Public consulation on keeping the Marina in Cork City pedestrianised

 

Cork City Council recently announced plans to close a number of roads in the city to traffic and one of those is the Marina. This was closed to traffic due to to the COVID pandemic to allow the public more space for exercising and social distancing.

The short term plan is for it to remain closed to traffic until the end of the 2020 but the Council now plan to keep it pedestrianised. That however is subject to public approval.

The Cork City Council notice is HERE

You can give the council feedback on the proposal HERE (registration required but it's free).

The Marina is one of the most popular spots in Cork City for walkers, runners and cyclists alike. It's vital that this public amenity doesn't revert back to being a rat run for cars and vans again.

I'd ask you to consider making a submission in support of the closure to traffic and keep it as a public amenity. Submissions close on the 2nd of November 2020.

Boherbue to Kiskeam 4 mile race in Oct 2020 cancelled

 

The annual Boherbue to Kiskeam 4 mile road race was originally scheduled for April 2020 but was postponed until the 26th of October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisers have now postponed the race until April 2021.

From Gneeveguilla AC... " Jack O’ Keeffe Boherbue to Kiskeam 4 Mile Road Race:  This race which was rescheduled for October 26th will not take place this  year.  The organisers are not happy with bringing crowds of people into both villages during this pandemic.  We are hoping to be able to go ahead Easter Monday 2021.  Better be safe than sorry.  Look out for news on the juvenile road races, we are hoping to go ahead with these on October Bank Holiday @ 12 noon."

Results of the East Cork Novice Cross Country Championships - Sun 20th Sept 2020

 Results of East Cork XC Championships Day 2 2020 - Sunday September 20th 2020                
                   
An Athletics Ireland registered event. Organised and hosted by Carraig na bhFear AC                    
                    
Novice Men - 6,000m                    
                    
Place    Name    Club    Category    Time    
1    Frank O'Brien    Midleton AC    M    21.37    
2    Tony Forristal    Midleton AC    M    21.44    
3    Aidan Noone    Watergrasshill AC    M    21.44    
4    Stephen O'Brien    East Cork AC    M    21.50    
5    John Hennessy    Midleton AC    M    21.53    
6    Sean Aherne    Youghal AC    M    22.15    
7    Trevor Cummins    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    22.32    
8    Graham Swords    East Cork AC    M    22.42    
9    Chris Kelly    East Cork AC    M    22.49    
10    Willie Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    22.53    
11    Paul Kearney    Aghada Running Club    M    22.58    
12    Paul Crotty    East Cork AC    M    23.01    
13    Keith Kelly    Youghal AC    M    23.04    
14    Daniel Bloom    Midleton AC    M    23.21    
15    Brendan Coleman    Youghal AC    M    23.22    
16    Warren Terri    Youghal AC    M    23.32    
17    Joseph Daly    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    23.35    
18    Edwin Cashman    Midleton AC    M    23.46    
19    Eoin Downing    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    23.49    
20    Shane Meyler    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    24.14    
21    Tony Dunne    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    24.29    
22    Mick Mulcahy    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    24.36    
23    Declan Dorgan    Midleton AC    M    25.08    
24    Jason Hayes    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    25.11    
25    Ger O'Regan    Midleton AC    M    25.22    
26    Jonathon Kenneally    St. Catherines AC    M    25.27    
27    Sean Kenneally    Youghal AC    M    25.27    
28    Don Sheehan    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    25.33    
29    Mark Lombard    Aghada Running Club    M    25.42    
30    Kevin Hayes    St. Catherines AC    M    25.57    
31    Andre Brodkorb    Midleton AC    M    26.30    
32    Jack Barrett    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    26.34    
33    John Mulcahy    St. Catherines AC    M    26.43    
34    Gus Keohane    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    26.45    
35    St. John O'Connor    St. Nicholas AC    M    26.48    
36    Paul Ryan    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    27.07    
37    Dave O'Riordan    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    27.24    
38    Chris McGrath    East Cork AC    M    27.44    
39    Brian Wall    Aghada Running Club    M    27.50    
40    Michael O'Brien    Aghada Running Club    M    27.51    
41    Darragh O'Keeffe    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    27.58    
42    David Mullins    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    28.10    
43    Sean Norris    Aghada Running Club    M    29.04    
44    John Maher    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    29.58    
45    Kieran Murphy    St. Catherines AC    M    30.26    
46    Michael Beirne    Midleton AC    M    30.42    
47    Paudie Scanlon    Aghada Running Club    M    31.52    
                    
    Men Team     Pts            
1    Midleton AC    22            
2    East Cork AC    33            
3    Youghal AC    50            
4    Carrig na bhFear AC    70            
5    Ballymore Cobh AC    70            
6    Aghada Running Club    119            
7    St. Catherines AC    134            
                    
