Notice...Charleville Half-Marathon - Sun 21st Sept 2014

The Charleville Half-Marathon is coming up on Sunday, the 21st of September and it is widely recognised as being one of the fastest courses in the country.

It is also the final race of 6 in the ongoing Ballyhoura Cork race series.

Proceeds from the race go towards the development of North Cork Athletic Club and St.Josephs Foundation where the race is hosted.

The entry fees are as follows…
€35 up to and including the 31st of July 2014
€40 Individual Entry Fee until September 4th
€45 Late Entry Fee from Sept 5th until Sept. 19th online
No Race Day entry available.

You can enter online for the Half-Marathon here until the 19th September http://www.charlevillehalf.com/registration/

Course Preview......You can see a preview of the course HERE

An Evening with David Gillick...Clonmel...Tues 12th Aug 2014

From the Organisers........An Evening with David Gillick
We are delighted to have hooked up with New Balance to present David Gillick , two time European 400 M Gold Medalist at the Park Hotel in Poppyfields Clonmel on Tuesday 12th August @ 7:00 p.m.
David, who is also the current Celebrity Masterchef Ireland Champion, will commence the night with a short Training run. He will then return to the Park Hotel and present a Cookery Demonstration on Healthy eating for runners, followed by a Question and Answer Session on Training, Racing and footwear.

The emphasis is on an informal , fun night and it should be a very interesting evening.
The Event is Free on the night, but there will be a collection for the South Tipperary Hospice. Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited.Places can be booked by contacting us at 051 641826 or on Facebook before Friday 8th August. Please attend in your running gear.

Tipperary...Results of the Ballynonty 10 mile road race - Sun 27th July 2014

A nice crowd of 86 runners turned out for this years Ballynonty 10 mile road race, well up from the 44 of last year. As races go, this one is a bit of a gem in that it is a good quality 10 mile race and it only costs €10 to enter.

Conditions for the race were warm with some hazy sunshine present for most of it. This made things a bit difficult but there were plenty of water stations out along the course to make up for it.

These were the top 3 men and women

1 53:24    MAHER, Brian    Kilkenny City Harriers    M35    05:20.3
2 53:38    EVANS, Tommy    Gowran AC    M35    05:21.7
3 56:07    SMITH, Danny    Ballynonty AC    M35    05:36.6
24 1:03:53 MCCANN, Angela    Clonmel AC    F40    06:23.2
26 1:04:25 LOUGHNANE, Madeline    Thurles Crokes AC    F    06:26.4
39 1:09:09 GROGAN, Linda    unatt/Cashell    F    06:54.8

The full results can be seen on the Ballynonty AC website.

One particular result of note was that of Kieran Stack of North Cork AC who was 2nd over 50...
21    1:03:25    STACK, Kieran    North Cork AC    M50    06:20.4

Kieran was back in the 1980's one of the top steeplechase runners in the country and is currently ranked third on the Irish all time list...
3000 m steeplechase
1 8:24.09    Brendan Quinn 26 Jul 60 Bruxelles 30 Aug 1985
2 8:27.24    Liam O'Brien 11 Oct 54 London 24 Jun 1984
3 8:29.60    Kieran Stack 11 May 63 Austin TX 31 May 1985

Photos...
1) Clonmel AC have a very nice gallery on their Facebook page HERE

Notice...Clonmel Half-Marathon - Sun 17th Aug 2014

The Clonmel Half-Marathon is coming up on Sunday the 17th of August 2014 and there is an entry limit of 750 runners. Since it first started back in 2010, it has grown in popularity and if you are interested then you should enter as soon as possible.

Here is a note from Clonmel AC.......Entries for this year’s event on Sunday 17th August are going very well, double what they were at this time last year, so much so that the limit of 750 will be reached before race day and once that number is reached entries will close and there will be no Exceptions. Also it is well worth noting that this Half Marathon is fantastic value for 25 Euros, voted the best Half Marathon in Munster 2013, and that special offer will run out on July 31st. This is also the closing date for the Postal entries, so the advice is enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. To enter click on the Boston Scientific Half Marathon logo on the home page of our website www.clonmelac.com. If you have any queries, please contact Niall at 086 1660888.

The race website is http://www.clonmelathleticclub.com/

Clare...Results of the Dulick Motors 4 mile road race - Sat 26th July 2014

85 runners and walkers took part in this charity race in Ennis, Co.Clare

1  21:14    JULIO CESAR F CASTRO,     Kilmurry Ibrickane North Clare    M
2  21:30    KEITH LYNCH,     B.M.O.H.     M
3  22:00    THOMAS GRIMES,     East London Runners    M
1  24:59    IMOGEN COTTER,     Ennis Track  A. C.    F
2  25:18    CUSHLA BRID HEHIR,     Ennis Track  A. C.    F
3  25:34    CAOIMHIE HARVEY,     St Johns A. C.    F

The full results can be seen HERE

Reminder...Ballynonty 10 mile in Tipperary on Sunday 27th July 2014

Just a reminder that the Ballynonty 10 mile road race is coming up on Sunday the 27th of July with an 11am start.

