Official opening of the Bandon AC athletics track - 11th Apr 2026

The official opening of the Bandon AC athletics track took place on Saturday 11th of April 2026.

The new track is located about 2kms to the south of the town of Bandon on the R603 road to Kilbrittain.

The photo above shows the new track during a club training session just after sunset. If you look carefully, you'll notice that it has six lanes rather than the usual eight.

The home strait that is shown below has eight lanes and that's used for events like 100m sprint or the 110m hurdles.

You'll notice that it's not just a track, it has the full facilities for the infield disciplines as well. You can see the throwing cage above for the hammer and discus and the runway for the pole vault above.

They have two sand pits and 3 lanes for the long jump so they can have 6 jumping at the same time. You can imagine the advantage of this when there are lots of juveniles competing at the event.

The first track image shows the space for the shot put, javelin and the high jump. The only thing that is missing is a water pit for the steeplechase.

The home strait is running towards the west-south-west which is in the direction of the prevailing wind so there might be an issue with headwinds at times for sprinters although there is higher ground to the west, south-west and south shielding the site.

The site is about 90m above sea level and the local hills to the west and south-west are about 20-30m higher.

It's interesting to note that the orientation of the athletics track is almost identical to the new one in Clonmel, Tipperary... see this post.

The Clonmel track is located on high ground on the north side of the town and is wide open to the elements to the south, south-west and west whereas the Bandon track seems to have more protection.

Testing out the new track

In conclusion... The new Bandon AC athletics track is the third such facility in Co Cork and it offers more options for training and competitions not only for locals but for the whole west Cork area.

Bandon AC are holding their annual 5k road race on the 30th of April 2026. See this previous post.

Notice: Cork BHAA PwC Anthony Reidy Memorial 5k in Cork City - Wed 15th Apr 2026

The Cork BHAA PwC 5k in Cork City is coming up on Wednesday the 15th of April 2026 at 7:30pm.

Reminder from the organisers... We would encourage people to register in advance. Pre-register on Eventmaster http://www.eventmaster.ie/custom/event/pwc5k until 2pm on Tuesday 14 April. Race numbers can be collected from One Albert Quay from 9am-7pm on race day.

Registration is also available on the evening in PwC, One Albert Quay from 6pm.

This is always a very popular race and should get a good crowd again as it's centrally located in the heart of Cork City and about as flat a 5k course as you can get. It's also the first evening race of spring 2026 in Cork City!

Results & Photos of the Cobh 10-mile road race - Sun 12th Apr 2026

The annual Sonia O'Sullivan Cobh 10-mile road race was held this year on Sunday 12th of April 2026. The conditions were pretty good as it was cool with some sunshine, a marked difference from all of the showers the previous day.

The first woman home was Lily Partridge from the UK who made it two in a row after winning the 2025 race as well.

Top 5 men & women

1 Adam CLARKE #2 M MS 50:39 
2 Sean DOYLE #634 Cork City A.C. M MS 51:45 
3 Michael BRUTON #202 M MS 53:52 
4 Seamus SOMERS #890 Sligo A.C. M M50 54:45 
5 John MEADE #1319 St. Finbarrs A.C. M M45 55:12 

1 Lily PARTRIDGE #1 F F35 56:15 

2 Jessica COYNE #739 Leevale A.C. F FS 57:55 

3 Dee GRADY #666 Ennis Track A.C. F F35 59:12 

4 Charlotte PURDUE #3 F FS 1:01:02 

5 Emma DESMOND #631 Cork City A.C. F F35 1:05:22 

Full results HERE

Photos...
1) MyRunResults has a gallery HERE

2) Joe Murphy has loads of photos... a) Start 1 b) Start 2 c) Start 3 

d) 8m mark 1 e)  8m mark 2 f) 8m mark 3 g) 8m mark 4 h) 8m mark 5 i) 8m mark 6 j) 8m mark 7 k) 8m mark 8 l) 8m mark 9 m) 8m mark 10 n) 8m mark 11 o) 8m mark 12 p) 8m mark 13 q) 8m mark 14 r) 8m mark 15 

3) Sharon Murray has a gallery HERE

4) Gordon Kinsella has loads of photos HERE

Numbers... The number of finishers this year was 1013 which is up 8.6% on the figure for 2025.