                    
Novice Women - 4,000m                
                    
Place    Name    Club    Category    Time    
1    Katie Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    17.24    
2    Laura Rooney    Watergrasshill AC    F    17.42    
3    Eileen Leahy    Midleton AC    F    18.04    
4    Aisling Byrne    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    18.24    
5    Sally Drennan    Midleton AC    F    18.34    
6    Colette O'Donoghue    Watergrasshill AC    F    18.35    
7    Norah O'Brien    East Cork AC    F    18.36    
8    Lorna Santry    East Cork AC    F    18.40    
9    Annelise Hutch    East Cork AC    F    18.51    
10    Siobhan Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    19.01    
11    Avril Crowley    East Cork AC    F    19.18    
12    Helen Roche    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    19.30    
13    Ciara Magner    Watergrasshill AC    F    19.39    
14    Sara Barry    St. Catherines AC    F    19.44    
15    Cliona Hurley    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    19.52    
16    Louise Barry    Midleton AC    F    19.53    
17    Yvonne Sheehan    Watergrasshill AC    F    20.05    
18    Catherine Clancy    St. Catherines AC    F    20.12    
19    Tanya Leisk    Watergrasshill AC    F    20.21    
20    Mary De Barra    Ballymore Cobh AC    F    20.35    
21    Eibhlin Cleary    East Cork AC    F    20.51    
22    Leilia Pender    Ballymore Cobh AC    F    21.00    
23    Catherine Sheridan    Midleton AC    F    21.03    
24    Sarah Constant    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    21.30    
25    Lavinia Swords    East Cork AC    F    21.35    
26    Mags Twohig    Midleton AC    F    21.52    
27    Loveness Hegarty    Midleton AC    F    22.12    
28    Deirdre Meyler    Ballymore Cobh AC    F    22.16    
29    Eleanor Duggan    Aghada Running Club    F    23.10    
30    Janet O'Reilly    Aghada Running Club    F    23.23    
31    Ruth Phelan    Ballymore Cobh AC    F    24.50    
32    Carol Leahy    Ballymore Cobh AC    F    29.30    
                    
    Womens Team     Pts            
1    Carraig na bhFear AC    27            
2    East Cork AC    35            
3    Watergrasshill AC    38            
4    Midleton AC    47            
5    Ballymore Cobh AC    101           

Results of the Allihies 5 mile - Sat 19th Sept 2020

This small 5 mile race on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork attracted a smallish field of 126 participants. The start was in waves to cope with social distancing requirements.

1 Gary Scully    Nenagh    M40 28:20    
2 Shane Scully    Nenagh    M40 28:21    
3 Kristaps Liepins Watergrasshill A.C. M 29:00
5 Lizzie Lee    Leevale A.C. F40 30:09
18 Rosaleen Mackeown Leevale A.C.    F40 34:20
30 Nina Murphy F 37:01

Full results

Cork Mini-Marathon Weekend - Sat 19th & Sun 20th Sept 2020

 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no Evening Echo Ladies Mini-Marathon this weekend. Every year, the participants taking part in this event raise several million Euro for charities.

Note that I emphasise the word 'participants' as this is a for-profit event and the proceeds from it which amounts to tens of thousands of Euros every year certainly don't go to charity. It's the participants that do all of the charity fundraising.

This year, lots of charities are going to see a big drop in donations and runners in Cork (both male and female) might consider doing their own virtual run over any distance and making a donation.

Someone sent me an email asking about the event and they were under the mistaken impression that purchasing a medal or a race number would somehow benefit a charity. That is not the case as the proceeds from the Evening Echo mini-marathon do not go to charity.

Note...

• There is NO NEED to register, they just want to use your email and details.
• There is NO NEED to buy some silly medal, save your money.
• You SHOULD instead make a donation to your chosen charity.
  

 Just look up your chosen charity online and make a donation there.

Film: A Long Run - The Movie

This film released in 2014 follows the journey of 64 year Bob Anderson as he tries to run 50 races in a year with a target of 350 miles and all under an overall average of 7:00 mins per mile pace.

The film also covers some of the history of the Runners World magazine which Bob Anderson started with $100 at the age of 17.

The film is pretty long at 109 minutes and might be one for the end of the day when there's nothing else on TV.

Results of the Charleville Half-Marathon - Sun 13th Sept 2020

While the main Charleville Half-Marathon was cancelled this year due to the COVID pandemic, the organisers did hold a smaller event for an elite field of 73 runners. A total of 62 men and 11 women took part.

Top 20 men...

