Results of the Clonpriest 5k road race...Thurs 30th Apr 2015

Another race and another record crowd! A total of 385 runners turned out for this years Clonpriest 5k in East Cork which is a jump of 25% on last years numbers.

1    MCCARTHY    JAMES    217    15:00    15:00    4:50/M    Top Fin    East Cork AC
2    MCGRATH    SEAN    1    15:01    15:01    4:50/M    Top Fin    East Cork AC
3    O DONOGHUE    TIM    325    15:05    15:05    4:52/M    Top Fin    East Cork AC
11    COOKE    AOIFE    75    17:38    17:38    5:41/M    Top Fin    Youghal AC
29    HOLLAND    ANNEMARIE    20    18:39    18:39    6:01/M    Top Fin    Youghal AC
30    CASHMAN    EVELYN    209    18:43    18:43    6:02/M    Top Fin    Youghal AC


The full results can be seen HERE

As is typical in a lot of 5k races, there were more women than men taking part....

Photos...
1) Dave O'Brien Photography has a gallery HERE

Photos...Facebook account required to view...
1) Patsy Cashman has a gallery HERE

Keep an eye out on the race website for photos and updates... http://www.clonpriest5k.com/

From the organisers.....“Huge thanks to all who turned up yesterday to Clonpriest 5k. We were amazed with the great attendance to both our walk and run. 

In all 386 ran and there was some serious racing done, many PB clocked and an overall winning time of just 15:00 - a course record. There was some battle for the honours as the second placed came on the heels of the winner - separated by just 1 second. Third place was hot on the heels of second. Amazing stuff to witness, we hope you all enjoyed the night.”

The event was only made possible thanks to the help and hard work of an army of volunteers....from locals to parents, school staff to stewards and sponsors. Many thanks also go to the Order of Malta and the Gardai, Youghal AC and of course all walkers and runners who turned out to support us.

We're exceptionally grateful for your support and look forward to doing it all again next year.”

Chip results by Total Timing.

Entries taken at Mallow GAA Complex for Munster Ladies Charity mini-marathon

Online entries for the Munster Ladies Charity mini-marathon have now closed. The organised will be taking entries at the Mallow GAA complex at the following time...

Fri 1st May...2pm to 6pm

Sat 2nd May...2pm to 6pm

Sun 3rd May...from 9am

More details about the event can be seen in this earlier post or on the event website... http://munsterladiesminimarathon.com/

A preview of the course can be seen at http://munsterraceroutes.blogspot.com/2013/01/cork096.html

Results of the Crosshaven 8km road race...Wed 29th Apr 2015

A total of 338 runners turned out for this years Crosshaven 8km road race. This was just the second year of this race and represents a 50% jump in numbers which is pretty impressive.

The winner of the mens race was Eric Curran who set a new course record with a a two second improvement on last years winner.

1st     Eric Curran    Leevale    26.32               
2nd     Rory o'Sullivan    St. Finbarr's    26.51               
3rd     Owen Cavey    Leevale    27.02               
1st     Carmel Crowley    Bandon AC    30.11               
2nd     Ciara Murphy        32.48               
3rd     Irene Eighin    St. Finbarrs    34.21               
                           
Men O-40                           
1st     Kieran O' Sullivan    Garda AC    29.03               
2nd    Tim Barry        30.04               
Womens O-40                           
1st    Fiona Gough        36.39               
2nd    Mary T. Brady        37.3               
3rd     Fiona Power    St. Finbarrs    40.15   
            
Mens O-45                           
1st    Vivian Foley    Eagle AC    29.33               
2nd    John Kissane         30.21               
Womens O-45                           
1st    Trish Bruton    Eagle AC    39.05               
2nd    Eidin Christie    Cork TRI Club    39.19               
                           
Mens O-50                           
1st    Brian Linehan    Carraig na bhfear AC    30.53               
2nd    John Finn         33.52               
Womens O-50                           
1st    Rosaleen Kelly    BOI Runners     41.51               
2nd    Alice Twomey        44.53               
                           
Mens O-55                           
1st     Joe Murphy    Eagle AC    34.14               
2nd    Noel O'Connor     Eagle AC    36.02               
Womens O-55                           
1st    Frances O'Connor    Eagle AC    38.27               
2nd     Christine Boyle        45.45
                           
