15 year old Irish sprinters Ciara Neville & Molly Scott take top 2 places at English Athletics Championships

Last weekend, 15 year old Ciara Neville of Emerald AC caused a but of an upset when she took silver in the senior womens 60m race at the Irish Indoor Championships in Athlone.

Today Saturday the 28th of February, she was in action again but this time at the English U17 Age Group Championships. Obviously this was going to be a completely different affair as Ciara was going head to head with some of the best up and coming talent in England.

In the first semi-final of the 60m, Ciara finished first in 7.57 seconds (2nd 7.64 and 3rd 7.73). In the 3rd semi-final, Molly Scott of St.Laurence O'Toole AC in Carlow finished first in 7.61s (2nd 7.66 and 3rd 7.81). This I belive was a new PB as her previous best was 7.79s set on the 10th of January this year.

In the final, Ciara won the race in a time of 7.56 seconds while Molly finished 2nd in 7.58s (3rd athlete was 7.58s as well).

Considering that both are just 15 years old, would have been going up against 16 year olds and some of the best sprinters in England in that race,  then it's a remarkable result.

Results of the Doneraile Park 5k...Sat 28th Feb 2015

1 17:29 MOLONEY, Paul MALLOW AC M M40 05:38
2 17:31 SUGRUE, Eoin BANTEER M M40 05:39
4 17:53 BYRNE, Robert DONERAILE M MJ 05:46
3 17:50 KILEY, Martina ST. FINBARRS AC F FS 05:45
10 19:11 NOONAN, Amy BALLYCLOUGH F FS 06:11
11 19:12 O'CALLAGHAN, Grainne AN RIOCHT AC F FS 06:12

The full results can be seen HERE

'Running Police' used in Tokyo Marathon

Following on from the terrorist attack at the 2013 Boston Marathon, security has been a concern for all the world's major marathons.

Last weekend at the Tokyo marathon, the organisers had 60 police officers running along with the participants. They each wore white vests with 'POLICE' on them and ran about 10 kms each. Over 36,000 people took part in the event.

Will this become a standard feature at other major marathons?...London, Berlin, New York???

Races in Cork this weekend...Sat 28th Feb & Sun 1st Mar 2015

Where ever you are in Cork this weekend, there is something to choose from. Parkruns, a 5k in Doneraile and a 4 mile charity fun run in Whitegate on the Saturday. On Sunday, there is a trail race near Banteer as well as a 5k race near Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork City. There are dry fit tops for the first 500 to enter so get there early.

Cork...Sat 28th (9:30am)...Macroom 5k parkrun...€free...Castle Demense...
Cork...Sat 28th (9:30am)...Clonakilty 5k parkrun...€free...Showgrounds...
Cork...Sat 28th (9:30am)...Bere Island 5k parkrun...€free...Beara Peninsula...
Cork...Sat 28th (11am)...Doneraile Park 5k race...€7...
Cork...Sat 28th (10&11am)...Whitegate charity 4 mile fun run/walk...€donation...run at 11am, walk at 10... 

Cork...Sun 1st (11am)...Cork BHAA Gas Networks 5k road race...€5 reg/€8 non-reg...Marina...info...Dry-fit tops for first 500 to enter...

Cork...Sun 1st (1pm)...MMRA Munster Sunday League...Mount Hillary, Banteer...Race 3 of 6...info...

As always, a full fixtures list of races coming up over the next few weeks can be seen here... http://corkrunning.blogspot.ie/p/calendar.html

Highlights of the Irish Indoor Championships...Sun 22nd Feb 2015

One of the main events on the Irish Athletics calendar is the National Indoor Championships in February every year. This is supposed to be one of the highlights of Irish Athletics but the turnout in some events was pretty abysmal.

I had a look on Saturday evening at the results and noticed just two women listed in the womens 3000m. Fair enough I though, the results aren't complete yet. However, that was the actual result!

1 MCCAMBRIDGE Maria    Dundrum South Dublin A.C.    9:26.77   
2 MOORE Niamh        U.C.C. A.C.        10:43.53

Just to clarify. A member of any club could have run in this at 10 minute mile pace and got a bronze national medal.

The full results can be found HERE , just click on the event. RTE have 51 minutes of highlights on their RTE Player Service HERE

One of the most interesting and biggest suprises of the championships was the performance of 15 year old Ciara Neville of Emerald AC in Limerick. In the womens 60m hurdles, she finished second in a time which put her 12th on the Irish All Time list. You can see that race in the coverage at 13:40.

1 MCMANUS Catherine    Dublin City Harriers A.C.    8.44   
2 NEVILLE Ciara        Emerald A.C.        8.71   
3 DAWKINS Shannen    St. Joseph's A.C.        9.14   
4 FUSSEY Niamh        St Peters        9.83   

Ciara Neville of Emerald AC...#108, Kelly Proper #44 & Phil Healy #88

In the senior womens 60m race, Ciara Neville finished second again but this time, she finished ahead of the likes of Phil Healy and Catherine McManus who were part of the 4x100m Irish relay team that went to the European Championships last year.

