2017
Find out all the latest club news on our facebook page
20th December, 2017
Under 13's Claim National Silver!
Last weekend the final act of a dramatic year was played out in Waterford IT's sports facilities on the outskirts of the city. What brought us there was the National uneven age cross country championships hosted by Waterford athletic club. The course was well known to us as its played host to more than a few events over the last decade but, as the saying goes familiarity breeds contempt. Contempt in this case for the lung bursting climbs that lay in store on this tough but fair course. Being on the side of a hill the ground was mostly good underfoot but would inevitably cut up with traffic. A great course for spectating and well stewarded parking areas close by made for large early crowds as the weather cleared up nicely.
Thirteen of our athletes were to represent on Munster , Cork and our girls under 13 club teams with a good mix of seasoned campaigners and newbies among them.
First up in the very first race were Lucy Lynch and Faye O'Riordan in Girls under 11. Selected to run for both Munster and Cork the girls wore the blue Munster singlets proudly at the start line pens amongst the provinces best.
In a really competitive field the girls were fated not to bring home medals as their Munster team was fourth and their Cork team sixth. In a season where these two have achieved so much they have to look back and say their season was a massive success even if they didn't manage to take something on their final days racing.
Next under starters orders was Conor Gardiner running for Cork in boys under 11. Conor's season has gone from strength to strength with him making improvements with every racing opportunity. Back in October in county championships he was just outside an individual medal in seventh. At Munster's he was sixth scorer on the Cork team and today he betters himself again coming home fifth scorer on the bronze medalling county team. A bright future ahead for this enthusiastic young man with a great racing temperament.
In the girls under 13 we had qualified a fine six with realistic medal aspirations. With two of our under 12 silver medalling team running up in age added to three who also raced at the even age nationals they knew what was needed to get their hands on silverware.
From the gun they were led off by Ava Fitzgerald in the blue of Munster. As the race settled into the first climb Ava was in a strong group a little off the lead. Not far behind and working together were Leah Dunne also in the blue of Munster, Rebecca Kelleher in her Cork colours and Kathryn O'Mahony in her club colours.
A further few places back but still in the front half of the 144 strong field were Mary Dorgan and Ciara Keohane both in their club colours.
After completing the first 1000 lap of the 2500 race they held their positions well as they began the second and decisive lap.
At the front end Ava began the final climb around the top twenty but put in a ferocious effort to crest the hill with 200 downhill meters to the finish in the individual medal positions. As she rounded the last corner with 80 meters to go she gritted her teeth and made her final effort to haul herself up to fifth place and another individual bronze national medal.
A little further back Leah, Rebecca and Kathryn were still working together sharing the pace setting and grinding away at the hill. As they crested Kathryn lead the charge downhill to the finish line crossing in 38th position with Leah in 41st and Rebecca right after her for a team total of 126 points.
Ciara ran a very strong final climb to finish just ahead of Mary. With all girls home and recovering from their efforts the results were announced over the public address. East Down AC had been victorious with an impressive 89 points. Carraig na bhFear second and nobody heard that fellow Cork team Bandon took bronze because the screams of delight drowned out the announcers voice. Club silver was added to with Ava scoring on Munster(Gold). County team silver also for Ava, Leah and Rebecca taking the haul from one race to eleven medals. Amazing!
A small break in the excitement before our next participant in girls under 17 Blathnaid Daly. Blathnaids club team had qualified for nationals from Munster championships but were unable field so Blathnaid decided to take on the 4000 meter race solo amongst the 108 strong field. Putting in a solid shift Blathnaid will go into next season with a good base of training and will be in action again in a couple of weeks when her track season kicks off.
In the under 17 boys race Joseph Daly was lining out for Cork hoping for an inter county medal in a competitive field. Starting out steadily and working his way through paid dividends for Joseph. As the laps unwound in his 5000 meter race Joseph picked off places consistently to come home fourth scorer in the bronze medalling Cork team. A great finish to a solid year for one of the clubs most prolific trainer and racer. As short break now for Joseph and he will be back at it in the new year with our indoor track squad.
Out last competitors of the day were participating in their last ever race in the juvenile ranks in the girls under 19 race. Katie Walsh and Christine O'Flynn have been ever present on Cork teams at nationals over their careers, so it was only fitting that they took county team bronze as the second and fourth scorers on the Cork team on the day. Working together over the early stages as always over the 4000 meter course the girls had to race for every place to take the bronze county medal by only six points from fourth placed Wicklow. After a season full of success the girls have been great ambassadors for the club over the years and we wish them all the best on their "retirement".
So to summarise the days efforts. We had another stunning success with our now expected phenomenal strike rate, taking fifteen medals from thirteen competitors.
Over the two days of national competitions the athletes took away 27 medals.
Ava Fitzgerald was undoubtedly the star performer taking eight medals over the two days and leading two teams to national podiums.
Look forward:
We will be taking a short break to take our breath after such a hectic few months. Our club juniors and multi event specialists will be in action on the first week in January in Nenagh at the Munster indoor championships. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for training times and updates over the Christmas period. The club committee would like to wish all our athletes, their families and all our friends near and far a happy and peaceful Christmas.
13th December, 2017
Mary Clenches East Cork Title!
East Cork juvenile uneven age and Novice Cross Country:
Last Sunday the second day of east cork athletics association cross country championships were held on the lands of Micheal and Anne O'Reilly adjacent to Kartworld near Watergrasshill. Carraig were the host club and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the smooth running of an event of this nature possible. To those that set up on Saturday, stewarded on Sunday, everyone who stayed back afterwards to clean up, the land owners and operators of Kartworld , thank you all.
The weather was not kind to us on Sunday as intermittent rain added to the biting cold winds to make for a difficult day for young and old. Great credit is due to all athletes , families and their mentors who made the effort to tog out and rally around each other to ensure we had another successful day. It's days like these that forge character and build esprits de corp ,through adversity, amongst team mates.
The course was mostly flat with one short drag followed by the inclusion of a hurdle obstacle to add to the difficulty rating as the under foot conditions inevitably turned to mud.
In the competition for best juvenile girls and boys club it was all to play for as we led both competitions by only two points.
Under 9s 750 meters;
First to take on the challenge were our youngest competitors. With a team in both the girls and boys race for the first time this year it was encouraging for the future and each team taking home silver medals for their efforts was just rewards.
Cian Ryan in the boys race was the top performer when he won his race by leading from the gun and bravely holding on in the face of a late onslaught from two hard charging Middleton athletes.
Under 11s 1500 meters;
In the girls race two of our athletes who are bound for Waterford this weekend to represent Cork at nationals stole the show. Lucy lynch put on a commanding front running display to win and Faye O'Riordans ferocious kick over the final 200 meters took an impressive silver to lead their team to a gold medal.
The boys didn't manage to get one of the three podium medals but a solid team performance secured silver in the team competition behind a strong Middleton team.
Under 13s 2500 meters;
In the girls race Ava Fitzgerald and Rebecca Kelleher put in an impressive individual gold and silver medal performance to set up team gold for their team. Another impressive outing from this bunch putting the final touches to their training as they are also off to Waterford this weekend to compete in club team nationals.
The boys team was arguably the performance of the day when Bobby O'Riordan lead John Wiggington Barrett and Ruaidhri Boyle to a podium clean sweep and team gold. A great day for the lads to cap off a year full of medals and inspiring performances.
Under 15s 3500 meters;
Top performer from the fifteens was Jake Lynch taking a hard fought bronze in the deteriorating conditions. The boys took team gold to put the club into a commanding lead in the overall boys inter club standings.
Under 17s 4500 meters;
Our boys ran another podium
clean sweep with Daire O'Sullivan, Joseph Daly and Adam Foley leading to a team gold medal and securing the cup for best east Cork cross country juvenile boys club for 2017.
Under 19s women 4000 meters.
With the boys trophy in the bag it was over to our veteran juvenile girls to put the icing on the cake with another podium take down from Katie Walsh, Christine O'Flynn and Rachel Atkinson. To win the trophies for best Juvenile cross country club in both boys and girls is no mean feat when you are up against some of the biggest clubs ,not only in Cork ,but the country.
Women novice 4000 meters.