Mens O-60                           
1st    Ken Higgs    Carrigaline Runners AC    42.17               
2nd    Andrew O'Farrell    Carrigaline Runners AC    43.42               
Women    0-60                       
1st    Mary Linehan    Carrigaline Runner AC    45.29               
2nd     Elizabeth Mills    Fit 4 Life    56.34               

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Gearoid Ó Laoi has a gallery of 300+ photos HERE

Photos...(Facebook account required to view)
1) Siobhan Russell has a gallery HERE

Video...From Nomadic QuadCopter Company


Race website.... http://www.crosshaven8km.com/

Photo credit : Gearóid Ó Laoi

Cheetah Run entries open today Thurs 30th Apr

Entries to the Cheetah Run 4 mile race in Fota Wildlife Park open today Thurs the 30th of April.

450 places will go on sale at 10am and the remaining 450 at 7pm.

All the info is over on the Eagle AC website and I'll be putting updates up there.

First 450 entries were sold out in 13 minutes. The next batch of 450 will go on sale at 7pm this evening.

Update.....The remaining entries went at a much more relaxed pace. The remaining 450 were gone by 10:15pm.

Results of the Banteer GAA 5k fun run...Thurs 23rd Apr 2015

Roughly 83 runners turned out for this 5k run in Banteer on Thurs 23rd Apr 2015. Organised by Duhallow AC for Banteer GAA club.

Results Banteer 5k fun run
17:05 Cosmas deBurca 
18:06 Sean Twohig
18:18 Tim Healy
20:07 Irene O Connell
22:41 Maire Goggin
22:59 Karen O Callaghan

Full results HERE

Entry fee to the Cork Marathon goes up 30th Apr & Entry draw details...

Just a reminder about the closing date for the next early bird entries for the Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon and Relay is the 30th of April.

After the 30th...i.e. on the 1st of May, the entry fees go up by €10. If you've decided to do one of the events then you should enter asap to avail of the cheaper prices.

The early bird prices are €75 for the marathon, €52 for the half and €107 for the relay.

More details about how to enter, previews of the course, etc in this earlier post.

Entry draw details from the organsers.....If you’re entered before Friday 1st May, we have 10 fabulous Soleus Dash watches and 20 supreme sound Skullcandy earphones to give away!

Everyone who’s entered the marathon or half marathon by 1st May is in with a chance to win one of 10 Soleus Dash watches (backlight, 30 lap memory, 6 interval timers, 10-run data storage, water resistant to 50m).

For our relay entries, we have Skullcandy Ink’d earphones to give away to all members (max. 5) of 4 teams that will be drawn from entries received before 1st May. (Please note that while the use of earphones in the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon isn’t banned, we strongly recommend that you don’t use them. If you do, please be alert to other runners around you and be aware that there are course vehicles on the route at all times.)

To allow us to input the paper entries...the draw will take place on Friday 8th May and the winners (5 marathon, 5 half, 4 teams) will be notified by email or phone.

Alberto Juantorena of Cuba...Double Gold Champion at the 1976 Olympics

The Sporting Witness programme on the BBC World Service covers various notable performances from the history of sport. Recently, they covered the story of Alberto Juantorena of Cuba, a double Gold Champion at the 1976 Olympics.

Early in his career, the 6ft 2in Alberto Juantorena tried to get on the Cuban Basketball team but didn't quite make the grade. A Polish coach named Zygmunt Zabierzowski persuaded him to try athletics and Juantorena soon became one of the best athletes in the world over 400m.

At the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, he was the hot favourite for Gold in the 400m. His coach however had other ideas and convinced him to try the 800m as well, a distance that was completely new to Juantorena.

After getting through to the 800m final, the 400m specialist with his 9ft stride not only won Olympic Gold but also set a new world record for the event with a time of 1:43:50.

Doing a double in the 400m/800m is highly unusual and is a feat that is very unlikely to be repeated.

The BBC podcast can be heard HERE

Video clip.....

Athletics Ireland release list of club transfers

Athletics Ireland have just released a list of club athletes who have transferred between clubs. Both adults and juveniles are listed in the one list.

The list is HERE

Man dressed as Spiderman runs 2:30 marathon...

Last weekend, 35 year old Paul Martelletti dressed in a Spiderman costume finished the London Marathon in an amazing time of 2 hours 30 minutes and 12 seconds. That is now a new Guinness World Record time for someone running in a fancy dress costume in a marathon.

