Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: July 2023

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 29th July 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 29th July 2023. Approximately 1059  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 274 this week, 254 last week. Long term average 285

First 3 men & women... 
1 Aoife COOKE Female VW35-39 17:09
7 Olive OFLYNN Female JW15-17 19:26
8 Andrea BICKERDIKE Female SW30-34 Leevale AC 19:31
2 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 17:35
3 Diarmuid O'SULLIVAN Male SM20-24 19:00
4 Trevor WOODS Male VM50-54 Cork Triathlon Club 19:09


Tramore Valley Park: 163 runners took part in this event. 143 last week. The long term average is 165.

First 3 men & women...
1 Arnaud BENJACAR Male VM50-54 Liffey Valley AC 16:55
2 Lorcan BENJACAR Male JM15-17 16:56
3 Peter HOWIE Male VM35-39 Ballymore Cobh AC 16:59
15 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:28
21 Helen WALSH Female VW45-49 Togher AC 20:39
33 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 22:22


Glen River: 69 this week, 45 last week. The long term average is 74.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Tom ROGERS Male SM30-34 Belle Vue Racers 18:06
2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:31
3 Danny FINN Male VM35-39 Cork Triathlon Club 20:18
14 Ana Belén GARCIA RULL Female VW40-44 22:57
21 Sinead BARNETT Female SW30-34 24:27
25 Mona EL KAFSI Female VW35-39 25:06


Mallow Castle: 53 finishers this week, 58 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:44
2 Chris GALLAHUE Male VM40-44 21:17
3 Padraig HARRINGTON Male VM35-39 21:30
20 Mary MURPHY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 26:37
22 Teresa MOORE Female VW45-49 27:46
23 Frances QUINN Female VW45-49 Tralee parkrunners on Tour - TpoT 27:51


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 53 this week, 40 last week. The long term average is 58.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Finbarr KELLEHER Male VM35-39 19:31
2 Seán LYONS Male VM45-49 21:01
3 Ciaran MITCHELL Male SM30-34 21:24
7 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 23:15
9 Amanda BRUCE Female VW50-54 Esker Running Group 23:39
11 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:14


Macroom Desmense: 44 this week, 33 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Henry BROWNE Male VM40-44 18:27
2 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 18:40
3 Jason CROWLEY Male VM40-44 19:58
10 Rebecca WILLMOTT Female SW30-34 Lancaster & Morecambe AC 24:18
13 Mary MCHUGH Female VW40-44 25:11
16 Shireen ROUNTREE Female VW40-44 26:14


Clonakilty: 65 finishers this week, 33 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Sam ORIORDAN Male SM18-19 Leevale AC 19:31
2 Aaron HUMPHRIES Male VM35-39 20:02
3 Pat O'CONNOR Male VM55-59 Eagle A.C. 20:26
4 Sian PUGH Female SW30-34 21:10
6 Belinda BRENNAN Female VW45-49 Bramhall Runners 21:32
11 Caroline KELLY Female VW35-39 London City Athletics Club 22:45


Glengarriff Woods: There were 104 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 83 last week. The long term average is 60.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Tom MORAN Male SM30-34 20:45
2 David EVES Male VM40-44 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:53
3 Unknown
7 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 22:46
8 Jade VAN DEVENTER Female SW20-24 22:48
10 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:57


Bere Island: 137 this week, 85 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 John SLATER Male VM40-44 16:42
2 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 19:10
3 Ray SMITH Male VM55-59 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:28
8 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 21:50
19 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 25:15
22 Niamh COVENEY Female SW30-34 27:02


Castlehaven: 46 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 22 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Eoghan O'DONOVAN Male JM15-17 Templemore AC 20:35
2 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 21:32
3 Brendan CROWLEY Male VM40-44 22:08
7 Laura MCNALLY Female VW35-39 24:06
15 Cherie TURNER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 26:12
18 Catriona O'MAHONY Female SW30-34 28:17


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

Friday, July 28, 2023

Friday Jigsaw: Churchtown South 4-mile - July 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from Gearóid Ó Laoi taken at the 2023 Churchtown South 4-mile road race.

