Results of the Run the Line 5k in Carrigaline - Sat 28th Dec 2024

The last of the free timed 5k runs on the Carrigaline to Crosshaven Greenway for 2024 was held on Sat 28th Dec.

Results of the Togher 5k - Sun 29th Dec 2024

The annual Togher 5k was held this year on Sunday 29th Dec 2024 with 774 runners crossing the finish line. It's interesting to see that it has taken a full 4-years to get back close to the -pre-pandemic numbers.

Top 3 men & women...

1 John Durcan Togher AC MS 15:13 198
2 Robert Troy Liscarroll AC MS 15:20 915
3 Conor McCauley Leevale AC M40 15:23 436
40 Carol Finn Leevale AC FS 17:41 208
48 Noreen Brouder Sportsworld AC F45 17:59 825

54 Emma Fitzpatrick Castlemartyr FS 18:13 214

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) Mick Dooley has some pre-race photos HERE and some finish line photos HERE

Results of the Shandrum 5k - Sat 28th Dec 2024

The annual Shandrum 5k in north Cork was held this year on Sat 28th Dec 2024 with 123 crossing the finish line. This is down a bit on last year.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Killian Lynch West Limerick AC MS   15:50 288
2 Aaron Lynch West Limerick AC MJ  16:32 266
3 Oisin Bates Shannon MS   16:45 9
14 Sarah Gayer Naas AC FS 20:39 148
20 Fiona Boyce North Cork AC FS  21:23 679
22 Mary Buckley Donoughmore AC F50   21:52 23

Full results... https://www.premiertimingsystems.ie/2024-results/Shandrum-AC-5K-Results

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 28th Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 28th Dec 2024. Approximately 1034 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... It was windy but reasonably mild for this weeks 5k parkruns in Co Cork with the odd scattered shower.

Ballincollig... Well done to Derek Costello and Sonia Spillane who both completed their 100th 5k parkrun! Derek's first parkrun was in Tramore Valley Park way back in Sept of 2025 and 69 of his parkruns have been in Ballincollig with another 29 in Tramore Valley Park. Sonia has done 97 of her 100 parkruns in Ballincollig and her first outing was in Sept of 2021.

Other notable milestones were Lynda Healy and Helen O'Donoghue hitting 200 and Colette Ryan hitting 350.

Tramore Velley Park... Well done to visitor Clare Brint from the UK who completed her 100th 5k parkrun in Cork this weekend.

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 304 this week, 311 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Brian HAWKINS Male JM15-17 Carraig na bhFear AC 17:20

2 Nick HOGAN Male VM40-44 Sanctuary Runners 17:21

3 Michael D DUNNE Male VM50-54 St Finbarrs AC 18:46

25 Mari BURKE Female VW45-49 21:30

30 Deirdre CASEY Female VW40-44 21:47

34 Deirbhile O'KEEFFE Female SW25-29 Raheny Shamrock AC 22:06

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/356/

Tramore Valley Park: 192 this week, 192 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Unknown

2 Paudy FINN Male SM30-34 18:42

4 Ronan MURRAY Male SM25-29 19:07

3 Ailbhe MCDAID Female VW40-44 18:54

10 Anne O'DONOVAN Female SW30-34 19:39

11 Irene EIGHAN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 19:50

Tramore Valley Park results...   https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/135/

Glen River: 66 this week, 56 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Brendan MAGUIRE Male VM45-49 19:13

2 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 19:17

3 Shane O'CALLAGHAN Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:26

18 Maddison CHAMBERS Female SW30-34 24:26

27 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 27:38

30 Megan POLLOCK Female SW25-29 28:04

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/239/

Mallow Castle: 112 this week, 73 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Tadgh CARROLL Male SM30-34 18:54

2 Eddie HENNIGAN Male SM20-24 19:08

3 Tom ROCHE Male VM45-49 19:12

10 Joanne MCCANN Female VW50-54 Mallow AC 21:29

13 Bernadette O'DRISCOLL Female SW30-34 22:08

20 Aisling PATTERSON Female VW50-54 Harpenden Arrows Running Club 22:39

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/163/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 68 this week, 84 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Fionn NEVILLE Male JM15-17 17:37

2 Padraig MAHONY Male VM45-49 18:39

3 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 19:04

10 Éadaoin COLEMAN Female VW40-44 22:20

15 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:02

18 Rose KINSELLA Female VW40-44 24:03

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/139/

Macroom Castle Demense: 75 this week, 80 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 19:37

2 Eoin HOLLAND Male JM15-17 20:20

3 Stephen MURPHY Male VM55-59 20:28

16 Aileen COUGHLAN Female VW40-44 Lucan Harriers 25:24

17 Claire CURTIN Female VW35-39 West Muskerry A.C. 25:42

18 McGuinness MARINA Female VW50-54 2018 Operation Transformation 26:03

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/507/

Clonakilty: 57 this week, 33 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 David HICKEY Male VM40-44 19:59