When he's not breaking records, Paul Martelletti is a handy runner in his own right with recent half-marathon wins in Brighton, Watford and Wokingham. In March, he won the Bath Half-Marathon in a time of 1:05:27.

Additional info from John Walshe...
Paul Martelletii had also won the Manchester Marathon the week before London in 2:17:47 (with Irishman Eoin Callaghan second in 2:18:45).

Before that, Martelletti had run nine half-marathons in 2015, winning six of the major ones in the UK: Wokingham, Bath, Brighton, Watford, Liverpool and Hillingdon.

As well he has run a number of Parkruns this year, with a fastest time of 15:02.

His performances on the track last year range from 1:59.57 for 800 metres to that 6:57:22 for 100km two weeks later!

Aged 35, he was born in New Zealand but now lives in London.

Reminder...Crosshaven 8k, Clonpriest 5k & Cheetah Run 4 mile

Just a reminder about some events over the next few days....

Wednesday 29th Apr 2015...This 8km race in Crosshaven is coming up on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm. The weather forecast is a bit uncertain...there might be showers or then again, it might be bone dry. This is a lovely scenic spot for a race especially when the sun is out.

More info in this previous post

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

Thursday 30th Apr 2015....The Clonpriest 5k is coming up on Thursday evening at 7:30pm. This is another of the big races in East Cork and is in many ways reminiscent of the Ballintotis 4 mile...a well organised race with the local community getting behind it to make it a success. The weather forecast for this one looks pretty good so it promises to be a great event.

More info in this earlier post.

Preview.....A preview of the course with maps, directions and photos can be seen HERE

Thursday 30th Apr 2015....The 900 online entries for the Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park go on sale on Thursday and if it goes like last year then they should sell out in a few hours. They will be released in two batches...450 at 10am and 450 at 7pm.

More info in this earlier post.

Updates about the race will be made available here and on the race page on the Eagle AC website.

Notice...Midleton 5 mile road race - Thurs 7th May 2015

The start of May every year is associated with one of the most popular road races on the calendar...the Joe Hourigan Memorial Midleton 5 mile road race. This is organised by Midleton AC, one of the largest athletic clubs in Cork. The date for the race is Thursday, the 7th of May 2015 at 8pm.

Directions and Instructions...see the map below of Midleton.

a) Note that the race HQ this year is at the local Gaelscoil / Community Centre, not at the GAA grounds.

b) Entries on the night will be taken at the Gaelscoil (€10). Entry desks will open at 6:00pm.

From Cork City, the easiest way to get to the Gaelscoil / Community Centre is from the roundabout on the Cork/Youghal road. Don't take the first slip road and drive through the town.

c) Pre-entries...On Wednesday evening (6th May), you can pre-enter at the local Community Centre between 6pm and 7:30pm. This will allow you to collect your race number and avoid the entry queue on Thursday evening.

d) No Headphones!!... Due to insurance reasons, anyone found wearing them will be disqualified. Out of all the local races, you can expect it to be enforced here.

e) Start.....The start line for the race is about 1.2 miles / 1.9 kms from the Gaelscoil. The finish line is about 1.6 kms / 1 mile.

f) Toilets....There are toilet facilities available at Midleton Gym & Fitness Centre which is near the start line.

Course....A full preview of the course with maps, directions, photos can be seen HERE

 

New Race HQ for 2015...local Gaelscoil

Updated results for the Passage West 10k

The website for the Passage West Community 10k which was held last Friday has now been updated with the official results and links to all the galleries.

Go to http://passagewest10k.wordpress.com/

Dry-Fit top for the Ballyhoura Mountain Marathon

The annual Ballyhoura Mountain Marathon is coming up next Saturday the 2nd of May...see this previous post.

The organisers have now released a computer generated image of what the dry fit tops will look like.

This isn't the final design as there may be a few small changes but it's more or less what it will look like.

Note...this event is pre-reg only.

Paula Radcliffe ends career with 2:36 marathon

After years of injury, Paula Radcliffe made a return to competitive running in this years London Marathon to finish in an impressive time of 2:36:55. The World record holder who is now  41 years old holds 4 of the 10 fastest marathon times ever.