This one has 252-pieces and you can find it HERE

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Results of the Churchtown South 4-mile road race - Thurs 27th July 2023

First place finish for Lizzie Lee at the Churchtown South 4-mile road race


This was a new race on the calendar and is a shorter version of the previous Churchtown South 5-miler which ended back in 2017.

Top 3 men & women...
1 125 Tony Forristal East Cork AC M 20.51
2 128 James McCarthy East Cork AC M 21.04
3 12 Donal Coakley Leevale A.C. M 21.06
7 46 Lizzie Lee Leevale A.C. F40 22.32
18 91 Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C. F40 23.39
31 41 Linda Kelly Carrigaline A.C. F45 25.26

Photos...
1) Sharon Murray has a small gallery HERE

2) Gearóid Ó Laoi has several galleries...

3) Graham Meikle has several galleries...

Full results below... (Updated 9:42am)

Churchtown South '4' 27 July 2023

Place Race Number Name Club Category Time
1 125 Tony Forristal East Cork AC M 20.51
2 128 James McCarthy East Cork AC M 21.04
3 12 Donal Coakley Leevale A.C. M 21.06
4 103 Brian Harty East Cork AC M40 22.15
5 119 Donal Giltinan East Cork AC M40 22.23
6 54 Seamus Mc Sweeney St. Nicholas A.C. M50 22.26
7 46 Lizzie Lee Leevale A.C. F40 22.32
8 23 Alfie Davis Leevale A.C. M45 22.34
9 101 John Spelman East Cork AC M 22.35
10 129 Peter Howie Ballymore/Cobh M 22.37

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Video drone footage of the new Midleton to Youghal Greenway - July 2023


Slowly but surely, work is progressing on the new 23km Greenway between Midleton and Youghal in East Cork. Large sections of it are now fully surfaced but significant work still needs to be done on other sections. The whole length should have been open by now (2023) but it was significantly delayed thanks to the pandemic. 

The first section between Midleton and Mogeely is due to open in October of 2023. This is about 8.2kms in length and is very flat. It would probably be best described as quiet and functional i.e. good for walking, running and cycling. Most of this western section follows the route of the Dungourney River and it's like a valley within a valley. There are no great views or anything like that but it will serve the purpose of allowing people to exercise on a quiet and safe Greenway.

The current timeline is for the full Greenway from Midleton to Youghal to be open by the middle of 2024.

Video...

The 8-minute video above by the DroneHawk YouTube channel gives a good overview of what the Greenway looks like in July of 2023. The section from Mogeely to Midleton starts at 5:00. At 6:34, you might notice a new bridge which has used old wind turbine blades in its construction.

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Results of the IMRA Glengarriff 8km trail race - Sun 23rd July 2023

Carol Finn was the first woman across the finish line

IMRA held an 8km trail race near Glengarriff in West Cork on Sun 23rd July 2023.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Henry Browne 672 M40 40:30 West Muskerry... Cork
2 Nick Hogan 654 M40 40:31 Cork
3 John Lynch 3494 M45 45:59 Tracton AC Cork
7 Carol Finn 611 F35 49:20 Cork
12 Annie Connelly 3406 F 51:43 
13 Siobhán Dineen 2083 F45 52:13 Cork

Full results HERE

Notice: IMRA Eyeries Coastguard 8km trail race - Thurs 27th July 2023


IMRA are holding a trail race on the coastline near Eyeries in West Cork on Thursday 27th July 2023. As can be seen from the photo above, it's a spectacular location.

DESCRIPTION: Eyeries Coastguard Station Loop Trail Race
COUNTY: Cork
DATE: Thursday 27 July, 2023
TIME: 19:30
CLIMB (M): 200
DISTANCE (KM): 8.00
RACE MARKING: Only major junctions marked - Only major junctions marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes
ENTRY CLOSES:2023-07-26 18:00
ENTRY COST:€7 for seniors, €5 for over 65s and under 18s

Entries & details HERE


The full 8km route can be seen below with the Green dots. This event would be suitable for anyone who can comfortably run 10kms on the road. As always, annual IMRA membership costing €10 is required.