2 Ronan CARLEY Male VM45-49 20:44

3 James O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 21:02

9 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:29

19 Susan STEELE Female VW50-54 25:51

22 Sarah KINGSTON Female VW40-44 26:11

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/461/

Glengarriff Woods: 63 this week, 68 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:49

2 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 22:03

3 Cathal D'HONDT Male JM11-14 22:33

6 Caroline O'SULLIVAN Female VW40-44 23:55

7 Meave QUINLAN Female VW35-39 24:10

11 Niamh CASEY Female VW35-39 26:13

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/379/

Bere Island: 55 this week, 23 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Garry HILLIARD Male VM50-54 22:16

2 Garry MORIARTY Male VM45-49 23:42

3 Pat SHEEHAN Male VM60-64 Kenmare Tri Club 23:57

4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:08

7 Annie OSULLIVAN Female JW11-14 26:31

8 Laura BROWN Female SW25-29 26:38

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/471/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 42 finishers this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ciaran WALSH Male JM11-14 23:16

2 Dan COLLINS Male VM40-44 Lucan Harriers 23:26

3 Stephen CONNOLLY Male VM40-44 23:43

11 Lorna RYAN Female SW25-29 Coogee Run Club 25:58

20 Meaghan KENNY Female SW25-29 28:59

21 Emma HORLER Female VW60-64 29:15

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/391/

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

Notice: Skibbereen 10-mile & 5-mile road races - Sun 9th February 2025

Skibbereen AC are holding their annual 10-mile road race in west Cork on Sunday the 9th of February 2025. There is also a 5-mile option for anyone preferring a shorter distance.

Previous editions of this race were held in November but the club has decided to make it a February event.

This is very much a traditional type of road race with loads of refreshments afterwards (i.e. tea, coffee, sandwiches, cakes, etc) and there are hot showers in the GAA club changing rooms.

Proceeds from both races go towards the Palliative Care Services in Skibbereen Community Hospital and St Patrick's BNS classes for children with autism.

Entries HERE

Registrations will also be taken on the day at the O Donovan Rossa GAA pavilion from 10:30am onwards. The entry fee for the 10 mile is 25 Euros while the entry fee for the 5 Mile run is 20 Euros.

The 10 Mile race will get underway at 1pm with the 5 Mile Run starting at 1:15pm.

Info from Skibbereen AC... Both races and walk start and finish at the entrance to the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds. The entry fees are:

10 mile run €25 with a start time of 1pm
5 mile run € 20 with a start time of 1.15
Walk €10 with a start time of 1.30

Registration on the morning of the race opens at 10.30 am at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA Pavilion with the kind permission of the club, where the after race refreshments and prize giving also takes place.

Over €1000 in prize money!

The club is hoping for a strong turnout of both local runners and walkers as the event is suitable for all levels of fitness from the beginner to the elite athlete which we hope will travel from far and wide.

The club would like to thank most sincerely our main sponsors: Fields SuperValu: West Cork Distillers: Bantry Bay Medical Centre: Drinagh Co-op: South of Ireland Petroleum: without whose support this event would not be possible.

10-Mile: The 10-mile race start and finishes outside the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds and takes in a large loop to the north-west of Skibbereen.

The course is mostly on quiet country roads and has an uphill section from mile 2 to 6 with the last few miles being mostly downhill.

From Skibbereen AC... The 10 Mile loop start close to the O Donovan Rossa GAA grounds and then proceed up the Marsh road and onto Skeagh Road, turning at Clancy Cross. From there down through the Forest road to Reencorn and down past the old Abbey School at 9 miles and onto the finish at the O Donovan’s Rossa GAA grounds.

5-Mile: The 5-mile race takes in a smaller loop to the north-west of the town again.

As you might expect, there are fewer hills with the shorter course. It is generally flat enough for 3-miles, then one hill and then a fast finish for the last mile and a bit.

Directions: The race HQ is at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA grounds. There are only two roundabouts on the N71 road which runs to the north of Skibbereen and this is the westerly one.

The road to the GAA grounds is shown below, just remember the houses at the roundabout and stay to the left of those. The GAA grounds are about 200m up this road.

View of the approach road from the roundabout

Guest Post: Clonmel 4-mile ...by John Walshe

Hannah Steeds, second female, receiving her prize from David Keogh

CLONMEL 4-Mile 

(26th Dec 2024)

There was an international flavour to the MSD/Clonmel 4-mile road race with the appearance of US marathon record holder Emily Sisson. And the two-time Olympian didn’t disappoint as she smashed Shona Heaslip’s year-old course record of 20:46 by 17 seconds when finishing third overall in a time of 20:29.

Sisson set her American best of 2:18:29 at Chicago two years ago and qualified for this year’s Olympics with a second place in the US Marathon Trials, going on to finish 23rd in Paris in 2:29:53. At Toyko 2016, she had a 10th place finish in the 10,000m, an event in which she has a personal best of 30:49.57.