All-time women's best marathon

1      2:15:25    Paula Radcliffe                GBR     17.12.73    1      London                   13.04.2003
2      2:17:18    Paula Radcliffe                GBR     17.12.73    1      Chicago                  13.10.2002
3      2:17:42    Paula Radcliffe                GBR     17.12.73    1      London                   17.04.2005
4      2:18:37    Mary Keitany                   KEN     18.01.82    1      London                   22.04.2012
5      2:18:47    Catherine N'dereba             KEN     21.07.72    1      Chicago                  07.10.2001
6      2:18:56    Paula Radcliffe                GBR     17.12.73    1      London                   14.04.2002
7      2:18:58    Tiki Gelana                    ETH     22.10.87    1      Rotterdam                15.04.2012
8      2:19:12    Mizuki Noguchi                 JPN     03.07.78    1      Berlin                   25.09.2005
9     2:19:19    Irina Mikitenko                GER     23.08.72    1      Berlin                   28.09.2008
9     2:19:19    Mary Keitany                   KEN     18.01.82    1      London                   17.04.2011

What a great way to finish off her career when it looked as if she would never run again. Three years ago, she had surgery on her foot and here she is today with a time that is inside the qualifying time for the Rio Olympics.

The BBC have a short report HERE

Over Paula's career, one of the people she went to for injuries was physical therapist Gerard Hartmann from Limerick. There is an excellent interview on the Running Times website HERE

Results of the Doneraile Park 5k...Sat 25th Apr 2015

1 15:47    HARTY, Michael    EAST CORK AC    M    MS    00:05:05
2 16:55    BUTLER, Alan    MALLOW    M    MS    00:05:27
3 17:15    MOLONEY, Paul    MALLOW AC    M    M40    00:05:34
4 18:09    KILEY, Martina    ST. FINBARRS AC    F    FS    00:05:51
12 20:27    FALAHEE, Bridget    BOURKES ANGELS BRUFF    F    F50    00:06:36
30 22:12    COLLINS, Nuala    NORTH CORK AC    F    F35    00:07:10

The provisional results can be seen HERE

If there are any errors, let Denis Sheehan of Mallow AC know


dasheehan AT eircom DOT net

Photos...
1) Klickapic Photography have a gallery HERE

Results of the Passage West Community 10k road race...Fri 24th Apr 2015

A total of 177 runners turned out for this years Passage West Community 10k road race. The weather conditions were more or less ideal and a huge contrast to the downpour in 2014.

1 OWEN CASEY        Leevale    M    MO    163    35:21
2 JAMES SLOWEY    ST FINBARRS    MO    181    38:21
3 DARA O'SULLIVAN            MO    54    39:54
28 Laura O'CALLAGHAN            FO    29    45:23
32 RACHAEL O CALLAGHAN        FO    150    45:28
56 Eileen O SULLIVAN            FO    195    48:52

The full results can be seen on the race website HERE

Photos...Updated Mon 27th @2pm
1) Derek Costello of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE 
2) Kieran Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE 
3) Passage West GAA have a gallery of photos HERE 
4) Kelly McEveney has a gallery HERE

Proceeds from this years race will go towards the Cork City Hospitals Children's Club. During the year, they bring sick and deserving children from CUH, Mercy Hospital, St. Gabriel's and the Cork Deaf Association on numerous trips, as well as hosting many fun and exciting events.

Notice...Cheetah Run in Fota Wildlife Park - Thurs 14th May 2015

It's that time of year again! The Cheetah Run is coming up in Fota Wildlife Park on Thursday, the 14th of May. This is a 4 mile race which has been properly measured by Jones Counter and has an Athletics Ireland licence.

This is one of the most popular races in Cork and it's easy to see why. Not only is the race unique in that it is through a wildlife park but anyone entering can also bring family members along.

Last year, the field was limited to 900 runners and entries sold out in a few hours. It's very likely that there will be a similar level of demand this year. There will be chip timing again like last year.

Because of the high demand, the online entries in two batches, once in the morning and once in the evening to accommodate people at work and at home.

Entries....On Thursday the 30th of April, online entries will open at 10am. It will stay open until 450 places are filled. It seems very likely that based on last year, these 450 will sell out very fast. Once the first 450 entries are filled, entries will close. At 7pm that evening, entries will open again until the remaining 450 places sell out.

The entry fee for this years race is €12. This includes free access to the wildlife park for the runner and family members. This normally costs €14.30 per adult, or €44 for a family of two adults and two children.