Togher junior parkrun likely to start at the end of Aug 2023


Back in January of 2023, I had a post up about the proposed new junior parkrun in Clashduv park in Togher for 4-14 year olds. The provisional start date is the 30th of July but I'm told that the most likely start date is at the end of August when everyone is back from holidays.

Update 26th July: The Clashduv junior parkrun will now start on Sunday 27th August 2023.

More info about the parkruns in Co Cork HERE

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Dunmanway junior parkrun to start in August 2023


Some good news! Back in May of 2023, I had a post up about a proposed new 2km junior parkrun for Dunmanway in West Cork. It has just been announced that the event will start on Sunday 13th August 2023.

As with all junior parkruns, it's free, on every Sunday morning at 9:30am and it's for 4-14 year olds.

The new parkrun will be called the Dromlena Lawn junior parkrun. The venue is just to the west of the town of Dunmanway at the race field.


For more information, go to https://www.parkrun.ie/dromlenalawn-juniors/course/

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 22nd July 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 22nd July 2023. Approximately 796  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 254 this week, 257 last week. Long term average 284

First 3 men & women... 
1 Shane O'LOUGHLIN Male SM30-34 17:49
2 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:09
3 Daniel GUINEE Male SM25-29 18:54
9 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:46
22 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 21:24
34 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 23:00


Tramore Valley Park: 143 runners took part in this event. 173 last week. The long term average is 166.

First 3 men & women...
1 John O MAHONY Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:40
2 Brian MADDEN Male SM30-34 18:27
3 Aaron KELLY Male SM30-34 St. Mary's AC 19:41
14 Jane OCONNOR Female SW20-24 21:04
21 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:30
22 Claire STONE Female VW35-39 22:37


Glen River: 45 this week, 69 last week. The long term average is 74.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:04
2 Aaron HORNIBROOK Male VM35-39 21:11
3 Stephen CREEDON Male VM45-49 Mallow AC 21:30
8 Hannah SU O'CALLAGHAN Female VW40-44 24:52
14 Catherine DEENIHAN Female VW50-54 UCC Staff Athletics Club 26:17
20 Niamh WHOOLEY Female SW30-34 28:36

Mallow Castle: 58 finishers this week, 52 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Marc FITZACHARY Male VM40-44 18:22
2 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 19:48
3 Kieran TWOMEY Male VM55-59 19:57
12 Cherie TURNER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:32
22 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 25:29
25 Shireen ROUNTREE Female VW40-44 26:03


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 40 this week, 38 last week. The long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Fionn NEVILLE Male JM15-17 19:04
2 Seán LYONS Male VM45-49 21:18
3 Mike MCMAHON Male VM50-54 23:18
5 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:15
12 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 25:27
18 Martina BEECHINOR Female VW50-54 27:57


Macroom Desmense: 33 this week, 39 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:27
2 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 20:28
3 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 20:35
16 Aoife LUCEY Female SW18-19 West Muskerry A.C. 26:26
17 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 26:35
18 Pauline CALLAN Female VW45-49 26:43


Clonakilty: 33 finishers this week, 41 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Chris HAYES Male VM35-39 21:21
2 Bryan GALLWEY Male VM40-44 21:42
4 Cian MCPEAKE Male SM25-29 22:12
3 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW40-44 21:51
6 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 22:58
8 Fiona BRACKEN Female VW35-39 23:20


Glengarriff Woods: There were 83 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 68 last week. The long term average is 60.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Tommy ARTHUR Male JM15-17 Kenmare Athletics Club 17:01
2 Simon MUGGLESTONE Male VM55-59 Bideford AAC 18:49
3 Cain O MAHONY Male SM20-24 19:55
8 Jade VAN DEVENTER Female SW20-24 23:21
10 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:55
12 Ciara MURNANE Female SW20-24 24:22


Bere Island: 85 this week, 75 last week, long term average of 46. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 David BUTLER Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 20:22
2 Unknown  
3 Traolach O SUILLEABHAIN Male JM15-17 21:47
4 Karla CHARLES BUTLER Female VW45-49 21:59
5 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:12
10 Mairead MURPHY Female VW55-59 Cilles Athletic Club Bettystown 23:14