It was heartwarming to see a Carraig novice womens team competing again and credit to Mary, Shelly,Michelle and Sonya for not only showing the colours but taking a deserved bronze team medal. An impressive display from juvenile coach and mentor Mary Fitzgerald set the girls up for their team podium. Mary lead from the start and made quick work of a really difficult circuit. Credit to Shelly who ran her first ever cross country race , Michelle and Sonya for some impressive hurdling technique.
Men novice 6000 meters;
Surely inspired by the exploits of the women, the lads outdid themselves taking a team gold. With the ever reliable Ruaidhri Meyers taking Individual silver and bronze for Willie Walsh the team scores were added to by Sean O'Sullivan (5th) and Don Sheehan(6th). Dave, Gus and Conor, who was also running his first ever XC race , completed the team.
Summary;
After completing the two days of East Cork XC we came away with the trophies for best girls and boys club;
Novice men's team gold
Novice ladies team bronze
Mens Senior team bronze
Mens over 35 team silver
Women's over 45 team gold
26 individual medals and team medals galore.
East Corks have yet again been a valuable proving ground for our experienced athletes and an invaluable blooding for our new comers.
Clonakilty Marathon;
Congratulations to club members Jim O'Mahony, Robert Boyle and Paul Ryan who completed 42 kilometres on west Corks rolling roads last Saturday and still managed to drag their weary bodies from their beds on Sunday to shout on their children as they competed at the cross country.
Look forward:
The last act of what has been a dramatic year will be played out in WIT sports grounds this Sunday. Thirteen of our juveniles will be running in the uneven national XC championships. We hope for their continued success.
05th December, 2017
Kerry Gold for Katie and Daire!
Last Sunday saw thirty one of our athletes on the road again. This time we traveled west to Beautiful Beaufort in Kerry. The course was a well laid out relatively flat field at the foot of the MacGillacuddy reeks and when the misty weather permitted we could make out the Hags glen leading into the foothills of Ireland's highest peaks.
What brought us to this particular corner of Ireland was the Munster Junior and juvenile B cross country championships. B championships are only open to athletes who did not medal in any capacity at either the Munster even or uneven championships.
Under 9s:
First runner for Carraig was under nine competitor Darragh Sheehan. This was one of Darragh's first big races and he acquitted himself admirably. With his Dad Don and big brother Aaron's footsteps to follow he has a bright athletics future.
Under 11s:
In girls under eleven we had Meabh McGee and Katie Daly toe the line. The girls were the first to head out into the big 1500 meter lap to cover that distance in their race. Meabh took another big step forward with a solid performance and Katie is yet another athlete from the Daly family dynasty to pull on the Carraig singlet. We look forward to seeing more of the girls in the years ahead.
Three boys got stuck into the Kerry mud next. Cormac Fennessy, Dylan Murphy and Billy Kelleher all had encouraging runs in the biggest field of the day. The boys ran solidly in the mid pack of the 90 boys and have gained invaluable experience that will stand to them in the years ahead.
Under 13s
Our two girls running up in age were Odhrna Hurley and Joanne Daly. The girls had good runs but with such a successful year for their age group they were short on team mates to make up a team. With the cheers of their teammates who traveled to cheer them on ringing in their ears long after they finished it was worth every bit of effort.
The boys team was our first team of the day and they set the tone for what was to follow. Our first individual medal of the day went to John Wiggington Barrett with a storming last 500 meters to take sixth place and third scorer on the gold medalling Cork team. Johns sterling performance lead his team to a fabulous silver. Odhran McCarty, Aaron Sheehan and Micheal Mullins completed the team scores with Luke Mullins and Cathal Whooley taking the last two team places. In what was a great battle for the last team medals Conor Dalton, Adam McCarthy and Darragh McGee were unlucky to miss out on this day. A great team performance by the boys and a catalyst for the things that were to come undoubtably.
Under 15s,
Our only competitor in the girls race was a good one. Cliona Lynch who was running up in age took on the race from the gun and only just missed out on an individual medal coming home in 15th place. Sweet consultation was to be had in the form of a team gold as sixth scorer on a very strong Cork team.
In the boys race we were delighted to have a team at this age group for the first time in some years. Our delight was soon celebration when the four lads took team Bronze. The team were lead around the 2500meter course from the gun by Jake Lynch who had a strong last 500 meters to take valuable places. Darragh Walsh was next home running in his first race in some years he and Jake were both scorers with Cork to take a Silver county team medal. Next home just behind Darragh was Alan Davis with a storming last 200. Running up in age Alan had his strongest outing thus far for the club. The team wouldn't be complete without their final member and great credit is due to race walker Ciaran Hurley who made a return to the cross country scene to ensure the boys went home with silverware in theirs pockets and smiles on their faces.
Under 17s
Taking a break from her multi-events schedule Orla Coffey pulled on her cross country spikes to take on 3000 meters of Kerry mud which is a far cry from the indoor pentathlon surfaces she been used to lately. Showing what a talented all rounder she truly is, Orla came home in sixth place taking our second individual medal of the day and a gold with Cork in the county competition.
The boys race was a clean sweep for the four Carraig lads that made the effort to travel. Coming back from an injury lay off, Daire O'Sullivan was back where it all began some years ago when he won Munster Bs in his first ever race. Proving that class is permanent he settled into the 3000meter race, followed the pace and with 800 to go opened up his legs to pull away from the field and take a confident win. With Daire's win setting up Adam Foley, Alex Hegarty and Kyle Cullen for a wonderful club team Gold. Daire and Adam also scored on the gold medalling Cork team.
Junior:
Our women's junior(under 20) team put the icing on the cake with an unprecedented absolute clean sweep of all the medals up for grabs. Katie Walsh was crowned Munster junior champion by taking the race from team mate Nessa Wheeler in second place. With only three individual medals for adult races Christine O'Flynn took the third step on the podium to complete a historic day for the club. For the full set Rachel Atkinson impressively out sprinted Togher ACs Meave McTaggert to take the final gold medal on the Cork team. What a fabulous result for the girls in a race that they had targeted from the start of the season.
Summary:
What a wonderful day we had from the thirty one athletes we took home thirty eight medals.
8 individual (two gold),
30 team medals, a clean sweep for the junior women's will go down in the records as one of our best every results.
We would like to thank all the parents, mentors and most importantly the athletes who made the day such a success and added to the great atmosphere.
Look forward:
Day two of the East Cork cross country is taking place this Sunday the 10th in Kartworld , Watergrasshill.
We are in a strong position to take the trophies for the best Girls and Boys club.
We encourage everyone to make an effort to participate to ensure our best chance of success in this important endeavour.
We are also hosting the event and will be grateful for all help with laying out the course on Saturday , stewarding on race day and tiding up after.
28th November, 2017
Ava hits the Mother load.
National even age cross country (XC) championships were held at the national sports campus in Abbotstown last weekend.
Athletics Ireland have developed an area on the site specifically for XC events and it was over this manicured surface that reputations were put to the test. The day held dry and bright for the most part with a steady breeze keeping the temperature feel quite low.
Eighteen Carraig na bhFear athletes had qualified to participate in six of the ten races on show. Our under twelve and fourteen girls teams were there after qualifying as one of the top four Munster teams while the remaining six were running on Cork teams.
Under twelve girls was the first race of the day where Ava, Leah, Lucy, Sinead, Kate and Isabelle took their place in the 177 strong field consisting of twenty club teams from as far afield as East Down AC in the far north to Bandon AC in west Cork. With a thirty minute delay due to severe traffic congestion the girls were chomping at the bit by the time the starters admitted them to their assigned pens to take their marks. Their intent was in no question as all six were up the front row and dispite three false starts got off to a flyer when the gun finally cracked.
With 2500 meters to race and the first 400 meters downhill the pace was ferocious from the get go. After the first 1000 meter lap Ava Fitzgerald found her way to the front and settled into a group about twenty meters behind the lead. The rest of the girls were dispersed amongst the still well compressed field.
As they headed out on their 1500meter lap they disappeared out of sight into the woods and had the wettest part of the course to deal with as well as a nice drag back up to the finish straight. When eventually the leaders reappeared Ava was working her way through the now well separated front of the race and as excited supporters jostled for a vantage point on the finish straight ,Ava rounded the final corner clear in third position. With an uphill finish of about 200 meters Ava looked supreme as she glided over the ground to take her first national podium result to the screams of her delighted club mates.
