Mr Oil Novice Road Race
The picturesque village of Kilmore was covered in rain clouds as a very wet Sunday morning saw Kilmore AC kindly host the Novice RR.
As a club we placed a big emphasis on encouraging and preparing as many members as we could to run. The members responded and we saw our largest entry of athletes running the Novice in our club vest. Some have been around for a while and know the story, some returning from injury but for some it was their first experience of such a race and we are proud of each athlete who laced up their runners and stood on the start line today. Credit to Catherine for the preparation and thanks to our supporters on the course, not a pleasant day to be a spectator.
The ladies race lined up at 11.30 for a 4k route which was 1 and a bit laps of the course. In tough conditions Paula was our first lady home, Mary was next followed by Ilze, Sarah, Helen, Carol & Bridie.
With the ladies race complete the men were on their start line with just under 2 laps of the course to complete. Donal was our first man home with Dermot next followed by Rob, Jesse, Fran, Tadhh, Ali, John, Geoff & Michael.
Full club results :
Ladies,
15th Paula Gondard 18:54
22nd Mary Gaynor 20:24
24th Ilze Bedrite 20:29
27th Sarah Bermingham 21:38
29th Helen Sinnott 22:01
31st Carol Dowling 23:27
34th Bridie McGuire 32:20
Team 6th place.
Mens,
16th Donal Grant 23:34
19th Dermot Foley 23:52
29th Rob Casey 25:33
30th Jesse Kielthy 25:43
33rd Fran Power 27:58
34th Tadhg Henderson 29:30
35th Ali Ashgar Kohyee 29:58
36th John Dier 30:12
37th Geoff Hoffheinz 31:32
38th Michael Murphy 39:00
Team 6th.
A special mention must go to Helen Sinnott & Tadhg Henderson who have stepped into the Competition Secretary roles for 2024 and by all accounts a job well done today. We wish them well fir tge remaining races.
Thank you to hosts Kilmore AC for their hospitality afterwards which was most welcome. Thanks also to the County Board for another well organised event.
The next County race is the Mr Oil County Intermediate Road Race which is to be hosted by St Killians on April 14th. Photo by Sportsphoto Ireland & @Oliver Stack
Enniscorthy 10k
Year number 17 of this superbly organised event by Slaney Olympic was on Sunday 18th February. They have had to adapt in recent years to an enforced route change but they managed to keep the spirit of the event alive. The course is a two lap route with a 'gentle' rise on the main road which athletes have to complete twice. As always at a Slaney Olympic event a warm welcome awaited all entrants as the sun shone high and bright after recent very wet runs. 9 of our athletes hit the road to Enniscorthy and its great to see consistent training paying off as everyone ran an excellent race each working to their own best and happy with their times on the day. Congratulations to Marie taking the F70 prize and welcome to Helen our most recent member.
Club results :
Dermot Foley 41:09
Rob Casey 43:43
Eamonn Foley 48:19
Micheál Kinsella 49:51
John Dier 53:10
Ollie Stack 56:39
Helen Burrell 1:00:15
Samantha Donegan 1:03:50
Marie Casey Breen 1:14:46
parkrun
What a miserable start to the day on Saturday. Grey skies and lots of water falling, wet underfoot but at least the spirits were high among the people in attendance at Wexford Racecourse Parkrun. Special mention to Rob who decided the best way to celebrate his 50th parkrun was to push his young daughter around the course in her pram !
Brian Smyth, Eamonn Foley, Paula Gondard, Ali Ashgar Khoyee, Geoff Hoffheinz, Fran Power, Gareth Lloyd, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Alex Parris, Michael Murphy, Rob Casey, Dermot Foley & Bridie McGuire all completed the 5k event.
Wexford Credit Union Night Run / IUAA Indoor Track & Field / Barcelona Half Marathon
Wexford Credit Union Night Run 08/02/24
On Thursday evening the extremely heavy rains of the morning had eased to a heavy mist but leaving very wet roads to run on. A huge well done to all the organisers and marshals for keeping everyone safe on such a wet night. With over 350 finishers this was another successful event and everyone enjoyed the run with the rain just adding to the fun. Great to see so many club members taking part with everyone running very well despite the conditions with 19 in total from the club.
Club results:
Donal Grant 19:41
Dermot Foley 20:03
Rob Casey 21:06
Eamonn Foley 21:50
Jesse Kielthy 22:24
Paula Gondard 24:06
John Dier 26:10
Darren O'Grady 26:27
Helen Sinnott 28:36
Brian Smyth 30:10
Ollie Stack 30:28
Gráinne Hayes 30:28
Emma Perry 33:35
Sam Donegan 34:54
Michael Murphy 35:07
Marie Casey Breen 36:09
Jamie Jordan 36:22
Bridie McGuire 41:07
Sharron Dier 41:07
IUAA Indoor Track & Field 10/02/24
The IUAA Indoor Track & Field was held at the weekend at the NIA. The main aim of every athlete is to represent your college and gain as many points as you can on their behalf.