Married to Waterford man Shane Quinn, both attended Providence College where they were coached by Ray Treacy. Shane is son of Brendan Quinn, the Irish record holder in the 3000m steeplechase. Brendan’s time of 8:24.09 has remained unbroken for almost 40 years, having set it in Brussels in August of 1985. That improved on Liam O’Brien’s 8:27.24 from the previous year and both times still remain top of the Irish all-time list.

Winner Kane Collins receiving his prize from David Keogh of sponsors MSD

Second place in Clonmel went to Leevale’s Hannah Steed in 21:27 with Grace Richardson from Kilkenny third in 21:30. There was a Cork winner of the men’s race, although Kilbrin native Kane Collins was representing Donore Harriers. Collins – who ran 2:24:19 in September’s Berlin Marathon – recorded 19:56, 10 seconds ahead of Ben Coughlan from Clonliffe with Donal Coakley of Leevale taking the third prize in 20:49.

With almost 600 finishers, the long-established St Stephen’s Day race was another outstanding success and a credit to both the promoting Clonmel AC and sponsors MSD.

Clonmel 4m Dec 2024 Results

Keith Kelly from Youghal, first in the M40 category, receiving his prize from David Keogh

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Wed 25th Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Wednesday 25th Dec 2024. Approximately --- runners and walkers took part in the 4 events in Co Cork.

Report... There were four 5k parkruns held in Co Cork on Christmas Day.

Ballincollig... Well done to Guy Brint who hits the 100 mark while Marie McCarthy hits 200!

Glengarriff... Well done to Danny Manning who completed his 250th 5k parkrun!

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 473 finishers

First 3 men & women... 

1 Anthony MANNIX Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 16:33

2 Liam COTTER Male SM20-24 Bishopstown Orienteering Club 17:06

3 Sean TWOHIG Male VM35-39 St Finbarrs AC 17:37

20 Teresa MURPHY Female VW45-49 Kent AC 19:43

36 Niamh CRONIN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 20:33

40 Rhona DEMPSEY Female VW40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:41

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/355/

Glen River: 114 finishers.

First 3 men & women...

1 Stephen O'BRIEN Male VM40-44 19:28

2 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:46

3 James GRUFFERTY Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 19:57

14 Irene EIGHAN Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:55

22 Nan KEARNEY Female VW45-49 Sanctuary Runners 23:24

25 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 24:07

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/238/

Clonakilty: 34 finishers.

First 3 men & women...

1 Diarmuid Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN Male VM40-44 Leevale AC 20:16

2 Ciaran WATERS Male VM35-39 Portmarnock Athletic Club 20:30

3 Timothy O DONNELL Male VM45-49 Crusaders Athletic Club 21:21

16 Grainne MULCAHY Female SW20-24 25:11

19 Aisling KIRBY Female SW30-34 25:37

20 Susan STEELE Female VW50-54 25:47

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/460/

Glengarriff Woods: 78 finishers.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Eoghan MCELHINNEY Male SM25-29 17:57

2 Ray SMITH Male VM60-64 Kenmare Athletics Club 20:26

3 Ciaran MCELHINNEY Male SM30-34 20:39

6 Niamh COTTER Female SW25-29 20:49

13 Hilje LABUSCHAGNE Female VW35-39 23:38

16 Ciara MURNANE Female SW20-24 Team Runna 24:01

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/378/

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

Extra 5k parkruns in Cork over the Christmas period - Dec 2024

As can be seen from the graphic above, some of the 5k parkruns in Co Cork will be holding extra events on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

It's the same as the usual parkrun with a 9:30am start.

Marina in Cork City reopens - Dec 2024

The Marina in Cork city has been closed for most of 2024 as contractors work on the major refurbishment of the park. During the last week however, they re-opened the Marina itself while other parts of the new park will take a few more months.

The photo above shows the area at the entrance to Holland Park where the new slides are. They really have made an excellent job if it.

The photo above shows the Marina section by the Atlantic Pond and as you can see, the surface is really smooth. It's perfect for anyone roller blading or kids on scooters.

It's also of course perfect for running. The old road surface was pretty poor and even that was an improvement on what it was about 20 years ago when I used to run on it in the dark. The only light was from across the river and it was impossible to make out the potholes and raised edges.

The new Marina won't mean anything unless cars can't get access and with that in mind, there are bollards at both ends.

The photo above shows the city end of the Marina with bollards preventing access to vehicles. The three thicker bollards on the left are retractable which allows access for maintenance staff.

If any race organisers are thinking about using the Marina as part of a route in future, the bollards might be an issue.

When the whole Marina Park project is completed, this will be one of the premier city parks in Cork City.

It's also worth mentioning that some thanks should go to the city councillors who have supported this Marina project since the beginning. 

It's hard to believe now but one former councillor in Mayfield was against the project because he thought the Marina should be kept as a road so that 'old people can be taken for a spin on Sundays'. You couldn't make it up.

Fair play to Cork City Council for a job well done. Now for the parkrun...

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 21st Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 21st Dec 2024. Approximately 947 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... It was windy but reasonably mild for this weeks 5k parkruns in Co Cork with the odd scattered shower.