After the excitement of watching Ava's heroics our attention was quickly brought back to bear on the team competition when Leah Dunne rounded the corner in her Munster singlet eating up ground and her competition as she stormed home in 25th position (7th Munster and 6th Cork). Next to appear on the home stretch to perform her now customary sprint finish was Lucy Lynch , picking off valuable places all the way to the line.
Now it was getting serious as we waited to see who would appear next and most importantly what position would they be in. We didn't have to wait though, because as we looked back the course after watching Lucy pass by Sinead Hurley came storming round the final bend like she was late for mass. Passing people all the way to the line showing experience way beyond someone who is only five races into her athletic career , she crossed the line in 98th place completing the score of the Carraig team.
Kate Fennessy and Isabelle Kelleher completed the team, and like the girls before them, passing competition all the way to the line.
Within a short time the public address system announcer declared Carraig na bhFear second team ,sparking more celebrations amongst the Carraig faithful.
Oblivious to all the commotion were Ruaidhri Boyle and Bobby O'Roirdan who were waiting for the gun at the start of the boys under 12 race as the girls were crossing the finish line. Ruaidhri and Bobby were running in the red singlets of Cork having been selected for their performance at the Munster championships.
Ruaidhri's season got off to a flying start only for an injury to cause a small slump in form but we were delighted to see him back on top of the ground at the right time with a fabulous run to take County Bronze with Cork as the fifth scorer on the team.
Bobbys season has gone from strength to strength and was desperately unlucky not to make the top six Cork men, coming home seventh just six positions of a medal. Bobbys commitment to training has got him his first trip to nationals and his first Cork singlet so far this season and we're sure he's not finished yet.
With relentless precision the next race was ready for the gun as the final few dozen runners of the previous race crossed the line.
Our under 14 girls team of Rebecca, Kathryn, Ciara, Ellie, lily and Sorcha were to the start line with 154 other young women as the winter sun was breaking through the scattering clouds. The whole field hurtled through the first 400 of the 3000 meter race as one and wasn't split up until the uphill drag through the wet woods at the back of the 1500 meter lap.
As they passed the finish line and out for a second lap Rebecca Kelleher could be seen moving through the midfield on the outside of the pack. Ciara and Ellie were running together keeping Kathryn in their sights with Lily and Sorcha a little further back. As they emerged from the woods for the second and final time Rebecca had worked her way through and with another one of her gritty finishes she came home in 36th and was fifth scorer on the silver medalling Cork team. A new high point on her ever increasing upward curve.
Ciara Keohane was next to emerge from the woods leading Kathryn O'Mahony and Ellie Twomey to complete the team score of 277 points. The girls have been on the campaign trail for a couple years now and are learning through experience how to produce solid performances time and again pulling each other through especially when someone has an "off" day. Lily O'Riordan and Sorcha Daly had two solid runs to complete the team and should be happy with a final placing of ninth team and importantly third Munster team in a race that they didn't even qualify for 12 months previously.
In the boys under 14 race Odhran McCarthy and Aaron Sheehan were running in Cork singlets after qualifying out of Munster championships. At their first trip to nationals the boys acquitted themselves admirably , working their way through the 3000 meter course together and having a nice battle for club bragging rights with a sprint finish. Valuable experience gained for the boys that they can take away, digest and put into use when they come back in their future which we have no doubt they will.
Our next competitor was Katie Walsh in Junior (under 20) womens race. Katie has been away from cross country for a couple of years through injury and track performances, but has committed to a winters XC in preparation for the track season ahead. Katie was selected on the back of a fifth place finish at County junior back in early October but in a Cork team stacked with internationals getting in the top four for a medal was optimistic in the extreme. A personal best performance knocking 45sec off her 4km XC time was a solid days work and will stand to her as she will be racing for nearly every weekend in the coming months.
In boys under 18 our final competitor of the day was Joesph Daly running up in age for Cork and in a nearly 200 strong field with the juniors, it was the biggest race of his career. With four 1500 meter laps in the now well cut up wooded section testing our young mans stamina. Coming home good and strong the experience will stand him in good stead over the coming weeks when he'll be lining out again for Cork in his under 17 national race.
So to summarise the days efforts. Our first national team medal since 1998 and our first silver since the 1980s was another marker that we're doing something right. Ava Fitzgerald's podium was only our second since Valerie Lynch took the top step in the under 18 women's race in 1996. Ava's further haul of Munster(silver) Cork(gold) made for four in total. Leah Dunne bagged a Cork(gold) to add to her club silver. With Ruaidhri Boyle (bronze)and Rebecca Kelleher's (silver)Cork medals we came away with 12 medals in total.
Look forward:
We're on our travels again this weekend for the Munster B XC and Junior championships in beautiful Beaufort county Kerry. Training continues unabated in preparation for the second day of East Cork XC which we are hosting in Cartworld, Watergrasshill on the 10th of December and the National uneven age Championships in WIT on the 17th.
14th November, 2017
Thirteens take team Gold!
Munster Juvenile uneven age cross country:
On Sunday last the club were on our travels again. This day out was to the scenic village of Galbally Co. Tipperary at the head of the Glen of Aherlow. Mooreabby Milers AC hosted a well laid out compact course made for good spectating and loud crowd participation. While the day remained dry and crisp, the previous days rain made for soft and sticky going underfoot.
Under 9s;
Our sole representative in under nines was a good one. Cian Ryan backed up winning his county race with another fine run over 750 sticky meters in the shadow of the Galtees to come home 12th to take the final podium place. Fifth scorer on a strong Cork team gave him county team gold also. An impressive first season for this young man and one to watch for the future.
Under 11s:
Girls;
A team of five took to the start line next and two super performances by Lucy Lynch and Faye O'Riordan saw them capture bronze for third and eight respectively. The girls also picked up county team silver as first and fourth scorers on the Cork team and will be leading participants for Cork at the national race in Waterford IT in December.
The club team was completed by Isabelle, Ruth and Siofra, but were sixth of nineteen teams on this day. A solid result and cause for optimism in the years ahead.
Boys;
In the 155 strong boys field we had a six strong team that was ably led by Conor Gardiner who came home in twentieth place overall and was fifth scorer on the silver medalling Cork team. Conor has made steady improvement this season and this is a new high point for him as his season will now be extended as he prepares for nationals.
The team was completed by Richard, Cormac, Cian, Naoise and Dylan but were a little off the team podium on this day.
Under 13:
Girls;
A glut of talent within the club at this grade was to prove our best team performance of the day. Eleven young women toed the line and the comment was passed that it would be easier to get on most county teams than to score on Carraigs team. The girls backed up the hype and took club team gold with Bronze individual medals for Ava Fitzgerald (8th) and Leah Dunne (10th). Ava and Leah also added county team gold as the third and fifth scorers on a really strong Cork team. The consistent Rebecca Kelleher (15th) and Kathryn O'Mahony (24th) completed the club team scores. Ciara Keohane and Mary Dorgan took the last two team medals and will look forward to the national championships with confidence in their pedigree.
Missing out on medals on the day were Ellie, Sinead, Kate, Sorcha and Joanne.
Boys;
A large boys team toed the line in a competitive field and were lead home by the consistent John Wiggington (24th) but were a little off the pace on this day. With no medals taken by the boys the team can now head to the B championship at full strength in hopes of a better day out. Bobby, Aaron, Odhran, Micheal, Adam, Conor, Luke, Rian, Ruaidhri and Cathal will be in with a great opportunity in Beaufort on the first Sunday in December.
Under 17:
Girls;
A team of four took to the mud in the under 17 race and without managing to get their hands on medals they put in a solid display over the four kilometre course to take fourth place and qualify for nationals. Orla, Nessa, Blathnaid and Molly were the top Cork team on the day also.
Boys;
In the boys race our sole competitor was Joseph Daly who gave another workmanlike performance in a very fast paced race. County team gold was his consolation for being just outside the podium medals as sixth scorer on the Cork team.
Under 19s:
In the 19 women's race Katie, Christine and Rachel had a tough task in a high quality field. With teams of three in this category and four scorers on the county teams the girls were outside the medals on both teams but consolation was had that they qualified as fifth, sixth and eight on the Cork team for nationals.