The race could probably be best described as a simple back to basics no frills 10 mile road race. No chip timing, no dry fit tops or all of the other stuff. Just a good quality 10 mile road race organised by a small athletics club with fine spread afterwards. The entry fee is €10.

More details in this earlier post.

Clare...Results of the MMRA Killaloe Trail Race - Wed 23rd July 2014

Long Course
1 34:15 2594 Mike Cunningham
2 34:45 2582 Tom Blackburn
3 36:03 2956 James McIntyre
4 36:33 1942 Thomas Klimas
5 37:14 2228 Brian Lawlor
6 37:40 2729 Kieran Lees
7 38:00 2614 Mark Murray
8 40:23 2501 John Kelly
9 41:16 2768 David Ghilardi
10 41:39 2504 Damian Holian
11 42:00 2964 John O'Shea
12 42:04 2230 Sean Treacy
13 42:08 2988 Andreas Wust
14 42:12 2975 Niall O'Riordan
15 42:29 2231 Peter Cantwell
16 42:30 2958 Danial Gallagher
17 43:22 2963 Liam Liddy
18 43:47 2896 Patrick McGowan
19 45:15 2929 John Foley
20 46:19 2969 Mike Cooney
21 46:52 2734 Tomas Lees
22 47:07 2593 Deirdre Finn
23 48:18 2229 Cormac O'Sullivan
24 48:38 2114 John Duncan
25 51:55 2252 Patrick Murphy
26 52:00 2947 Sinead McDermot
27 52:15 2966 Edel Hennessy
28 52:50 2233 Mary Murnane
29 53:00 2944 Maire O'Sullivan
30 53:40 2519 William McCarthy
31 53:43 2938 Tom Deere

Short Course
1 30:36 2959 Paul Fitzgerald
2 35:18 2615 Robert Cunningham
3 35:38 2227 Stephen Casey
4 44:24 2115 Eoghan Saddlier

Kerry...Results of the Barraduff 1 mile road race - Fri 25th July 2014

Results from the first race of the Summer Mile Series organised by Gneeveguilla AC...
Position Race No Name Club Category Time
1 103 Robert Purcell Jnr Gneeveguilla AC SnrM 04:43
2 116 Matthew Collins Gneeveguilla AC JnrM 04:45
3 111 Conor O'Mahony Tralee Harriers AC JnrM 04:56
4 114 Martin Dineen An Riocht SnrM 04:59
5 115 Niall Collins Unattached M40 05:00
6 122 Donal Kelly Unattached M40 05:06
7 110 David O'Keeffe Gneeveguilla AC JnrM 05:07
8 128 Carol Finn Leevale Ac SnrF 05:10
9 124 Denis Keane Unattached SnrM 05:22
10 117 John Paul Breen Gneeveguilla AC JnrM 05:23
11 112 Mícheál Ó Sé Farranfore Maine Valley AC JnrM 05:24
12 102 Andrew Purcell Gneeveguilla AC U16M 05:27
13 121 Siobhan Daly An Riocht SnrF 05:28
14 130 Francis Cronin Gneeveguilla AC U14M 05:31
15 127 Caroline McCarthy Unattached F40 06:03
16 126 Caroline Murphy Gneeveguilla AC F50 06:11
17 107 Donal Burke Millstreet Ac U12M 06:15
18 100 Julie Purcell Unattached SnrF 06:20
19 123 Eoin Kelly Gneeveguilla AC U12M 06:32
20 118 Orla Buckley Millstreet Ac U14F 06:33
21 105 Delia Foley Gneeveguilla AC U10F 06:55
22 125 Mary O'Connell Gneeveguilla AC F40 06:57
23 119 Ian Buckley Millstreet Ac U12M 07:24
24 109 Nora Flynn Gneeveguilla AC F50 07:37
25 101 Clare Purcell Unattached Snr F 07:44
26 129 Helena O'Riordan Unattached SnrF 07:53
27 113 Hannah McCarthy Unattached SnrF 08:01
28 104 Danielle O'Riordan Gneeveguilla AC U10F 08:30
29 120 Maeve Buckley Millstreet Ac U10F 08:42
30 108 Shannon Burke Millstreet Ac U10F 08:44
31 106 Maria Foley Unattached SnrF 14:39

The next mile race is on Friday, August 8th in Fossa at 7:30pm.

Waterford...Results of the Ballymacarbry 5 mile road race - Fri 25th July 2014

19TH ANNUAL DOOCEYS ORIEL BAR BALLYMACARBRY 5 MILE ROAD RACE
MENS
1st Kevin Mansell Clonmel AC 25.55
2nd Philip Harty West Waterford AC 26.11
3rd Trevor Power Waterford AC 26.54
0/40 Alan Ryan West Waterford AC 30.52
0/45 Jin Baldwin Waterford AC 29.56
0/50 Ray Hahesy West Waterford AC 31.09
0/55 Tommy Cahill Clonmel AC 33.51
Junior Philip Hunter Sligo AC 30.42
LADIES RESULTS
Ladies Results
1st Orna Murray Ferrybank AC 30.12
2nd Angela Mc Cann Clonmel AC 31.16
3rd Sinead Mansfield West Waterford AC 32.20
0/35 Mary Molloy IND 34.55
0/40 Brigid Coffey West Waterford AC 39.23
0/45 Ann Dunford West Waterford AC 37.49
0/50 Una Uí Mhuirithe IND 34.34
Junior Ciara Burke IND 37.46

The full results can be seen HERE

Kerry Notice...Gneeveguilla AC One Mile Summer Series - July & Aug 2014

Gneeveguilla AC have recently announced a new one mile race series for the months of July and August in Co.Kerry...