Eimear Halpin was representing SETU and had a busy, rewarding and tiring day allrolled into one. In 200m she ran 27.88 sec for 5th in her heat, threw 8.14m for shot putt for 13th setting herself a new indoor PB in both events. She ran 60m in 8.48 sec for 5th in her heat and the 4th leg of the 4 x 200m.
Roisín O'Reilly was in UCD colours and was called upon to run the 1500m in 4.42 min for 7th in her heat.
Well done ladies
Barcelona Half Marathon 11/02/24
Our own running man Brian Smyth was at it again earlier today. He flew to Barcelona to complete the City Half Marathon which took in some of the sights of the area with the last long section near the sea. He completed the event in 1:29:07
Congratulations Brian.
parkrun 10/02/24
A bit wet at the racecourse on Saturday morning but it didn't deter the gang from running.
Dermot Foley, Fran Power, Alex Parris , Paula Gondard, Micheál Kinsella, Geoff Hoffheinz, Ali Ashgar Khoyee, Gareth Lloyd, Mary Cronin, Micheal Murphy, Oliver Stack, Bridie McGuire & Martin Kelly all finished the 5k morning run at Wexford Racecourse parkrun.
John Treacey 10 Mile / parkrun / Condolences
John Treacey 10 Mile race
On Sunday 5 members left the comfort zone of Wexford and travelled to Dungarvan in County Waterford to run the 32nd hosting of the John Treacy 10 mile race. A perfect day for running. Not too warm but considering its early February a nice dry and mild day was welcomed by athletes.
A very well organised event taking in the town at the start then venturing out onto quiter backroads before using the Cork road back towards the finish. Just over 2800 finished the race giving an indication of its popularity. A beautiful sight to see so many club vests on display. There was also a nice t shirt as a memento for everyone at the finish area. Well done to @westwaterfordathleticsac
Well done to the 5 lads Brian, Rob, Eamonn, Tadhg & Darren.
Club results:
Brian Smyth 1:07:49
Rob Casey 1:13:36
Eamonn Foley 1:15:02
Tadhg Henderson 1:20:59
Darren O'Grady 1:29:24
Photos courtesy of Andy O'Rourke photography & sportsphoto Ireland.
parkrun
A good morning for running on Saturday with over 100 turning up at Wexford Racecourse to take part.
At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun:
Eamonn Foley, Alex Parris, Fran Power, Paula Gondard, Geoff Hoffheinz, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Brian Smyth, Dermot Foley, Michael Murphy, Bridie McGuire, Sharron Dier,Martin Kelly & Darren O'Grady all completed their 5k.
Condolences
The committee and all club members would like to offer our deepest condolences to founding member Mick McKeon and his family on the passing of his dear wife Christine on Friday morning.
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a hAnam.
U23 National Indoors / Charlie Curran 5 Mile / National Indoor Combined
U23 National Indoor Championships
Great to see Eimear Halpin back competing on the track last weekend in Athlone.
She was competing in the U23 200m finishing 4th place in her heat with a great time of 28.04.
Well done Eimear.
Charlie Curran 5 mile
Nice running conditions today in Carlow as the 10th and final Charlie Curran 5 mile took place. A popular race over the years with just over 500 crossing the finish line today. Eight of our club members were amongst them with a few completing 5 miles for the first time. First time running for the club for Jamie.
Well done to you all.
Fran Power 37:59
John Dier 41:35
Ollie Stack 45:21
Sam Donegan 48:53
Jamie Jordan 50:57
Gráinne Hayes 51:06
Bridie McGuire 1:05:57
Sharron Dier 1:13:52
National Indoor Combined Events
The National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown in County Dublin was ready and waiting for young athletes to compete today. Orla Dolan, Meadhb McCormack, Jesse Murphy, Fiachra Mehigan, Alex Lonergan, Josh Nolan & Elijah Page Redmond all travelled up to tackle the combined events : 60m hurdle, long jump, shot putt, high jump & 800m. First time competing at an event like this for some and others well used to the system. This group of young athletes have been training diligently in preparation for days like this and thoroughly enjoyed today's competition.
Congratulations to all athletes and thanks to the hard working coaches for having them ready.