To summarise we had yet another successful days work taking five individual bronze medals, one team gold, seven county medals(4 gold & 3 silver) and qualified seventeen for national competition.
SIAB International:
Club multi event specialist Orla Coffey traveled with the Irish schools team to Glasgow last Thursday to compete in the home nations tournament.
Orla had another huge days performance throwing down PBs in short hurdles, long jump and shot. Added to this was a new overall points PB of 2988 and taking a bronze medal in the team with a magnificent final event 800 meters performance that helped her team to leap frog the Welsh team.
Congratulations to Orla on her first Irish call up, her superb performance and we look forward to more of the same in her future.
Look forward:
Training continues relentlessly as we move towards nationals on the 26th in Abbotstown. Times and locations can be found on our website and Facebook page.
24th October, 2017
Ava and Faye strike Gold!
Munster Juvenile even age Cross Country Championships:
Last Sunday the club travelled to Clarecastle, Co. Clare for the first of three Munster cross country events this season. After a successful county campaign our athletes were in buoyant mood dispite the bad weather,all week, making for a seriously wet but mostly flat course.
Under 10s:
Girls;
In the first race of the day we had two young ladies toe the line. Siofra Boyle and Faye O'Riordan took to the task like seasoned veterans dispite their tender years. Siofra had her biggest race so far coming home in the top third of 150 girls. Faye had been here last year and was back to defend the title she took 12 months previously. With singleminded determination she went about her task and was never going to be denied, stretching the race from the start and pulling away from the leaders to win with twenty meters to spare. It's not many athletes get to defend their titles in juvenile competition as the fields are huge and competition ferocious. Faye should be proud of what she has achieved at such a young age. She also lead her Cork team to gold by a massive 86 point margin over Clare in silver.
Boys;
We also had only two young men in the 131 strong boys race. Naoise O'Luasa and Cian Dunne had a battle on their hands in the huge field and acquitted themselves manfully coming home mid pack. Lots of experience gained that will surely benefit the lads as their careers move forward and we build a team around them.
Under 12s:
Girls;
A strong eight lady team lined out next with genuine contenders in amongst them. In a field of 138 individuals and 17 other teams the margins between success and bitter disappointment would be small. The two kilometre two lap race was led from the off by the ever willing Ava Fitzgerald. One of the most courageous ladies we have Ava only knows one way to race and that's flat out. She put on a supreme display on this occasion pulling away from the field with another Cork girl who she out sprinted to take her first Munster individual Gold.
If Ava was the team Captain then she was well supported by able lieutenants, none more able than Leah Dunne. Leah ran the second lap of her life to come through the field and eventually home in fourth place and her best ever Munster result. Lucy Lynch (24th) and Sinead Hurley (32nd) completed the team scores for a total of 61 and Club team silver only 7 points behind a strong Bandon team. Kate Fennessy and Isabelle Kelleher took the final two team medals with Emily O'Mahony and Odhrna Hurley just missing out on this day.
Ava and Leah also scored on a ferociously strong Cork team that had six in the top nine finishers to take county team Gold by some margin.
Boys;
In the field of 137 boys we had six Carraig lads amongst the 15 club teams. The team was led by Ruaidhri Boyle and Bobby O'Riordan around the now well cut up two kilometre course. Ruaidhri was home in 13th place which was just one place outside an individual medal and Bobby ,in 17th ,had one of his best ever performances , despite an early fall. Both boys scored on another Gold medalling Cork team. Twin brothers Michael and Luke Mullins completed the score for the team but in a competitive field 8th place was their lot in the club team competition.
Richard Barry and Cathal Whooley completed the team that will be looking forward to another bite of the cherry in the coming weeks.
Under 14s:
Girls;
In an 87 strong field with last years national champions Youghal amongst the 11 club teams it was going to be a tough ask to pull medals from this race. Six super tough ladies took up the task and to their credit brought home team bronze with a true team performance. No individual medals, but with Kathryn O'Mahony giving her now expected super solid performance leading the girls home just one off bronze in 13th and the combative Rebecca Kelleher was just two places behind in 15th. The team medal was undoubtedly secured by the performance of the next two ladies. Ciara Keohane (24th) and Ellie Twomey (34th) ran the races of their careers so far to ensure that these girls will be heading for the national team competition. Sorcha Daly and Lily O'Riordan completed the team and will join their teammates and training partners on the trip to Abbotstown.
Kathryn took a County team gold in another strong Cork team.
Boys;
After winning the county title earlier in the month it was a little disappointing that we could only field three of that team on Sunday. Odhran McCarthy, Arron Sheehan and Alan Shane Davis surely would have brought home some silverware had they a full team. A consolation for Odhran and Arron was being selected for the Cork team to run at nationals which is no small achievement and will be a highlight of their year thus far.
Under 18s:
In the girls race Blathnaid Daly ran four kilometres of a mud run to just miss out on county team selection by one place. Hard lines for this brave lady, but hopefully better days lie ahead when she teams up with the junior ladies club team later in the season.
Boys;
Our sole representative in the boys race was Joseph Daly. With six kilometres of hard slog in the ankle deep mud Joseph set to his task with a steady pace over the early stages and managed to build momentum as he went into the race. A thirteenth place finish was a great result for our young man. One place off individual bronze was cushioned by a silver county team medal as fourth scorer on his Cork team.
Under 23:
CIT student and Carraig clubman Ruairi Myers was in action in the under 23 race. Backing up his silver at counties, Ruairi took third place in Munster as his long XC season moves steadily toward inter varsity competition where we look forward to following his progress.
So to summarise. Two Munster champions, two bronze medalists, club team silver(u12) , bronze (u14), five county gold medals, one silver and nine athletes on Cork teams heading to nationals alongside our under 12 and 14 girls. Another hugely successful day at the races!
Other business:
After a brief disruption in training due to the recent storms all lights are green as we hit the midpoint of the XC season. Training times and locations are to be found on our website and FB page.
13th October, 2017
See the map above for the location of Sundays XC course, more details can be found here.
10th October, 2017
This Sunday our club will be hosing the County Intermediate and Juvenile B XC Championships. We will be looking for volunteers to help with setting up the course on Saturday morning or to help out on Sunday with car parking, stewarding etc. We are going to have teas, coffees, sandwiches etc for sale so we would like if each family could help out by providing something on the day.
10th October, 2017
County Junior, Senior and uneven age Cross Country Championships:
On Sunday last the second weekend of county cross country (XC) action took place outside the village of Ballynoe and was hosted by St. Cathrines AC. Another dry day after a dry week made for good underfoot conditions on a spectator friendly course. The club traveled in great numbers again in confident mood after the previous weekends results and weren't disappointed with some outstanding performances given up.
Junior/Under 19 women:
In the very first race of the day five of our juniors took on four km over two laps with the added challenge of a hurdle in the form of an telegraph pole adding to the spectacle. The race was a joint race for Junior(17 to 20) and under 19. Racing for under 19 honours were Katie, Christine and Rachel, with Nessa and Blathnaid making up a team of five for Junior. The girls raced well taking the under 19 team of three gold but had a though ask against a very strong Leevale Junior squad and were unable to retain the Paddy Hickey trophy that they won 12 months previously. Taking two individual bronze medals Katie Walsh had a solid start to her XC season.
Under 9:
First of the juveniles into action on the course were the boys under 9 trio of Cian, Gearoid and Darragh , and what a start they provided. Cian Ryan ran one of the most impressive races of the day taking an early twenty meter lead and maintaining it throughout to romp home to be crowned our first county champion of the year. A magnificent result for this young man in only his third ever race.
Under 11:
With throats still sore from cheering our first champion we didn't have to wait long for a second. Girls under eleven team were up next with Lucy, Faye, Ruth, Siofra, Isabelle and Emily nervously awaiting the starters gun as they listening to Cian being roared home. As they set off on their 1500 meter race with the hurdle obstacle now removed all the girls were packing well but not at the sharp end of the race. Around mid-distance Lucy and Faye were moving up through the field and with 400 to go were still outside of the first six to secure a medal. As Lucy Lynch rounded the final bend with 200 uphill meters to go she unleashed a ferocious sprint finish overtaking competitors with ease to come through to take a stunning Gold and the county champions title. The team were unlucky fourth with 88 points, three off third, and Faye O'Riordan taking a fine eight place.