1 PROPER Kelly        Ferrybank A.C.        7.38   
2 NEVILLE Ciara        Emerald A.C.        7.46   
3 MCMANUS Catherine    Dublin City Harriers A.C.    7.50   
4 HEALY Phil        Bandon A.C.        7.51   
5 MANNING Cliodhna    Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.    7.53   
6 BRADY Claire        Celbridge A.C.        7.55   
7 MURRAY Sarah        Fingallians A.C.        7.60   
8 FORKAN Aishling    Swinford A.C.        7.72

Pretty amazing for a 15 year old. What will she be running when she's 20? That time of 7.46s by the way puts her straight in at joint 10th on the Irish All Time list.

Coverage of the womens 60m race starts at about 31:30 in the highlights.

Notice...Crosshaven 8km road race - Wed 29th Apr 2015

Last year, this race was held on a sunny evening at the end of April and it got a good turnout of over 200 runners. Building on that success, it is back again this year on Wednesday the 29th of April 2015 at 7:30 pm. Considering that Crosshaven is only a short drive from Cork City and Carrigaline, it should get a good turnout again.

The entry fee is €10 and you can pre-register if you want to via the Athletics Ireland website HERE

You can also of course enter on the day. The race has an Athletics Ireland licence and has been properly measured by Jones Counter.

As for the race course, it is a little different in that it is 8kms as opposed to 5 miles so it's like the GR8KM in Mitchelstown in that respect. The race starts in the square...up to Camden....back down....out past the Yacht Club and back to the finish in the square.

If it's a sunny evening then it should be a great spot for a race. More info on...
http://www.crosshaven8km.com/

You will find a preview of the course here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/01/cork072.html

Notice...MMRA Mt.Hillary Trail Race - Sun 1st Mar 2015

As well as there been plenty of road races locally, the Munster Mountain Running Association have their own series of trail races on various hills and mountains in the province.

Here is some information from them about their third race of 2015....Race number 3 of 6 in the Munster Sunday League.

From the MMRA...The next round in our Munster Sunday League will take place this Sunday 1st March 2015 at 1pm in Mt. Hilary, Banteer, Co. Cork. The route will be just over 10km and will take in 310m climb. The route will follow a marked route along forest roads, woodland paths, and open hillside. A shorter route will be available for juniors. The race on the shorter route will start 15mins before the long race.

Registration will not take place at the race start but in the Glen Theatre in Banteer (see below). OSI grid reference: W389 962. All runners must register in the Glen Theatre and car pool to the race start. 

If you have already run in 2015, please bring your race number with you. If not, you can speed up the registration process, please download the membership form, print and bring filled out form to race. However, if this is your first IMRA race this year, you must purchase yearly IMRA membership for €10 per person. You will be then assigned your 2015 IMRA number on the day. This number is to be kept and used in all subsequent 2015 races. This race is open to all and the cost is €10 for seniors, €5 for juniors. Race registration will open at 11:30 and you must be there before 12:30 sharp to give time to travel to the race start location.

Under IMRA rules for competitors safety, it is mandatory to bring and carry a jacket that is shower and wind proof for the entire race. Any competitor seen not carrying or wearing their jacket at any stage in the race will be disqualified. There are no exceptions to this rule!

Refreshments will be provided afterwards back in the Glen Theatre. Many thanks to all our non-running volunteers involved in organising this race.

Directions....You can find maps and directions to this event here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/03/misc008.html

Photo of the Dry Fit top for the Cork BHAA race next Sunday 1st March

As outlined in a previous post, the Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k road race is coming up in Cork City on Sunday the 1st of March at 11am.

One of the features of this event is that they are giving out dry fit tops to the first 500 to enter on the day. Considering that the race only costs €5 for registered runners then it's really good value. Even the non-reg entry fee of €8 is pretty good. Remember, it's the first 500 to enter, not the first 500 across the finish line. Get there early.

The flat course being used is the exact same as the one for the John Buckley Sports 5k. You can find out more info about it here... http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.ie/2013/01/cork013.html

All proceeds from the race go towards the Rebel Wheelers charity....see the race notice

From the organisers....A free racing t-shirt is on offer for the first 500 to register for the Gas Networks Ireland BHAA 5k run that takes place in Cork Marina this Sunday March 1st. Registration from 9.30am with the race start at 11am. The race is part of the Cork Business Houses Athletics Association (BHAA) programme and runners of all abilities and fitness levels are welcome to take part. All entry proceeds will go to Rebel Wheelers, a sports club supporting children with physical disabilities. Further information on www.corkbhaa.com.