 Half Marathon
1 Mick Clohisey    Raheny Shamrock    M    1:05:08    1:05:10    
2 Jake O Regan    St Johns    M    1:05:38    1:05:40     

3 Hugh Armstrong    Ballina A.C.    M    1:06:30    1:06:31

4 Micheal Power    West Waterford A.C.    M    1:07:28    1:07:31    

5 Sergiu Ciobanu    Clonliffe Harriers    M    1:07:33    1:07:35     

6    Ryan Creech    Leevale AC    M    1:07:54    1:07:55     
7    Pat Hennessy    West Waterford A.C.    M    1:08:08    1:08:10     
8    Alan O Shea    Bantry AC    M    1:08:44    1:08:46     
9    Rory O Connor    North Cork AC    M    1:09:40    1:09:42     
10    Ray Hynes    Donore Harriers    M    1:09:57    1:09:58     
11    David Scanlon    Rathfarnham WSAF AC    M    1:10:02    1:10:04     
12    Robert Murphy    Donore Harriers    M    1:10:19    1:10:21     
13    Sean Doyle    North Cork AC    M    1:10:22    1:10:24     
14    Colin Maher    Ballyfin AC    M    1:10:23    1:10:25     
15    John Kinsella    Bilboa AC    M40    1:10:48    1:10:50     
16    James Doran    An Riocht AC    M    1:10:48    1:10:51     
17    Mitchell Byrne    Rathfarnham WSAF AC    M    1:10:55    1:10:57     
18    Brian O Kelly    Crusaders AC    M    1:11:12    1:11:14     
19    Derek Griffin    Tralee    M    1:11:16    1:11:20     
20    Josh O S-Hourihan    Donore Harriers    M    1:11:33    1:11:35

11 women...

52 Breege Connolly    Derry Spartans    F40    1:17:28    1:17:31    

55 Ide Nic Dhomhnaill    Donore Harriers    F    1:18:36    1:18:40    

60 Mary Mulhare    Portlaoise AC    F    1:19:51    1:19:5563    Una Britton    Kilcoole AC    F    1:20:29    1:20:33    

65    Sorcha Loughnane    Donore Harriers    F40    1:20:48    1:20:53     

67    Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill    Donore Harriers    F    1:21:31    1:21:35     

68    Norah Pieterse    Mayo ac    F40    1:22:19    1:22:24     

69    Linda Grogan    Dundrum AC    F    1:24:01    1:24:06     

70    Karen Mulrooney    Sligo AC    F    1:24:18    1:24:22     

71    Murna Griffin O Malley    Limerick Tri Club    F40    1:26:33    1:26:37     

73    Nollaigh O Neill    Leevale AC    F40    1:29:29    1:29:34

Full results

Results of the East Cork Cross Country Championships - Sun 13th Sept 2020

 Results of East Cork XC Championships Day 1 2020 - Sunday September 13th 2020        
           
An Athletics Ireland registered event - Organised and hosted by St Catherines AC        

Senior Men - 6,000m                        
                        
Place    Name    Club    Category    Time        
1    Kevin O'Brien    East Cork AC    M    20.55        
2    Paul Hartnett    Midleton AC    M    21.16        
3    Sean McGrath    East Cork AC    M35    21.28        M35 1st
4    Tony Forristal    Midleton AC    M    21.28        
5    James McCarthy    East Cork AC    M35    21.48        M35 2nd
6    Kenneth Kelleher    East Cork AC    M35    21.59        M35 3rd
7    Stephen O'Brien    East Cork AC    M35    22.01        
8    Sean Aherne    Youghal AC    M35    22.15        
9    Nick O'Donoghue    East Cork AC    M    22.28        
10    Brian Harty    East Cork AC    M35    22.36        
11    Trevor Cummins    Ballymore Cobh AC    M35    22.43        
12    Graham Swords    East Cork AC    M35    22.50        
13    Willie Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    23.01        M45 1st
14    Paul Kearney    Aghada Running Club    M35    23.08        
15    Warren Terri    Youghal AC    M35    23.11        
16    Keith Kelly    Youghal AC    M35    23.11        
17    Brendan Coleman    Youghal AC    M35    23.16        
18    Daniel Bloom    Midleton AC    M    23.49        
19    Edwin Cashman    Midleton AC    M35    24.00        
20    Mike Byrne    St. Catherines AC    M35    24.19        
21    Patrick Kelly    Midleton AC    M    24.24        
22    John Beecher    St. Catherines AC    M35    24.30        
23    Tony Dunne    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    24.33        M45 2nd
24    Tim Mahony    East Cork AC    M35    24.35        
25    Mick Mulcahy    Carraig na bhFear AC    M35    24.46        
26    Michael Cremin    East Cork AC    M35    24.51        
27    Ruairi Myers    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    25.00        
28    Ger O'Regan    Midleton AC    M45    25.07        M45 3rd
29    Declan Dorgan    Midleton AC    M35    25.16        
30    Don Sheehan    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    25.24        
31    Sean Kenneally    Youghal AC    M35    25.25        
32    Johnny Garrett    Ballymore Cobh AC    M35    25.26        
33    Chris O'Connell    St. Catherines AC    M35    25.38        
34    Brendan Hickey    St. Catherines AC    M35    25.42        
35    Mark Lombard    Aghada Running Club    M35    25.44        
36    Kevin Hayes    St. Catherines AC    M45    26.20        
37    Andre Brodkorb    Midleton AC    M45    26.35        
38    David Barry    Youghal AC    M45    26.49        
39    John Mulcahy    St. Catherines AC    M    26.50        
40    Colin Brennan    Youghal AC    M45    27.00        
41    Jack Barrett    Ballymore Cobh AC    M    27.05        
42    Kieran Collins    Youghal AC    M45    27.18        
43    St. John O'Connor    St. Nicholas AC    M45    27.26        
44    Richard Hawkins    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    27.29        
45    Neilus Aherne    Midleton AC    M45    27.31        
46    Chris McGrath    East Cork AC    M35    27.34        
47    Brian Wall    Aghada Running Club    M    27.40        
48    Mark O'Reilly    Midleton AC    M35    27.41        
49    Tom Moore    Ballymore Cobh AC    M45    27.43        
50    Darragh O'Keeffe    Carraig na bhFear AC    M    27.56        
51    Kieran Harte    St. Catherines AC    M45    28.04        
52    Ian Murphy    Youghal AC    M45    28.16        
53    Gus Keohane    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    28.21        
54    Sean Norris    Aghada Running Club    M35    28.44        
55    Denis McCarthy    East Cork AC    M45    29.14        
56    Aidan Twomey    Aghada Running Club    M35    29.30        
57    Kieran Murphy    St. Catherines AC    M35    29.59        
58    Barrie Drennan    Midleton AC    M45    34.53        
                        
