletics and especially Cross Country. Without people like you working so hard behind the scenes, the opportunities for young and old alike to compete in high caliber events would never happen. I greatly appreciate your devotion to our beloved sport and the special people who participate in it.
I still fondly remember my competition in your Fermoy International Cross Country Race at County Cork back in January of 1983. It was well organized and had a great competitive field that you had assembled. However, I distinctly remember you telling me on the day before the race that Ireland had economized by selling all their snow plows to England in the year or two before my visit... because it almost never snowed in Ireland any more. Then, much to my amazement, I woke up to 3-6 inches of snow on the ground on race morning!!! It was a snowy and muddy course that afternoon... but still an enjoyable, well organized, and memorable race for me.
I will never forget the warm Irish welcome and hospitality that you and your fellow Cork County organizers provided to me. I only wish I could have won the race for you on the day instead of my 6th place but Leon Schots was a worthy champion that afternoon. But, you made me feel so special that weekend that it will remain one of my favorite international memories in a long career. Thank you, Tom, for all that you have done... and all that you continue to do for runners like myself. Best wishes in the remaining days of your well lived life. Sincerely, Craig
Hi Tom, I have very fond memories of the race in Fermoy and the great line up of international athletes you put together, It kept us on our toes! I am really pleased you are getting recognition for all the hard work and the hospitality shown to the athletes. Wishing you all the best and I’ll raise a pint of Guinness in your honour. Kind regards Mike McLeod
Tom Burke, Tom Burke, Tom Burke I have just heard about your deserved recognition for all the hard work you have done for your world class cross country race (s) down in Fermoy. Although I only did it once, it was a joy to run real XC against the best in the world. The race was a class race, with class competition organized by a class man. Thank you for all you have done for my sport. And bringing a world class event to Fermoy and Ireland
Awards Function Brochure 2020 - PDF File
Cork Athletics International Awards 2016
2012 Awards - scroll down page
Cork's 1968 Women's National Cross-Country Chamionship Winning Team - 22 Photos
Cork's 1968 Men's National Cross-Country Winning Team - 18 Photos
Hall of Fame Inductee - Tom Burke - 20 Photos
International Awards - 27 Photos
Aspiring Athlete Awards - 22 Photos
Opening and address by Paddy Buckley, Chairman, Cork Athletics
Address by Peter Hanlon, Athletics Ireland
Pat Walsh's Tribute to Late Mary Meagher
International Awards Presentations
Presentation of Aspiring Young Athlete Bursaries
Hall of Fame Induction - Tom Burke
NB: This interview contains some 'Colourful' language throughout
Earphone Wearing Jogger Sues in Irish High Court and Loses Case
Friday February 21st 2020
Horse Training on Curragh
Last Friday, Mary Carolan, a Higher Court journalist, reported in an article in last Saturday's Irish Times, that a jogger, as the court called him, had lost a High Court case for damages against The Curragh Racecourse and Curragh Racecourse Hospitality Ltd, along with two horse trainer sisters, following a collision with one, or possibly two, horses on the Curragh.
The judgement has implications for anyone wearing earphones/headphones, whether walking, jogging or running. A Precedent has now been set, and other similar cases are likely to cite this case.
Mr. Justice David Keane said that the plaintiff was "entitled to “every sympathy” for his injuries and the pain he had endured, the court could find no responsibility, and hence, no liability, on the part" of the defendants.
Justice Keane concluded that the proximate cause of the accident, was the plaintiff’s failure “to keep a proper lookout”, together with the use of earphones to listen to music, impeding “if not eliminating” his ability to hear the approach of the racehorses or shouted warnings about their approach.
He said that it was “more than likely” that had the plaintiff been taking reasonable care, either by keeping a proper lookout, or ensuring he could hear the sound of the approaching horses, or the shouted warnings, “he could have avoided the accident by the simple and straightforward expedient of stopping or slowing down”.
While using earphones as a pedestrian or jogger in a public place is not in itself negligent, Justice Keane was satisfied that it did contribute to this accident, as did the plaintiff’s failure to keep a proper lookout.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Keane found the “unusual, if not unprecedented” accident occurred between 120m and 139m from the corner of the palisade fence and that, for several seconds before it, the jockeys of three approaching horses to Mr Turner’s left were shouting warnings at him. Tracey Collins, to his left, was running towards him, waving her arms and shouting a warning.