Sports Ability Seminar...CIT...Thurs 5th March 2015

The Cork Sports Partnership are organising a Sports Ability Seminar in CIT on Thursday 5th March 2015. From a road race point of view, one of the presentations to note is that on Jerry Forde! :o)

Jerry has completed more than 300 marathons at this stage and quite possibly has done more marathons as a wheelchair athlete than anyone else in the world.

On a more local level, Jerry is the only wheelchair athlete taking part in any of the races around Cork and Munster. From time to time, you might notice someone else but in general, it's Jerry is on his own. I can't help wondering if there are others out there who might be introduced to the sport and benefit from it? Maybe it's just a case that the idea has to spread around and something like this seminar might help. Details below...

SportsAbility Seminar Details...Cork SportsAbility Forum enables, encourages and supports the development and delivery of sports, physical activity & physical education for people with disabilities in Cork. This event is open to the public and is suitable for people with disabilities, coaches, parents, athletes, teachers and students.

Date: Thursday 5th March 2015. Start: 19:30pm. Venue: IT1, Library Building, Bishopstown Campus, Cork Institute of Technology
Schedule: 19:00 Registration
19:30 Introduction
19:35 Role of Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) Padraig Healy, Cork Sports Partnership
19:45 SportsAbility Forum Ambassador Paralympic medalists Orla Barry
19:55 Dr. Susan Crawford (Autism & Sport) Lecturer UCC in Physical Education & Sports Studies
20:25 Maria Gleeson (ASD Services) Regional ASD Team
20:35 Donnacha McCarthy & Nick Harrison. Irish International Blind Footballer & FAI Football For All Development Officer
20:50 Life & Achievements of Wheelchair Athlete Jerry Forde. Presented by Shane Simcox

More info on the Cork Sports Partnership website

Results of the Mealagh Valley 10 mile road race...Sun 22nd Feb 2015

It looked early on this morning that conditions for this race were going to be pretty wet with high winds and driving rain. It may have been enough to deter some people from traveling but the heavy rain cleared the south-west of the country by race time.

Just remember when you are looking at the results, this is probably one of the hardest 10 mile road races in the country. As you can see, Elton Heffernan won it but his time of 58:10 would probably be 2-3 minutes quicker on a flatter course.

1 58:10 HEFFERNAN, Elton    Togher AC    M 05:48.9
2 58:32 CORBETT, Michael    St. Finbarrs AC    M 05:51.1
3 59:53 TRACEY, Liam    Watergrasshill AC    M 05:59.2
19 1:12:34 GUINANE, Elaine    Eagle AC    F35    07:15.3
20 1:12:44 BUCKLEY, Sheila Midleton AC F 07:16.3
25 1:14:12 GILROY, Helen    Midleton AC F45    07:25.1

The full results of the 10 mile race are up on the race website.

Photos...(Updated Mon 23rd 10pm)
1) Bantry Photos has two galleries...No.1...and No.2...
2) The Card Shop Bantry has a small gallery HERE

Photos...Facebook A/C required
1) Joe Murphy of Eagle AC has a small gallery HERE 

Elton Heffernan of Togher AC on his way to winning the 201`5 Mealagh Valley 10 mile road race.

 As you can see above, it's a grand flat course :o))

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k race...Sun 22nd Feb 2015

Just under 200 runners turned out for this 4km race in Cloyne, Co.Cork.

1 12:40    MCGRATH, Sean    East Cork AC    M
2 13:29    CURRAN, Thomas    Youghal AC    M
3 13:40    MALONE, John    Youghal AC    M40
14 15:16    LEONARD, Helen    Leevale AC    F40
18 15:29    O'NEILL, Nollaigh    Leevale AC    F40
32 16:42    LEAHY, Eileen    Midleton AC    F

The full results can be seen below...

