2024 September Update

Championship Races:
County T&F:
Due to the lack of availablility of tracks in Cork this summer, the county senior and masters T&F was held on the first day of September this year. We had 5 athletes running. In the 800m James was 3rd overall in 2.08 with John 5th in 2.11. Stephen was just behind John in 2.12 but was 1st M35. Ollie was 2nd M45 in 2.17. John raced again in the 1500m and finished 2nd with Denis grabbing a gold in the M60 in 7.21.

East Cork XC:
More traditionally the cross county season kicks off in September and two weeks after the county T&F we had 13 race in the East Corks in Ballynoe. First up in the ladies race, Tamzin gave it a good rattle and finished 2nd leading the ladies team to a silver medal. In a close team tussle with Midleton AC Christine ran well to finish 4th, Siobhan was 9th one ahead of teammate Avril and Eibhlin just behind them in 12th. On the masters side Christine was 2nd in F35 with Siobhan 2nd in F45 and Avril 3rd F45. The three also were 2nd F35 team. Well done all!

The mens race was a pleasing clean sweep. With Tony and Frank showing a gulf in class to the rest of the field battling it out for the full 6000m before Franko finally pulled clear with a strong sprint finish in the home straight and take the title. Tony despite doing all the front running settled for 2nd (for the 2nd year in a row). Stephen O'Brien broke clear from the chasing pack early on and had a comfortable run for 3rd (1st M35). With John completing the team in 4th. Ollie Smiddy was 8th (and 1st M45), with rookies Aaron and Karl finishing commendably in 12th and 13th. Denis finished in 22nd.

The mens M35 team were credited as silver team but only had 3 athletes counting so this one can be left as a footnote in the record books!

Other Races:
The Womens Mini Marathon which is a 5k (don't get Dave Dwyer started!) was on last week and as usual the turnout is massive for the event. We had Tamzin running who was pacing her sister and finished 226th in 26.46 with Siobhan finishing 260th in 27.32.

Tony's 8.53 in the Cork City Sports was omitted last month as well. He was 8th in the Open race (The Cork City Sports organisation committee if they see this should look at the link for the 2024 results, it seems to be a bit like Tim O'Donoghue this summer and gone missing)

Also a big welcome to Olwyn Reidy who has transferred to the club and will officially be a member on October 1st (just in time to boost the ladies team for the county seniors XC).

Next Up:
​The county senior cross county is next Sunday in Ballynoe hosted by St Catherines. There is no timetable up but the juveniles start at 12pm so womens race should start approx 2pm and mens at 2.45pm. Please get your entry to Eadaoin before the deadline on Tuesday October 1st.