Ballincollig... Well done to Brian O'Shea who joins the Cork 250 club! Brian did his 250th 5k parkrun in Ballincollig this weekend and it took just over 10 years. His first parkrun was on Tramore Valley Park back on the 26th of Sept 2014.

194 of the 250 have been at the Ballincollig event while another 46 were in Tramore Valley Park.

250 parkruns for Brian O'Shea

Macroom... Well done to Conor Lucey who completed his 200th 5k parkrun!

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 311 this week, 259 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Ronan DEASY Male SM25-29 17:00

2 Colm DEASY Male SM30-34 17:34

3 Tiarnan O DONOGHUE Male JM15-17 Togher AC 19:04

6 Laura CUSSEN Female SW25-29 19:41

26 Clodagh CREEDON Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 21:38

35 Mary KELLIHER Female SW25-29 22:28

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/354/

Tramore Valley Park: 192 this week, 166 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Fintan KERINS Male SM30-34 15:32

2 Unknown   

3 David JACKSON Male VM35-39 17:36

23 Suzanne FOLEY Female VW45-49 20:52

34 Helen WALSH Female VW50-54 Togher AC 21:49

41 Paula MULCAHY Female VW50-54 UCC Staff Athletics Club 22:39

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/134/

Glen River: 56 this week, 67 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Patrick RAHILLY Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 20:30

2 Ciarán MURRAY Male VM40-44 Togher AC 21:28

3 Brian LINEHAN Male VM60-64 21:39

9 Mags HASSETT Female VW45-49 St Finbarrs AC 24:03

15 Una DUFFY Female VW40-44 25:20

19 Gillian COTTER Female VW50-54 St Finbarrs AC 26:56

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/237/

Mallow Castle: 73 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Sean LEAHY Male JM15-17 Croydon Harriers 19:15

2 Lindsay HASSETT Male SM30-34 19:28

3 John BROWNE Male VM40-44 19:29

22 Jane HEGARTY Female SW25-29 23:37

28 Laura OWENS Female SW25-29 24:26

29 Maire O CONNELL Female SW30-34 24:27

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/162/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 84 this week, 52 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Stephen O'BRIEN Male VM40-44 17:56

2 Graham SWORDS Male VM40-44 18:00

3 John SPELMAN Male SM20-24 Midleton AC 18:44

12 Christine KELLY Female VW35-39 21:36

19 Sophie O CONNOR Female JW11-14 22:36

24 Saoirse KINSELLA Female JW11-14 23:16

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/138/

Macroom Castle Demense: 55 this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 18:57

2 Jude MURPHY Male JM15-17 19:22

3 Conor LUCEY Male VM35-39 19:31

4 Saoirse TWOMEY Female JW15-17 20:44

24 Mary MCHUGH Female VW40-44 24:50

27 Annie MCELROY Female JW11-14 West Muskerry A.C. 25:08

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/506/

Clonakilty: 33 this week, 42 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Naoise Ó FLAITHEARTAIGH Male SM20-24 17:41

2 Paul GAIMSTER Male VM50-54 Winchester Running Club 18:43

3 Bryan GALLWEY Male VM40-44 21:28

9 Helen O'REGAN Female VW40-44 Winchester Fit Club RC 24:53

10 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 25:16

12 Susan STEELE Female VW50-54 25:48

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/459/

Glengarriff Woods: 68 this week, 69 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:32

2 Ciaran MCELHINNEY Male SM30-34 20:35

3 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:49

6 Hilje LABUSCHAGNE Female VW35-39 24:17

14 Julia COOPER Female VW40-44 27:34

17 Mary MANNION Female VW55-59 28:29

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/377/

Bere Island: 23 this week, 64 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Dara O SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 21:28

2 Bob TRUSWELL Male VM50-54 21:38

5 David O'DRISCOLL Male VM60-64 27:26

3 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 22:29

4 Breeda O SULLIVAN Female VW55-59 Beara AC 24:21

7 Edel MURPHY Female VW55-59 28:55

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/470/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 27 finishers this week, 16 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Jose Manuel PABON  Male VM40-44 Ealing Eagles Running Club 22:19

2 Padraig COURTNEY Male VM40-44  23:01

3 Donnacha RONAN Male JM11-14 23:38

7 Emma O' SULLIVAN Female SW30-34 27:18

11 Sharon LEVIS Female VW40-44 29:06

14 Gráinne DEVERY Female VW40-44 Ealing Eagles Running Club 30:32

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/390/

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

Guest Post: The meaning of Christmas ...by Pat Walsh

 * The meaning of Christmas. *

What does it mean to you? A season to relax and enjoy or a time to be swamped by pressures and commercialization.

No pontificating or preaching here.

‘I'll protect you from the hooded claw
Keep the vampires from your door’

I urge you to just try to relax, be grateful for the ability to run at whatever pace and keep in touch with those around you.

