Members

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear our Ladies Captain the talented Siobhan Walsh. Siobhan has had huge success over the past 12 months on grass and road, including a County Silver Novice 'B' Cross Country Medal. 

Tell us why you run? 

I run because it makes me happy and gives me the mental strength to get through most of life’s problems.

Who are your running tribe?

Rhona Lynch's group.

Cross, track or road?

Any surface on a dry mild day. Road if I had to choose.

Favourite race?

Watching my son Cathal winning his first Cross Country All Ireland medal.

Music or podcasts?

80s/90s Music.

On your feet?

Fortunate enough to have 4 pairs of runners at the moment. Innov8 for really mucky field, Pegasus Trail for less mucky field, Nike Invincible for road training and Nike Vaporfly for road races.

Your proudest athletics moment?

Individual silver and team gold in last years County B novice Cross Country championships last November.

And when the work is done? 

A takeaway from the wild goose and a nice cup of tea.

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear from star race walker Aoife Martin. Just back from a successful trip to the Isle of Man, Aoife is eyeing up more success this year.  

Tell us why you run? 

I run to stay fit and I love the social aspect as well.

Who are your running tribe?

I am part of Martin Hurley's race walking tribe!!

Cross, track or road?

Track all the way.

Favourite race?

Racing in the the Isle of Man has to be my favourite.

Music or podcasts?

I can’t go on a long run/walk without some music.

On your feet?

Asics Magic Speed.

Your proudest athletics moment?

National Bronze in the Indoors last year.

And when the work is done? 

After training I love a bit of Netflix and some hot chocolate!

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we meet Track & Field star Isobel O'Meara. Fresh from making history with the Carraig women's team, Isobel tells us all about her running life. 

Tell us why you run? 

I run to keep fit throughout the year for GAA and also I love the social aspect of it.

Who are your running tribe?

I run with the Ger Foley Sprinter Tribe!

Cross, track or road?

Track by a mile!!

Favourite race?

Favourite race would have to be the indoor National League 4 x 400 we just recently ran. It was a great experience and honestly a relay makes a 400 just that bit more bearable 😆

Music or podcasts?

I have to listen to music when I’m running, my go to would be Imagine Dragons 🎵

On your feet?

At the moment I’m running in Nike Air Winflo 9s.

Your proudest athletics moment?

My proudest moment would be being part of the first Carraig team sent to the Indoor National League in Dublin recently this year.

And when the work is done? 

Ben and Jerrys + Netflix is my treat after a tough session/race.

This month we meet the Aidan Cooney. This road warrior is comfortable over all distances and is busy bringing the Carraig singlet to races across the county. 

Tell us why you run? 

I gave up GAA so took up running to stay active

Who are your running tribe?

I usually run on my own in races but have spent a lot of time running with C25K groups which was good craic!

Cross, track or road?

My preferred surface is road but I am open to try others.

Favourite race?

My favourite race is Thomas Kent 10k in Castlelyons

Music or podcasts?

Neither I just try stay focused on my run.

On your feet?

My go to are the ASICS Gel, I have tried other brands but always come back to ASICS.

Your proudest athletics moment?

I have completed numerous marathons in Cork, Dublin, Rotterdam and Liverpool! It is always a challenge!

And when the work is done? 

Just to chill out and eat some apple tart with cream!

This month we meet the brilliant Michelle Whooley. Usually busy photographing our members at races across the county and beyond, Michelle is a formidable in her own right. Whether flying through the mud of XC races or going long on the road, there is no stopping Michelle. 

Tell us why you run? 

Started running for fitness but now for socialising and afterwards I always feel motivated and energised

Who are your running tribe?

Carraig na bhFear AC mothers

Cross, track or road?

Road but the training on the grass is suiting me a lot better for impact these days

Favourite race?

The Annerville 10K road race in Clonmel

Music or podcasts?

I’m usually talking but music, it’s never too early for the Christmas album

On your feet?

Nike Invincibles

Your proudest athletics moment?

Clonakility half marathon 2013 beating Ted (my husband) in a sprint finish

And when the work is done? Coffee cake or a nice fire on a cold evening but reality is washing off mud and drying our gear for the next training session.

This month we meet marathon man Darragh O'Keeffe. Comfortable over any distance and terrain, Darragh has been conquering courses across Ireland and beyond, bringing the Carraig AC singlet to places it has never gone before!

Tell us why you run? 

I was working with Rhona at the time and she got me involved with Carraig. Enjoyed it since. Although I've moved more into road running.

Who are your running tribe?