Barraduff is on the N72 road from Killarney to Mallow. Registration for the first race takes place in Sweeney’s bar, Barraduff from 6:30 pm. Please note that this race will start at 7:30 sharp.

Fossa is just a few kms west of Killarney on the road to Killorglin. Just after you pass the turn off for Milltown/Dingle, look for the church on the left.

Knocknagree is well signposted from the centre of Rathmore on the N72 Killarney to Mallow road.

The small village of Gneeveguilla is a few kms tothe north-west of Rathmore. About 1.2 kms west of Rathmore on the way to Killarney, you’ll find the turn off for Gneeveguilla which is 4kms from the N72 road.

There is a special page for the series on the Gneeveuilla AC website.

Notice...Piltown 10k road race, Kilkenny - Fri 1st Aug 2014

The 5th and final race in the Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge takes place in Piltown, Co.Kilkenny on Friday, the 1st of August at 7:30pm.

Info from the organisers Carrick Road Runners...The fifth and final race in the 2014 OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge will take place on Friday next, August 1st, with the seventh annual running of the Morris Oil Piltown 10k in County Kilkenny. The race will start on the grounds of Kildalton Horticultural College, Piltown, at 7:30pm and takes in the scenic college grounds and some quiet country roads before finishing in Piltown GAA Club grounds. The race route is very fast and provides runners with a great opportunity to achieve a personal best time for the 10k distance. Last year's race was won by Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) in a time of 31:37 with Carrick AC's Martina O' Dwyer taking the ladies' race in 37:47.

Race entry is €10 and entries will be taken in Piltown GAA Club from 6pm. There will be prizes in all the usual categories and all runners who complete four of the five races in this year's challenge will receive a Ron Hill voucher which can be redeemed at OutfieldSports, Carrick-on-Suir. The overall series prizes of €150 for both men and women will also be presented on the night.

Parking and changing/shower facilities will be available at Piltown GAA Club and prize-giving and post-race refreshments will also be in the club's complex. For further details contact Mark (086-1608165) or Susan (087-2931430).

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

Waterford...Results of the Kill 7k road race - Sun 20th July 2014

38 people took part in the Kill 7k in Waterford
Men
1 0:23’00 101 Brian Murphy Carrick On Suir AC
2 0:25’27 117 Patrick Roche Carrick On Suir AC
3 0:26’42 118 Ian Grant
4 0:27’29 103 Dave Roche
5 0:29’34 134 Dermot Power
6 0:30’06 127 William Quinlan Waterford AC
7 0:30’07 148 Alan Whelan Waterford AC
8 0:30’44 150 Emmet Cullinane
9 0:30’53 147 David Lenihan
10 0:31’43 109 Trevor Foley St Joseph’s
11 0:31’57 141 Hilary Sullivan
12 0:33’14 119 Con Kelleher Waterford AC
13 0:34’16 135 Ed Baltye Waterford AC
14 0:34’45 149 Eddie Walsh
15 0:34’51 113 Keith Norris
16 0:34’58 116 Aidan Galvin
17 0:35’47 115 Mark Dunphy
18 0:36’21 140 Eddie Fitzgerald
19 0:36’22 128 Brian Jackman
20 0:38’04 102 Daniel Murphy Ferrybank AC
21 0:38’08 144 Michael McCarthy
22 0:38’59 123 Charlie Johnson
Ladies
1 0:29’48 142 Naomi Doonan
2 0:30’01 120 Stephanie Culligan
3 0:30’32 112 Evelyn Horan
4 0:31’01 130 Janet Quinlan
5 0:33’26 110 Maggie Griffith
6 0:33’36 108 Karen Holmes St Joseph’s
7 0:34’01 125 Geraldine Maher
8 0:34’07 106 Jane Murphy
9 0:35’01 136 Emma Brent Waterford AC
10 0:35’23 107 Deirdre Cronin Waterford AC
11 0:36’45 131 Clodagh McGuire Ferrybank AC
12 0:36’45 132 Hannah McGuire Ferrybank AC
13 0:39’42 105 Nicole Kent
14 0:40’12 124 Hazel O’Brien
15 0:42’22 143 Eileen O’Connell
16 0:45’50 139 Sharon Nugent

Kerry...Results of the Run Killarney Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k - Sat 19th July 2014

The Run Killarney Marathon, Half-Marathon & 10k was held on Saturday the 19th of July 2014.

This event first started off back in 2010 I believe when it was the 15 mile "Maxi-Marathon". At the time, the distance seemed a bit strange in that 15 miles is not usual for a race.