A new pair of Vaporflys only puts pressure to run faster and a new Garmin gives you more statistics to perplex and depress you. Meeting a friend for an easy run might bring some fresh air, a chat, a cuppa and lots more benefits than any money can buy.

‘When the chips are down I'll be around
With my undying, death-defying love for you’

Money can’t buy you guaranteed health
It certainly can’t buy original hips and knees
Health is wealth, appreciate it
Could you put a price on going over a finish line
How much is a post race hug and cuppa worth
You don’t get a present of a finishers medal, you earn it
We have a new Greenway in East Cork that is free to use

We are not machines, think of us more as rechargeable batteries. Every now and then the levels are low and need a boost. This is a good a time as any. Also daylight is short and that can affect mood levels so try to get out as much as you can in daylight and take in the fresh air.

‘Let yourself be beautiful
Sparkling love, flowers
And pearls and pretty girls
Love is like an energy
Rushin' an' rushin' inside of me,’

Can you differentiate between what is important or what society has led you to believe is important. 
I urge you to slow down and take stock.
Make the contacts and keep in touch
Never be too old to enjoy the Christmas lights or pose for a silly picture
Smile, chat and brighten the world around you
The Power of Love

#pwr

Guest Post: ANOTHER FIRST FOR DENIS!...by John Walshe

Denis at the start in Youghal

ANOTHER FIRST FOR DENIS!   ... By John Walshe

As he himself says, it may not be as momentous as the first man on the moon but another statistic was added to Denis McCarthy’s remarkable list of achievements on Thursday (December 19) when he became the first to run the entire length of the newly-opened Youghal to Midleton Greenway.
 
Although the official opening doesn’t take place until the New Year, what was termed a ‘soft opening’ was enough for the East Cork athlete to lace up the shoes and rise to yet another challenge. The new section which extends from Youghal through Killeagh and Mogeely opened on midday and just a couple of minutes after noon Denis headed off into a strong headwind on his 14.2-mile (23km) trek.
 
“I suppose the first will always be remembered, whether it’s the first mile under four minutes or the first on the moon,” explained Denis on why he decided on this. “A man who would have inspired me in a small way was a West Limerick athlete, Tom Fitzgerald.
 
“Tom said something to me once which struck a chord; he was working in Cork on the construction of the Lee Tunnel and said to me one day he was the first man to run under water, so those little things inspired me to run the railway line.”

Passing through Mogeely after nine miles (15km)

Recently the 61-year-old notched up 10 years without missing a single day of running. This streak would have been much longer but for fracture to a bone in his leg back in 2013 which brought almost 28 years of continuous running to a brief suspension. But then, even while on crutches, he famously managed to complete the Shanagarry five-mile race in 71 minutes.
 
“There were eight days in which I actually did nothing, but then there were days trying to train while hobbling around in a medical walking boot until a doctor said to me I’d never heal like that, so I stopped running then and went on crutches.”
Last October, another milestone was reached when he competed in the Cork county senior cross-country championship for the 41st time (he has also ran the East Cork equivalent on 42 occasions). Back in the 1990s a different challenge came to fruition – that of running a race in each of the 32 counties on this island, before his 32nd birthday.

“It was a small bit daunting heading out this morning,” admitted Denis of his railway run. “My mileage is not particularly high at the moment but when I got as far as Killeagh I was fairly settled as I was familiar with the terrain after that, it’s only a short skip to Mogeely and then only five miles back to Midleton.”

Mission accomplished – the number on his chest says it all!

Cork BHAA calendar for 2025 announced

The Cork BHAA have released their provisional calendar for 2025 and there are 19 events listed. Thiis compares to 18 events in 2024, 17 events in 2023 and 14 events in 2022.

Here are a few of the things to note...

1) The Carey Tools race is a new one this year and it's scheduled for the 20th of August 2025.

2) The Amazon 5k, Apple Employees 5k and Thermo Fisher 5k were three new races last year and they're back on the calendar again this year.

3) The Radisson Blue 5k was on the 2024 calendar but didn't go ahead in the end. It's not on the 2025 calendar.

4) Both the UCC 10k and Cork to Cobh race seem to be gone for good.

As with any race calendar, the dates are provisional for now and might change.

If there are any changes, I'll update the race calendar.

The Cork BHAA races tend to be the most popular on the Cork race calendar due to the low entry fees and the social aspect. It's like 2025 will be more of the same.

UCC survey of Male marathon runners...

Researchers at University College Cork and the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) are looking to understand "Male marathon runners awareness and knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease and associated disease risk factors" and would like your help with their survey.

---

Update: 18th Dec 2024 - Catherine O’Riordan of the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery has been in touch about the survey and would like to thank the 350 or so who have taken part so far.

Catherine sent on a link to a recently published academic paper on the topic...  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10467474/pdf/10.1177_19417381231176534.pdf

Catherine said that the survey is still open and sends on the following... "We are so grateful to the 350 participants who have completed the survey to date. We are hoping to get more participants to complete the survey if they consent to do so."