1 0:12:40 MCGRATH, Sean East Cork AC M 144 1

2 0:13:29 CURRAN, Thomas Youghal AC M 183 2

3 0:13:40 MALONE, John Youghal AC M40 137 3

4 0:14:02 SHEEHAN, Nigel unatt/Mogeely M 41 4

5 0:14:06 HARTY, Brian Midleton AC M 198 5

6 0:14:29 COLEMAN, Conor Youghal AC M 185 6

7 0:14:33 DAVIS, Alfie unatt/Cork M 241 7

8 0:14:36 TERRY, Warren Youghal AC M 100 8

9 0:14:42 DELANEY, Kieran unatt/Dublin M 260 9

10 0:14:44 SPITERI, Paul Midleton AC M 99 10

11 0:15:01 KENNEALLY, Damien Eagle AC M 131 11

12 0:15:13 DEVEREAUX, Stephen Youghal AC M45 120 12

13 0:15:15 SPENGEN, Iskander unatt/Shanagarry M40 212 13

14 0:15:16 LEONARD, Helen Leevale AC F40 201 14

15 0:15:18 MCCARTHY, Denis East Cork AC M50 74 15

16 0:15:20 CREMIN, Mike Midleton AC M 117 16

17 0:15:23 KRAWCZYK, Thomas Ballymore-Cobh AC MJ 134 17

18 0:15:29 O'NEILL, Nollaigh Leevale AC F40 203 18

19 0:15:36 HICKEY, Kelvin unatt/East Ferry MJ 225 19

20 0:15:37 AHERN, Sean Youghal AC M 106 20

21 0:15:41 KEARNEY, Paudie Ballymore-Cobh AC MJ 130 21

22 0:15:42 RONAYNE, Cormac Ballymore-Cobh AC MJ 189 22

23 0:15:43 MCLEAN, Gerard unatt/Ballycotton M40 146 23

24 0:15:45 HEAVIN, Aiden unatt/Ballycotton M 127 24

25 0:15:50 CARR, Alan St. Catherines AC M 202 25

26 0:15:53 MATARIN, Manel unatt/Cloyne M 139 26

27 0:16:16 COLEMAN, Anthony unatt/Cloyne M 114 27

28 0:16:17 COLLINS, Trevor Naas AC M 115 28

29 0:16:23 ILSLEY, Ronald unatt/Youghal M55 68 29

30 0:16:33 HALLAHAN, John Leevale AC M50 248 30

31 0:16:38 MCLEAN, Barra unatt/Whitegate MJ 25 31

32 0:16:42 LEAHY, Eileen Midleton AC F 135 32

33 0:16:43 CLEARY, Vicki Midleton AC F 113 33

34 0:16:48 MCCAUGHLEY, John unatt/Whitegate M40 193 34

35 0:16:56 COTTER, Greg unatt/Cloyne M40 116 35

36 0:17:08 CASHMAN, Edwin unatt/Aghada M 112 36

37 0:17:11 O'SHEA, Colm unatt/Ballinacurra M40 88 37

38 0:17:14 O'CALLAGHAN, Anthony unatt/Aghada M 82 38

39 0:17:19 WALSH, Pat unatt/Midleton M50 103 39

40 0:17:20 O'RIORDAN, Tom Ballymore-Cobh AC M 167 40

41 0:17:24 MCMAHON, Daniel unatt/Cork M 220 41

42 0:17:34 DUGGAN, John unatt/Whitegate M 230 42

43 0:17:37 O'HALLORAN, John Midleton AC M60 159 43

44 0:17:39 CONDRON, Bernie unatt/Carrigtwohill F45 186 44

45 0:17:41 WALL, Paudie unatt/Aghada M 261 45

46 0:17:42 O'KEEFFE, Mary Midleton AC F45 160 46

47 0:17:51 CAHILL, Paul unatt/Cloyne M45 109 47

48 0:17:51 CAHILL, Breda unatt/Cloyne F40 108 48

49 0:18:01 MORAN, Kevin Midleton AC M45 150 49

50 0:18:05 RYAN, Brendan unatt/Carrigtwohill M 224 50

51 0:18:13 BENT, Nicholas Donoughmore AC M50 6 51

52 0:18:17 O'SULLIVAN, Patrick unatt/Cloyne M60 171 52

53 0:18:19 BEARD, Martin unatt/Carrigtwohill M 223 53

54 0:18:29 MCLEAN, Jack unatt/Whitegate MJ 147 54

55 0:18:31 SILLETT, Maggie Ballymore-Cobh AC FJ 188 55

56 0:18:35 KEARNEY, Mairead Ballymore-Cobh AC F45 199 56

57 0:18:37 HORGAN, Noel Ballintotis Fit4Life M 67 57

58 0:18:41 JONES, Kevin Ballymore-Cobh AC M45 17 58

59 0:18:41 CROTTY, Aoife Youghal AC F 192 59

60 0:18:47 AHERN, Marcus unatt/Cloyne M 105 60

61 0:18:49 KEARNEY, Brendan Ballymore-Cobh AC M45 200 61

62 0:18:53 FOUHY, Aoife Midleton AC F 12 62

63 0:19:01 CASHELL, Carol unatt/Carrigtwohill F35 110 63

64 0:19:07 AHERN, Sean unatt/Dungourney M55 2 64

65 0:19:13 MCCAUGHLEY, Doireann unatt/Whitegate FJ 194 65

66 0:19:26 TOTH, Stephen unatt/Whitegate M40 178 66

67 0:19:28 PERRY, Anne-Marie Midleton AC F40 173 67

68 0:19:31 O'RIORDAN, Patrick unatt/Whitegate M50 87 68

69 0:19:35 O'SHEA, Gerry unatt/Mogeely M50 168 69

70 0:19:37 O'CALLAGHAN, Conor unatt/Guileen MJ 206 70

71 0:19:39 MCGRATH, Felicity unatt/Cloyne F35 143 71

72 0:19:40 FINN, Deirdre unatt/Ballymacoda F 121 72

73 0:19:41 BARRY, Brendan Midleton AC M50 4 73

74 0:19:42 O'DRISCOLL, Sinead unatt/Whitegate FJ 255 74