The boys team of Conor, Dylan, Cormac, Naoise, Cian D and Billy were next into the fray. In a large competitive field of 86 , the boys raced well together ,but were a little off the medals on this day. Best on the day was Conor Gardiner who ran a fabulous last 400 to give himself a great chance of an individual medal but just missed out by the minimum coming home seventh.
Under 13:
A strong and quietly confident team of nine girls toed the line in the next race. A 2500 meter course over two winding laps made for one of the most entertaining and competitive races of the day. The first lap saw a strong pace set at the front with the Carraig girls mixing well in the front of the race. With the first 1000 meter lap completed and the race settling down the four teams still with lots of athletes in the battle up front. Ava Fitzgerald at this stage took up the Carraig banner and took the battle to her peers going to the front to set the tempo. Following on her heals were Rebecca Keleher, Kathryn O'Mahony and Leah Dunne mixing in a large group of strong Leevale, Bandon and Youghal girls. As the gaps began to open in the penultimate climb and over the final 400 meters the four girls put in a staggering display of running to take four of the six individual medals on offer with Ava(2nd), Rebecca(3rd),Kathryn(4th) and Leah (6th) for a team total of 15 points and team gold. Mary Dorgan(17th) and Ciara Keohane (20th) completing the team with Elie, Sorcha and Joanne just outside the six medal places on this day.
A large boys team of ten young men took to the start line next and again had hopes of success after a great performance last week when the boys ran up an age to take gold. Last weeks success was built on a strong team performance with no individual medals and this week was a carbon copy with solid runs from John Wiggenton(9th), Bobby O'Riordan (13th), Ordhran McCarthy(14th) and Arron Sheehan(20th) for a team total of 56 points taking team gold.To emphasise the importance of team in XC racing Carraigs 5th & 6th Ruaidhri Boyle (21st) and Michael Mullins (25th) took points off the third and forth runners on the second placed Middleton team. Luke,Rian, Howard and Cathal were the unlucky ones to not take a medal home on this day but contributed no less than their teammates.
Under 17:
Our only other runner on the day was Joseph Daly in a very competitive field of under 17 boys. With a very quick pace set over the first kilometre by Jake McCarthy of Youghal ,in an effort to burn the opposition, It did just that causing the field to fracture and boys fighting for positions in ones and twos all over the six km ,three lap race. After going with the early pace Joseph settled into his own race coming home in 8th position.
So to summarise, day two of the counties was another success with two county champions, six further individual medals and four team medals three of which were gold. With over 30 of our young people taking medals over the two days it has been a great success and a credit to their efforts and the clubs emphasis on teamwork.
Look forward:
This coming weekend sees the club host the county intermediate and juvenile B championships on clubman Don Sheehans land. This will be an important revenue stream for the club and all help would be gratefully accepted with the various cogs that need turning to ensure a smoothly ran event. Please contact any of the club officials if you can give some of your time Saturday @1100 for course setup or Sunday@ 1000 for stewarding.
03rd October, 2017
County Novice & Juvenile Even age XC Championships
Carraig kids reap reward of teamwork:
Juvenile Even age and Novice Cross country Championships:
The first of this years county championships were held last Sunday in the County boards own cross country grounds in Slieveroe , Riverstick. The heavy rain over the previous days made for a wet and challenging course but a well laid out series of circuits that held up well to the volume of traffic made for some exciting racing. With the adult races first away the racing line was well muddied before the youngsters took to the starting gun.
Novice ladies:
In the first race of the day Mary Fitzgerald was our sole competitor in the ladies race which took the gun at 12 noon. Mary had a terrific race over the 4km course which was already beginning to cut up under foot. Mary put in a storming last kilometre to come home in sixth place out of a field of sixty four. A true lesson in leading by example from one of our under age coaches.
Mens Under 23 and Novice:
Our mens Novice team of Ruaidhri , Sean, Willie, Don, Dave O'R and Gus were in action next and took a respectable sixth place out of eleven teams. Performance of the day goes to Ruaidhri Myers who came in 14th out of a competitive 96 and also took Silver in the under 23 race. Not too shabby for a bunch of auld lads with a sprinkle of youth to help us along. With some "big" clubs behind us we are again quietly and proudly punching well above our weight.
Under 10:
First juvenile race of the day saw the girls team of Faye, Siofra, Roisin and Jane toe the line to take on the now well cut up course. An outstanding performance by Faye O'Riordan to take Silver from a seventy four runner field was a wonderful start to our juvenile program. As a team the girls were a little off the medals, but with the bare four it was always going to be a though race for the young ladies.
In a large field of 118 the Carraig boys team of Cian R, Cormac, Dylan, Naoise, Cian D, Darragh and Billy held their own coming home sixth(154 points) out of fourteen teams. Cian Ryan was their top performer coming in thirteenth place. This is valuable experience for these young men as they begin their long and fruitful athletics futures.
Under 12:
Our girls team of Ava, Leah, Lucy, Sinead, Kate,Ruth, Isabelle, Emily, Evie and Roisin were one of our fancied prospects for medals and they didn't disappoint. Leading by example from the gun Ava Fitzgerald set a ferocious pace at the front over the two lap race taking an impressive Silver medal. Leah Dunne followed closely behind to take an individual Bronze in fourth place ,with Lucy Lynch(11th) and Sinead Hurley(15th) completing the team scorers for a total of thirty two points. An impressive total that was good enough for our first team Gold of the day.
The boys team of Bobby, Ruaidhri, Michael, Luke, Richard, Zach, Ben and Cathal battled well over their two lap race and chalked up a total of eighty two points which was a little off the seventy needed to earn team bronze. Story of the race was Bobby O'Riordans fantastic individual bronze coming home in fifth place. Bobby led the race from the gun and set the pace over the first lap. As the race unwound he started to slip a little but found some strength within to blast up the climb to the finish and secure his well deserved medal.
Under 14:
Our girls team of Kathryn, Rebecca, Ellie, Mary, Lily, Ciara, Sorcha, Cliona and Joanne had their work cut out taking on a Youghal team that were national champions last year. The girls went at the race with guts to spare and some fantastic runs from the girls running up an age got the team a total of fifty five points, which was more than good enough for a Silver team medal. The team was lead throughout by Kathryn O'Mahony who worked her way through the field taking an excellent individual bronze for sixth place. Rebecca Kelleher was just outside an individual medal in tenth. Ellie Twomey (17th) and Mary Dorgan (22nd)completed the team scorers.
The boys team were surely the heroes of the day with arguably the clubs best team performance. Proving that every place counts the boys took an outstanding Team Gold by three points with a total of fifty points over Leevale. Battling for every advantage the boys team of John(9th), Odhran(10th),Arron(13th),Adam(18th), Alan and Rian didn't take any individual glory but were proof that hard work will reap rewards every time. They should be standing an inch or two taller in training this week with this result behind them.
Under 16:
With only one competitor lining out in this age group a hat tip to Adam Foley for his performance in only his second ever race. New to the club this last few months , Adams consistent attendance and application to training has enabled him to compete amongst a competitive field.
Under 18:
Our girls team of Nessa Wheeler, Rachel Atkinson, Molly Lynch and Blathnaid Daly had a long wait for their race to get under way but with conditions drying up at least the mud wasn't as challenging. The girls put in a fabulous team performance to take a team silver ahead of a Togher AC team that they had a fine battle with over the 4km course.
Joseph Daly was our sole protagonist in the boys race over 6km and took an excellent individual bronze coming home in fifth place. A good run out for Joseph who was running up an age with some serious operators should stand him well when he runs his own age this weekend.
So to round up the medal results for the day we took Two team Golds, Two team Silvers , Three individual Silvers and four individual Bronzes. Another great day out with loads of positive vibes to take into this weekends competitions.
Cork to Cobh road race:
Our adult members continue to put the final blocks of training in place for the national marathon in Dublin in three weeks time completing the 15 mile Cork to Cobh race. Eileen, Sonya, Cliona, Christy, Dave M, Jim and Tony took on the BHAA organised race that starts by the railway station in Cork and finishes in Cobh town square. All passed with honours and will be looking forward to their day out in the capitol.