---

If you would like to take part in this anonymous online survey you can click this link bit.ly/3C7IvcQ

Results of the Cloyne Commons 4k - Sun 15th Dec 2024

There was another big turnout for the Cloyne Commons 4k on Sun 15th Dec 2024 with 333 runners finishing. This was the second race in the winter series. 

Top 3 men & women...
1 837 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 12:53
2 749 Matthew Mahony Midleton AC MJ 13:20
3 750 Paul Cashman Watergrasshill AC M45 13:21
13 583 Rebecca McEvoy St Finbarrs F 14:28
31 807 Sinead Falvey Midleton AC F40 15:25
32 753 Clare O Hanlon Ballintotis Fit 4 Life F45 15:26

Full results below...

Updated 17th Dec - The results are now updated with the correct times.

Position Race Number Name Club Category Time

1 837 Nick O Donoghue East Cork AC M35 12:53

2 749 Matthew Mahony Midleton AC MJ 13:20

3 750 Paul Cashman Watergrasshill AC M45 13:21

4 845 Tim Hartnett Unattached M 13:55

5 803 Fionn Buckley Unattached MJ 13:58

6 763 Shane Kearney St Catherines AC M45 14:03

7 752 Patrick Troy Ballintotis Fit 4 Life M45 14:09

8 759 Rod Scanlan Midleton AC M40 14:10

9 835 Corneilus Marshall St Finbarrs M45 14:11

10 711 Paul Spiteri Midleton AC M45 14:16

Results of the Cork BHAA Simon Turkey Trot 5k - Sun 15th Dec 2024

The annual Cork BHAA SIMON 5k Turkey Trot was held in Blackrock in Cork City on Sun 15th Dec 2024 with a total of 365 runners crossing the finish line. That might possibly be a new record for this event as it was two more than the 363 of 2014.

While the top 3 men and women are shown below, the actual winners of the race were those who finished as close as possible to their predicted finish time.

Top 3 men & women...  
1 Darragh Mulcahy 16:42 
2 Eoin O'Keeffe 16:43 
3 John Longan 17:02 
14 Emma Doyle 18:42 
33 Kathleen Ryan 20:23 
38 Lilly Manning 20:41 

Full results HERE

The entry for this event was €10 per person and all proceeds went to Cork Simon Community.

Joe Murphy has a few photos HERE

Results of the 5k parkruns in Cork - Sat 14th Dec 2024

Results of the 5k parkruns around the county on Saturday 14th Dec 2024. Approximately 854 runners and walkers took part in the 10 events in Co Cork.

Report... After Storm Darragh last weekend, the conditions for the ten 5k parkruns in Co Cork this weekend were a lot more benign.

Mallow... Well done to Deirdre Collins who completed her 100th 5k parkrun this weekend in Mallow.

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

***

Ballincollig Regional Park: 259 this week, 162 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Michael O DONOGHUE Male VM45-49 18:11

2 Andy GOULDING Male VM35-39 Leevale AC 18:21

3 Alan O'SULLIVAN Male VM40-44 Eagle A.C. 18:43

7 Laura CUSSEN Female SW25-29 19:26

29 Sarah TREACY Female VW35-39 Watergrasshill AC 21:33

40 Patricia VICARIO Female VW45-49 22:52

Ballincollig results... https://www.parkrun.ie/ballincollig/results/353/

Tramore Valley Park: 166 this week, 113 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Daniel HORGAN Male JM11-14 Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC 17:39

2 Conrad WATT Male VM35-39 Cork Track Club 17:43

3 Michael BYRNE Male VM40-44 17:44

14 Catherine TUCKER Female SW30-34 Durham City Harriers AC 20:24

16 Lara BYRNE Female JW11-14 20:32

18 Daniela AFONSO Female SW25-29 20:47

Tramore Valley Park results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/tramorevalley/results/133/

Glen River: 67 this week, 64 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Loic GAREL Male VM40-44 St Finbarrs AC 19:22

2 Michael AHERN Male SM25-29 20:27

3 Sean LYNCH Male SM20-24 20:53

20 Claire MCGONAGLE Female VW55-59 26:27

22 Elaine MOORE Female VW45-49 Togher AC 27:27

25 Sylvia CRONIN Female VW35-39 Happy Feet (Blarney) 28:07

Glen River results...  https://www.parkrun.ie/glenriver/results/236/

Mallow Castle: 64 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Donal COLLINS Male VM45-49 Bweeng Trail Blazers 18:01

2 Fanahan MCSWEENEY Male SM30-34 19:14

3 Ken DEANE Male VM40-44 19:47

13 Martina LYONS Female VW50-54 22:33

16 Muireann MURPHY Female JW11-14 22:51

20 Sophie COLLINS Female JW11-14 Bweeng Trail Blazers 24:02

Mallow results... https://www.parkrun.ie/mallowcastle/results/161/

Youghal (Pobalscoil ne Tríonóide) : 52 this week, cancelled last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Noel EARLY Male VM40-44 St Catherines AC 18:25