As the chart shows, it was also a record year as it broke through the 1000 mark for the first time.

What's interesting about this is that Cobh is known for being a hilly course, they even have the motto 'It's hilly, get over it'. It suggests that having a 'flat fast course' is not the be all and end all. The proximity to Cork City, the buzz, the location, the atmosphere and sense of occasion are all factors as well.

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 11th Apr 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 11th April 2026. Approximately 870 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... The weather this week was cool and windy with scattered showers. There was a significant drop in numbers this weekend and it's likely that a good part of that is due to the fuel shortage and people not wanting to travel.

Tramore Valley Park... Kenneth Day was a first time visitor to the Tramore Valley parkrun this weekend from the Croxteth Hall parkrun near Liverpool. 

As the photo shows, he has over 500 parkruns completed! Hopefully there will be one of these blue tops on Bere Island next August when the first Cork person reaches the 500 parkruns milestone.

Ballincollig... Well done to Diarmuid Coakley who completed his 250th parkrun! 247 of the 250 were at the Ballincollig event.

The person with the highest number of parkruns this week was Philip Bull from the UK. Philip was a first time visitor to the Ballincollig event and has 551 parkruns to his credit.

Mallow... Well done to Dina Vasalou who completed her 100th parkrun this weekend! 99 have been at Mallow Castle with just one at the inaugural event in Midleton.

Glengarriff... Well done to Dolf D'Hondt who completed his 100th parkrun this weekend! 96 have been at the Glengarriff event.

Pobalscoil na Tríonóide (Youghal)… Olan Coleman completed his 100th parkrun this weekend with 97 at the Youghal event.

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

Upcoming milestones....

a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  230 this week, 322 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Liam CASEY Male JM15-17 Waterford Orienteers 18:30

2 Brian COLLINS Male SM25-29 18:40

3 Padraig CLIFFORD Male VM40-44 19:03

9 Marie Claire HEALY Female VW35-39 20:25

21 Niamh CAREY Female SW30-34 Blarney Inniscarra AC 22:20

27 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 22:49

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/419/

Tramore Valley Park: 169 this week, 244 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Christopher OREILLY Male VM35-39 18:22

2 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 18:38

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:45

12 Katalin SZABO Female VW45-49 Chorlton Runners 20:39

13 Isabelle CROWLEY Female JW11-14 20:46

17 Siobhan HOARE Female VW45-49 Togher AC 21:40

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/197/

Glen River: 48 this week, 61 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Daniel BUCKLEY Male SM30-34 Donoughmore AC 20:51

3 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 23:05

4 Cian O'MEARA Male VM50-54 23:28

2 Lorraine O SULLIVAN Female VW45-49 22:49

5 Úna OMEARA Female JW15-17 23:34

9 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 24:29

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/306/

Midleton Greenway: 106 this week, 177 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Paul COTTER Male VM50-54 Eagle A.C. 18:44

2 Derek SMYTH Male VM45-49 19:01

3 John MURPHY Male VM55-59 19:18

8 Emma BELL Female SW20-24 21:38

20 Alex SAVAGE Female SW30-34 24:13

25 Sinead COEN Female SW30-34 25:02

Midleton Greenway... https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/61/

Mallow Castle: 58 this week, 80 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 18:11

2 Aaron CAHILL Male VM35-39 19:40

3 Matthew COOKE Male JM15-17 20:13

8 Elaine O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 22:39

17 Mary MURPHY Female VW65-69 Mallow AC 25:44

18 Elena GAVIN Female JW15-17 26:43

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/224/

Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 37 this week, 37 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Isaac LANDERS Male JM15-17 19:50