Castlehaven: 22 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 30 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Eoghan O'DONOVAN Male JM15-17 Templemore AC 20:55
2 David BEST Male VM45-49 23:30
4 Chris HORN Male VM45-49 24:51
3 Emily BEST Female JW15-17 24:10   
10 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 30:51
15 Therese LYNCH Female VW60-64 35:36


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

Friday, July 21, 2023

Notice: IMRA Glengarriff 8km trail race - Sun 23rd July 2023


IMRA are holding an 8km trail race near Glengarriff in West Cork on Sunday 23rd July 2023. This one could be quite tough with the forecasted weather so it might be more suited to those who have done IMRA events in the past.

Entries close Saturday at 6pm. Entries... https://imra.ie/events/details/id/2364/

The location of the race is about 3kms to the east of Glengarriff.

From IMRA...
DESCRIPTION: Glengarriff
COUNTY: Cork
DATE: Sunday 23 July, 2023
TIME: 12:00
CLIMB (M): 375
DISTANCE (KM): 8.00
RACE MARKING: Only major junctions marked - Only major junctions marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes
ENTRY CLOSES: 2023-07-22 18:00:00
ENTRY COST: €7 for seniors, €5 for over 65s and under 18s

Friday Jigsaw: Start of the 2023 Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo from the start line of the Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k road race which saw a big turnout.

This one is a little harder than usual with 260-pieces, just the thing for a wet weekend.

You can find the jigsaw HERE

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Results & Photos of the Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k - Wed 19th July 2023

First 3-women in the Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k (L-R)... Carol Finn 3rd, Lizzie Lee 1st & Hannah Steeds 2nd

This year's Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k road race in Cork City was held on Wed 19th July 2023 and attracted a large field of 721 runners, up 75% on the numbers for last year.

Update Sat 22nd July 2023: The results have now been updated.

From the Cork BHAA... "If you don't see your time in the results, please fill out the form on the GNI 5k Race Page. We also want to know if your time is out by more than 5 seconds as quite a few were added in manually. Click HERE to submit a correction"

First place finish for Niall Shanahan

Top 3 men & women...
1 Niall Shanahan 0/40M M1 00:14:36 Dept of Ed M-A-1 
2 Denis Hegarty M2 00:14:59 Hegarty Engineering 
3 Shane Collins M3 00:15:14 Apple M-B-1
25 Lizzie Lee 0/40F F1 00:16:41 Apple
29 Hannah Steeds F2 00:16:49 Eli Lilly
45 Carol Finn 0/35F F3 00:17:17 Carol Finn Physical Therapy

Full results HERE

Photos...
1) Mick Dooley has some start line photos HERE and some post race photos HERE
2) Joe Murphy has a gallery HERE
3) Graham Meikle has a number of galleries. 
a) Pre-race 1 & pre-race 2

Some of the runners post race with the long sleeve top which was given out to the first 500 to register

Monday, July 17, 2023

Notice: Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k road race in Cork City - Wed 19th July 2023


This years Cork BHAA Gas Networks Ireland 5k road race in Cork City is coming up on Wed 19th July 2023 at 8pm.

Entry fee is €5 for registered runners and €10 for non-registered. Registration is open from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Cork Boat Club in Blackrock village, with the first 500 entries receiving a free long sleeve dry fit t-shirt.

Thanks to Liam Murphy for the photo of his daughters showing off the long sleeve dry fit tops

The race starts near Lee Rowing Club and takes you past Pairc Uí Chaoimh, Centre Park Road, Monahan Road and the Marina. As courses go, there are no hills and it's flat and fast.


Parking is limited near the Cork Boat Club but there is plenty at the other end of the Marina near Pairc Uí Chaoimh. If you car-pool, suggest the driver drops off the others who can register for them at Cork Boat Club and meet them at the start.


The following areas are where you are likely to find parking but these will fill up early so it would be worth getting to registration as early as possible: far side of Blackrock Castle, near Shandon Boat Club and city side of Blackrock church.