Look forward:
This weekend we head back to Conna and St Cathrines AC as they host the County uneven age, Junior and Senior Championships. We look forward to more great racing and hope for continued success.
29th September, 2017
County XC Championships
All juvenile athletes should be on the course in Riverstick for 11.45am on Sunday morning, that will give us enough time to walk the course and get warmed up.
25th September, 2017
Carraig na bhFear Community Council rewards young medalists!
Last Saturday evening Carraig na bhFear community council made a presentation to all our juvenile medalists at this years national track and field championships. The ceremony was held at 1830hrs in the Community centre.
The club had an outdoor track and field season of unprecedented success winning Six Gold , five Silver and one Bronze over the two weekends of competition held in Tullamore Harriers athletics stadium. The club did so well that it placed us in fifth place on the medal table nationally. The Club and athletes were delighted to be recognised in this way. A list of the medalists and their achievements ;
Theo deSouza, Gold in boys under 12 long jump.
Michelle Ugwah, Gold in girls under 14 long jump.
Orla Coffey, Gold in girls under 16 pole vault.
Emma Coffey, Gold in under 17 girls pole vault.
Daire O'Sullivan, Gold in boys under 16 3000 meters.
Rebecca Kearney, Gold in girls under 19 3km walk.
Katie Walsh, Silver in girls under 19 high jump and 400 hurdles.
Meabh Daly, Silver in girls under 18 javelin.
Martha Quain, Silver in girls under 17 discus.
Ciaran Hurley, Silver in boys under 15 2k walk.
Sam O'Sullivan, Bronze in boys under 12 long jump(B championship)
East Cork Primary XC:
East cork primary schools cross country championships were held last Friday and some of Carraigs Young guns were shooting it out for medals.
Ruaidhri Boyle took gold and
Bobby O'Riordan took bronze coming home in eight in boys 2006.
Richard Barry & Conor Gardiner took bronze for fourth and seventh in boys 2007.
Billy Kelleher, Jamie Murphy, Cathal Whooley, Luke & Michael Mullins also competed but were outside the medals on this occasion.
Faye O'Riordan took bronze with fifth in girls 2008.
Mary Dorgan took Gold with bronze for Rebecca Kelleher (4th) Ellie Twomey(7th) in girls 2005.
Leah Dunne took bronze with a 12th place in girls 2006.
Jessica Murphy,Joanne Daly, Kate Daly and Siofra Boyle were also in action.
Other business:
Training continues to gain more focus as this coming weekend we begin our assault on county cross country honours with the even age championships to be held in Slieveroe, Riverstick this Sunday. Meeting times and directions can be found on our website and FB page.
23rd September, 2017
Carraig na bhFear Community Council Awards
It was a great honour for our club tonight to see our 2017 National T&F medalists being celebrated by the Carraig na bhFear Community Council. All of these athletes and their coaches put in great effort in their chosen events and it was fabulous to see their achievements being recognised by the local community. From all in the athletic club I would like to thank the Community Council for the great night that they laid on for our athletes and their families and coaches, it really meant a lot to them. All the pictures from tonight can be viewed on our Photos page.
19th September, 2017
Sunshine and Suffering sprinkled with Medals!
East Cork Cross Country:
The 2017 cross country (XC) season kicked off in bright sunshine and temperatures in the high teens last weekend. The village of Ballynoe was the venue and St Catherines AC hosted a well organised event with a tough but fair course.
First up for this season were the under 10 girls. Running 1000 meters. The uphill start had put gaps into the field even before they reached the first corner. Faye O'Riordan was with the lead group and they pulled away on the climb to the high point of the course. With 500 to go Faye made a move pulling away from the field by 20 meters and held on to the line with a storming finish over the final 100 meters uphill finish. Gold for Faye was followed with bronze in the team competition for her team mates Siofra, Roisin, Lucy and Kate.
Boys under 10 blasted around the 1000 meters also taking bronze with Cian D, Cormac, Gearoid and Billy being lead home by Cian R (3rd) and Dylan (11th) securing individual bronzes.
Under 12 girls and boys were the cream of the crop in their races with both taking team golds and ten individual medals between them.
Ava Fitzgerald lead from the gun in the girls race to impressively take gold and backed up by Leah(4th), Sinead(5th),Lucy (6th) for an excellent team score of 16. Kate (7th) and Isabelle (15th) rounded out the individual medals but Ruth, Evie, Emily, and Ordhna placed from 19 to 25 showing just how strong this group of ladies are. Ones to watch for the season ahead!
The Boys were lead home by Ruaidhri Boyle with a powerhouse uphill finish over the last 200 of the 1500 meter lap. The team scorers were Bobby (4) Richard (7th) and Luke (9th) for another excellent total of 21. The team were completed by Micheal , Conor ,Ben and Cathal were snapping at their heels in what is another strong group of competitors. More from these boys over the coming weeks we expect.
Girls under 14 was probably the highest quality race on the day with a really strong Youghal team taking team gold and the Carraig girls putting in a ferrous fight for silver lead by Kathryn (4th) Rebecca (8th) & Ciara(12) all individual bronze. Completing the team were Ellie(13) , Sorcha, Lily and Joanne.
Boys under 14 took yet another team gold lead home ably by Oran (4th) earning individual bronze with Aaron S, John, Adam and Alan making up the team.
Girls under 16 saw Orla Coffey and Jennifer Kearney take the fight to a small field ably taking Silver for Orla and a solid fourth for Jennifer. It would be great if we could pick up some new members to help the girls make a team as they've campaigned for many years without a team dynamic.
Boys 16 put in a solid shift to take silver. Pat, Adam, Kyle and Ciaran placed 7th to 10th in their race with both Adam & Kyle running their first ever XC race.
Girls 18 and Junior was run together as the junior category draws from under 17 to 20. The Carraig ladies took both team golds over the 3000 meter race. Nessa , Blathnaid, Rachel and Sarah made up the under 18 team.
Christine O'Flynn ran in Junior ladies taking home individual bronze with third place and with the under 18s made up the junior team to cap off a fine haul for our girls. Special credit to Sarah our race walker for pulling on her spikes to make up a team in her first ever XC race.
Boys under 18 and Junior saw just our sole participant Joseph Daly take Gold in both with a valuable run out in preparation for bigger challenges in the season ahead.
The biggest news of the day were our adult teams as the last two races of the day brought unexpected success.
With both teams racing in the senior and masters categories the ladies won the over 45 masters team lead by Mary Fitzgerald with a strong individual second place backed up by Janet Forrest and Jacinta Keohane. The ladies senior team was completed by Rhona Lynch but were just outside the team podium on the day.
The men's team of Don Sheehan, Tony Dunne, Paul Ryan, Gus Keohane, Robert Boyle and Willie Walsh took Senior team Bronze and masters over 35 to 45 Silver.
A nice finish to the day to have the kids we parent and coach cheering our humble efforts.
A really successful beginning to our XC season with some really positive performances and wonderful to see new faces dipping their toes into the obligatory cow pats of cross country competition.
Munster Endurance performance squads:
One of our young stars Daire O'Sullivan was selected to attend the Munster training camp held in Banna , Co Kerry over the last weekend. Over the weekend he was involved in training , recovery , nutrition and information sessions aimed at developing young athletes to help them perform to the best of their abilities.
Charleville half marathon:
Three of our Senior athletes participated in the half marathon hosted by North Cork AC last Sunday as part of their preparation for the Dublin marathon. Cliona , Paul and Jim passed with flying colours with Jim setting a new PB to confirm their training.
Look Forward:
The coming week sees training continue as we move on to preparation for county XC championships. Times and locations can be found on our website or FB page.
Next Saturday night Carraig na bhFear community council will make a presentation to all our juvenile medalists at this years national track and field championships. The ceremony will be held at 1830hrs in the Community centre.
13th September, 2017
East Cork XC Championships
The first of the seasons XC competitions takes place this Sunday 17th September with the East Cork Juvenile Even ages, Junior, Senior and Masters XC events. The venue is in the village of Ballynoe, we will be meeting at 10.30 on the course. The exact location of the course is: Coming from Conna take a left at the Church in Ballynoe, the course is on your right less than half a mile up from the church.