Eagle AC member Annemarie Power with Olympic legend Sonia O'Sullivan

Please note.....No buggies/baby strollers...no headphones....no transfers....and no late entries.
They cannot cater for walkers, due to the overlap nature of the course.  The minimum age is 18 as per Athletics Ireland permit recommendations.

There will be prizes for the first 5 men and women as well as the usual age categories. The exact number of prizes for the age categories will be determined after the online entries close with the aim of making each age category competitive.

I would seriously advise people that have an interest in doing this race to enter as soon as it opens. It really will sell out early. 

Updates about the race will be made available here and on the race page on the Eagle AC website.

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 new app which you can download to your smartphone which gives a generous discount when using it.

Results of the East Cork Athletics Road Championships...Thurs 23rd Apr 2015

Numbers were up this year for the annual East Cork Road Championships held in Ballynoe.

Imokilly Oil/East Cork Division Road Championships, Ballynoe
Men 5-mile
Place    Time    Name    Team    Race Age Category    min/mile       
1 26:02    MCCARTHY, James    East Cork AC    M    05:12.3
2 26:04    MCGRATH, Sean    East Cork AC    M    05:12.7 
3 26:18    O'DONOGHUE, Tim    East Cork AC    M    05:15.5 
    
 Team (4 to score, outside of first three individuals):
1 Midleton AC (8, 10, 11, 12)            41
 2 Youghal AC (5, 15, 16, 18)             54
3 East Cork AC (7, 14, 19, 20)           60
          
Women 2000m
Place    Time    Name    Team    Race Age Category    min/mile       
1 07:16    CASHMAN, Evelyn    Youghal AC    F40    05:50.7
2 07:19    SANTRY, Fiona    East Cork AC    F    05:53.1
3 07:29    BUCKLEY, Sheila    Midleton AC    F    06:01.2

Team (3 to score, outside of first three individuals):
1 Midleton AC (4, 5, 11)                   20
2 St. Catherines  AC (7, 9, 13)          29
3 Youghal AC (12, 18, 20)                50

The full results can be seen HERE

Results of the Ballygiblin 5k race...Thurs 23rd Apr 2015

Results of the Ballygiblin 5k held near Mitchelstown in NE Cork

1    Stuart    MOLONEY    M40    MOOREABBEY MILERS    00:15:41
2    David    RYAN    M40    CLONMEL AC    00:16:04
3    Shane    SIMCOX    M40    MALLOW AC    00:16:47
17    Aine    ROCHE    FS    CLONMEL    00:19:17
18    Joan    ENNIS    F50    GRANGE FERMOY AC    00:19:21
27    Kealey    TIDESWELL    FS    CLONMEL AC    00:20:28

The full results can be seen HERE

Sports Medicine Journal critical of sugar in sports products

One of the most popular stories on the BBC News website today was one titled 'Exercise not key to obesity fight'. While the article might give the impression that it was about physical exercise not being of any benefit, the story is really about an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine criticising the food industry.


What they are particularly critical of is the over-consumption of sugar and how prevalent it is in processed foods.

They even likened their tactics as "chillingly similar" to those of Big Tobacco on smoking and said celebratory endorsements of sugary drinks and the association of junk food and sport must end.

If you read through the BBC article and the associated editorial on the British Journal of Sports Medicine website then there is a very clear message.... Just because you exercise, it doesn't give you an excuse to completely ignore what you eat.

On the subject of carbo-loading, they say..."there are growing concerns that insulin-resistant athletes may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they continue to eat very high-carbohydrate diets for decades since such diets worsen insulin resistance."

 Bottom line...watch your sugar intake regardless of how much you run.

East Cork Road Championships in Ballynoe...Thurs 23rd Apr 2015

Normally Championship races are confined to members of athletic clubs only. This one however is open to anyone who wishes to take part. The numbers taking part are usually small and the entry fee is usually very modest.

East Cork Road Championships........
Directions.........Take the N25 to Midleton and on the main street, take the turn off left (R627....This is signposted "Dungourney 10 ; Tallow 26"). After 9 kms, you reach Dungourney and keep going towards Tallow. Later you will pass Leahy's Open Farm and then you need to take a left at the next crossroads. This is signposted "Ballynoe 5 ; Conna 9". From there, it's a straight 5km run into Ballynoe. If you're coming from Fermoy direction, you most likely need to go via Conna. Note that Ballynoe is a fair distance from Midleton so plan your journey, and allow plenty of time to get there.