Every year since, it has changed with different options being added. There was a half-marathon option which would go on to prove way more popular than the 15 mile distance. A 10k was added to appeal to those who preferred shorter distances and then a full marathon race of 26.2 miles was added.

There have been a few bumps along the way as the event changed and improved. I have been involved in putting together the pacing teams for this event since they were first featured in 2013 and took part in the half and maxi in previous years. 2014 was without doubt the best year so far.

It was very obvious last Saturday just the level of organisation that goes into an event like this with multiple races. Some of the big pluses this year...
a) Posting out race numbers to runners so that they are not forced to come to Killarney the previous evening. People should have a choice as to whether they want to stay in Killarney the previous night or want to drive there that morning. Big plus.
b) Plenty of water...lots of race stewards.....and of course, the closed road from Molls Gap to Killarney.
c) Getting a stew at the hotel at the Gleneagle Hotel after the race......way better than last year.
d) Nice dry fit top without the huge 'the most beautiful race' nonsense on the back of it like in previous years. i.e. people are much more likely to wear it for training.
e) Medals and trophies......locally sourced from Monson Irish Jewelry in Ballyheigue rather than something mass produced in China.

Killarney is a really good venue for staying the night before and there seems to be always something on. This year, it was an Irish music festival. It's a great spot for a group to travel away to for the weekend and it's easy to imagine the difference an event like this with 1500+ runners makes to the town. There seems to be more choice than ever on the race calendar but the fact that it is in Killarney alone will make this one remain a favourite with many people.

Results......
These were 112 in the full marathon with women making up 21% of the field.

Full Marathon...
1 Ages 40-49       Eugene MCCARTHY   2:47:32
2 Senior               Mark GUERIN      3:00:09
3 Senior               Vivian MOLONEY   3:03:15
1 Senior               Melissah GIBSON  3:17:49
2 Ages 40-49       Caroline KELLY       3:28:45
3 Senior              Aideen SHINNERS   3:41:07

The full marathon results can be seen HERE


**************
The half-marathon in contrast had big numbers again this year with 700 taking part. Women made up 46% of the field.

Half Marathon
1 Senior        Philip HARTY         1:10:55
2 Senior        Conor MCCAULEY   1:16:17
3 Senior        Donal White           1:20:14
1 Ages 40-49      Emilia DAN          1:28:04
2 Ages 40-49      Caitriona BARRY   1:29:34
3 Senior               Aoife JOYCE    1:29:41

The half-marathon results can be seen HERE

***********
10K
1 Senior       Micheal DULLEA    33:58
2 Senior       Stephen YOUNG     37:27
3 Senior       Shane SPELLMAN    39:22
1 Senior        Maria MCCARTHY   37:46
2 Senior        Siobhan DALY      42:57
3 Senior        Clodagh GALVIN    43:27

In the 10k race, women made up 66% of the field with 755 taking part overall. The 10k results can be seen HERE

************
Photos....
1) The organisers have loads on their Facebook page.
Album 1...49 photos...Start of the 10k and some half finishers...HERE
Album 2...51 photos...Mostly half-marathon finishers...HERE
Album 3...50 photos...Finish line photos Half & 10k...HERE
Album 4...24 photos...Mostly of the early stages of the Marathon...HERE
Album 5...25 photos...Marathon & half runners out on the course...HERE
Album 6...51 photos...Half runners out on the course...HERE
Album 7...29 photos...Mostly of half runner out on course...HERE
Album 8...51 photos...Half runners out on the course...HERE
Album 9...51 photos...Half and 10k runners out on course...HERE
Album 10...32 photos...10k runners out on course...HERE
Album 11...51 photos...Finish area...HERE 
Album 12...60 photos...Finish area...HERE

2) Kieran Minihane has a nice gallery of 382 photos HERE

Clare...Results of the Tulla UTD Soccer Club 10k - Fri 18th July 2014

A small crowd of 64 runners turned out for this 10k in Co.Clare

1 33:32    JULIO CESAR F CASTRO,     Kilmurry Ibrickane North Clare M
2 34:43    JAMES LIDDANE,     B.M.O.H.    M
3 35:21    MIKE CUNNINGHAM,     Mooreabbey Milers    M45
8 41:10    VERONICA COLLERAN,     Ennis Track  A. C.    F
11 42:45    RITA KIERSE,     St Marys A. C.    F50
13 43:16    FIONA KINSELLA,     Kilmurry Ibrickane North Clare F45

The full results are HERE

Photos...
1) A number of photos from James Sexton can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Clerihan 5 mile road race - Fri 18th July 2014

A record 276 runners turned out for this years Clerihan 5 mile road race in Tipperary. 

1    ANDREW CONNICK    FERRYBANK AC    SM    25:26    1st Man
2    DAVID RYAN    CLONMEL AC    SM    26:52    2nd Man
3    IRIN O BYRNE    WATERFORD AC    SM    26:55    3rd Man
16    MADELINE LOUGHANE    THURLES CROKES AC    SF    30:47    1st Lady
19    CLARE ANNAN    CARRICK ON SUIR A C    SF    30:59    2nd Lady
26    ANGELA MCCANN    CLONMEL AC    F40    31:16    3rd lady

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Tipperary Photos have a gallery on their Facebook page HERE

Report from Clonmel AC...The Clerihan 5 mile road race took place in warm conditions last night and attracted a record entry of 276 athletes. This was a fitting tribute as this race also honoured two of Clonmel Athletic Club's finest athletes, Laura Taylor and Joe Grinsell.