75 0:19:48 MCMURTRY, James Midleton AC M45 75 75

76 0:19:49 RYAN, Elga Midleton AC F40 175 76

77 0:19:49 FITZPATRICK, Louise unatt/Dublin F 259 77

78 0:19:53 CAHILL, Ian unatt/Ballinacurra M45 231 78

79 0:20:00 WALSH, Mary unatt/Aghada F40 45 79

80 0:20:01 POWER, Richard Midleton AC M40 221 80

81 0:20:18 TWOHIG, Margaret Midleton AC F45 179 81

82 0:20:28 WINPENNY, Aine Ballintotis Fit4Life F 181 82

83 0:20:29 MCCARTHY, Liam unatt/Cork M40 141 83

84 0:20:34 O'SHEA, Liana unatt/Mogeely F 169 84

85 0:20:52 CROWLEY, Marc unatt/Saleen M 58 85

86 0:20:56 RYAN, Jason unatt/Aghada M40 222 86

87 0:20:57 O'CONNELL, Donie Midleton AC M60 157 87

88 0:20:58 MCGANN, Jack unatt/Midleton MJ 210 88

89 0:21:06 CALLANAN, Niamh unatt/Rostellan F40 258 89

90 0:21:13 GROGAN, Martin Midleton AC M50 125 90

91 0:21:14 MURPHY, Siobhan unatt/Ballinacurra F 79 91

92 0:21:17 HORAN, Flor Midleton AC M 66 92

93 0:21:25 DONOVAN, Adrian unatt/Whitegate M50 10 93

94 0:21:30 HEGARTY, Dylan unatt/Cloyne MJ 63 94

95 0:21:34 HEGARTY, Linda Midleton AC F40 64 95

96 0:21:44 KELLEHER, Matthew unatt/East Ferry MJ 217 96

97 0:21:51 AHERN, Niamh Ballintotis Fit4Life F 1 97

98 0:21:56 HURLEY, Neil unatt/Mogeely MJ 254 98

99 0:22:03 KOHLER, Ian Midleton AC M65 246 99

100 0:22:04 HORGAN, Shaun unatt/East Ferry MJ 244 100

101 0:22:08 CONNAGHAN, Fintan unatt/Ladysbridge M 247 101

102 0:22:11 SEALE, Aideen unatt/Midleton F40 239 102

103 0:22:13 HALLAHAN, Denise Leevale AC FJ 249 103

104 0:22:14 MCLEAN, Emer unatt/Whitegate F 145 104

105 0:22:15 MULCAHY, Margaret Midleton AC F45 29 105

106 0:22:16 PARKER, Claire unatt/Castlemartyr F 218 106

107 0:22:17 AHERN, Karen unatt/Dungourney F 104 107

108 0:22:19 HICKEY, Aiden unatt/Cobh M 253 108

109 0:22:24 PTUND, Stephanie unatt/Cloyne F 38 109

110 0:22:25 RYAN, May unatt/Aghada F40 39 110

111 0:22:26 RYAN, Theresa unatt/Aghada F40 40 111

112 0:22:27 WEBSTER, Cormac unatt/Cloyne MJ 205 112

113 0:22:42 RYAN, Rosemary unatt/Ladysbridge F40 177 113

114 0:22:43 OWERS, Tanya unatt/Aghada F35 172 114

115 0:22:47 KEANE, Roisin unatt/Cloyne FJ 184 115

116 0:22:48 DOLAN-CROWLEY, Elaine Watergrasshill AC F35 226 116

117 0:22:50 KEANE, Mary Midleton AC F45 18 117

118 0:22:51 O'KEEFFE, Samantha unatt/Aghada F45 161 118

119 0:22:52 O'KEEFFE, Sean Og unatt/Aghada MJ 163 119

120 0:22:53 O'KEEFFE, Sean unatt/Aghada M45 162 120

121 0:22:56 MALONE, Paula unatt/Aghada F50 72 121

122 0:22:59 ALLMAN, Colm Watergrasshill AC M 214 122

123 0:23:00 MOTHERWAY, Eoin unatt/Aghada MJ 77 123

124 0:23:01 MOTHERWAY, Jim unatt/Aghada M40 78 124

125 0:23:04 MCGANN, Billy unatt/Midleton MJ 209 125

126 0:23:11 COONEY, Patrick unatt/Midleton M55 190 126

127 0:23:35 MCNAMARA, Ruth unatt/Midleton F35 240 127

128 0:23:43 LYNCH, Winnie Midleton AC F40 21 128

129 0:23:51 FARRELL, Louise unatt/Sligo F 262 129

130 0:23:57 O'RIORDAN, Mary unatt/Whitegate F45 166 130

131 0:24:06 LEGUILLOUX, Alice unatt/Carrigtwohill F40 71 131

132 0:24:07 MCAULLIFFE, Gina unatt/Cork F50 233 132

133 0:24:13 O'CONNELL, Kathleen Midleton AC F60 33 133

134 0:24:23 GILROY, Christine Midleton AC FJ 123 134

135 0:24:27 KENNEFICK, Mary unatt/Ballymacoda F 133 135

136 0:24:34 CAHILL, Ross unatt/East Ferry MJ 55 136

137 0:24:35 TRIGGS, Eileen unatt/East Ferry F45 245 137

138 0:24:43 O'DONOVAN, Dinny unatt/East Ferry MJ 84 138

139 0:24:48 O'CONNELL, Fionn unatt/East Ferry MJ 197 139

140 0:24:49 O'CONNELL, Niamh unatt/Midleton F40 196 140

141 0:24:52 SHERIDAN, Emily Ballymore-Cobh AC FJ 191 141

142 0:24:54 CABALL, Billy unatt/Cork M70 250 142

143 0:24:55 LAWTON, Maura unatt/Cloyne F45 234 143

144 0:24:56 GRIFFIN, Billy Midleton AC M75 13 144

145 0:25:04 O'MAHONEY, John unatt/East Ferry MJ 219 145