Full results :
U14 boys
Fiachra: 13.10 hurdle, 3.92m LJ, 6.09m SP, 1.30m HJ, 2.47 800m
Jesse: 12.16 hurdle, 3.63m LJ, 5.88m SP, 1.30m HJ, 2.53 800m
U16 boys
Alex: 12.89 hurdle, 4.31m LJ, 7.33m SP, 1.30m HJ, 2.40 800m
Josh: 10.90 hurdle, 4.10m LJ, 8.17m SP, 1.46m HJ, 2.36 800m
Elijah: 10.12 hurdle, 4.79m LJ, 10.11m SP, 1.46m HJ, 2.28 800m
U16 girls
Orla: 12.32 hurdle, 3.30m LJ, 5.40m SP, 1.10m HJ, 3.08 800m
Meadhb: 13.15 hurdle, 3.87m LJ, 6.31m SP, 1.10 HJ, 3.18 800m
parkrun
A cool breeze welcomed the early risers who attended parkrun on Saturday. Shout out to Geoff who recently signed up as a club member.
At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Dermot Foley, Brian Smyth, Tadhg Henderson, Alex Parris, Geoff Hoffheinz, Darren O'Grady ,Ali Ashgar Khoyee, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Michael Murphy, Bridie McGuire, Sharron Dier, Ollie Stack, Martin Kelly & Gráinne Hayes all completed their 5k.
Enda O'Sullivan was running his 5k at Knockanecree Woods Cloughjordan parkrun.
Schools Cross Country / Leinster Masters Cross Country
17th January - Schools Cross Country
As most were wondering if there was a chance schools would close due to the cold and frosty weather our Secondary School athletes were eagerly anticipating the cross country schools races held in Adamstown on Wednesday. A biting cold breeze coupled with a frosty start resulted in hard ground and scenic picture opportunities as large numbers of teenage athletes turned up to race in their school colours.
Orla Dolan & Meadhb McCormack were 10th & 11th representing Presentation Wexford Minor with team winning gold.
Zac Dee ran the Intermediate race representing Good Counsel New Ross.
Alex Lonergan and Elijah Page Redmond ran the same race but in St Peters Wexford colours.
Josh Nolan and Fiachra Mehigan also ran the same race but in CBS Wexford colours with team finishing in gold.
Brilliant to see the gang taking on the challenge and representing their schools.
Well done to you all on your performances
21st January - Leinster Masters Cross Country
Tony Harpur drove to Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow to run the Leinster Masters Cross Country 7k. As you can imagine the ground was wet it was very windy and raining but that did not deter Tony. In fact it made him even more determined. A tough loop for runners and Tony finished in a very creditable 83rd place with a super time of 30:15.
Well done to you Tony.
20th January - parkrun
A miserable wet and breezey morning at Wexford Racecourse Parkrun as Dermot Foley, Brian Smyth, Eamonn Foley, Helen Wallace, Ali Ashgar Khoyee, Fran Power, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Marie Casey Breen, Michael Murphy,Bridie McGuire, Martin Kelly, John & Sharron Dier all completed their 5k.
On Sunday morning as the storm started to build John Dier & Bridie McGuire travelled up to Olyegate and ran the 5k in aid of the local National School, tough going in that weather guys.
Membership is currently open for 2024, just get in touch for more information or visit www.menapiansac.com
Masters Indoors / Ferrycarrig "5" / Celtic Cross
13th January - 123.ie Masters Indoor Championships, Athlone
TUS in Athlone saw Tony Harpur arrive on Saturday morning with a pep in his step and a big smile on his face. Beside him the happy go lucky mentor Martin Kelly. Tony had travelled up to tackle the 400m/800m double on the track. First up 800m and Tony ran a time of 2:24:07. Away to rest for a short time before being called for the 400m. Tony ran a super time of 1:02:23 setting himself a PB for the distance.
Well done Tony.
14th January - Ferrycarrig “5” mile road race
Sundays are made for running and today saw perfect conditions. Bright and sunny with a nice slightly cool breeze to accompany athletes around the well known 5 mile route. This event as always is well organised with a nice route starting and finishing at the grounds of Wexford FC.
Our members travelled in high numbers to run and claim their hat as a memento of the event.
Well done to Marie Casey Breen on her first run as a club member and claiming the F70 prize.
Thanks to our supporters out on the route giving a welcome word of encouragement to everyone and a special mention to Sarah Bermingham who was part of the organising committee.