20th August, 2017
After a short summer break training resumes for all athletes next Tuesday night at 7.45pm in Carraignavar, we will be training on Tuesday and Thursday nights in Carraig at 7.45 and on Sunday mornings in Castleview running trail in Blarney at 11am. We are always looking for new members so please feel free to bring a friend/neighbour or two!
02nd August, 2017
Kathryn hits Gold in Munster:
Five dedicated Carraig athletes travelled to Templemore last Saturday to compete in the Munster B championships.
Middle distance specialist Kathryn O'Mahony took a well deserved gold in girls under 13 600 meters. Kathryn has been improving all season without getting the rewards that her efforts deserved and we're delighted that with her final throw of the dice she got her just rewards with a commanding win with an excellent time of 1:48.
Rebecca Kelleher also ran in the girls under 13 600 coming home in 9th place just 10 seconds behind Kathryn. Rebecca has been one of the most improved athletes in the last 12 months and will go into cross country season as a true contender.
Rian O'Luasa took an excellent bronze in under 13 boys high jump. This was a big medal for Rian and one of our first boys high jump medals on the provincial stage. With some work over the winter we should see Rian into the new year making the podium more frequently.
Lily O'Riordan was in action in long jump (5th in 3:86)and 80 meters sprint where she ran 11:98 in the final to finish sixth replicating her heat time exactly.
Bobby O'Riordan took on under 12 boys high jump (4th in 1:20)and 600 meters (7th out of 17 in 1:58).
Graded league:
Round four of the John Buckley sponsored graded league took place last Friday night in CIT. Maebh Daly (javelin), Blathnaid Daly (200 meters) and Joseph Daly (800 meters) showed our colours in the last meet of the league.
Celtic Games:
Emma Coffey has been selected to represent Ireland at pole vault in the under 18 Celtic Games taking place in Santry this Saturday.
Upcoming events:
Next Wednesday the 9th Carraig na bhFear GAA are holding a 5km road race in the village. The race starts at 1930, registration is in the primary school and it would be great to see as many as possible attending to support our neighbouring club. Don't forget to wear your club colours.
27th July, 2017
Emma vaulting on new ground!
Pole vaulter Emma Coffey was again a busy lady last week competing in two high class competitions, Cork City Sports on Tuesday night and national Senior track and field on Sunday. In participating in both these events she broke new ground for herself and the club.
Emma took gold at the city sports in a hard fought battle with her training partner and good friend Ciara Hickey of Blarney Inniscara AC. Both girls brought the absolute best out of each other as each set new PBs. Emma moved her PB up to 3:40 meters on the night in front of the enthusiastic crowd.
At the national senior competition the following Sunday in Morton stadium Santry, the two girls went at it again pushing each other all the way. Ciara cleared 3:35 setting yet another PB and Emma matched her. As the girls made their attempts at 3:45, Emma had an awkward fall on her first failed attempt which led to her withdrawal. The Gold went to Ellen McCartney from City of Lisburn AC with the two girls on 3:35 separated on count back and Emma taking Bronze. A fantastic achievement for Emma and another first for the club notching our first national senior outdoor field medal.
As in all endeavours, high risk brings high rewards and a high price to pay if you don't succeed. Emma avoided serious injury, but if we learned anything about this girl over the course of the season is that she is one tough cookie and we look forward to more of her adventures in arguably the toughest of field sports.
Cork City Sports:
While Emma was vaulting, five of our junior ladies participated in a five by 600 meter relay race in an attempt to get a time under Sonia O'Sullivan's 3km junior national record. Congratulations to Nessa, Blathnaid, Rachel, Katie and Orla who didn't manage to get under the time but did the club proud coming home 5th as only three teams got under the time. Hat tip to Orla who tore herself away from the pole vault competition to run the relay fourth leg in between vaults without an ounce of drama , a consummate professional.
Upcoming events:
Training is on our deserved summer break until the 22nd of August, but keep an eye out for activity on our Facebook page as members meet up regularly to attend races and train.
Carraig na bhFear GAA are running a 5km road race on the 9th of August and we would encourage all club members to support our neighbouring club in their event. Looking forward to seeing everyone there in their club colours.
20th July, 2017
Congratulations to everyone in our club on the fantastic achievement of finishing 5th overall in the medal table at the National Juvenile T&F Championships, this is an incredible achievement for a club our size. Training has now finished for all athletes, we will return to training after a well deserved summer break on Tuesday night 22nd of August. Looking forward to seeing you all then and remember if you have any friends or neighbours that may be interested in joining please bring them along!
19th July, 2017
SIAB international:
Pole vault starlet Emma Coffey was wearing the green of Ireland when she represented her school st. Angela's college , Patrick's hill at the schools international track and field at Morton stadium, Santry last Saturday. Competing against two Intermediate aged athletes from England, Scotland and Wales our girl was fourth overall setting a new outdoor PB of 3:31 meters equaling the third placed Welsh athlete, but losing out on a medal on count back.
All Ireland B Championships:
On Saturday in Tullamore two of our track stars Sam O'Sullivan and Kathryn O'Mahony were in action at the B track and field national championships.
Under 12 Sam has trained consistently throughout the year and his application paid dividends when he took a wonderful bronze in long jump and after winning his heat in the 60 meters sprint comfortably he was odds on to blitz the final only to be disqualified for a false start in the final. Devastated after his disqualification the young man will surely put this experience into his memory bank and come back stronger next season.
Kathryn was in the under 13 600 meters which was run off in three heats with the medals being decided on times. In heat three Kathryn attacked from the gun and led throughout crossing the line winning her heat well. The winning times came from heat one and we have to feel that if she had been drawn in that heat surely she would have medaled as she was a mere second off the podium. Her coaches have no regrets as our girl did what she was asked to do in winning her heat a fast as she could.
National Juvenile track and field championships:
Day three of the national championships saw our final three competitors on the early road to Tullamore last Sunday.
Maebh Daly was earliest of all with her under 18 girls javelin kicking off at 1000 hrs. In a evenly matched 7 strong field the margins were going to be tight between success and failure.
Drawing first up in the throwing order a solid start was important for Maebh. Cool as the breeze in the early morning sunshine Maebh steps to her mark and launches a monster. It looks good as she waits for the measurements. 34:72!!! A seasons best for Maebh and what a time to produce it. As the rest of the throwers competed their first round of six no one comes close to Maebhs opener. On to round two and three, no improvement by Maebh and still the others are struggling to respond.
In round four fellow county woman, Liscarrol ACs Vicky Cusack launches a missile out to 35:84 for a huge new PB, setting the competition alight with everyone now improving.
A foul throw in round five for Maebh, but no movement elsewhere and it's down to the final set of throws.
As steely a competitor you're liable to meet, Maebh goes long with her last throw. Her second best of the season, but Vicky confirmed victory with another fine effort of 34:82.
A fantastic seasons best performance from Maebh and took her second step proudly on the podium of three Cork athletes with Grange Fermoys Anna Leamy taking Bronze.
Daire O'Sullivan was back for a second day of action after his heroic gold medal last weekend at 3km, he steps down to the 1500meters in boys under 16. In a 16 athlete field the competition for track space would be ferocious from the get go.
With a lunchtime start the temperatures trackside were creeping up as the boys took turns spinning out their legs before the starter calls them to their marks. Daire is drawn out in lane eight furthest from the prime real estate of the kerbside lane. To their marks and with a minimum delay the gun sets them away hurtling down the back straight with every athlete aiming for that first corner and the inside lane.
Through 200 meters in 30 seconds and Daire has positioned well around six back. Through 400 in 62 seconds the pace is relentless. At 600 it settles slightly and a second 400 at the more sedate pace of 71 seconds means respite for some and a sign to others that the last 400 is going to kick off. At 1000 meters Daire is in third and tracking well. Hitting the bell and sure as paying taxes the debt collection for a slowdown in the middle third of the race is a blistering last 400. Daire struggles down the back straight to hold on to the lead two but their on a mission to blow the legs off each other and put a ten meter gap in. Around the bottom bend and down the home straight Daire fights off those trying to pull the last medal from his grasp. With meters to go Luke O'Sullivan from Sherlock AC finds something to surge for the line and it goes for a photo finish for bronze. Minutes later up in lights on the big screen come the results and Daire is fourth by 2hundreds of a second. Crestfallen, but buoyed by yet another PB his first thoughts are of how he can improve so that this won't happen again are the symptoms of the champion in him.