He could not accept that defendants could and should have averted the accident by erecting a temporary sign or signs when the gallops was in use warning “Look Left For Galloping Horses” or words to that effect.
He noted that the plaintiff had said he did not look to his right or left when jogging on The Curragh plain which meant, if there was a sign, he would not have seen it.
The judge said the dangers inherent in crossing wide open gallops are “directly comparable” to those of visiting precipitous cliffs or the banks of rivers and streams.
As said in the introduction, this case will be used as a legal precedent. It clearly puts the primary responsibility for his/her own safety back on the headphone wearer, as it was “more than likely” that had the plaintiff been taking reasonable care, either by keeping a proper lookout, or ensuring he could hear the sound"
A corollary of this judgement is that a headphone wearer is more likely to be found to be negligent themselves, for the same reasons cited by Justice Keane: it was “more than likely” that had the plaintiff been taking reasonable care, either by keeping a proper lookout, or ensuring he could hear the sound.
You have been warned time and again. Now the High Court has made a far reaching ruling for headphone wearers: You are "more than likely" not taking reasonable care, either by keeping a proper lookout, or ensuring they can hear the sound.
No Headphones is a requirement of most registered races.
Insurance Requirement
The wearing of headphones may have insurance implications for race organisers, and, particularly for those headphone wearers, who run an increased risk of injury to themselves, or cause injury to other race participants.
Inability to hear Race Instructions and/or Warnings
Headphone wearers cannot clearly hear instructions from race organisers, stewards and fellow runners, about hazards, obstructions and incidents on the course
In the interest of safety, both your own and others, please do not wear headphones during a race
Honestly, how frequently are runners who wear earphones outside showing up in ERs? It seems so dangerous. I’ve read the old “just make sure you can still hear outside noises” advice, regarding getting earphones or headphones you can wear while running in an urban area, but that sounds like well-intended hooey. What are doctors seeing?
There’s no question about it: It’s a dangerous practice and doctors have definitely seen an increase in the number of runners who had accidents while wearing headphones, says Dr. William N. Levine, of New York Presbyterian-Columbia Medical Center’s orthopedic department.
A recent study found that injuries among pedestrians wearing headphones tripled between 2004 and 2011, with most accidents occurring in urban areas. This rise correlates with what I’ve seen in patients — I’ve personally noticed a definite increase over the last five years. People in emergency medicine have mentioned that they’ve noticed it, too. Running or walking with headphones is an obvious health risk that’s well known among doctors, just like using cell phones in cars.
As an orthopedic surgeon, I’ve seen many runners who have had their lives completely altered because they were running while wearing headphones. When the accidents aren’t fatal, there can be devastating injuries that leave permanent functional limitations. These horrific injuries can really change their lives.
Given the known danger, I know some politicians are trying to ban headphone use among pedestrians in New York. I’m not sure how you’d really enforce that law, but speaking strictly as a doctor, I can see the logic in trying to minimize this risk in any way possible. In New York City, stepping off the curb can be dangerous in ideal circumstances. When you add something that both distracts you and blunts one of your senses, it’s obviously going to increase that danger significantly.
Most people intuitively know this, so there’s a degree of self-blame among patients. Runners aren’t always forthcoming about the circumstances of an accident; it’s only upon further investigation that you find out they were wearing headphones. This makes it harder to get accurate data on how many accidents involve pedestrians wearing headphones — but again, from the point of view of the medical community, there’s no question that it’s causing far too many of them.
My advice? Don’t do it. I don’t do it. My wife’s a runner, and she doesn’t run outside with headphones. Don’t bike with headphones, either — we see a lot of injuries from that, too. If you really need music to help you get an endorphin high, or you want to listen to an audiobook or podcast while you run, do it on a treadmill. I’d save headphones for indoor workouts.
If you won’t do that, at least consider keeping one ear free while you run. Look at it this way: If you’re doing something that’s arguably for your health, but also significantly increasing your risk of getting killed or seriously injured, at some point your brain’s risk-benefit-analysis alarm should go off and tell you “this isn’t a good idea.” If you’re running with headphones in a crowded urban area with a lot of cross-traffic, like New York, that alarm should be sounding.