Club results :
Brian Smyth 31:14
Dermot Foley 31:55
Donal Grant 33:26
Rob Casey 35:18
Eamonn Foley 35:55
Jesse Kielthy 36:31
Tadhg Henderson 38:10
Micheál Kinsella 38:30
Gareth Lloyd 40:54
John Dier 41:39
David Clancy43:05
Ilze Bedrite 43:25
Sarah Bermingham 46:05
Ollie Stack 47:23
Mary Cronin 47:56
Sam Donegan 48:51
Marie Casey Breen 59:47 (F70 winner)
Bridie McGuire 1:06:26
Celtic Cross - Irish Under 23 Team Gold
Congratulations Roisín. To be selected on an Irish team is an achievement in itself but to be part of a gold medal winning team is another level. Well done
Wexford Athletics Facebook post
parkrun (13th January)
Shout out to the weekends parkrunners.
Sunny with a chill lead to some wondering long or short sleeves as they turned up for parkrun. Shout out to Ali on his first run since becoming a club member and its good to see Sharron back running again.
At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Fran Power, Ali Ashgar Kohyee,Brian Smyth, Dermot Foley,Sarah Bermingham, Gráinne Hayes, Ollie Stack, Michael Murphy, Bridie McGuire, Sharron Dier & Gareth Lloyd all completed their 5k runs.
At SETU Waterford Parkrun Enda O'Sullivan completed his 5k run.
Well done to you all.
Membership is currently open for 2024, just get in touch for more information or visit www.menapiansac.com
Dublin City Marathon 2023. / Paul Brunnock 10k.
Dublin City Marathon 2023.
October 29th was D-day as Dublin City Marathon finally arrived. Many months of training, lonely long runs, group long runs, massages, niggles, injuries and taper week were all behind our crew as they made their way to the start line with the nervous excitement of a small child on Christmas morning. With all the hard work done and dusted it was just a matter of running 26.2 miles today and it would be all worthwhile. Not the most ideal weather conditions as the rain rolled in but the temperatures remained mild which helped. Getting to the start of a marathon is a huge achievement in itself but getting from start line to finish line is a whole new challenge. It is a physical & mental challenge which draws on inner strength and stubbornness.
A massive congratulations to all 10 with first timers and pbs on equal measure. Enjoy the recovery and remember it's easier to walk down the stairs backwards tomorrow morning !
Full member results :
Tony Harpur 3:15:48
Brian Smyth 3:26:32 PB
Rob Casey 3:35:52 (1st)
Dermot Foley 3:42:09 PB
Paul O'Meara 3:42:26
Gavin Hayes 4:00:34 (1st)
Jesse Kielthy 4:01:57 PB
Alex Parris 4:24:18 (1st)
Eamonn Foley 4:29:24
Fran Power 4:39:25 (1st)
Paul Brunnock 10k
Samantha Donegan took a quick drive to Waterford on Saturday morning to run the Paul Brunnock 10k. Starting and finishing in Dungarvan the run was an out and back on the scenic greenway. As is customary with Sam she started and finished with a big smile and smashed her PB time with 1:01:08 on the clock as she crossed the finish line. Super running Sam and lovely to see you get the rewards that your training deserve.
Congratulations.
Menapians AC 4 mile road race. / Autumn Open International Cross Country. / St Ibars/Shelmaliers 6k.
Menapians AC 4 mile road race.
First a huge thank you to everyone who completed our race today, congratulations to you all. We were blessed with super weather which I am sure made the event more enjoyable for you all. Thanks to all the clubs for supporting our club .
Our winners today are as follows:
Men
1st Enda Cloake Slaney Olympic AC
2nd Robin Mooney Sli Cualann AC
3rd DJ Dempsey United Striders
Ladies
1st Sabina Williams
2nd Eilis Peat United Striders
3rd Sinead O'Brien Kilmore AC
Junior
DJ Dempsey
Hannah Kelly
Congratulations to you all.
A race like today involves a huge amount of work so thanks to Race Director Tadhg Henderson and his army of volunteers.
Thanks to Gardai and Civil Defence for their help and assistance on the course.
Thanks to Wexford Boat Club for use of their facilities.
Finally a word of thanks to our sponsors without whom events like these can't happen:
Gallagher Insurance
Campion Insurance
Ornella
Dulann
O'Connor Mullen LLP
Profits flow
Renewable Energies
MW Hire group
Hanrahan Spar Taghmon
G.H. Lett
Eureka Information Systems
Autumn Open International Cross Country
Well done to our athletes competing in Dublin at the cross country event on Sunday.
A sunny and warm day made it feel more like a Summers day instead of the damp and grey more associated with cross country.
Catherine O’Connor ran to an excellent 11th W55 race.
Roisin O'Reilly was competing in the senior race placing well in 25th.