146 0:25:11 O'CONNOR, Lorraine unatt/Ballintotis F40 158 146

147 0:25:17 MURPHY, Kieran unatt/Midleton M40 31 147

148 0:25:21 CUNNINGHAM, Siobhan unatt/Whitegate F45 9 148

149 0:25:24 WALL, Sinead unatt/Aghada F40 256 149

150 0:25:26 WALL, Ann unatt/Whitegate FJ 101 150

151 0:25:35 CROWLEY, Niamh unatt/Whitegate FJ 8 151

152 0:25:51 FORDE, Ciara Watergrasshill AC F35 227 152

153 0:25:53 CASHMAN, Caroline unatt/Aghada F35 111 153

154 0:25:54 O'REGAN, Tracy unatt/Ballycotton F35 35 154

155 0:25:56 KNOWLES, Mary Watergrasshill AC F40 229 155

156 0:25:56 SLOWLEY, Lorraine Watergrasshill AC F35 228 156

157 0:26:03 LYNCH, Lisa Midleton AC F45 136 157

158 0:26:07 WALSH, Laurie Midleton AC F50 180 158

159 0:26:14 AHERN, Emily unatt/Aghada FJ 232 159

160 0:26:16 CASEY, Tracey unatt/Cloyne FJ 207 160

161 0:26:23 MORONEY, Mike unatt/Midleton M 152 161

162 0:26:29 BAILEY, Colette unatt/Kilva F 51 162

163 0:26:32 GALLAGHER, Frances unatt/Roches Point F50 257 163

164 0:26:43 KELLEHER, Hillary Ballintotis Fit4Life F45 216 164

165 0:26:43 O'CONNOR, Fionn unatt/Whitegate MJ 238 165

166 0:26:44 O'CONNOR, Isaac unatt/Whitegate MJ 237 166

167 0:26:45 SHERIDAN, Catherine unatt/Midleton F35 236 167

168 0:26:46 SHERIDAN, Anne-Marie unatt/Whitegate F40 235 168

169 0:26:55 MEADE, Catherine Ballintotis Fit4Life F45 215 169

170 0:26:59 LOWRY, Helena unatt/Cloyne F 195 170

171 0:27:08 HENNESSY, Aileen Midleton AC F40 65 171

172 0:27:08 MCCARTHY, Danny Midleton AC M60 73 172

173 0:27:13 COONEY, Sarah Ballintotis Fit4Life F 242 173

174 0:27:43 MCMURTRY, Jim Midleton AC M65 148 174

175 0:27:54 BARRY, Michael unatt/Shanagarry M55 52 175

176 0:28:00 AHERNE, Cian unatt/Midleton M 49 176

177 0:28:01 AHERN, Derek Midleton AC M 48 177

178 0:28:07 MURPHY, Jason unatt/Whitegate M 204 178

179 0:28:20 SHEPHARD, Alan unatt/East Ferry M 268 179

180 0:28:27 RYAN, Joanne unatt/Ladysbridge FJ 95 180

181 0:28:49 RYAN, Jason unatt/Whitegate MJ 94 181

182 0:28:49 RYAN, Mark unatt/Whitegate M45 176 182

183 0:28:52 O'CONNOR, Joyce unatt/Cork FJ 252 183

184 0:28:52 O'CONNOR, Kevin unatt/Cork M45 251 184

185 0:29:06 SCANNELL, Rachel unatt/Shanagarry FJ 96 185

186 0:29:11 SCANNELL, Catherine Ballintotis Fit4Life F40 263 186

187 0:29:24 BARRY, Grainne unatt/Fermoy F40 264 187

188 0:29:25 HENNESSY, Helena Galtee Runners AC F35 265 188

189 0:29:32 SHEPHERD, Andrea unatt/East Ferry F 267 189

190 0:29:59 HORGAN, Sarah unatt/East Ferry F 243 190

191 0:30:52 AHERN, Shiela Ballintotis Fit4Life F50 213 191

192 0:31:17 MCGANN, Lillian unatt/Midleton F40 211 192

193 0:31:34 MCGANN, Maggie unatt/Midleton FJ 208 193

194 0:31:55 DOWLING, Kalkidan unatt/Aghada MJ 266 194

195 0:34:26 LENIHAN, Eoin Midleton AC M 187 195

Photos of the Operation Transformation 5k in Blarney...Sat 21st Feb 2015

There was a huge turn out for the Operation Transformation 5k run in Blarney on Saturday the 21st of February. As you would expect with the coverage it gets on the TV programme, it was sold within days a few weeks back. I think it was limited to 3000 entries.

Photos....
1) Mick Dooley of Eagle AC has a small gallery HERE
2) The Blarney Blog has a few galleries up on their Facebook page...26 photos...23 photos...40 photos...36 photos...29 photos...

Britain's Mo Farah breaks 2 mile record in Birmingham

Mo Farah of Britain broke the 2 mile world record with a time of 8m 03.4s at an indoor track in Birmingham on Saturday 21st Feb 2015. The previous record of 8m 04.34 was set by Kenenisa Bekele.