2 Robert RIORDAN Male SM18-19 18:46

3 Cian HOGAN Male JM15-17 20:43

7 Aileen HURLEY Female SW25-29 22:57

12 Claire MURPHY Female VW50-54 26:16

15 Melanie KELLY Female VW60-64 27:12

Youghal results... https://www.parkrun.ie/pobalscoilnatrionoide/results/137/

Macroom Castle Demense: 55 this week, 27 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Finn YORE Male JM15-17 West Muskerry A.C. 16:05

2 John O'DONOGHUE Male SM30-34 19:09

3 Padraig SHEAHAN Male VM55-59 Millstreet Athletic Club 21:36

13 Aisling BUCKLEY Female SW25-29 24:14

24 Mary LUCEY Female VW40-44 West Muskerry A.C. 25:49

25 Carmel PURCELL Female VW45-49 West Muskerry A.C. 25:50

Macroom results... https://www.parkrun.ie/macroomcastledemesne/results/505/

Clonakilty: 42 this week, 14 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Rory MOLONEY Male VM35-39 18:49

2 Ciarán BOUSE Male VM45-49 Eagle A.C. 19:34

3 Shane WINTERS Male JM11-14 19:42

11 Sandra WALSH Female VW50-54 23:43

14 Eileen MCCARTHY Female VW55-59 Galway City Harriers 24:16

15 Grainne MULCAHY Female SW20-24 24:18

Clonakilty results... https://www.parkrun.ie/clonakilty/results/458/

Glengarriff Woods: 69 this week, 21 last week.

Top 3 men & women...

1 Trevor MCGUIRK Male VM40-44 19:44

2 Billy O MAHONY Male JM15-17 21:10

3 Donal MC GRATH Male VM40-44 21:23

8 Maria HURLEY Female VW60-64 Bantry Athletic Club 24:50

10 Lora SMITE Female SW18-19 27:55

11 Julia COOPER Female VW40-44 27:55

Glengarriff results... https://www.parkrun.ie/glengarriff/results/376/

Bere Island: 64 this week, 13 last week. 

First 3 men & women...

1 Michelagh MURPHY Female SW20-24 21:12

5 Laura O' SULLIVAN FENTON Female VW40-44 Beara AC 23:22

11 Annie OSULLIVAN Female JW11-14 27:20

2 Liam OCONNOR Male VM45-49 21:18

3 Cyril MCNAMARA Male VM55-59 22:28

4 Odhran MINIHANE Male JM11-14 23:14

Bere Island results... https://www.parkrun.ie/bereisland/results/469/

Castlehaven (Rineen Woods): 16 finishers this week, 9 last week.

First 3 men & women...

1 Donncha O BRIEN Male VM45-49 23:43

2 Donnacha MC CARTHY Male VM35-39 23:48

3 Luke CONNOLLY Male JM10 26:12

7 Frances LYNCH Female VW60-64 Sanctuary Runners 30:28

8 Sharon POULTER Female VW40-44 30:43

9 Celine BUCKLEY Female VW50-54 Castlehaven GAA 32:41

Castlehaven results... https://www.parkrun.ie/castlehaven/results/389/

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

Guest Post: Baltic ...by Pat Walsh

* Baltic *

“Will we run this evening?” they said. “It will be a grand night and good for us.”

Sweet Lord, with a wind from the North that originates somewhere near Lapland it could be absolutely Baltic out there.

I bet Santa would love wind like this in 2 weeks time to drive him on. He would have the whole business wrapped up in no time and home early for the dinner.

I honestly think there is Spanish and Mediterranean blood in me somewhere. No DNA here with the hordes of Vikings or the Celtic Tribes who came across from Northern Europe. My gang slipped up the West Coast from near Bilbao along the Bay of Biscay and landed in the West Coast of Ireland a few hundred years ago. 

“Throw on a few layers”, they said and “you will be fine.

Layers, Layers… I will have about 15 layers on. Have you ever seen an onion running? I bet not.

If my woolly cap is well down around my ears and my neck warmer pulled up then there will only be a small strip of flesh about an inch wide across my face exposed. My family wouldn’t even recognize me like this.

I wonder would anyone know I was wearing 2 pairs of socks? I could loosen the laces on my shoes.

I don’t do well in the cold, maybe in a previous life I lived in the Sub-Sahara and was running for Kenya or Ethiopia.

And don’t get me started on my skin condition. Between the cold and the wind chill my moisturizing routine will need a radical overhaul after this. Blotchy cheeks isn’t a good look for party season however a Big Red Nose may be a touch seasonal.

Part 2.... 😃 Wossie

Run finished, showered and changed. Sitting, relaxing in front of the fire with a cuppa.

Great night out there. I was lifting. Not sure about some of the others and all the moaning and groaning. A pack of Wossies.  

I’m a 100% Hard Man able for anything the weather throws at me. Nothing gets the better of me, nor have any doubts ever crossed my mind.

Running in the heat sometimes can be hard but with the cold no fear of overheating or dehydrating is just the business.

Some said they were a bit dubious about the weather and wondering should they even go for a run. 