Click for more information from the organisers closer to the date on the BHAA WEBSITE


The dry fit tops for the first 500 to register on the night are shown above. Note that these have long sleeves which are really useful for training in the cool Winter months.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Results of the Bere Island Midsummer Run 5k & 10k - Sat 15th July 2023


The annual Bere Island Midsummer Run in West Cork was held on Saturday 15th July 2023 with 38 in the 5k race and 44 in the 10k. As can be seen from the chart above, the numbers are up on last year but mostly down on previous years.

Full results below...

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 15th July 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 15th July 2023. Approximately 842  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 257 this week, 222 last week. Long term average 285

First 3 men & women... 
1 Joe KIRWAN Male SM18-19 17:21
2 Gearoid O FLYNN Male VM40-44 17:58
3 Steve COX Male VM50-54 Sheffield Running Club 18:32
7 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:52
20 Jennifer RING Female VW40-44 21:47
36 Mairead PEREZ Female VW50-54 Eagle A.C. 23:24


Tramore Valley Park: 173 runners took part in this event. 172 last week. The long term average is 166.

First 3 men & women...
1 John P MUCKIAN Male SM20-24 18:24
2 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM40-44 18:52
3 Paul CLEARY Male VM45-49 19:24
17 Mari BURKE Female VW45-49 21:38
21 Claire O' BRIEN Female VW35-39 Watergrasshill AC 21:51
27 Carmel PARNELL Female VW65-69 Leevale AC 22:37


Glen River: 69 this week, 52 last week. The long term average is 74.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:26
2 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 20:54
4 Brian O'CONNELL Male VM45-49 21:25
3 Siobhan HOARE Female VW45-49 21:22
8 Julia LE MAUX Female SW20-24 22:32
20 Hannah COFFEY Female JW11-14 25:16


Mallow Castle: 52 finishers this week, 67 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Thomas BROWNE Male JM15-17 18:22
2 Andrzej CHOMICZ Male VM40-44 Mallow AC 19:40
3 Oisín Ó CADHLA Male SM30-34 19:42
14 Aoife MCSWEENEY Female SW20-24 24:41
16 Clodagh BENNETT Female VW45-49 24:57
19 Marie BUCKLEY Female VW40-44 25:12


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 38 this week, 48 last week. The long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 19:29
2 Keith BARRY Male VM45-49 St Catherines AC 19:38
3 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 19:39
6 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 22:22
8 Cherie TURNER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 23:26
10 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 24:42


Macroom Desmense: 39 this week, 31 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 18:25
2 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:37
3 Darren CREED Male SM30-34 21:03
7 Emily CRUSHER Female SW20-24 Giffnock North AAC 22:46
13 Aoife LUCEY Female SW18-19 West Muskerry A.C. 25:23
14 Elaine KELLEHER Female VW45-49 25:36


Clonakilty: 41 finishers this week, 50 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Eddie O CONNOR Male VM35-39 16:57
2 Jason CROWLEY Male VM40-44 19:39
3 Niall O'CONNOR Male VM45-49 Ranelagh Harriers 20:39
9 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW40-44 22:33
10 Caroline KELLY Female VW35-39 London City Athletics Club 22:45
15 Fiona BRACKEN Female VW35-39 25:16


Glengarriff Woods: There were 68 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 92 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Unknown  
2 Cain O MAHONY Male SM20-24 20:26
4 David EVES Male VM40-44 Kenmare Athletics Club 21:29
3 Denise MCCANN Female VW35-39 Galbally Runners 21:00
8 Claire Elizabeth MOLLOY Female VW40-44 23:48
15 Fleur HINDLEY Female VW55-59 25:28


Bere Island: 75 this week, 45 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Sonny CAHILL Male JM11-14 21:28
2 Chris O'CONNELL Male VM45-49 St Catherines AC 21:53
3 Donal FALLON Male VM40-44 Mt. Hillary AC 21:59
5 Siobhan HOLLAND Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 22:11
14 Laoise Ann O SULLIVAN Female JW10 24:47
15 Angie MEFFAN-MAIN Female VW45-49 Edinburgh Running Network 25:47