This was the first world record for the double Olympic champion. In a post race interview with BBC Sport, Farah said...."This means a lot to me. I love representing my country, giving something back to all the people. Unbelievable. Definitely, it's about setting myself a goal and knowing what I want out of the year. It's two different things going for a world record or going for a championship. I shouldn't get carried away, it's only two miles indoors, but at the same time it would be nice to be able to do what I can do for 10k, if I can go close or break it."

Earlier in the week, there was a public row conducted on Twitter between Farah and Great Britain team-mate Andy Vernon. After the race, Vernon tweeted.... "Everything aside that was a cracking run @Mo-Farah. Congratulations on the new WR."

Parking for the Operation Transformation 5k in Blarney...Sat 21st Feb 2015

The Operation Transformation 5k fun run will be held in Blarney on Saturday the 21st of February. This is a hugely popular event and it sold out in a short space of time a few weeks back.

For anyone going, here is the parking information courtesy of the Cork Sports Partnership...

More info about the event on their page here... http://www.corksports.ie/index.cfm/page/operation-transformation-5k-fu

First evening race of the Summer...Ballintotis 4 mile - Thurs 16th April 2015

After a long winter of dark evenings, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming summer season of evening road races. In Cork, the tradition has been that the Ballintotis 4 mile opens the summer season of evening races and the Ballycotton 5 at the end of August brings it to a close.

This year, the Ballintotis 4 mile will be held on Thursday the 16th of April at 8pm. Last year, they  managed to use manual timing to record almost 1000 runners which was an impressive feat considering the distance is only 4 miles and there would be a lot of runners finishing at the same time.

A new development this year is the introduction of chip timing. As a participant, you won't really notice any difference except that your time should be more accurate. If they have a timing mat at the start line then your time doesn't start until you cross it. In previous years, your time was based on when the gun went off but if you were near the back then it could take you a while to cross the start line. It also makes life a lot easier for the organisers behind the scenes.

You can see a preview of the course HERE

You can pre-enter the race HERE

You can also enter on the evening of the race.

Please note there is no on line entry for walkers, who register on the evening of the race in Ballintotis

Here is some info from the organisers...

The First Evening 4 mile Road Race of 2015

BALLINTOTIS 4 MILE ROAD RACE
In Association With East Cork A.C
THURSDAY APRIL 16th 2015
Chip Timing To Be Introduced In Ballintotis
=============================================

The countdown is underway to the 2015 Ballintotis 4 Mile Road Race which takes place on Thursday April 16th – 8pm. After last year’s very successful event which attracted 996 runners and was won for the fifth year in a row by James McCarthy of East Cork AC, another big entry is expected this time around.

Chip timing at start and finish will be introduced this year and with it comes the opportunity to pre register.  On line entry will be open from Monday March 9th until 12 midnight on Monday April 13th. Thereafter there will still be the opportunity to register at Race HQ in Ballintotis Community Centre. Registration will be open there from 5.30pm to 7pm on the evening prior to the race and again from 1pm onwards on race day Thursday April 16th. Entry fee is 10 euro (plus administration fee if availing of the convenient on line entry) By logging on to www.ballintotis.com from March 9th and following the link to PRECISION TIMING, participants will be able to pre register and also find out the latest pre-race news.