2 Seán O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 21:38

3 Hunter O ROURKE Male JM10 22:14

6 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 26:03

7 Claire O CONNOR Female VW35-39 26:33

9 Patricia DALY Female VW50-54 West Waterford 27:14

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/205/

Macroom Castle Demense: 51 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Gerard GEARY Male VM35-39 Fota Island Running Club 20:10

2 Damien OMAHONY Male SM30-34 20:16

3 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:30

8 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 22:55

14 Frances RING Female VW55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 25:12

15 Emma CLEVERLEY Female VW40-44 25:22

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/572/

Clonakilty:  41 this week, 56 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Niall MCCARTHY Male SM30-34 17:23

2 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 19:31

3 Hugh POWER Male VM35-39 21:41

8 Leah CREASE Female VW35-39 Tooting Run Club (TRC) 24:30

16 Katie HARTE Female VW35-39 Clonakilty Roadrunners AC 26:42

21 Kay WARD Female VW60-64 28:33

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/527/

Glengarriff Woods: 75 this week, 109 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:32

2 Callum MCELHINNEY Male SM20-24 Bantry Athletic Club 21:20

3 Darragh MCELHINNEY Male SM25-29 Bantry Athletic Club 21:21

17 Elma KEANE Female VW55-59 29:26

18 Susan KELLEHER Female VW55-59 29:43

19 Mary DUNNE Female VW35-39 30:21

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/449/

Bere Island: 40 this week, 80 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Billy MORIARTY Male JM15-17 St Brendan's AC Ardfert 21:30

3 David PAYNE Male VM55-59 23:12

4 Cameron A CARR Male SM18-19 23:19

2 Shona CARR Female SW25-29 23:09

9 Yasmin EDDIE Female SW25-29 Lothian RC 25:53

12 Edel MURPHY Female VW55-59 27:43

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/540/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 46 finishers this week, 24 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:32

2 Stephen CONNOLLY Male VM45-49 23:38

3 Unknown

8 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 28:34

10 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 30:23

11 Neasa MCDONNELL Female VW50-54 31:53

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/460/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Guest Post: Evening Races ...by Pat Walsh

 * Evening Races *

The first of the local evening races is on next week with the staging of the BHAA PWC 5k in Cork. I haven’t heard a cuckoo yet but this surely is a sign that winter is behind us.

The evening races are here: It is time to be getting out the Summer garb and consigning the multiple layers to the back of the cupboard. Peel away the layers like an onion. Find the shades and sun lotion. Emerge from the darkness.

The evening races are here: It will be good to meet those runners who only do the shorter runs. There was limited opportunities during the winter but now I see a midweek race in the calendar almost every week.

The evening races are here: As I write this with so much doom and gloom in the world it will be a chance for escapism from realities even for a little while and mix with like-minded caring people. How are you doing? Great to see you running.

The evening races are here: I have no speed training done to prepare for them. Nothing unusual there, did I ever?. I will make it up as I go along and tell others I’m preparing for a late Summer burst of glory…! No point peaking too early in the season.

The evening races are here: Sales of fake tan lotion will increase. It still rains in Summer so ‘fake tan streak’ is a real and worrying possibility. There will be photographers.

The evening races are here: A lovely way to see the towns and villages to support the clubs or charities that organize these races. The challenge for the best after race cuppa is real and it amazes me the effort some events go to with wonderful local support. Sandwich, (ham cut from the joint with fresh white bread and Kerrygold butter)  served with a cup of tea. Simple man, simple pleasures please take note...!

The evening races are here: Life isn’t sitting at home watching the soaps on TV, it is getting out in the fresh air, being sociable and active. 

The evening races are here: Maybe I might win a prize for the first time this year. Then I suppose why change the habits of a lifetime. Participating and completing are rewards to me.