The competition at the front of the field was very keen with Andrew Connick of Ferrybank going well clear as they approached the first water station. He kept that strong pace going all the way to win in a brilliant time of 25 mins 26 secs. This brilliant performance by Andrew also broke the old record of 25:59 set by Michael Harty of East Cork last year, a great performance.

There was a good ding dong battle for 2nd spot from early on between David Ryan (Clonmel) and Erin O Byrne (Waterford) with David edging it close to the line to finish 2nd in 26:52. To add to his fine performance, he was absolutely delighted to win the Joe Grinsell Perpetual Shield as the 1st County man home. For the record Erin's time was 26:55.

In the Ladies race Madeline Loughnane of Thurles Crokes ran very well to win in 30 mins 47 secs with Clare Annan of Carrick on Suir 2nd in 30 mins 59 secs and Angela McCann of Clonmel 3rd in 31:16. Madeline was also the winner of the Laura Taylor Perpetual Shield as the 1st County lady finisher.

The other category winners were Men over 40 Gerard O Loughlin Carrick on Suir 29:41, men over 45 Conor Fleming Clonmel AC 29:56, men over 50 John Walsh Clonmel AC 31:02, Men over 55 Tommy Cahill Clonmel AC 33:29, Men over 60 John Foley West Waterford 38:55.

The Ladies categories were won by Catherine Rice Clonmel AC 1st 0/35 35:32, Yvonne O Connor Clonmel Ac 1st 0/40 36:41, Martina Ryan Thurles Crokes 1st 0/45 34:24, Bernie Hopkins Clonmel AC 41:34 and Nellie Ryan Kildare 1st 0/60 71:37.

The organising committee would like to thank everyone who helped to make this event such a brilliant success.

Waterford...Results of the Alan Everett Woodstown 5 mile race - Fri 18th July 2014

203 runners took part in this years Alen Everett Woodstown 5 mile road race in Waterford.

1    QUINN    SHANE 24:56    4:59/M    MS    Ferrybank AC
2    DOONEY    KEVIN 25:16    5:03/M    MS    Raheny Shamrock AC
3    SHEIL    NIALL  26:51    5:22/M    MS    St Killians
6    SISSON    EMILY  27:17    5:27/M    FS    Providence
13    CARTHY    JACKIE  29:59 6:00/M    F40    Kilmore AC
14    MURRAY    ORNA 30:04    6:01/M    FS    Ferrybank AC

The full results can be seen HERE

New One Mile Series in Cork/Kerry

New One Mile Race Series coming up in North-West Cork & East Kerry. Details to follow...

Kerry...Results of the Brandon Bay Beach Fun Runs - Sat 12th July 2014

Results of the Brandon Bay Beach Fun Runs over approx 13.1 miles and 10k.

10k
1    Aodh O Currain    10123    Male    MAll Ages    00:38:43
2    Patrick Hayes    10112    Male    MAll Ages    00:38:59
3    Gerard Fitzgerald    10074    Male    MAll Ages    00:42:00
4    Grainne O'Donnell    10077    Female    FAll Ages    00:42:31    00:42:30
18    Clare Keeley    509    Female    FAll Ages    00:47:43
31    Katie Legge    10172    Female    FAll Ages    00:49:47

Half
1    Niall O'Herlihy    408    Male    01:28:17
2    Éanna Gowran    342    Male    01:29:41
3    Vinny Conlon    349    Male    01:31:40
16    Liz Glover    375    Female    01:42:43
19    Margaret Carlin    320    Female    01:43:54
34    Sophie Herrero    409    Female    01:48:25

The full results can be seen HERE

Waterford...Results of the Rathgormack 5 mile road race - Fri 11th July 2014

This 5 mile road race in Co.Waterford was the 4th race of 5 in the Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge. A total of 96 runners turned out on the night, up slightly from the 90 of 2013.

Report from Carrick Road Runners...The picturesque village of Rathgormack was the setting for the fourth race of this year's OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge on Friday, 11th July. In perfect running conditions, ninety-six runners lined up for the penultimate race of the series.
 

From the start, it was clear that William Maunsell (Clonmel AC) was intent on making the early running in this year's event. As the field passed through the village after the first mile, William had already built up a considerable lead over Noel Murphy (Waterford AC). This lead was further extended over the loop out into the countryside and as William entered the village and the final climb to the finish he was in a very commanding position. William clocked a time of 26:24 with Noel Murphy taking a clear second place in 27:50 and Daragh Byrne (Carrick AC) third in 28:58.
 
