Plenty more silverware being won in the last few weeks on the track and roads. Sean and Denis were our sole representatives in the County Track Championships. Sean won the 5k and Denis was 3rd in the M50 category.
Kevin O'Leary and Fiona both won the new Ballymacoda 4 mile race last Friday night. No PB's but both getting very comfortable front running and leading from gun to tape. John Walshe also ran and was 86th overall. We had a big club turnout at the John Buckley 5k in the Marina on Tuesday night. There were highly competitive fields for both the men women. This didn't deter Sean who claimed victory with a blistering last mile to splinter the leading group and finsh sub 15 for the first time in 8 years. John Hennessy had a super run in 16.35 and others ran were Phil McGrath, Philip O'Neill, Lorna Santry, Michelle Ahern and John Walshe. New Member Profile: Long time club member Dave O'Dwyer is in the spotlight this week, please see his member profile below.
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There seems to have been more of a focus on training the last couple of weeks since the fast start to the summer season. Frank O'Carroll was our only representative in the Munster Half Marathon championships in Limerick. He was on pacing duties and was within 11 seconds of his pacing balloon advertised. Sean ran in a competitive 3k in the Leevale Open Sports and looked to have extended his winning streak to 8 but for a fast finishing David Fox from the hosting club to pip him on the line. Kevin O'Leary was back over the border again taking out 2nd in the Ardmore 5 mile. John Walshe made the trip to Clonmel for the Annervilla 10k which was won in an impressive 31.01 by William Mansaull. There was good showings also in the South Munster Schools by some of the training squad too, it's great to see some fast times and winning performances.
Saturday Morning Training: We have moved from Welchtown hills now too to the Cricket pitch for the Saturday morning training. This is a 10am warm up start and generally will involve intervals from 200m - 1000m depending on your racing goals. Below is a shot of the grass track we use, with Denis in a commanding lead during the 400's session. All are welcome to join us. Sean was at it again last night, winning the Midleton 5 mile trophy in an excellent 25.24. This brings his current winning streak to 7 wins in a row. 5 of which have been championship races, includes a Nationals indoors, Munster road, county roads and two East Corks. In fact the only race Sean hasn't won in 2018 is the National Masters cross country where he got a bronze medal. Sean also defended his Midleton 5 mile title last night after also winning the 2017 race. James was 2nd in 25.40. Sean and James have won 5 of the last 6 editions of this race and both look very likely to extend that again next year. Kevin O'Leary also featured in the top 10 with an excellent 7th place in 26.54. Kevin has been injured since Ballintotis so great to see him back.
Fiona was our top lady finisher finishing in 3rd with a PB of 29.53 and was aiming to win this race for a 3rd year in a row but for two very strong performances from Lizzie Lee and Sinead O'Connor from Leevale. We had 13 in total running in the race 8 men and 5 ladies which accounts for about 50% of our active club membership so to be taking 3 out of 6 of the podium positions is a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by all the athletes. The consistent winter training from last September is certainly paying off. Full results below: Congrats to Sean and Fiona for winning the East Cork Road Championships last week in Ballynoe. Sean ran a very strong 26.18 on the very testing course to reverse last years result and take the title from James. Fiona stood on the top step of the podium at the East Cork Roads for the first time with a strong front running performance 50 seconds ahead of 2nd and only woman to break 12 minutes.
Well done to all who participated in the local championships. Sean then completed the local double in the 1500m on Day 2 of the East Cork T&F in Youghal. |
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