The evening races are here: I’m alive with the privilege of being healthy enough to take part for another year. Maybe see you to say hello at some event.

The evening races are here:

"Smell the sea, and feel the sky. 
Let your soul and spirit fly, 
Into the mystic" ­ Van Morrison

#pwr

MCI marathon in Westmeath cancelled due to fuel shortages

Marathon Club Ireland (MCI) has announced that they are cancelling their upcoming marathon in Westmeath on Sat 11th Apr 2026.

"Unfortunately, with concerns over the current fuel crisis/shortage and ongoing traffic disruptions across the country, we have had a number of entrants looking to defer entries, so we have made the difficult decision to cancel Saturday’s event (11th April) in Lilliput, Westmeath. Sincere apologies to all who entered or made arrangements to join us on the day. "

This isn't a typical type of road race in that the numbers are pretty small (51 in 2025) and many people are driving from many parts of Ireland to get to it.

However, it might be a sign of what might be coming with people giving road races a skip because they can't get fuel for their cars or might want to save the fuel for the rest of the week.

Notice: Bandon AC 5k road race - Thurs 30th Apr 2026

The third edition of the Bandon AC 5k is coming up this year on Thursday 30th April 2026 at 7:30pm.

Entries HERE

Bandon AC have built a full size 400m athletics track and all proceeds from the race go towards this project.

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns - Q1 2026

The parkrun organisation have a number of milestones going from 25 to 500 parkruns. The thing about milestones is that they are open to everyone and anyone can aspire to reach a certain level.

A number of people have recently passed the 250 mark and it's a significant achievement as it takes at least five years to complete. Thanks to all those who sent on updates and corrections.

***

Cork 250 Rules... As with any list, there must be some sort of guideline or rules. The criteria I went with are simple...

1. At least 100 of the 5k parkruns must be in Co Cork
2. Only the information on the parkrun website counts

I'm sure there are plenty of people in Dublin and elsewhere who are over 250 but this post is about the parkruns in Cork.

***

Cork runners who have completed 250 or more 5k parkruns Club - Q1 2026... Since the end of March 2026, an additional seven people have passed the 250 parkrun mark.

The top 3 are from Bere Island and it looks likely that Joanne Sullivan will be the first person in Cork to reach the 500 milestone and that's might be in August of 2026. Macroom is the oldest parkrun in Co Cork and it's well represented in the list above.

The second half of the list from 250 to 340 is shown below...

At the moment, there are 69 people with 250 or more parkruns completed. Going back to when I started the list, it was people who had pretty much completed nearly all of their local parkruns. Now we're reaching a stage where more and more people will start reaching 250 and the list will eventually get huge and it will get a lot harder to track everyone. 

I'll probably change to something like the top 100 in the future once we reach that point instead of just hitting 250.

Volunteers... As always, it's the army of parkrun volunteers that keep the show on the road and the 'super volunteers' have 250 or more credits.

Prionnsias O'Keeffe and Tony Cooney have joined the list since the end of 2025. Maretta Brennan is on track to reach the 500 volunteer milestone sometime in April of 2026.

This list is very much the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of volunteers who help out on Saturday mornings to make sure the parkruns can go ahead.

Errors & Omissions... If you know of any runner of volunteer from Cork missing who might at 250 or more, leave a comment with their name and parkrun number.

Link... More information about the 5k parkruns in Co Cork and previous lists can be found HERE

Notice: The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 14th May 2026

The Cheetah Run 5k in Fota Wildlife Park organised by Eagle AC is coming up on Thursday the 14th of May 2026 at 8pm. As well as there being the usual 5k race, there is also a one-mile race for juveniles (11-15 year olds).

UPDATE: Entries opened Tues 7th Apr 9am

UPDATE: 9:15am - 50% gone in just 15 mins!

UPDATE: 12:05pm - Sold out in just under 3-hours! It took 21 hours to sell out in 2025.