                        
    Team - Senior    Pts                
1    East Cork AC    15                
2    Midleton AC    43                
3    Youghal AC    56                
4    Carraig na bhFear AC    88                
5    St. Catherines AC    109                
6    Ballymore Cobh AC    133                
7    Aghada Running Club    150                
                        
                        
    Team - M35    Pts                
1    East Cork AC    21                
2    Youghal AC    56                
3    St. Catherines AC    109                
4    Aghada Running Club    159                
                        
                        
    Team - M45    Pts                
1    Carraig na bhFear AC    110                
2    Midleton AC    168                
3    Youghal AC    172                

    Women - 4,000m                    
                        
Place    Name    Club    Category    Time        
1    Fiona Santry    East Cork AC    F    15.49        
2    Linda O'Sullivan    Watergrasshill AC    F45    16.21        F45 1st
3    Sinead O'Driscoll    Midleton AC    F35    16.27        F35 1st
4    Jennifer Goggin Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    F35    16.58        F35 2nd
5    Jen Preston    East Cork AC (Ind)    F    17.05        
6    Laura Rooney    Watergrasshill AC    F35    17.38        F35 3rd
7    Eileen Leahy    Midleton AC    F    17.48        
8    Rhona Lynch    Carraig na bhFear AC    F45    17.59        F45 2nd
9    Aisling Byrne    Carraig na bhFear AC    F    18.08        
10    Sonia O'Sullivan    Ballymore Cobh AC    F45    18.13        F45 3rd
11    Gwen Conroy    Watergrasshill AC    F35    18.19        
12    Deirdre Ansboro    Youghal AC    F35    18.27        
13    Louise Murphy    Youghal AC    F35    18.31        
14    Norah O'Brien    East Cork AC    F    18.49        
15    Annelise Hutch    East Cork AC    F    18.59        
16    Lorna Santry    East Cork AC    F    19.06        
17    Cliona Hurley    Carraig na bhFear AC    F45    19.22        
18    Siobhan Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    F35    19.23        
19    Pamela Barry    Aghada Running Club    F35    19.35        
20    Margaret O'Regan    Ballymore Cobh AC    F35    19.37        
21    Ciara Magner    Watergrasshill AC    F35    19.40        
22    Sinead Fitzgerald    Aghada Running Club    F35    19.45        
23    Joan Hough    Midleton AC    F45    19.50        
24    Catherine Clancy    St. Catherines AC    F45    20.07        
25    Louise Barry    Midleton AC    F35    20.09        
26    Breeda Sheedy    Midleton AC    F45    20.18        
27    Gillian Bansfield    Midleton AC    F35    20.25        
28    Christine Murphy    Midleton AC    F45    20.32        
29    Mary De Barra    Ballymore Cobh AC    F45    20.34        
30    Yvonne Sheehan    Watergrasshill AC    F35    20.45        
31    Lavinia Swords    East Cork AC    F    21.11        
32    Eibhlin Cleary    East Cork AC    F35    21.12        
33    Tara Friel    Ballymore Cobh AC    F45    21.14        
34    Catherine Sheridan    Midleton AC    F35    21.18        
35    Mags Twomey    Midleton AC    F45    21.43        
36    Siobhan Murphy    Midleton AC    F45    21.43        
37    Loveness Hegarty    Midleton AC    F    22.28        
38    Astrid Micheel    Midleton AC    F45    23.10        
39    Ruth Phelan    Ballymore Cobh AC    F45    23.54        
40    Agnes Hurley    St. Catherines AC    F45    24.08        
41    Celia O'Regan    Youghal AC    F45    24.43        
42    Amanda Devery    Midleton AC    F35    24.48        
43    Geraldine Curtin    Youghal AC    F45    25.47        
                        