This year’s race will again feature a very generous list of prizes with individual prizes to the top 6 men and women across the line. There also be 1st, 2nd and 3rd in all categories and a host of spot prizes to be won. Each participant in the race will also receive a souvenir of the occasion.

Both Castlemartyr Resort and Trabolgan Holiday Centre have again confirmed that they will sponsor the top prizes. Castlemartyr Resort are offering 1 year free membership of their magnificent Leisure Centre for the race winner and leading lady with Trobolgan providing an extended weekend break for both runners up.

The Ballintotis 4 Mile Race is of course held in association with East Cork AC and with the assistance of Ballycotton Running Promotions.

All enquiries to Sean Murphy or John Cashman on 086-8778182

Highs and Lows of the AIT International Grand Prix...Wed 18th Feb 2015

The AIT International Arena Athletics Grand Prix was held in Athlone on Wednesday the 18th of February 2015. It would seem that all didn't go according to plan with a torrent of criticism last night and today on various social media sources.

Some of the main issues seem to have been...
1) Numerous fault starts in the sprint events...so many that it seemed to be more equipment related than anything to do with the athletes.
2) The clock didn't start for the womens 60m final and some of the international athletes refused to re-run the race.
3) TV coverage that ended in the middle of the first sub 4 minute indoor mile in Ireland.

On the Jumping the Gun website, athletics columnist Cathal Dennehy didn't mince his words when he said the following...."It’s not an unusual occurrence in Irish athletics, where the very idea that you criticise someone who is volunteering is usually seen as blasphemous. Does this mean, though, that any such incompetence should be excused, that we should all just lope along and accept that in Ireland, the attitude of ‘ah sure, look, it’ll be grand’ will always prevail?"

One of the highlights of the night was Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qater in the high jump with an Asian indoor record of 2:41m. He was so far over the bar that there is a very real possibility that he may well break the world record of 2.45m in the not too distant future.


The full results can be seen at... http://www.ait.ie/aboutaitandathlone/newsevents/pressreleases/2015pressreleases/title-29636-en.html

Reminder...Mealagh Valley 10 mile & 5k next Sunday 22nd Feb 2015

Just a reminder that the Mealagh Valley 10 mile road race near Bantry in West Cork is coming up next Sunday the 22nd of February. While it is certainly one of the most challenging 10 mile courses out there, it is really a well organised event with all the local community getting involved.

There is also a 5k run if someone wants to run the shorter distance. It's a small bit hilly ;o) ......but it's almost impossible to find a flat course in this area.

You can pre-enter or enter on the day.

More info including previews of both courses in this earlier post.

The race website is... http://mealaghvalley.wordpress.com/

Review of the PUMA Pure Nightcat Jacket

I was recently sent a PUMA running jacket for preview. As always, I stated clearly that I would do a preview on the basis that it had to be honest. If I found fault with something or I didn't like something then I would say so.

The jacket I was sent was the PUMA NightCat Jacket. This is it below. I've been running in this for a while now and I find it a nice jacket to wear. The material is light enough that you don't really overheat in it. I've being using it in the cold weather when it was down around 4 deg C and it certainly kept the wind out. I also tried it in light rain and it seemed pretty good. I could see the water drops forming little beads on the surface of the garment rather than soaking straight in. I looked it up on the net and the jacket is not described as waterproof. It's a bit like most running jackets....if it is misty or if the rain is very light and for a short period of time then you're fine. If the rain is torrential then you're going to get wet.

This is the rear of the jacket. It shows the fine pattern a bit better and the ventilation holes.

The jacket I have been using in the past was a yellow Ron Hill one. One obvious advantage of the yellow jacket is that it's a bit more visible during the day but other than that, this is a really nice jacket and does the job.

Here is some product info.....The PUMA Pure NightCat Jacket is made with VisiCELL materials to keep you visible in the darker winter months. With great freedom of movement and improved ventilation this jacket is the perfect addition to your running wardrobe.

VisiCELL...Highly reflective materials are designed to enhance other’s awareness of you in dim light situations, and keep your body visible while you train or play.

3M reflective yarns and additional reflective items for enhanced visibility in low light condition
Lazercut holes in the back for improved air circulation at critical heat zones
Anatomical shaped collar to avoid friction at the hair line
Articulated sleeves for improved flexibility and freedom of movement
Zip pocket with earphone loop on the inside

Men’s NightCat Jacket
RRP €60
Stockist – http://amphibianking.ie
Women’s NightCat Jacket
RRP €60
Stockist – http://amphibianking.ie

I also tried it out at night and took a photo with a flash from a camera. As you can see below, it's only then that you really see the effect of the stripes. It's almost like wearing a high viz jacket. It's suprising just how bright it is and while the yellow jacket I have has some small luminous strips, it's nothing as prominent as this.

I guess the bottom line is would I buy it if I was looking for a running jacket and I'd have to say yes. If you are interested in one then click on the links above or ask a running store that stocks PUMA running gear.