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| Friday February 21st, 8pm, Kingsley Hotel - Cork Athletics Annual International Awards Night | Saturday February 22nd, Nenagh, Co Tipperary - Munster U12-U19 Indoor Championships - Day 1 | Sunday February 23rd, Nenagh - Munster U12-U19 Indoor Championships - Day 2 | Sunday February 23rd, 12 noon, Kinsale - Kinsale 10 Mile |
w/e Sun February 23rd - Cork Athletics Annual International Awards Night, Munster U12-U19 Indoor Championships - Days 1 & 2, and Kinsale 10 Mile
See further down page for Direct Registration Links
Comprehensive Calendar of Registered Athletics Ireland events in Cork
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
Cork Events This Week
Friday February 21st, 8pm, Kingsley Hotel - Cork Athletics Annual International Awards Night
Sunday February 23rd, 12 noon, Kinsale - Kinsale 10 Mile
Saturday February 22nd, Nenagh, Co Tipperary - Munster U12-U19 Indoor Championships - Day 1
Sunday February 23rd, Nenagh - Munster U12-U19 Indoor Championships - Day 2
Online Registrations
The Following Upcoming Races currently have Online Entry or Online Registration open:
If your event is missing, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kinsale 10 Mile, Sunday February 23rd - SOLD OUT
Crosshaven 5k & 10k, Sunday March 8th - SOLD OUT
Duhallow 10 Mile, Sunday March 8th
Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10, Sunday April 5th
Locha Lua Half-Marathon, Ballingeary, Saturday, 11th April
Karen Fenton 5k, Ballinora, Sunday April 19th
Dromina 10/10k, Sunday April 19th
Cheetah Run 5k & Juvenile 1 Mile, Thursday May 16th
John Hartnett 10k, Ballyhooly, Fermoy, Sunday May 17th
Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon & Relay, Sunday May 31st
Doneraile 10k, Saturday June 6th
Sunday February 16th 2020
Cloyne 4k Goes Ahead
Carrigaline 5 CANCELLED
Weather forecast for 9am, Sunday February 16th (as at 3pm Sat 15th)
As can be seen from the image above, dry weather is expected for Cloyne, with rain and sleet to follow, later in the morning. It will be windy, but, from the image, it should be pretty much as at present.
Tomorrow's Cloyne Commons 4k, at 9:30 am, goes ahead, as planned. A further review is expected later this afternoon, but no change is expected.
Cloyne Organisers Confirm Go-Ahead, as @ 7pm Saturday
Organisers of tomorrow morning's Cloyne Commons 4k have confirmed that the event is going ahead, as scheduled.
Cloyne Commons 4k Road Race Information
However Eagle AC's Tommy Ryan Memorial 5 Mile, scheduled for 11am, has been CANCELLED, due to Met Eireann's Status Orange weather warning.
Eagle AC has issued a short statement: "Having the updated weather warning of Orange for tomorrow February 16th, Eagle AC have decided that in the interests of health and safety we will not be proceeding with the Tommy Ryan memorial Carrigaline 5 Mile road race. All who have pre-registered can claim a full refund from the primo website.
Eagle AC are very disappointed that our race cannot take place and we thank you for your support and understanding. We will not be rescheduling it for this year.
More details to follow shortly about those who have entered online and refunds."
"Refunds for those who entered online available from the link below.
Each year we support 2 local charities in Carrigaline through this race; Carrigaline Meals on Wheels and Feroige (Carrigaline Community Drugs Initiative) who rely heavily on funding.
**If you do not process your refund the full €15 will go to these very worthy charities**"
Refund Link
Cork Athletics Facebook page
Athletes wishing to transfer clubs are reminded that the deadline for the return of fully completed transfer forms is Tuesday March 24th. Forms received after that date will NOT be accepted.
Transfer forms may be downloaded from the Athletics Ireland website.
The Sequence and Procedure on the form MUST be followed.
Completed forms should be given to Cork AAI County Board Registrar, John Copithorne, or posted to him at John Copithorne, Registrar Cork AAI County Board, Belgooley, Co. Cork.
Closing date is Tuesday March 24th
Completed Transfer Forms may be submitted at any stage, but will not be reviewed by Cork Athletics County Board until after March 24th. However early submission allows time for the return and resubmission of forms that are incomplete or contain an error of some form or other
By the:
• Member (in the case of a minor, by their parent or guardian)
• New Club
• Outgoing Club
• County Board (outgoing club)
• Outgoing County Board (for out of county club transfer only)
• Incoming County Board (for inter-county transfer only)
Incomplete, improperly, or incorrectly completed forms will be rejected.
Next Transfer Window, following March 24th 2020, will close on August 24th 2020