Registration...........Registration, changing, refreshments and results are at the "Ballynoe Community Centre".This is at the north end of the village, opposite the Church.

There are two events......1) The Ladies’ 2000m (7:30pm) and 2) The Men's 5 mile race (8pm).

Photos & Results of the Cork BHAA Stryker 4 mile race...Wed 22nd Apr 2015

This race organised by the Cork BHAA in Carrigtowhill was held on Wednesday the 22nd of Apr 2015.

1 John Meade M1 20:30 Joyce Wolfe Physio M-A-1
2 Eric Curran M2 20:33 UCC STUDENT
3 Micheal Bruton M3 21:19 GE Healthcare
19 Aoife Cooke F1 00:23:04 Apple
26 Martina Kiely F2 00:23:34 Dept of Ed F-A-2
37 Karina Teehan 0/35H F3 00:24:16 Joyce Wolfe Physio F-A-1

The results are now available HERE

Photos...
1) Kieran Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE
2) Doug Minihane has a gallery of photos HERE
3) Mick Dooley of Eagle AC has a gallery of photos HERE

Weather forecast for the Cork BHAA race this evening...Wed 22nd Apr

For anyone doing the Cork BHAA race in Carrigtwohill this evening, it looks as if it will be blue skies and sunshine. This is the view around 3pm.

Note that there is likely to be a strong easterly breeze which will probably make things feel a lot cooler.

As always, €5 for registered runner, €8 non-reg. The race starts at 7:30pm.

Cork City Marathon looking for volunteers...

The Cork City Marathon is easily the main running event in Cork for the year. As with all city marathons, it takes a huge level of organisation and it wouldn't be possible without the help of an army of volunteers.

 

Would you like to be part of one of Cork's biggest events? The Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon is looking for Stewards and Volunteers to be part of the 'Event Team' on race day Bank Holiday Monday - June 1st.

To apply please email info@corkcitymartathon.ie

Notice...Ballyhoura Mountain Marathon - Sat 2nd May 2015

This 26.2 mile mountain marathon takes place on Saturday the 2nd of May 2015 on the Ballyhoura Mountains on the Cork - Limerick border. The race starts and finishes in the town of Kilfinane and weaves it's way through narrow country roads and up forest trails as it takes in a large loop. Runners usually finish from 4-6 hours, and the walkers coming in anything up to 9 hours.

More info on the Running in Munster website.

Results of the MMRA Claragh Mtn Trail Race...Sun 19th Apr 2015

This trail race was held in Millstreet Co.Cork on Sun 19th Apr 2015.

1 Tim O Donoghue 2983 M 28.16
2 Tom Blackburn 2072 M/40 32.09
3 Martin Dineen 2986 M 33.02
12 Mary Louise Ryan 2972 F 38.47
14 Linda O Connor 1144 F 39.35
17 Ide Kelliher 2043 F/40 40.19

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) The MMRA have galleries on their Facebook page....HERE and HERE

Results of the Dromahane 5k run...Sat 18th Apr 2015

This 5k run in aid of a local community park was held on Saturday the 18th of Apr 2015.

1    Tim O'Connor    16.36
2    Paul Moloney    18.06
3    Noel Daly    18.11
23    Rose Brennan    22.24
33    Orla Nolan    23.52
34    Anna Borkowska    24.01

The results can be seen HERE

Togher AC gets municipal grant of €3600

It was announced today that Togher Athletic Club has just received a grant of €3600 from the Ballincollig-Carrigaline Municipal Grant Scheme for 2015.

Applicant...Togher Athletic Club
Project...Cones, whistles, bibs, first aid band, treadmill and rower.  Track and field equipment.  
Cost of project...(€) 5,321
Allocation amt...(€) 3,600

I'm just highlighting the story here for other clubs to take note of and to consider. Perhaps they were not aware of these grants and they could apply for similar grants from the local authority next year?

Race launch for the Passage West Community 10k road race...

The Passage West Community 10k road race is coming up next Friday the 24th of April at 7:30pm.

There was a race recently at the local EuroSpar in the town and as you can see from the photo, numerous clubs within the town are helping out with this community event.