In the ladies' race, Sally Forristal (St. Joseph's AC) made all the running to take the victory in 32:51 with Mary Molloy second in 35:00 and Yvonne O' Connor (Clonmel AC) third in 36:47.
Carrick AC would like to thank all who helped in organising this year's race and making it such a success. Thanks to all who undertook stewarding duties and who assisted with timing, results and registration. Thanks also to Carrick-on-Suir Red Cross for once again providing the essential medical backup.

The club is also very grateful for the continued sponsorship of this race by AutoPower, Carrick-on-Suir and to OutfieldSports, Carrick-on-Suir, for sponsorship of the overall series.
The 2014 series will conclude on Friday, 1st August with the Morris Oil 10k in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. All runners who complete four of the five races in the challenge will receive a Ron Hill voucher for use in OutfieldSports. Further details from Alan (051-641826) or Mark (086-1608165).

AutoPower Rathgormack '5' winners
Senior Men : 1. William Maunsell (Clonmel AC) 26:24 2. Noel Murphy (Waterford AC) 27:50 3. Daragh Byrne (Carrick AC) 28:58
O/40 : Andrew Downey (Carrick AC) 31:12
O/45 : Cornelius McFadden (Clonmel AC) 31:52
O/50 : Ray Hahessy (West Waterford AC) 31:26
O/55 : Tommy Cahill (Clonmel AC) 34:00
O/60 : Con Kelleher (Waterford AC) 38:25
Junior : Rory Brunnock 40:13
Team : Waterford AC ( PJ Scollard, Keith Maher and Des Colbert)
Senior Ladies : 1. Sally Forristal (St. Joseph's AC) 32:51 2. Mary Molloy 35:00 3. Yvonne O' Connor (Clonmel AC) 36:47
O/35 : Lisa Maher (Kilkenny City Harriers) 37:07
O/40 : Ann Maher (Clonmel AC) 38:48
O/45 : Ann Dunford (West Waterford AC) 37:41
O/50 : Ann Cronin (Carrick AC) 40:59
O/55 : Assumpta Kirwan 42:27
Team : Clonmel AC (Angela Walsh, Anna Byrne and Donna Nagle)

Results.......The full results can be seen HERE

William Maunsell and Sally Forristal, respective winners of the 2014 Rathgormack 5 mile road race being presented with their prizes

Notice...Clogheen 5k road race, Tipperary - Thurs 31st July 2014

This 5 km road race in South Tipperary is coming up on Thursday, the 31st of July. Located centrally to the towns of Mitchelstown, Cahir and Clonmel, this race should be of interest to a lot of runners.

Against the backdrop of the Knockmealdown  Mountains, it's a lovely spot for a race.

Course Preview...Maps, directions and a preview of the course can be seen HERE 

Limerick...Results of the Dromcollogher 4 mile road race - Mon 7th July 2014

A total of 157 runners took part in this years Dromcollogher Carnival 4 mile road race. As Limerick races go, that's a pretty reasonable number and only down 25 on last year when it was part of the Ballyhoura Series.

1 21:04    RYAN, David    Clonmel A C    Masters Men O40
2 21:39    O CONNOR, Rory    North Cork A C    Men
3 22:01    GUINA, Ger    West Limerick A C    Men
9 23:38    KIELY, Martina    St.Finbarr's AC    Ladies
14 25:14    NIC DHOMHNAILL, Sorcha    Donore Harriers    Ladies
16 25:46    WOODS, Sharon    Mallow AC    Ladies

Please note that there was a problem with a paper jam on the recording equipment after the first 79 passed the finish line. The organisers went to another manual back up after this but these results may take a few days to compile.

Updated...10th July...The results are HERE

Photos...
1) Paudie Birmingham of Mallow AC has a gallery of photos HERE

Report on the 2014 Ballyhoura Limerick Series

The 6th and final race of the 2014 Ballyhoura Limerick Race Series was held last Friday evening in Bruff, Co.Limerick. Overall the series was success again this year with large numbers attending most of the races.

1) Galbally 5 mile...16th May
2) Kilmallock 5 mile...23rd May
3) Raheen 6 km...6th June
4) Bilboa 10k...13th June
5) Kilfinnane 5 mile...20th June
6) Bruff 5 mile...4th July

The overall series co-ordinator is Tom Blackburn of Mooreabbey Miler AC. This is his report...

Last Friday night was the last run in the Limerick side of the Ballyhoura Active Series while we still have three races left in the Cork series.

The Limerick races started of in Galbally with the First event been run by Mooreabbey Milers AC. It was a great success on the night with a beautiful sunny evening, a fine crowd and loads of tea and home baking afterwards.

Kilmallock was up next as a newly revitalised Kilmallock AC and a new flat course which resulted in some very good times. Great numbers took part in the event and the great Jim Hogan was on hand on the night to start the race.

Raheen 6km was next up which also a new race. Run by Dooneen AC, this was also on a very flat fast course.The numbers were small on the night as there was a weather warning earlier in the day but the evening cleared up and the race went off without a hitch. This is a race I think will draw huge numbers in the future as its location is in Limerick City but with none of the traffic problems to go with it.