Enter HERE

From Eagle AC... "We’re excited to announce that this year’s Cheetah Run will take place on May 14th, 2026!

Mark your calendars, as entries for our super popular Eagle AC Cheetah Run at Fota Wildlife Park open on April 7th at 9 AM - and they sell out quickly! Make sure to grab your spot and avoid any disappointment!

Get your tickets here:  https://eventmaster.ie/event/mLL2iyVFM8/vZXQuGmHQ

The 16th year of the annual Eagle Athletic Club Cheetah Run was officially launched by masters athlete Billy Cabal.

Aged 83, Billy has completed more Cheetah Runs than any other runner since its inception in 2008. Online registration opens on April 7th at Eventmaster.ie and the popular race is set to take place on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, at Fota Wildlife Park. The annual race continues to serve as a key fundraising event for Fota Wildlife Park, and funds raised during the event support the Park’s vital ongoing conservation work.

Also in attendance at the launch of this year’s event were emerging Cork athletes, Alison Brennan (Ballymore Cobh AC) and siblings Louise and Laura Twohig (Blarney Inniscarra AC).

The yearly event features a 5k route for adults (aged 16 years +) and a 1-Mile Race for junior runners (11-15 years) and is sponsored by John Buckley Sports and Brooks Running. Last year, the event raised €5,000 for the Red Panda Network, helping protect this endangered species. Funds raised annually support Fota Wildlife Park's conservation programmes, including endangered species protection and native wildlife initiatives."

*** 

5k Course... The same 5k route will be used again which takes in all areas of the Wildlife Park. There will be prizes for the first 5 men and women as well as the usual age categories.

The entry fee includes free access to the park for the park for up to 4 guests.. Access will be controlled on the night and will be open from 6:30pm.

There will also be a 20% discount voucher for John Buckley Sports. The savings on say a new pair of shoes would cover the entry fee. This must be used in the period two weeks after the race.

Juvenile 1 Mile Race.....There is also a 1 mile race for juveniles this year (Ages 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15). This will take place before the 5k race at 7:15pm. The numbers will be limited to 125. Entries for this will open also on the 1st of April. The one mile race has been measured accurately by Jones Counter, will be chip timed and all finishers will receive a medal. Please note that there are no prizes in the juvenile race. 

The minimum age is 16 for the 5k race as per Athletics Ireland permit recommendations.

5k Race...There will be prizes for the first 5 men and women as well as the usual age categories. 

I would seriously advise people that have an interest in doing this race to enter as soon as it opens. 

This is one race that sells out every year. Updates about the race will be made available here and on the race page on the Eagle AC website.

This park entry will via the main ticket booths and your number collection will be provided from the

ticket booths. This was very successful last year and allows entrants to enjoy the wildlife park

straight away, avoiding number collection queuing.

The teas, coffees and prize giving ceremony will take place in the Education

Conservation Research Centre. 

Sponsor...John Buckley Sports is one of the race sponsors and is one of the main specialist running shops in Cork City. They have a wide stock of gear in the shop and on their website....www.johnbuckleysports.com

They have been in business since 1981 and it's fair to say that the shop is highly regarded by many of the runners on the local road race scene. They also have a app which you can download to your smartphone which gives a generous discount when using it.

Brooks Running is also a sponsor... https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_ie

Photos of the Galleyflash Rowing Club 9km run/walk - Sun 5th Apr 2026

Sinead O'Regan of Courceys AC was the first woman

This new 9km run/walk was organised by Galleyflash Rowing Club on Sunday 5th of April 2026. The event was held at Long Strand near Rathbarry and roughly 100 people took part.

Top 3 men & women...
1st: Aidan McCarthy, 2nd: Brendan Walsh, 3rd: Rob Kehoe
1st: Sinead O'Regan, 2nd: Áine Ní Ghloinn, 3rd: Anna O'Neill 

Photos by the organisers HERE

Guest Post: A visit to the Worcester Pitchcroft parkrun ...by Tom Scriven

Thanks to Tom Scriven for the following report. Tom is a regular at the Tramore Valley Park parkrun in Cork City.