Proceeds from this years race go towards the Cork City Hospitals Children's Club. During the year, they bring sick and deserving children from CUH, Mercy Hospital, St. Gabriel's and the Cork Deaf Association on numerous trips, as well as hosting many fun and exciting events.

To enter and for more info, go to the race website... http://passagewest10k.wordpress.com/

Preview...A full preview of the 10 km course can be seen HERE

More info in this earlier post.

East Cork Sports Award for John Cashman...

Many of you will know that John Cashman of Midleton AC is one of the main people behind the success of the Ballintotis 4 mile road race which attracted a field of nearly 1200 runners recently. He is also probably better known as a radio presenter for the C103 Sports programme covering everything from athletics to GAA. He was recently awarded the East Cork & District Sports Award in recognition of his work.

John receiving the award from Patrick Shields, Manager, Midleton Park Hotel. Also pictured are Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, along with Siobhan, Eoin and Darragh Cashman

The following report is from John Walshe....

EAST CORK & DISTRICT SPORTS AWARDS FOR JOHN CASHMAN

Well known sports commentator, journalist, fanatical Liverpool supporter, athlete and the man primarily responsible for the promotion of last Thursday’s mammoth Ballintotis road race, John Cashman, has been named as the East Cork & District Sports Award winner for the month of February.

What was no doubt a hectic week culminated in fitting fashion on Friday afternoon last when the Midleton AC member was honoured at the Midleton Park Hotel, the sponsors of the monthly awards.

John received the accolade along with the Midleton Rugby Club who were the January winners and speaking at the function, Mr Sean O’Sullivan, the co-ordinator of the event, said that he was “an outstanding commentator, administrator, athlete and sports fanatic who has been involved in commentating for 96FM & C103 for years now, regular covering everything from local GAA to Munster and All-Ireland finals.

“Living in the beautiful setting of Lougaderra with his wife Siobhan and children, John is also very much involved in athletics including the Ballycotton ‘10’, the Cork City Marathon and especially his own pet project, the Ballintotis road race which had over a thousand competitors last evening. He is indeed a worthy recipient of this award for the month of February.”

In reply, John said he very much appreciated the award, although he had kept the news of it quiet during the past week in view of all the other activities taking place in the lead up to the race. Saying he could “eat and drink sport”, he acknowledged the benefits gained in enjoyment and the contacts established over the years made it all worthwhile.

Going on to thank a number of people, John concluded by saying he was dedicating the award to his wife Siobhan, sons Eoin and Darragh, along with his mother at home, “all for putting up with Liverpool, athletics, hurling teams and all of that through the corridors of time.”

Congratulations, John!

Cork teams do well at National Road Championships...Sun 19th Apr 2015

The Athletics Ireland National Road Relay Championships were held on Sunday, 19th of April in Raheny, Dublin. Each team had three members and ran the following distances...

The M35+, M50+ and senior women ran 1 mile x 2mile and 1 mile legs while the senior men ran 2 mile x 1 mile x 3 mile and 2 mile legs.

In the senior womens event, Leevale AC from Cork took the team title. The team was comprised of sisters Carol and Michelle Finn and team mate Lizzie Lee.

National Road Relay Champions...Michelle Finn, Lizzie Lee & Carol Finn of Leevale AC

As you can see from the times below, Carol Finn put them into an early lead that they never lost.
1st Leevale AC.......Carol Finn (1m) 5:08....Lizzie Lee (2m) 10:35......Michelle Finn (1m) 4:56......Total 20:39
2nd Letterkenny AC....Natasha Adams (1m) 5:11...Sinead Peoples (2m) 10:36......Anne Marie McGlynn (1m) 5:21......Total 21:08
3rd Crusaders AC.....Caroline Crowley (1m) 5:10...Orla Drumm (2m) 10:49......Marie Hyland (1m) 5:38........Total 21:37

In the Master mens M50 team event, St.Finbarr's AC from Cork took silver. The team was made up on Michael Murphy (1m), Cathal O'Connell (2m) and Ken Devine (1m).

Silver for the St.Finbarrs AC M50 team...Michael Murphy, Cathal O'Connell & Ken Devine

In the first leg, Michael Murphy finished the 1st leg in 3rd place some 13 seconds behind the second placed man. In the second leg, Cathal O'Connell reduced that deficit to just one second. In the final leg, Ken Devine brought the Barr's team up to second place and just 6 seconds adrift from the winning team.