Bilboa and the Ger Mulane memorial 10km road race was our next outing. This was back in the series in 2014 after a year out. Despite all the promotion, the numbers were down on last years race which was disappointing but we are confident that the numbers will be on the up next year. The tea and sandwiches and hospitality alone will be enough to bring runners back next year.

Kilfinane AC were also back in the series after a year out also had good numbers. The fine evening

made for a great event which was very well run and managed from start to finish. It was organised by a great committee who will hope to build on this event for next year.

Last but not least was the Bruff 5 mile road race ran by An Bru AC. This was another well run event and another flat and fast course. It was another sunny evening with plenty of people and plenty of tea on the night.

Overall, this years Ballyhoura Limerick Series has been a great success. We had loads of changes this year with new clubs and new races. I suppose the biggest change for us this year was the fact that all of the races was organised by athletic clubs this year. The sight of club vests and the buzz at races was evident all through the series. Last year, the committees who organised the races were very good but a lot of these them were not based in running. They would mostly be involved up until their own event was finished. With the running clubs, they took ownership of the series and were at every race in numbers. I believe this will serve as a solid base for next year for the series rather than just being a collection of clubs running random races. I also this series will grow substantially next year with the introduction of these new flat fast courses. This will attract more runners looking for personal bests (PB).

I would like to thank all the race organisers for all their hard work and commitment and a special thanks to all those who wore a hi-viz vest on the night, those who made sandwiches or handed out water, took times or entries. Thank you very much and thanks to you the runners. Without you, we couldn’t run these events.

See you on the reminder of the Cork races and don’t forget the series T- shirts.

Tom Blackburn

Ballyhoura Race Series Co-Ordinatior

Notice...Cork City Sports - Tues 8th July 2014

Highlight of the year for athletics in Munster...€10 for ground tickets, €15 for stand.

More information about the Cork City Sports including the start lists can be seen on their website.

Waterford...Results of Rán na Rinne - Fri 4th July 2014

This 5.4 mile race on a combined road and beach  circuit attracted a field of 111 runners, down a bit from the 122 of last year. The largest club in attendance was the host club West Waterford AC who made up 54% of the overall numbers. 31.5% of the total field were women.

Men’s Results
Brian Murphy Carrick AC 32.31
Raivis Zakis West Waterford AC 33.01
Frank Hayes East Cork AC 33.36
0/40 Peter Duggan St. Josephs AC 34.55
0/45 Jim Baldwin Waterford AC 35.23
0/50 Denis Kelleher IND 35.34
0/55 Joe Gough West Waterford AC 36.44
Junior Liam O Reilly West Waterford AC 38.06
Ladies Results
Martina O Dwyer Carrick AC 36.25
Niamh O Donovan West Waterford AC 41.37
Sandra Prendergast West Waterford AC 43.59
0/35 Mary Dyer West Waterford AC 44.06
0/40 Brigid Coffey West Waterford AC 45.42
0/45 Ann Dunford West Waterford AC 44.36
0/50 Bernie Prendergast West Waterford AC 46.17

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) Dave Coleman has loads of photos HERE

Waterford notice...Rathgormack 5 mile road race - Fri 11th July 2014

The 4th race of 5 in the ongoing Outfield Sports 3 Counties Challenge is coming up next Friday, the 11th of July in Rathgormack, N Waterford. Note that the race starts at 7:30pm.

Note from the organisers...The AutoPower Rathgormack 5 mile road race will this year form the fourth and penultimate leg of the OutfieldSports.ie Three Counties Challenge. This five-race series has proved to be hugely popular with all runners this year. After very successful races in Faugheen, Portlaw and Carrick-on-Suir, the action will move to County Waterford and the picturesque village of Rathgormack on Friday, July 11th with the race starting at 7:30pm. The Course, while having 2 demanding Hills on it, also has 2 great downhill parts so times can be good. As ever it is the superb scenery that will take your breath away (and maybe the second hill!).

Entry costs €10 and registration will take place at the Hiking Centre, Rathgormack, from 6pm. Alternatively, you can register online at http://www.runireland.com/ . This race has a full AAI permit and will be the ideal preparation for the final race in the series, the Morris Oil 10k in Piltown.

There will be prizes in all of the usual categories as well as team prizes for men and ladies. Prize-giving and refreshments will be at the Hiking Centre afterwards.  For further details contact Johnny (086-8483210) or Susan (087-2931430).

Location...Rathgormack is located to the south-west of Carrick-on-Suir. It is approx 2 miles NW of the crossroads between the R676 and the R678.

Race HQ is Rathgormack Hiking Centre which is located next to the church...

Course Preview........A full preview with maps, profile, photos, etc can be seen HERE

Sports Grants for Athletic Clubs in Munster...

 During the week, the various grants under the 'Sports Capital Programme' were announced. The follow was given to athletic clubs in Munster for the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment...