WORCESTER PITCHCROFT PARKRUN - 28/03/2026

We planned a recent trip to Worcester in the English Midlands, and as the trip involved a weekend stay, it seemed reasonable as a registered parkrun participant, to check for parkrun events in the Worcester area. 

One of the two Worcester events, the Worcester Pitchcroft one, is held on the Worcester horse racecourse. Strangely, it seems the English parkruns are held at 09:00 hrs as distinct from the usual 09:30 hrs.  

Thus I arrived at the Racecourse in good time and observed the normal pre-start notices, not surprisingly they followed the notices we're accustomed to. I estimated that approx 500 participants attended with the usual array of runners, walkers, buggy pushing parents and dog lovers. 

The course (pardon the pun) involved a double loop around part of the racecourse, the terrain included tarmaced paths, a gravel laneway, a matted crossing of the racecourse and the final section is held on the actual racecourse ground. The 2nd lap was shorter and involved rounding the turn of the racecourse.

The organisation was of the usual standard, I duly received the email result before noon. The atmosphere was a jovial one and as the parkrun course was a 2-lap variety, like the Cork Tramore Valley course, I as a walker, at the close of lap 1, was overtaken by the faster running finishers. Undeterred,  I continued and achieved a finishing time within my normal range. 

The Worcester event cemented my already formed opinion of parkruns, it's a brilliant idea that allows participants to catch another event when one is travelling. There's an array of courses, eg, tarmac paths in Cork's Tramore Valley, woodland paths in Glengarriff and tarred public roads (with minimum traffic!) In Bere Island.

I applaud the "No fee - No prizes model, the sole emphasis is on getting in a 5K run or walk. Due to the nature of the Worcester course a small number of volunteer helpers was sufficient, however, despite the large number of participants,  the checking of barcodes at the finish chute passed very smoothly.

As the final 100m or so, was held on the actual racecourse,  I could momentarily imagine I was Gaelic Warrior or any other recent horserace winner as I approached the 'finish' sign. 

Being a 'parkrunner' is a little addictive and attending an event on Saturday morning, if at all possible,  is now part of the week. I applaud the idea, I applaud the volunteers and I applaud all the participants. Finishing the event is the goal and each participant is treated equally.

Of course, (pardoning the pun again!), it's not always appropriate to have a coffee station nearby, but after participating and especially when meeting a 'long lost friend' a snack and a chat is always enjoyable.  Being a walker, (my days of running are alas behind me!) relaxing with a coffee is easier. I  can always strive for a faster time next week, not quite the daunting wait of a full year as in the former days of the 'Ballycotton 10'

As part of my walking regime,  I walked the Ballycotton course last year, the famous (or infamous,  depending on your running form!) ninth mile hasn't gotten any easier! I had the 'Lighthouse on the Isle' as a companion for the duration. Comparing my current walking time vs. my personal best for Ballycotton is approx 46%, comparing favourably to 'my age graded score', (as they describe it) for recent 5K parkruns of 45%.

But back to the parkruns, wherever your choice, I'll borrow a phrase from the equine world, 'Tally ho'

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 4th Apr 2026

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 4th April 2026. Approximately 1271 runners and walkers took part in the 11 events in Co Cork.

Report... It looks as if most of the rain overnight had passed for this weeks 5k parkruns at 9:30am with the odd scattered shower passing through.

Tramore Valley Park... No volunteers, no parkruns. Well done to Paula Mulcahy who earned her 100th volunteer credit at the parkrun this weekend!

Ballincollig... Well done to Michael Brennan who earned his 250th volunteer credit by doing timekeeping at the Ballincollig event this weekend!

At the same event, Ted O'Keeffe completed his 250th parkrun!