Never ever would I entertain such negative or silly thoughts.

#pwr

No Clonakilty marathon in 2024...

With all of the road races on the calendar, it's easy to forget that the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon was usually on at this time of year. There is no sign of it in 2024 and not even a mention of it on their Facebook page.

While the event has had its critics over the years, it still had a large following. The 2023 edition had a total of 1236 finishers between the full, half & 10k which is no small number and a lot of people treated the trip to Clonakilty as a weekend away.

Here are some of the recent comments that went up on their Facebook page under old posts from last year...

"Can you please let us know if the marathon is going ahead this year? i have run the last 4 marathons. there is another race i can do instead last week of November but it will sell out soon so please can you let us know."

"I just lost my spot in the waterford 1/2 marathon as i was waiting for a response from you guys if this was going ahead. not responding to those who have supported your race year on year is not right😡"

"Any news on Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon?"

"What a Shame & What a let down. 😪"

"Any update Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon please. Either way I think you need to just tell people, I've supported this wonderful marathon for many years and would still do it with late notice. 🙏"

"Hi there, also wondering if it’s going ahead this year? Thanks"

All of these comments and requests for information have been met with silence from the organisers.

It costs nothing to just say 'Sorry, there will be no event in 2024'. It's disappointing to see a complete lack of any communication and it shows a lack of respect for those who have supported the event over the years.

Will it be back in 2025? Or is it gone for good?

Notice: Dungarvan 10-mile road race - Sun 2nd Feb 2025

The biggest 10-miler in Munster is the  hugely popular John Treacy Dungarvan 10-mile road race which is organised by West Waterford AC and it's coming up on Sunday 2nd February 2025. 

Dates & Entries...

1) Entries opened on the 2nd of Dec 2024 for Athletics Ireland club members

2) Entries for everyone including non-club runners opens on Fri 9th Dec 2024.

The entry link is https://eventmaster.ie/event/wBARCPySRQ

Info... Note that there are 3,750 spaces for this race which is a huge amount. They expanded the entry number by 25% in 2023 to cater for the demand and the new limit stays at that limit.

Remember that most runners are not members of an athletics club. Entries may have opened on the 2nd of December for club runners but the main entry is on the 9th of December.

It took 3-weeks to sell out last year so you don't need to panic. Just decide if you want to do this race and then enter reasonably soon. 

The Trim 10-mile in Co Meath is on the same day and that sold out recently. That might dampen some of the demand for Dungarvan 10-mile entries from runners in Dublin.

From West Waterford AC... "West Waterford athletic club are delighted to announce that entries for our 33rd annual 10 mile event The John Treacy Dungarvan 10  entry will open online only on eventmaster.ie  on Monday December 2nd & 9th.

The event now in its 33rd year has established itself as a must run race on the Irish road running calendar with participants from all four corners of the country and beyond participating. The race has grown year on year from humble beginnings 33 years ago. 

This year the organisers due to the demand for entries for the race will keep the entry number to 3,750 entries, this we hope will see all runners wishing to run the event in 2025 getting an entry to do so. Please note that this event usually sells out well before closing date so do get your entry in if you intend running on Sunday February 2nd 2025.

The John Treacy Dungrvan 10 brings together the ideal race combination of fun runners, joggers, club athletes and top class internationals who compete over a fast flat 10 mile course around the historic town of Dungarvan as we all look forward to an even bigger and better event on Sunday February 2nd next. 

To stage such a big event of course requires good sponsor’s and we are fortunate to have the support many associate sponsors and many local businesses and individuals who are all giving valuable support helping to make the day a great occasion for the town of Dungarvan. 

All race details can be found at www.dungarvan10mile.org"

Results & Photos of the Newmarket 5k - Sun 8th Dec 2024

There was a huge jump in numbers for this years Newmarket 5k road race in NW Cork on Sun 8th Dec 2024 with a total of 721 runners crossing the finish line, up almost 48% on last year.

This is now one of the premier club 5k road races in Co Cork with 124 runners finishing under 18-mins and 266 finishing under 20-mins which is just over 36% of the field.

Top 3 men & women...
1 Michael Power West Waterford AC 14:34 MS 854
2 Ryan Creech Leevale AC 14:48 MS 1225
3 Gavin O'Rourke Leevale AC  14:50 MS 800
32 Shona Heaslip An Riocht AC  15:53 FS 1216
49 Ide Nicdhomhnaill West Limerick AC 16:23 F35 637
80 Niamh Moore Leevale AC 17:09 FS 864

Full results HERE

Photos...

1) There are loads of photos up on the Running in Cork Facebook page.
a) Pre-race photos
b) Finish Line - Album 1 of 6
c) Finish Line - Album 2 of 6

d) Finish Line - Album 3 of 6

e) Finish Line - Album 4 of 6

f) Finish Line - Album 5 of 6

g) Finish Line - Album 6 of 6

First place finish for Michael Power of West Waterford AC

Shona Heaslip of An Ríocht AC was the first woman home