Clare...Shannon Athletic Club Ltd €​45,000.00
Cork...Ballymore Cobh Little Athletics €​800.00
Limerick...Emerald Athletic Club €​12,000.00
Tipperary...Templemore Athletic Club €​50,000.00
Tipperary...St Josephs CBS & Nenagh Olympic Athletic Club €​55,854.00
Kerry....No clubs
Waterford...No clubs

More info on the Running in Cork website

Limerick...Results of the Bruff 5 mile road race - Fri 4th July 2014

A total of 240 runners turned out for the Bruff 5 mile road race on Friday the 4th of July 2014. As road races go in Limerick, that's a very good number especially when 1000+ turned out for the charity race on the runways of Shannon Airport later that night. It was also the 6th and final race in the very successful Ballyhoura Limerick Series.

1 25:52    CARMODY, Michael    Individual    Men
2 26:53    MOORE, Declan    Bilboa A C    Men
3 27:07    O CONNOR, Rory    North Cork A C    Men
33 32:13    MACPHAIL, Ann    Dooneen A C    Masters Women O40
37 32:37    SCHWIRZ, Laura    Crusaders AC    Ladies
46 33:13    SHALLOO, Grace    Ennis Track A C    Ladies

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos...
1) An Brú AC have 300+ photos on their Facebook page HERE

Clare...Results of the Shannon Airport 5k Runway Night Race - Fri 4th July 2014

This unique race held on the runway of Shannon Airport at night attracted a field of 1185 runners. 54.2 of the field were women.

1    Rory MOLONEY (753)     00:15:07     All Ages  (1)     Male  (1)
2    James LIDDANE (593)     00:15:24     All Ages  (2)     Male  (2)
3    Julio Cesar CASTRO (118)     00:15:28     All Ages  (3)     Male  (3)
4    John HANNON (414)     00:16:17     All Ages  (4)     Male  (4)
5    Gerald TROY (1119)     00:16:28     All Ages  (5)     Male  (5)
6    Mike Curley CUNNINGHAM (213)     00:16:33     All Ages  (6)     Male  (6)
7    James MCINTYRE (698)     00:16:39     All Ages  (7)     Male  (7)
8    Anthony SHARKE (1055)     00:16:39     All Ages  (8)     Male  (8)
9    Alan O KEEFFE (849)     00:16:48     All Ages  (9)     Male  (9)
10    Thomas SHANAHAN (1296)     00:16:55     All Ages  (10)     Male  (10)
27    Carmel MAC DOMHNAILL (619)     00:18:05     All Ages  (1)     Female  (1)
50    Murna GRIFFIN (1276)     00:18:52     All Ages  (2)     Female  (2)
65    Rita KIERCE (553)     00:19:12     All Ages  (3)     Female  (3)
73    Sarah RYAN (1035)     00:19:26     All Ages  (4)     Female  (4)
77    Tracey GUILFOYLE (1229)     00:19:28     All Ages  (5)     Female  (5)
92    Deirdre FINN (1192)     00:19:51     All Ages  (6)     Female  (6)
99    Deirdre CAHILL (87)     00:20:00     All Ages  (7)     Female  (7)
101    Elaine O'KEEFFE (921)     00:20:00     All Ages  (8)     Female  (8)
108    Aine HOGAN (473)     00:20:09     All Ages  (9)     Female  (9)
110    Padraigin HARNEDY (418)     00:20:15     All Ages  (10)     Female  (10)

The full results can be seen HERE

Clare...Results of the Clare Athletics Summer 5k - Thurs 3rd July 2014

1  16:45    PAUL DALY,     St Johns    M35
2   17:31    EOIN LOONEY,     Kilmurry Ibrickane North Clare    Junior Men
3   17:37    MIKE CUNNINGHAM,     Mooreabbey Milers    M45
1   19:59    CAOIMHIE HARVEY,     St Johns    Junior Ladies 
2  20:22    CLAIRE MADIGAN,     St Johns    F
3   20:38    SIOBHAN LENNON,     Ennis Track    F40

The full results can be seen HERE

Tipperary...Results of the Coillte 10k road race, Dundrum - Wed 2nd July 2014

This 10k race organised by Dundrum AC attracted a field of 248 runners this year with 16 in the junior 5k race.

1 Kevin Moore        Dundrum AC     MS 32:58
2 Julio Cesar Castro     Kilmurry Brickane     MS 33:09
3 Danny Smith        Ballynonty AC     MS 33:11
4 Declan Moore        Bilboa     MS 33:18
5 William Hughes        Thurles Crokes     MS 33:37
1 Siobhan O Doherty       Borrisokane     FS 35:14
2 Dymphna Ryan        Dundrum AC     FS  38:43
3 Claire Annan        Carrick     FS 38:54
4 Madeline Loghnane     Thurles Croke AC     FS 39:14
5 Catherine Kelly        Dundrum AC     FS  41:33

The full results can be seen HERE

Photos & video...
See the Dundrum AC Facebook Page

Comparison with the Courtmacsherry 10k in Cork.....The 10k course in Dundrum and the 10k course in Courtmacsherry are both flat and fast. They both attracted similar numbers....262 in the Courtmacsherry race last Friday and 248 in Dundrum yesterday.

The number of faster runners however was very different. In Courtmacsherry, just 2 runners 35 minutes with 24 breaking 40 mins. In Dundrum, it was 8 under 35 mins and 50 under 40 mins.

Is there a faster 10k course in Munster?.....in the country?