Bere Island... Sean Brennan reached the century mark at the Bere Island parkrun this weekend. Sean has done 40 on Bere Island and 47 at Tolka Valley.

Clonakilty... The person in Cork with the most parkruns this weekend was Philip McIlwrath who was a visitor from Belfast and was doing Clonakilty for the first time. He has 485 parkruns completed.

Midleton... Well done to the one and only Pat Walsh who completed his 50th 5k parkrun this weekend!

ONGOING

If I missed anyone who passed a notable milestone like 100, 200, 250 or above parkruns then let me know.

Upcoming milestones....

a) Tramore Valley Park - 200th event - 2nd May 2026

***

Ballincollig Regional Park:  322 this week, 310 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Govinda O'SULLIVAN Male SM25-29 Eagle A.C. 17:12

2 Patrick GEARY Male SM25-29 18:48

3 Trevor WOODS Male VM55-59 Cork Triathlon Club 18:54

26 Lia FENNESSY RYAN Female SW20-24 22:03

51 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:45

55 Deirbhile O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 Raheny Shamrock AC 23:55

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/418/

Tramore Valley Park: 244 this week, 284 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Christopher OREILLY Male VM35-39 16:47

2 Daniel HORGAN Male JM15-17 Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC 17:03

4 Arnaud BENJACAR Male VM55-59 Liffey Valley AC 18:28

3 Orla DRUMM Female VW40-44 Crusaders A C Dublin 18:18

17 Sophie WOLFE Female JW15-17 Togher AC 21:07

23 Lauren KEANEY Female SW25-29 22:22

Tramore Valley Park results... https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/196/

Glen River: 61 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Alex O SHEA Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 20:14

2 Colin MORRISON Male VM50-54 20:17

3 Cian BRANNIGAN Male SM25-29 20:56

8 Siun MOAKLEY REILLY Female JW11-14 22:43

10 Hilary HEDDERMAN Female SW20-24 23:40

15 Helen MOAKLEY Female VW45-49 24:48

Glen River results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/305/

Midleton Greenway: 177 this week, 139 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:58

2 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:03

3 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 18:34

9 Nollaigh O'NEILL Female VW50-54 20:33

14 Emma BELL Female SW20-24 21:08

20 Sheila PURCELL Female VW50-54 21:38

Midleton Greenway...  https://www.parkrun.ie/midletongreenway/results/60/

Mallow Castle: 80 this week, 99 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Thomas BROWNE Male SM20-24 17:21

2 Vinny GRIMES Male SM30-34 19:39

3 Chris GALLAHUE Male VM40-44 20:38

11 Orla NOLAN Female VW55-59 Dromahane Roadrunners 23:01

12 Edel BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 23:41

15 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 24:44

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/223/

Youghal (Pobalscoil na Tríonóide) : 35 this week, 59 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John COUGHLAN Male VM45-49 20:15

2 Brendan COLEMAN Male VM45-49 20:43

3 Adam BULMAN Male SM25-29 20:56

7 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 22:52

14 Cait DELANEY Female SW25-29 24:09

15 Cliona O'KEEFFE Female VW40-44 24:55

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/204/

Macroom Castle Demense: 59 this week, 56 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM40-44 19:41

2 Jude MURPHY Male SM18-19 20:58

3 Matt MURPHY Male SM20-24 21:12

18 Carrie DESMOND Female VW40-44 24:34

20 Aoife GARDNER Female VW45-49 25:01

22 Caroline O DONNELL Female VW55-59 25:58

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/571/

Clonakilty:  56 this week, 39 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male SM18-19 Togher AC 18:59

2 Ciaran YOUNG Male SM30-34 Lothian RC 19:10

3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM50-54 West Cork Triathlon Club (WCTC) 20:43