Castlehaven: 30 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 17 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Unknown  
2 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:09
3 Unknown
7 Emily BEST Female JW15-17 24:25
8 Niamh O'BRIEN Female SW30-34 25:40
9 Deirdre MCCARTHY Female VW40-44 Manchester Tri Club 25:59


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

Friday, July 14, 2023

Results of the Tracton 4-mile road race - Fri 14th July 2023

First 3-men in the Tracton 4-mile road race (L-R)... Vivian Foley 2nd, Mark Walsh 1st & Donal Coakley 3rd


The second edition of the Tracton 4-mile road race was held on Friday 14th July 2023 with 254 runners crossing the finish line, up a whopping 40% on the figure for 2022.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Mark WALSH 20:49 299 M MS Leevale A.C.
2 Vivian FOLEY 20:58 137 M M50 Eagle A.C.
3 Donal COAKLEY 21:04 102 M MS Leevale A.C.
1 Lizzie LEE 23:09 178 F F40 Leevale A.C.
2 Catherine MURPHY 24:41 212 F F40 Eagle A.C.
3 Meadhbh MOYNIHAN 24:55 210 F FS Leevale A.C.

Full results HERE

First 3-women in the Tracton 4-mile road race (L-R)... Meadhbh Moynihan 3rd, Lizzie Lee 1st & Catherine Murphy 2nd

Photos...
1) MyRunResults have a small gallery HERE
2) Mick Dooley has some finish line photos HERE and some prize giving photos HERE
3) Joe Murphy has a small gallery HERE

Some of the members of Tracton AC who put on another successful race

Lead group early in the race



Friday Jigsaw: Cork City Marathon Pace Group 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo of the 4:30 pace group for the 2023 Cork City Marathon.

This one has 204-pieces and you can find it HERE

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Approval given for new Greenway in Cork City from Kinsale Road Roundabout to Spur Hill


Planning for a new Greenway from the Kinsale Road roundabout to Eagle Valley was approved at a Cork City Council meeting last Monday (10th July 2023). The project is expected to cost €5-million and will be fully funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Subject to the tendering process, work is scheduled to start mid-2024 and finish mid to late 2025.


The route is shown above in more detail. On the far left, there is a 1.1km section connecting the Chetwynd Reservoir to a point close to the Bandon Road Roundabout and Dunnes Stores. This goes through Eagle Valley estate.

Going East from the reservoir, it's 450m to the Spur Hill Road... 1.2kms to the Togher Road... 1.7kms to the Lehenaghmore Road... 2kms to Forge Hill... and 2.9kms to the Kinsale Road Roundabout.

The main 2.9km section of Greenway follows the route of the old Cork to Bandon railway line which closed in 1961. As might be expected with all railway lines, the gradient is very gradual. The difference in altitude over the 2.9km section is about 35-metres which works out as a gentle 1.2% slope going west.


The screenshot above shows the section where the road to the reservoir goes under the road to Spur Hill. All of the old bridges are still in place and just need to be cleaned up.


Some sections of the planned route are already in use as walkways that are mainly used by locals. These will now be improved and widened to 4-metres with a tarmac surface.

Analysis... In itself, 2.9kms is not a huge section of Greenway but it should be seen as the start of a much bigger project. On the eastern side near the Kinsale Road Roundabout, more work will need to be done to get a Greenway connection into the Tramore Valley Park. Looking west, there are plans for a 36km Greenway linking Cork City to Bandon and Kinsale which will open up the area for walkers, runners and cyclists.

The next obvious section is to connect the Chetwynd Reservoir to the Chetwynd Viaduct over the Bandon Road and across to Waterfall. The map below shows the old railway line to Bandon which has two tunnels along the route.


It's really slow progress but at least things are going in the right direction.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Notice: Waterford Greenway Half-Marathon - Sat 2nd Sept 2023

The Waterford Greenway Half-Marathon is coming up on Saturday 2nd Sept 2023 and entries are now open.

This race starts on the Greenway near Kilmacthomas and finishes on the Greenway near Dungarvan and takes in the Ballyvoyle Tunnel and several viaducts.

Entries HERE

More info HERE

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Notice: Tracton 4-mile road race - Fri 14th July 2023


Tracton AC are holding their Tracton 4-mile road race on Friday the 14th of July 2023 at 8pm.