                        
    Team - Senior    Pts                
1    Carraig na bhFear AC    38                
2    Watergrasshill AC    40                
3    East Cork AC    46                
4    Midleton AC    81                
5    Ballymore Cobh AC    92                
6    Youghal AC    109                
                        
    Team - F35    Pts                
1    Watergrasshill AC    19                
2    Carraig na bhFear AC    30                
3    Midleton AC    55                
4    Youghal AC    66                
                        
    Team - F45    Pts                
1    Ballymore Cobh AC    72                
2    Midleton AC    77               

Alex O'Shea & group do a Gap of Dunloe run to mark the 32 marathon challenge

Back in September of 2018, Fireman Alex O'Shea ran 32 marathon in each county of Ireland in 16 days. Last weekend, he met up with a group of friends to do a half-marathon run in the Gap of Dunloe in Kerry to mark the second anniversary of the occasion. He also made a special presentation to Ollie O'Sullivan for his help in organising the 32 county run.

Report from Alex O'Shea... 

Early start & down to Kerry for a social run A 1/2 marathon around the Gap of Dunloe with friends at 08.00

 1)Alex O Shea
2)Ollie O Sullivan
3)Chris Gayson
4)Brenden Blennerhassett
5)Darren O Sullivan
6)Brenden Caffrey
7)Ed Fitzgerald

A social few miles with the focus on chat & scenery not pace. For me it was my first time running with the company of others for such a long time. As things happened it was also a great opportunity to catch up with Ollie & present him with a momento from the 32 marathon challenge. This was not an easy task as we rarely seem to be free at the same time.

So a bit about the presentation. The plaque was commissioned & designed by me and thanks to Craig Dzrie for bringing it to life. It was in recognition of all the work Ollie put into the challenge always striving to help make the challenge a success on all levels be it fundraising for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind or helping me achieve the 32 Marathons. Ollie was selfless in his endeavours. The plaque is made from timber from Glengarrif in West Cork which was saved from storm damaged trees.

The photo was taken by Mark Ramsey a fire fighter who joined us on the Co Down leg of the 32 Marathons taking photos as we ran in front of the iconic Northern Ireland Goverment building Stormont. (Thanks Mark). The photo was transferred to slate by friend & marathon runner (Paramedic Kieran Minihane thanks Kieran) 

The Slate represents Kerry as Valentia Island in Kerry has exported fine slate all over the world.. can't guarantee this bit of slate came from Valentia but it's the thought that matters.

The Cap badges are a thank you to all our uniformed colleagues that supported us throughout the challenge not just those in our own areas of fire service & Gardaí we were supported by so many other organizations Army, Air Corps, Ambulance Service, Navy, Coast Guard, Prison Guards and the PSNI
The event medal shows each and every county of Ireland and encompasses all those that joined us & the Irish guide dogs on this challenge.

The reverse has a map of Ireland with each County and time ran etched into the wood.
Thank you Ollie

Results & Photos of the 2020 Kerry Way Ultra

 

The big running event this weekend in Munster was the annual Kerry Way Ultra. Contestants started the 200km course on Friday morning at 6am on the 4th of September and finished on the Saturday.

Most of the course is off road or on quiet country roads and it looks as if they got some nice weather for this years event for a change.

With most running events cancelled due to the COVID restrictions, this is one that could go ahead due to nature of the race. There are no issues with social distancing as most of the contestants end up being kms apart!

First woman home... Aoife Mundow completed the 200km course in 25h 26m. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

A total of 77 men and 4 women completed the 200km Ultra course.

Top 4...

Kerry Way Ultra Female
    118        Mundow, Aoife    25:26:49    Finish
    52        Enright, Sarah    29:35:49    Finish
    174        McNamee, Julie    33:08:03    Finish
    33        Costa, Jennifer    37:32:02    Finish

Kerry Way Ultra Male
    20        Byrne, Gavin    23:37:17    Finish
    94        Lane, Keith    24:01:18    Finish
    16        Buckley, Brian    24:32:13    Finish
    43        Delille, Remi    24:32:13    Finish

Full results

46 contestants had to retire which gives an indication of just how daunting a course this is.

Photos... 

1) Valerie O'Sullivan as always took to the hills to get some stunning shots.

a) Gallery 1

Notice: Elaine Lehane Memorial Virtual Run - Sat 5th Sept 2020

The Elaine Lehane Memorial 5k normally takes place in Doneraile Park at the start of September every year. This year with the COVID-19 restrictions, it had to be cancelled.