12 Deirdre HARRINGTON Female VW50-54 Durrus Athletic Club 23:24

16 Sandra WALSH Female VW55-59 24:57

20 Kate WHELTON Female JW15-17 26:20

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/526/

Glengarriff Woods: 109 this week, 95 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Darragh COPPINGER Male JM15-17 19:58

2 Finn CONNER Male JM15-17 20:16

3 Declan WHOOLEY Male VM40-44 Raheny Shamrock AC 21:43

14 Sarah KELLY Female VW35-39 Raheny Shamrock AC 24:10

18 Emer BROGAN Female VW45-49 25:08

24 Anita GRIMES Female VW60-64 26:37

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/448/

Bere Island: 80 this week, 39 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Colm WILSON Male SM20-24 20:07

2 Fergus ROONEY Male VM45-49 20:21

4 Ronan HARRIS Male VM50-54 Raheny Shamrock AC 21:06

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 20:45

11 Mags O NEILL Female VW45-49 Beara AC 26:32

12 Emma ROONEY Female JW11-14 26:51

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/539/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 46 finishers this week, 24 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Florence FITZGERALD Male VM35-39 21:12

2 Ger O'TOOLE Male VM55-59 Blackrock AC 21:59

3 Aaron ROSS Male SM25-29 22:51 

10 Lucy J MCCANN Female SW25-29 24:50

18 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW45-49 Manchester Tri Club 27:18

20 Marie KEHOE Female VW45-49 28:00

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/459/

For more information about the weekly 5k parkruns in Co Cork, go to this page HERE.

Results of the Streets of Killarney 5-mile - Fri 3rd Apr 2026

The Streets of Killarney 5-mile race was held on Friday 3rd of April 2026. 

The first woman was Michelle Finn of Leevale AC in Cork who won the Killarney race 24 hours after winning the Streets of Kilkenny 5k!

Full results HERE

 

New section of Greenway between Glenbrook and Monkstown is open - Apr 2026

 

Over the last few days, contractors have been putting the finishing touches to the new greenway between Glenbrook and Monkstown and it is now finally open as can be seen in the photo above.

It's not that long but it's another step in getting a full greenway between Carrigaline and Cork City.

The map above shows the location. The bright green section is the new greenway which is about 730m in length. The dark green section is the existing narrower section which runs under the 'Cut and Cover' railway tunnel and comes out in Monkstown.

The new greenway starts at the cross harbour ferry as shown above and heads south.

The photo above shows the end of the new section and transitions onto the narrower 400m section. The 'Cut and Cover' railway tunnel can be seen in the distance and Monkstown is around the corner.

Video... The video below shows part of the new greenway starting from the car ferry...

Cork to Carrigaline Greenway... This is a map of the approximate route for the full 17.5km greenway which will go from Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork City to Carrigaline.

As of the Spring of 2026, there is a greenway from Cork City to Passage West which is about 8kms in length and there is a short 500m section in Carrigaline. The balance is about 9kms.

This new section from the car ferry to Monkstown reduces the undeveloped section from about 9 to 8kms. It's not a huge amount but it's another step in the overall project.

Impact???... The previous footpath was reasonably wide so the impact for walkers and runners of the new section is pretty small, it just means that there is more space. The bigger impact will be for slower cyclists in that the greenway is a lot safer than the main road for adults and children. Motorists benefit because there are fewer cyclists on the road that they need to pass.

In terms of road races, the Great Railway Run from Cork to Carrigaline and the Cork Down Syndrome charity half-marathon from Haulbowline to Pairc Ui Chaoimh use this new section of greenway.

Notice: Karen Fenton Memorial 5k in Ballinora - Sun 26th April 2026

The Karen Fenton 5K Memorial Run is scheduled to take place this year on Sunday 26th of April 2026 @ 11:30am. The location is for the 5k is in Ballinora which is just to the south of Ballincollig in the western part of Cork City.

Entries...You can enter online HERE

Update: Please note that the start time has been changed from 12:30pm to 11:30am.

Entries will also be taken on the day for the same price.