You can pre-enter online HERE

Update 11th July: Online entry closes 11am Fri 14th... See FAQ and general info at the end of the post.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Vernon Mount Bridge to open in late Sept 2023


Back in March of 2023, I had a post up about the new bridge over the N40 South Ring Road in Cork City that connects the Tramore Valley Park to the Grange & Frankfield areas. The bridge was lifted in position in April of 2023.

Cllr. Shane O'Callaghan recently submitted a question to the Cork City Council Executive asking about an opening date.


In reply, an opening date for late September 2023 was given.


Once this bridge opens, it will not only up more running routes but it should also help more runners from the Grange & Frankfield areas gain access to the 5k parkruns on Saturday mornings.

Update 8pm: The new bridge will officially be called the Vernon Mount Bridge.

Saturday, July 08, 2023

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 8th July 2023



Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 8th July 2023. Approximately 788  runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Ballincollig Regional Park: 222 this week, 247 last week. Long term average 286

First 3 men & women... 
1 John LONGAN Male SM30-34 St Finbarrs AC 17:16
2 Darren MCCANN Male VM35-39 17:29
3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 18:13
19 Mary SWEENEY Female VW60-64 St Finbarrs AC 22:33
33 Maria MADIGAN Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 23:48
34 Elaine GUINANE Female VW45-49 Eagle A.C. 23:56


Tramore Valley Park: 172 runners took part in this event. 150 last week. The long term average is 166.

First 3 men & women...
1 John O MAHONY Male VM45-49 St Finbarrs AC 17:49
2 Richard MULLINS Male VM35-39 18:34
3 Aaron BYRNE Male SM25-29 18:53
22 Jane OCONNOR Female SW20-24 21:15
23 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 21:35
35 Elaine SEXTON Female VW35-39 23:19


Glen River: 52 this week, 61 last week. The long term average is 75.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Danny FINN Male VM35-39 Cork Triathlon Club 19:37
2 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM40-44 21:06
3 Aaron HORNIBROOK Male VM35-39 21:16
9 Nassreen ABDULLAH Female SW30-34 23:47
11 Niamh SHEEHAN Female VW35-39 Togher AC 24:40
12 Gillian COTTER Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 24:48


Mallow Castle: 67 finishers this week, 53 last week. The long term average is 65.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Colm SHEEHAN Male VM50-54 Mallow AC 18:41
2 Cathal DWANE Male VM40-44 20:41
3 Ross FOLEY Male VM40-44 21:08
16 Deirdre COTTER Female VW45-49 Mallow AC 24:58
20 Breeda MCNAMARA Female VW45-49 25:52
22 Nicole O'CALLAGHAN Female JW11-14 26:11


Youghal: The Pobalscoil na Tríonóide 5k parkrun in Youghal got 40 this week, 45 last week. The long term average is 59.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Quentin MICHAUDET Male SM20-24 19:55
2 James COADE Male SM30-34 20:09
3 James 0 MAHONY Male VM35-39 21:15
5 Shannon SOTOK Female SW30-34 22:27
6 Frances FITZGERALD Female SW30-34 24:45
9 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 25:13


Macroom Desmense: 31 this week, 41 last week. Long term average is 52.

First 3 men & women...
1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 18:17
2 Donal FALLON Male VM40-44 Mt. Hillary AC 19:47
4 Rafal SZULHAN Male VM45-49 20:54
3 Jean LUCEY Female VW35-39 20:00
9 Jennifer RING Female VW40-44 22:25
21 Pauline CALLAN Female VW45-49 27:20


Clonakilty: 50 finishers this week, 40 last week. Long term average 36.