Helen Sinnott completed in Autumn Open 4000 metres Experience which completed the day's racing in Dublin.
Well done to both ladies.
St Ibars/Shelmaliers 6k
A super sunny Sunday morning as our 9 made the short trip out to run the 6k event. Nice route with 2 short hills to contend with and well marshalled finishing with a grassy run down the length of the pitch.
Today Eamonn Foley had the honour of 1st clubperson home with John Dier 1st in his age category, thanks to Sharron & Sports Photo Ireland for photos.
10th Eamonn Foley 26:30
17th John Dier 30:01
19th Gareth Lloyd 30:11
24th Darren O'Grady 32:01
25th Enda O'Sullivan 32:12
40th Ollie Stack 34:31
41st Sarah Bermingham 34:40
47th Sam Donegan 35:41
48th Gráinne Hayes 37:19
Mr Oil County Intermediate Cross Country / Simon Home Run 5 mile / Mr. Oil Novice Cross Country. / The European Masters Athletics Championships
Mr Oil County Intermediate Cross Country
Taghmon AC were the welcoming hosts as the County Board hosted day 2 of Cross country season. Today was Intermediate day as ladies faced 4km and men 8km around the 1km loop which took athletes around 2 fields and what felt like more uphill than downhill. The course was very good underfoot with a long uphill section which stretched the field lap after lap. Not for the faint hearted.
With ladies up first they looked at a 4 lap course with Mary Gaynor 7th in 20:09 pushing hard leading the 3 home followed by Catherine O'Connor 8th in 21:05 and Helen Sinnott 11th in 23:39
Great running by all 3 who pushed themselves hard throughout the race.
The last race of the day saw the men line up to face 8 laps of the marked out course. Our four gents were lead home in determined fashion by Tony Harpur 15th in 34:02 with Tadhg Henderson 26th in 43:12, Darren O'Grady 27th in 45:46 & John Dier 28th 46:32 all running well. Again great running by each athlete.
A word of thanks to Padraig Kelly who officiated, the County board and Taghmon AC on hosting another successful event and finally to our crew of supporters who encouraged our athletes through every step of the race.
Simon Home Run 5 mile.
In Dublin's Fair City our 3 musketeers made their way out to the Phoenix Park to compete in the 5 Mile race which is a very important fundraiser for the Dublin Simon Community.
Why were they up there ?
Well it was the 40th anniversary of the event and Martin Kelly was the inaugural winner in 1983. To celebrate that he raced it again 40 years later, joined by Tony Harpur & Brian Smyth (along with Tony's brother Paul). Super running conditions and a lovely atmosphere as they readied themselves for the startes whistle.
Excellent performances from all 3 with Tony home in 12th place in 31:28, Brian just behind in 15th place in 32:07 and the celebrity himself Martin Kelly 1:05:15 which numbered him in 659th place.
Congratulations gentlemen.
Mr. Oil Novice Cross Country.
Today saw the Mr Oil County Cross Country race series return for 2023. United Striders were the kind hosts using J.F.K. Park grounds as they marked out a testing but fair 2km loop for competitors to navigate. The course was well received by all and compliments to Striders and the County Board., they even arranged a nice warm day after the miserable day that Saturday was.
Our Super 8 (named by our Captain) put in very determined runs today. Mary Gaynor, Louise Henderson, Helen Sinnott, Carol Dowling, Tony Harpur, Tadhg Henderson, John Dier & Liam Carroll all pulled on their club vest and stepped up to the start line.
Ladies had a 2 lap run on the course and with some brilliant runs saw them claim a superb team silver , a fantastic result ladies huge congratulations and well deserved. Special mention to Mary Gaynor finishing a super 5th place.
Men had 3 laps of the course and excellent runs by the men but unfortunately no medals on the day.
Thanks to Siobhan Doyle who officiated on the day and our support crew who encouraged our athletes around the course Catherine & Brian.
Next weekend sees the Mr Oil Intermediate Cross Country and Uneven Age take place in Taghmon and kindly hosted by Taghmon AC.
@aoifelyng_photos &@sharrondier
The European Masters Athletics Championships
The European Masters Athletics Championships are being held in Pescara, Italy on the 24th of September. The club is being represented by two athletes. Brian Smyth donned the Irish vest for the first time to toe the line in the 7K Cross Country. Heavy rain for 2 hours before the start changed course conditions from a lovely dry one to a wet course with plenty of surface water. Brian ably conquered the 4 lap route amongst stiff competition to finish in a respectable 16th position in the 0/40's in a time of 29:22
We wish Martin Kelly the best of luck as he takes part in the 0/65 5000m on the track on Tuesday 25th of September.