Usually a lone soldier but try meet friends once or twice a week for some runs

Cross, track or road?

Enjoyed the XC initially but I'm definitely more into the road running at the moment with plans on trying out some mountain runs soon.

Favourite race?

Paris marathon in April. It was my first time running a full and the French were amazing supporters.

Music or podcasts?

Usually listen to a podcast on my long runs. Shorter runs I leave the music at home and go solo.

On your feet?

Loving the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 currently

Your proudest athletics moment?

Finishing my first XC race with Carraig without getting sick.

And when the work is done? 

Runs at the weekend usually end with food and coffee.

This month we meet talented middle distance runner Timmy Hawkins. A class act across distances from 800m to 5 miles and over road, grass and track, the sky is the limit for Timmy and we are excited to see what the season ahead holds for him.

Tell us why you run? 

I run because I really enjoy it and have made a lot of good friends while running.

Who are your running tribe?

The boys and girls xc squads at my age are very strong and are a great group to train with!

Cross, track or road?

Love cross country the most, it’s great travelling to a variety of different courses every year

Favourite race?

The east cork road race this year was very special, winning the team gold and running as a pack the whole way.

Music or podcasts?

I like any running or sports podcast I would say coffee club would be my favourite great insight into professional running life!

On your feet?

Really like the Nike zoom fly 4s comfy and bouncy

Your proudest athletics moment?

My proudest running moment would be coming 3rd in the Tailteann games steeplechase, everything went right on the day and it was a day I’ll never forget 

And when the work is done? 

Coming home from training in the winter I love to watch any soccer on the tv or watch some Netflix as well 

1/10/2022

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear from one of our most positive, supportive and talented members Ann Marie Davis. 

Tell us why you run? 

I run for my mental and physical wellbeing.

Who are your running tribe?

Alan (husband) and Liza (sister in law) mostly

Cross, track or road?

Road running

Favourite race?

10km is just the right distance for me

Music or podcasts?

No devices... All quiet.

On your feet?

Nike Invincibles 2021

Your proudest athletics moment?

The leg of the relay from this years Cork City Marathon.  I was delighted with my time.

And when the work is done? 

Yoga,  clean the house 😁 and walk the dogs 🐶

1/9/22

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear from Track and Field sensation Orla Coffey. A National Pole Vault Champion, Orla has more recently concentrated on 400m Hurdles securing All - Ireland U23 Bronze in July. Expertly balancing study and training, Orla is a wonderful role model for all our younger members.

Tell us why you run? 

I run to proactively procrastinate studying 🤓 and after that comes the fitness/fun reason!

Who are your running tribe?

I run with a UCC/MTU group and Ger’s trusted Carraig crew.

Cross, track or road?

Definitely a track girl..memories of cow poo coated spikes from cross country make that a hard answer🤥

Favourite race?

Cork city sports, experienced through the lens of watching, competing and officiating over the years. Always a goodie.

Music or podcasts?

Neither when I run. Good old sound of a chaotic brain and wandering thoughts.

On your feet?

Nike Zoom Pegasus 38 and saucony sprint spikes

Your proudest athletics moment?

Jumping my PB and a national youth record at all Ireland schools in pole vault when I was u18

And when the work is done? 

An evening of Netflix and tea ☕️ (or else cramming for exams unfortunately📚)

1/8/2022

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we meet Rian O'Luasa. The Parkrun Hero, High Jump Specialist and Middle Distance Devotee is developing into quite the athlete. Away from Athletics, Rian is an incredibly talented award winning photographer! You can check out his beautiful photographs on Instagram @rianoluasaa.photo 

Tell us why you run? 

I run because I need to be physically active. I love the competition as well. Running is simple but challenging which I think is a great attraction.

Who are your running tribe?

At training you'll see me with my cross country-running peers (such as Timmy Hawkins, David and Aidan Maher, Eoin Quirke, Rebecca Keller, Áine Sheridan). During some sessions I try to keep pace with Tony Dunne.

Cross, track or road?

I love a wet Cross Country course. The distance is more suited to me than the track.

Favourite race?

The first race that comes to mind is the most recent All-Irelands in Santry. In my race was Nicholas Griggs as well as many Ennis Track athletes, some of whom also compete for Ireland.  Afterwards I watched the women's 8k with some amazing athletes.

Music or podcasts?

I like to listen to music before running but I don't own any bluetooth earphones, so when running I don't actually listen to anything.

On your feet?

I'm wearing the Pegasus 38s at the moment. For Cross Country and the track I have a pair of Zoom Rival XCs which are Incredibly light.