They are asking runners and walkers to consider doing their own virtual run instead next Saturday and make a donation to Marymount Hospice.

From the organisers... Saturday next (5th of September) is the date that we were due to hold the 4th Elaine Lehane Memorial Run in aid of Marymount Hospice and in memory of a wonderful lady.

This year we will need to do something a little different to raise well needed funds for the team in Marymount.  We would love if familes/households could get out over the weekend and do their own 5k, run, walk or roll and perhaps post some of your pictures on this Facebook page for prosperity.

In addition there will be a small group of us cycling from Mallow to Marymount (about 45k) (and maybe back) on Sunday  - hopefully the weather will hold up.

It would be really appreciated if you make a donation directly to Marymount on the following link  . . . https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11390189_in-memory-of-elaine-lehane.html

 To date we have raised over €18,000 for Marymount and hoping to add another €2,000 to get us over the €20,000 mark. This would be an amazing achievement.

New improved car park at the Marina in Cork City

 

Some welcome news! Cork City Council have put in a new car park for the Marina. This will be great for anyone wanting to walk, run or cycle out along the Marina and up the Greenway towards Mahon.

There is a real lack on nice routes in the centre of Cork City and the Mahon/Blackrock loop is probably one of the few nice ones. This new car park will be of benefit to those not living near this excellent public facility.

The map above shows the location of the new car park. Anyone familiar with this area will know that this used to a narrow road with a rough surface and the grass area was liable to turn to mud in wet weather.

With the COVID-19 restrictions, the plan is for the Marina to stay pedestranised until at least the end of December 2020. Hopefully it will stay like that and won't revert back to a rat run for cars.

At the moment, the path to the west ends at the Shandon Boat Club. It's my understanding that the eventual plan is to have a walkway all of the way along the river into the centre of Cork City.

Video about the new car park from Cllr. Des Cahill...

Positive works continue on the Marina with new greenway & cycleway almost complete & parking spaces near the pedestrianised marina
This is at the city end of the marina adjacent to @ShandonBoatClub & @LeeRowingClub pic.twitter.com/P7Q7i22iOh

— Des Cahill (@CllrDesCahil) August 30, 2020

 

Main man Jerry Forde on tour in Crosshaven - August 2020

 

Following on from the July outing from Blackrock Castle to Passage West, our outing for August was from Carrigaline to Crosshaven.

After turning up in the meeting point in Carrigaline bright and early at 9am, there was of course no sign of the main man Jerry Forde. As you can see from the photo above, he can't go outside the door unless he has matching clothing and he was frantically searching his house this morning for a bright Yellow-Green hat to go with his top.

He eventually arrived and we got underway at 9:15am on the cycle path/footpath to the Kilnagleary car park and from there on the Greenway to Crosshaven.

Once you take the time to notice, it really is a lovely stretch to walk, run or cycle on especially near Drakes Pool and the approach into Crosshaven. There are some great views out over the Owenabue Estuary and the path is right next to the water all of the time. I know for Jerry that it was a welcome contrast to the busy roads around Blarney.

After Crosshaven, we continued out past the boat yard and up Point Road to the end of the Cul-de-Sac. From there, there were lovely views across to Spike Island in the outer harbour and the town of Cobh beyond. The view at the top of this post shows the view from Point Road across to Currabinny Woods and the estuary by Crosshaven which was full of boats.

For the return trip, the main decision was where to get some coffees so we stopped off at Lulu's at the Kilnagleary car park. After getting the 'I left my wallet at home / Me dog ate me wallet' routine from the main man, it was left to me to get the coffees.

As you can see from the photo, the tour guide had to buy two coffees for Mr. Forde after he gave himself an impromptu 'Americano' shower with the first one after a 'wheelchair malfunction'. The only saving grace was that Lulu's weren't selling creamie cakes or I'd be completely broke. 😂

After our 50 minute '10-minute' break, we headed back to Carrigaline where we were welcomed by no less than Jimmy Murray, another well know face on the Cork running scene.

I think we clocked up just over 11 miles in total although with all the stops, it turned into a 4 hour training session! 😂

All in all, it was a lovely route for training and I'd recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it before. This morning, we had blue skies and sunshine for most of it and it really does make a huge difference in terms of the scenery. After all the recent rain and gloomy clouds, it was good to feel the heat of the sun again.

Like many of the regulars out there, Jerry is missing the road race scene and is tipping away with training on his own but it's not the same. With the running scene, there is a whole social scene to the road races and that is almost more important than the run itself.

As for our next outing, I'm not sure where we're going yet. All I know for sure is that I'm leaving my wallet at home! 😂😂

Marina to remain closed to traffic until the end of 2020

Car free Marina on a nice Summers day...Photo: Cllr. Kieran McCarthy

 

The Marina is one of the most popular spots in Cork City for runners, walkers and cyclists alike and it was pedestrianised at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate people that wanted to exercise.