1st....Raheny Shamrock AC (A)...Damien Martin (1m) 5:33...Mick Traynor (2m) 10:14...Dave Woods (1m) 5:14.....Total 21:01
2nd...St.Finbarrs AC...Michael Murphy (1m) 5:15...Cathal O'Connell (2m) 10:47...Ken Devine (1m) 5:05...Total 21:07
3rd....Drogheda & District AC...Danny Skeffington (1m) 5:01...Patrick O'Grady (2m) 11:00...Martin Duffy (1m) 5:41...Total 21:42

The full results are up on the Athletics Ireland website under April 2015.

Photos...
1) Gearóid Ó Laoi has a number of photos of the womens race HERE

Results of the Great Railway Run 25k, 10k & 5k...Sun 19th Apr 2015

The 2015 Great Railway Run attracted almost 600 runners this year. There was 247 in the 25k from Cork to Carrigaline, 237 in the 10k from Monkstown to Carrigaline and 100 in the 5k from Shanbally to Carrigaline.

First 3 men in the Great Railway Run 25k from Cork City to Carrigaline...L-R Brian Murphy 1st, Alex O'Shea 2nd & Eric Browne 3rd. Photo : Doug Minihane

25k...
1    Brian Murphy 1:28:43    Open  (1)    Male  (1)
2    Alex O'SHEA 1:32:08    Ages 40-49  (1)    Male  (2)
3    Eric BROWNE  1:36:44    Open  (2)    Male  (3)
12    Nollaigh O'NEILL  1:42:39  Ages 40-49  (1)    Female  (1)
14    Laoise NI THUAMA  1:43:41  Open  (1)    Female  (2)
29    Mary SWEENEY (249)    01:49:49    01:49:49    Ages 50-59  (1)    Female  (3)

10k...
1    James GRUFFERTY (580)    00:34:30    Open  (1)    Male  (1)
2    John O'Callaghan (763)    00:38:16    Ages 40-49  (1)    Male  (2)
3    Garrett CASEY (534)    00:38:27    Ages 40-49  (2)    Male  (3)
6    Grainne Odonnell (748)    00:40:45    Open  (1)    Female  (1)
15    Laura O' CALLAGHAN (669)    00:44:27    Open  (2)    Female  (2)
16    Stephanie Johnson (759)    00:44:39    Ages 40-49  (1)    Female  (3)

5k...
1    Shane HEALY (1053)    00:16:35    All Ages  (1)    Male  (1)
2    John DURCAN (1043)    00:16:52    All Ages  (2)    Male  (2)
3    Paul Duggan (1112)    00:17:34    All Ages  (3)    Male  (3)
10    Claire O DONNELL (1083)    00:20:41    All Ages  (1)    Female  (1)
11    Ciara MURPHT (1074)    00:20:58    All Ages  (2)    Female  (2)
14    Aoife DINEEN (1038)    00:23:12    All Ages  (3)    Female  (3)

The provisional results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) An album of 138 photos from Monkstown and near Carrigaline HERE 
2) Kieran Minihane has 300+ photos HERE 
3) The organisers have some photos near the finish line HERE

Nollaigh O'Neill...winner of the Great Railway Run 25k race, just one week after winning a half-marathon in Spain.

From a numbers point of view, it looks like this year has been a huge success. This is a breakdown of the number of finishers over the last 3 events...

That big jump in numbers doesn't come without problems however. A number of people have said that the finish area for the race was way too small for nearly 600 people finishing the three races. There was also an issue for some people with traffic on the route with people walking to get between cars that were stopped.

An earlier start might help resolve the traffic issue. I'm not sure what can be done about the finish area though?

Martin Fagan runs Olympic qualifying time in Zurich marathon

Martin Fagan has just completed the Zurich Marathon in a time of 2h 16m 09s which is inside the qualifying time of 2:17 required for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Finishing in 11th place overall, Martin went through the half marathon mark in 1:06:16. Just to give you a better idea of how fast that is, a 1:06:16 half is 5:03 min/mile pace. A 2:16:09 full is 5:12 min/mile pace.

This will be a controversial result considering that he served a 2 year ban for taking EPO and there is likely to be a pretty mixed reaction to this.

More info in this interview with Feidhlim Kelly who writes athletics articles for the Irish Examiner