First 3 men & women... 
1 Mícheál Ó SÉ Male VM40-44 18:40
2 Lance DOHERTY Male VM45-49 Somerville Road Runners 20:39
3 John HEFFERNAN Male VM45-49 21:24
6 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW40-44 22:08
11 Jenny COTTER Female VW35-39 25:11
14 Kathleen O REGAN Female VW35-39 26:22


Glengarriff Woods: There were 92 finishers for this weeks 5k parkrun, it was 85 last week. The long term average is 59.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Eliza KÖNIG Female JW15-17 Fife AC 19:58
10 Alice COPPINGER Female VW45-49 Bantry Athletic Club 23:16
12 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 23:38
2 Stephen O'SULLIVAN Male VM50-54 21:22
3 Cormac WHOOLEY Male SM30-34 21:47
4 Thomas GILMORE Male SM18-19 Ballincollig Athletic Club 22:00


Bere Island: 45 this week, 89 last week, long term average of 45. 

First 3 men & women... 
1 Sean RYAN Male VM45-49 21:39
4 Mark O'DRISCOLL Male JM11-14 24:05
5 Luke MCNEILL Male JM11-14 25:05
2 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW18-19 22:54
3 Niamh O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 22:59
8 Laura O'DRISCOLL Female JW10 25:36


Castlehaven: 17 finishers this week in Rineen Woods, 15 last week. Long term average 28.

First 3 women & men...
1 Florence FITZGERALD Male SM30-34 21:30
2 John O'MAHONY Male SM25-29 23:46
4 David BEST Male VM45-49 24:30
3 Catherine AIREY Female SW30-34 Highgate Harriers 24:01
5 Emily BEST Female JW15-17 24:33
6 Mags FITZGERALD Female VW35-39 27:00


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

Friday, July 07, 2023

Results of the Corkbeg 4-mile road race - Thurs 6th July 2023


There was a big drop in numbers for this years Corkbeg 4-mile road race on Thurs 6th July 2023. A total of 78 runners crossed the finish line which is the lowest in at least a decade.

The weather was wet and windy on the night so obviously a lot of people decided to give this one a skip.

Top 3 men & women...
1 James McCarthy East Cork AC M 20.36
2 Nathan O'Leary Leevale AC M 20.39
3 Donal Coakley Leevale AC M 20.50
9 Nadine Forde Leevale AC F40 23.55
16 Siobhan O'Leary Midleton AC F50 26.18
19 Christine Kelly East Cork AC F35 26.36

Full results below...
 Place Name Club Category Time
1 James McCarthy East Cork AC M 20.36
2 Nathan O'Leary Leevale AC M 20.39
3 Donal Coakley Leevale AC M 20.50
4 Kieran McKeown Grange Fermoy AC M45 21.55
5 Stephen O'Brien East Cork AC M40 22.43
6 James Grufferty Leevale AC M40 23.21
7 Colin Clarke Leevale AC M 23.42
8 Micheal Cronin Youghal AC M 23.50
9 Nadine Forde Leevale AC F40 23.55
10 Shane O'Regan Ballymore Cobh AC M 24.27

Big numbers for Coillte 10k road race as Cork runner Vivian Foley breaks M50 record


The annual Coillte 10k road race in Dundrum, Tipperary attracted a record number of runners this year, up 45% on last year. The flat course has a reputation as being one of the fastest 10k events in the country.

In the M50 category, Vivian Foley of Eagle AC in Cork finished first in an impressive time of 32:58 breaking the old record of 34:12 by over a minute.

Results & photos HERE

Friday Jigsaw: Glen River 5k parkrun - July 2023


For this weeks online jigsaw, we have a photo taken at the Glen River 5k parkrun on Sat 1st July 2023.

This one has 153-pieces and you can find it HERE

Wednesday, July 05, 2023

Results of the Cork BHAA Sterling 5k - Wed 5th July 2023


The Cork BHAA Sterling 5k road race in Ringaskiddy was held on Wed 5th July 2023 with 307 runners taking part (Sterling bought the Novartis plant at the start of 2023). The numbers are up 8.5% on the figure for 2022 and isn't too far off the 2018/2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Mark Walsh M1 15:43 Dept of Ed M-A-3 
2 Barry Twohig 0/40M M2 15:57 Emerald Fencing 
3 Duncan Hartwick M3 15:59 Diomac M-A-1
10 Lizzie Lee 0/40F F1 17:25 Apple
14 Hannah Steeds F2 17:33 Eli Lilly
25 Michelle Kenny 0/40F F3 18:21 Dept of Ed F-B-1

Full results HERE