Cork City Council have now announced that the Marina will remain pedestrianised as a temporary measure linked to Covid public health response until the 31st Dec 2020. It was due to reopen to traffic at the end on August 31st, but to facilitate social distancing measures and to create enhanced pedestrian facilities, these measures will remain in place for a further four months.

#corkcc After lots of emails, huge public pressure & great practical support from Council operations it is very good formal news from Operations this morning that The Marina will remain pedestrianised as a temporary measure linked to Covid public health response until 31 Dec 2020 pic.twitter.com/GnnUWQpzL1

— Kieran McCarthy (@cllrkmac) August 24, 2020

Results of the East Cork Road Championships in Ballynoe - Thurs 20th Aug 2020

The East Cork road championships were held on Thursday the 20th of August 2020 in Ballynoe in East Cork. Below is a report from John Walshe with the full results further down the page.

 

EAST CORK ATHLETICS DIVISION ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS ...by John Walshe

Normally held in April, the unbroken sequence which has seen the East Cork road championships taking place every year since 1980 was maintained at the traditional venue of Ballynoe.

After the initial postponement four months ago, hopes for the new date seemed dashed earlier this week when the updated Covid-19 strategy was announced but, after getting the go-ahead from Athletics Ireland, both races went ahead while adhering to the recommended guidelines.

The aftermath of Storm Ellen made the testing course even tougher with gusting winds and hail showers adding to the discomfort of the long hill which the women had to climb twice and the men four times.

A minutes silence was observed before both events in memory of local man Dan McCarthy who passed away earlier this year. Dan was instrumental in getting these championships established on the athletics calendar with the first event taking place on St Patrick’s Day 1980 when Pat Whyte led home just 18 finishers.

Kevin O’Leary (East Cork) became the 15th different winner over the years of the men’s five-mile race, improving one place and 59 seconds from last year when coming home an impressive first in a time of 26:11. Two Midleton junior athletes, Paul Hartnett and Frank O’Brien, took the silver and bronze medals in respective times of 26:39 and 27:13.

With the individual medal-winners not scoring in the teams, East Cork came out best on a total of 30 points ahead of Watergrasshill (45 points) and Midleton (74 points).

Fiona Santry made it an East Cork club double when winning the women’s 3000m in 11:22. Second was Jennifer Goggin-Walsh (Carraig na bhFear) in 11:56 with Linda O’Sullivan (Watergrasshill) third in 12:04.

Midleton, with 34 points, were the winners of the team contest from Ballymore-Cobh who finished on 42 with St Catherine’s third on 45 points.

She may have won medals at Olympic, World and European level but one award which had eluded Sonia O’Sullivan over her long glittering career was an East Cork senior medal.

However, an eight-place finish was enough for Ireland’s greatest-ever athlete to finally set the record straight as she led her Ballymore-Cobh club to silver. 

(L) Kevin O'Leary, second last year but number one on this occasion / (R) Fiona Santry, winner of the women's 3000m race

East Cork Road Championships  Thursday August 20th 2020            
    
Men's Result            
                    
Place    Race #    Name    Club    Category    Time
1    72    Kevin O'Leary    East Cork AC    M    26.11
2    99    Paul Hartnett    Midleton AC    MJ    26.39
3    50    Frank O'Brien    Midleton AC    MJ    27.13
4    71    Kevin O'Brien    East Cork AC    M    27.37
5    74    Kieran McKeown    Watergrasshill AC    M    27.56
6    65    James McCarthy    East Cork AC    M    28.05
7    140    Sean McGrath    East Cork AC    M35    28.10
8    31    Daire O’Sullivan    Carraig na bhFear AC    MJ    28.14
9    159    Tony Forristal    Midleton AC    M    28.16
10    66    John Hennessy    Midleton AC    M50    28.37
11    157    Stephen Crowley    Watergrasshill AC    M    28.44
12    77    Kristaps Liepins    Watergrasshill AC    M    28.45
13    57    Graham Swords    East Cork AC    M35    28.46
14    160    Trevor Cummins    Ballymore/Cobh AC    M    28.59
15    100    Paul Kearney    Aghada RC    M    29.14
17    6    Aidan Noone    Watergrasshill AC    M    29.19
18    35    Dave McCarthy    St Nicholas AC    M    29.23
19    139    Sean Ahern    Youghal AC    M    29.27
20    25    Chris Kelly    East Cork AC    M    29.41
21    161    Willie Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    30.04
22    70    Keith Kelly    Youghal AC    M    30.37
23    149    Shane Meyler    Ballymore Cobh AC    M45    30.44
24    40    David Maher    Carraig na bhFear AC    MJ    31.08
25    69    Joseph Daly    Carraig na bhFear AC    MJ    31.15
26    162    Ger O'Regan    Midleton AC    M50    31.23
27    91    Mick Mulcahy    Carraig na bhFear AC    M40    32.27
28    68    Jonathon Kenneally    St Catherines AC    M    32.37
29    34    Daniel Bloom    Midleton AC    M    32.46
30    129    Séamus McSweeny    St Nicholas AC    M45    32.46
31    29    Chris O Connell    St Catherines AC    M    33.13
32    42    Declan Dorgan    Midleton AC    M40    33.53
33    45    Don Sheehan    Carraig na bhFear AC    M45    34.02
34    67    John Mulcahy    St Catherines AC    M    34.03
35    86    Matthew Browne    Watergrasshill AC    M    34.17
36    8    Andre Brodkorb    Midleton AC    M50    34.27
37    155    Stephen Collins    St Catherines AC    M    34.49
38    150    St John O'Connor    St Nicholas AC    M45    35.02
39    24    Brendan Hickey    St Catherines AC    M    35.14
40    158    Tom O Riordan    Watergrasshill AC    M    35.27
41    44    Denis O’Leary    Aghada RC    M    35.31
42    123    Richard Hawkins    Carraig na bhFear AC    M50    35.41
43    126    DonMurray    Aghada RC    M    36.32
44    47    Ed Kinane    St Nicholas AC    M50    36.45
45    73    Kieran Harte    St Catherines AC    M    37.36
46    144    Sean Norris    Aghada RC    M    38.04
47    43    Denis McCarthy    East Cork AC    M55    38.28
48    119    Paul O Flynn    St Catherines AC    M    38.38
49    124    Richard Morrison    St Nicholas AC    M45    39.28
50    46    Donal O'Donoghue    Watergrasshill AC    M50    40.16
                    