Your proudest running moment?

In February I competed in the All-Ireland Bs and I got a gold medal with Cork. It is the second All-Ireland medal I have achieved and having a golden one is very special. Thanks to various coaches I have also had many successes in the high jump

And when the work is done? 

I shower and eat a mountain of food.

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear from Ciaran Nugent. Ciaran is an absolute speed merchant who specialises in the 400m Hurdles. Recent successes include a first place finish in the 400m Hurdles at the National League in Templemore, and 3rd place in the 400m Hurdles at the IUAA Outdoor Championships. 

Tell us why you run? 

I enjoy keeping fit and it is good for your mental health. Also to avoid the pub!!

Who are your running tribe?

Due to college circumstances I have been training with different groups. I try to get to club sessions when I can.

Cross, track or road?

Track is my preferred surface.

Favourite race?

My favourite race would have to be all Ireland finals U19 winning my first Gold medal.

Music or podcasts?

I often say I was born in the wrong generation as I love old school rock and 80s classics.

On your feet?

Nike Air Force Zooms are the spike I currently use.

Your proudest running moment?

What I'm most proud of is consistently performing at a high standard and obtaining PBs.

And when the work is done? 

Food and cars are my treat and off track passions. Also I'm accustomed to having a beer or two or...

1/6/22

Running with ... are a series of short interviews that give you the opportunity to get to know some of our club members. This month we hear from star athlete Lily O'Riordan. Lily was part of our successful U19 Indoor Relay Team, who secured Bronze at the Munster Championships. She also won the Women's 600g Javelin at the National Spring Throws Championships in April. Lily is  quite the all-rounder! 

Tell us why you run? 

I run for a number of different reasons but the main one is because I feel great to be involved with such a fun bunch of people. And athletics keeps me fit for all my other sports and activities.

Who are your running tribe?

I mainly run with the 'sprinters' in Ger Foley's group.

Cross, track or road?

I prefer road as it is more an even surface but for sprinting track tops them all.

Favourite race?

My favourite race that I have participated in has to be the Schools All Ireland 75m Hurdles which I took Bronze in. Beating 3rd place by 100th of a second and missing out on 2nd place by a 10th of a second! 

Music or podcasts?

I often listen to a podcast by Emma Chamberlain. Sometimes I agree with her ideas, sometimes I don't but it's always entertaining.

On your feet?

My runners are Nike Invincibles in the colour black.

Your proudest running moment?

My proudest running moment would have to be the Schools All Ireland claiming third place in the Javelin by 1cm and then third place in the Hurdles 5 minutes later!

And when the work is done? 

After a tough session, I love to go home, have a nice shower and eat whatever food I'm craving at the time.

3 May 2022

Running with ... Cliona Hurley. Club Registrar Cliona is currently on day 91 of the 100 Days of Running Challenge (at time of writing), a challenge she does with her two sisters. Amazing running Cliona. 

Tell us why you run? 

I started running for weight loss, continued for fitness. Hooked now. No escape!

Who are your running tribe?

Dave Mullins is my running buddy now even though Sonya Walsh put in the hard work in the early days. 

Cross, track or road?

It's road running that's my preferred surface. A country road with loads of bends in the sunshine is hard to beat.

Favourite race?

My favourite race is Dublin Marathon. I've completed it 5 times. Never fast or pretty but great atmosphere and fun afterwards with Carraig club mates.

Music or podcasts?

On a 'fast' day I listen to music - golden oldies. On a slower day you can't beat a serial killer podcast!

On your feet?

I used to always wear Nike Pegasus but switched to Brooks Ghost and haven't had an injury since.

Your proudest running moment?

Dungarvan 10 miler 2022. 77mins huge PB for me. Never thought I'd get under 80mins.

And when the work is done? 

Can't beat Odhrna's coffee cake and a cup of tea. (Getting old.. used to be loads of beers!)

2 April 2022

Running with ... Katie Walsh. Katie is a talented athlete across a range of sports and here she shares some athletic influences and favourite events. 

Favourite sport brand: Under armour

Favourite event: 400mH

Sporting influence: Chari Hawkins and Dina Asher Smith

Favourite food: nachos

Favourite athletics moment: winning gold with our relay (relays are the best)

Favourite venue to compete: Athlone

Most embarrassing moment: falling 5 metres before the line in a 4x4 

Tips for fellow athletics: train hard and don’t quit, I never made any city sports team and now I have gold all Ireland sprint medals.

1 March 2020