        Team Results (outside the first three finishers)            
    1    East Cork AC    30 pts        
    2    Watergrasshill AC    45 pts        
    3    Midleton AC    74 pts        
    4    Carraig na bhFear AC    78 pts        
    5    St Catherines AC    130 pts        
    6    St Nicholas AC    130 pts        
    7    Aghada RC    145 pts        
                    
                    
Women's Result
                    
Place    Race Number    Name    Club    Category    Time
1    250    Fiona Santry    East Cork AC    F    11.22
2    295    Jennifer Goggin Walsh    Carraig na bhFear AC    F35    11.56
3    305    Linda O’Sullivan    Watergrasshill AC    F    12.04
4    300    Laura Rooney    Watergrasshill AC    F    12.22
5    318    Natalie Nicholson    St Catherines AC    F    12.30
6    330    Sarah Morrisson    St Nicholas AC    FJ    12.50
7    249    Eileen Leahy    Midleton AC    F    13.01
8    348    Sonia O’Sullivan    Ballymore/Cobh AC    F    13.05
9    322    Rhona Lynch    Carraig na bhFear AC    F45    13.16
10    293    Gwen Conroy    Watergrasshill AC    F    13.24
11    318    Niamh O'Connor    East Cork AC    F40    13.33
12    242    Caroline Geary    Midleton AC    F40    13.35
13    320    Norah O'Brien    East Cork AC    F    13.45
14    342    Sarah Mulcahy    St Catherines AC    F    13.47
15    325    Sally Drennan    Midleton AC    F55    13.51
16    294    Jennifer Andersson    Ballymore/Cobh AC    F    14.06
17    345    Sinead Kearney    Carraig na bhFear AC    FJ    14.07
18    315    Margaret O’Regan    Ballymore/Cobh AC    F    14.08
19    200    Alanna Drennan    Midleton AC    FJ    14.10
20    296    Jennifer Kearney    Carraig na bhFear AC    FJ    14.25
21    306    Louise Barry    Midleton AC    F40    14.40
22    241    Breeda Sheedy    Midleton AC    F50    14.49
23    316    Mary De Barra    Ballymore/Cobh AC    F    14.57
24    246    Claire Fitzgerald    Midleton AC    F45    14.59
25    297    Joan Hough    Midleton AC    F60    15.00
26    299    Laura O Flynn    St Catherines AC    F    15.05
27    277    Gillian Bransfield    Midleton AC    F40    15.22
28    245    Christine Murphy    Midleton AC    F50    15.33
29    347    Siobhan Murphy    Midleton AC    F45    15.39
30    304    Linda Curtin    Midleton AC    F45    16.05
31    314    Mags Twohig    Midleton AC    F50    16.39
32    240    Astrid Micheel    Midleton AC    F50    16.53
33    298    Joan McCarthy    Midleton AC    F60    20.42

Midleton, with 34 points, were the winners of the team contest from Ballymore-Cobh who finished on 42 with St Catherine’s third on 45 points
                    
Team Results (outside the first three finishers)            
1 Midleton AC    34 pts        
2 Ballymore/Cobh AC    42 pts   
3 St Catherines AC    45 pts        
4 Carraig na bhFear AC    46 pts        

Sonia O'Sullivan (who finished eight) leading Niamh O'Connor up the hill