Katie Walsh was also in lunchtime action in girls under 19 high jump. Katie had won a silver in indoor championships last January setting a new PB of 1:60, but has found it difficult to replicate that performance in the outdoor season. Shannon Craig of Lifford Stabane AC has had the measure of Katie over the years but increment by increment Katie has closed the gap between the two. Katie had a cunning plan once the jump order was decided. Katie opted to commence jumping at 1:45 with Shannon coming in at 1:50 thus jumping after Katie. Clearing first time up to 1:55 and Shannon fouled her first jump at the height meant if Katie could clear 1:60 first time the pressure would be on Shannon. Katie knocked her first effort at 1:60 and Shannon popped over with ease. Katie clears second go and now is second on count back so elects to go for a new PB of 1:63 to keep the competition alive. Katie makes some valiant efforts at her new PB but fails to clear with Shannon over on her second go but fails at her three jumps at 1:66. Katie is content with silver and equaling her PB ,but rues the first failed effort at 1:60 which handed the control to her rival. On such small margins medals are decided.
A short rest and something to eat and Katie was back warming up for her second event of the day 400 meter hurdles. Nicknamed the "Mankiller " long hurdles is not for the week of stomach. Katie came fourth 12 months previously in the same race and has worked diligently in a singleminded target of not being off the podium this year. In mid afternoon with track temperatures risen into the mid 20s the under 19 girls left the shade of the call room and walked to their blocks. The starter walks to each competitor and addresses them by first name asking if everything is okay with their blocks and wishes them well knowing the pain their about to inflict on their bodies. "To your marks!" "Set!" With a crack of the gun they leap from their blocks as one and accelerate towards the first flight of barriers. Through the first 100 meters and nothing separates the field and down the back straight they rumble. At 200 meters and a roar from Ger Foley lets Katie know that the two girls on her inside are about to pull level. She reacts around the bend, but at the start of the home straight she's five meters down in fourth place. She has to react or suffer the heartache of fourth again and react she does. Hurdling immaculately she closes on the girls ahead as they falter over the final flights. Coming over the last hurdle she accelerates again and drives for the line. Dipping at the last second she snatches silver in a huge new PB of 64:85 nearly 8 seconds faster than her performance a year before.
So to round up, the three silver medals and a bronze in the B championships Saturday added to the previous weekends haul make six Gold , five Silver and one Bronze over the two weekends a massive success for the club. Congrats to all athletes, their families and very proud coaches.
Other business:
Training is taking a break now for all athletes until the 22 of August when we prepare for the cross country season. We look forward to seeing everyone and it would be wonderful if some new faces came along to try it out.
12th July, 2017
Carraig teens time to shine!
National Juvenile track and field championships:
The national track and field championships for under 12 to 19 takes place every year around this time. Normally over three days due to the amount of races and disciplines to be covered. Day one and two were held last weekend in Tullamore Harriers track facility. This year we had fifteen athletes qualified in eleven different disciplines over the three days with two athletes competing in multiple events.
On Saturday the first four checked in with the Athletics Ireland organisers and made their way trackside to await their time to perform.
First up was Theo deSouza in boys under 12 long jump. Theo got off to a flyer with his first jump and went into the lead and held it until after round three when the field is reduced to the top eight jumping for medals with their final three jumps.
As the leader Theo jumped last in each of the final three rounds. No movement in positions in round four, but in round five the athlete in second from Brothers Pearse AC jumped three centimetres beyond Theo's mark and into the lead. Next to jump Theo had to react and pushing the limits fouled his jump. As the last round of jumps counted down and no competitor bettered their position Theo was last man to jump with silver in the bag but gold in his sights. Down the runway he hurtled , hitting the board well and launching a big one. Silence! It's long.
The officials using laser measuring at nationals go to work and the measurement pops up in lights 4:47 and the crowd in the stand erupts. Gold with the last jump of the competition by our man and our first national champion of the weekend.
At lunchtime Ava Fitzgerald was in action on the track in girls under 12 600 meters. In under 12 the only distances run are short sprints and 600 so you can imagine how difficult it is to even get a place in the national final of such a hotly contested discipline. Twelve girls towed the line at the start position at the end of the back straight. On their marks and from the gun the pace was impressive through 200 meters in 30 seconds. Ava was a little bit off the front but fighting to get back in the mix. Through 300 and Ava starts to move up on the back straight. Working hard on the top bend and into the home straight closing all the time on three leaders out front. Fighting every meter of the home straight Ava crosses the line in fourth in a huge new PB of 1:43.42 and a mere half a second off the podium. The heartbreak of fourth is softened by her PB and being the first Munster girl over the line. These are the days where champions are crowned and also where future champions are forged in the furnace of ferocious competition. Ava's day will come I'm sure of that.
Nessa Wheeler was next up on track in girls under 17 800 meters. Nessa has had a very successful year to date transitioning well from winter cross country into indoor track and outdoor middle distance racing. Setting new standards all season for herself and giving the shorter middle distances some attention has paid off with her qualifying for the national 800 final. The two lap discipline is arguably the most brutal of track races as its eyeballs out running from the gun most of the time.
Having qualified fourth in Munster Nessa was realistic about her medal prospects, but was not going just to make up the numbers and from the gun she set about her work to stay with the pace and give herself a chance. Running strong and staying to the front of the 14 strong tightly packed field through 400 and looking good. At the bell and the inevitable injection of pace as the field starts to split on the back straight Nessa holds her own still in touch. Around the top bend and onto the home straight with gaps beginning to open she fights to hold her form and finish strong. Crossing the line in seventh position in a new PB of 2:24 (7 seconds off the winning time) and first Munster girl was a job well done.
Discus next and out of the stadium to the outfield where the throwing cages are found. Martha Quain was in action in girls under 17 1kg in a seven strong field. Six throws each would decide the medals amongst the ladies and after four of her throws all consistently landing on or over 30 meters Martha was in second position with a throw of 31:12. The lead throw of 32:99 was within her range and on her penultimate throw a foul left her with one final effort to snatch gold. Launching her last throw out to 31:48 Martha's knack of pulling one from the top drawer late on was a bridge two far on this occasion as the leaders last throw of 34:68 cemented her position on the top step of the podium. National silver to top off a season of unprecedented success was not too shabby for a lady who sets such high standards for herself.
Sunday's program would yield even more success with nine athletes in action. First up were Sarah Constant and Rebecca Kearney in girls under 18 and 19 3km walks. With 17/18/19 fields combined the girls got down to the hard work and banged out the seven and one half laps needed. In Sarah's first season of competition getting to nationals was an achievement in itself and towing the line next to the calibre of athlete like Waterford ACs Orla O'Connor ,a lady who may grace the Olympic stage in years to come, is invaluable experience as she develops in her sport. Rebecca on the other hand is a seasoned campaigner and is no stranger to medal competition. Unwinding the laps with grace and perfect form Rebecca took Gold with a seasons best performance of 18:02.
Back to the field events next and Michelle Ugwah was going into girls under 14 long jump with real medal hopes after clinching silver in Munster's behind the fancied Ferrybank AC athlete Katie Nolke.
Fouling her first jump Michelle watched as Nolke posted a 4:77 to lead from the get go. Not phased by her rivals good start Michelle launched her next effort off the board and into the lead with PB of 4:80.
With all athletes in the 15 strong field completed their three jumps the field was cut to eight for the final three rounds with Michelle last to jump as leader and Nolke having dropped to third. In round four Nolke launched a monster to 4:96 and Michelle was now in joint second with another athlete equaling her 4:80 and Michele unable to improve.
Through round five and Michelle was pushed to third as her time to jump came upon her she needs to pull something special out of the bag. Down the runway she speeds, plants the take off a boom she goes long! 5:14 it's huge!
Last round and even with some valiant efforts no one gets close to her mark. With the competition won Michelle's last jump of 4:99 was confirmation of her performance and good enough to win on its own. The only athlete to break 5 meters with a new huge PB made her a worthy national champion.
Up the side of the track next to Orla Coffey in girls under 16 pole vault. Mentioned in pre competition reports as one of the clashes to watch was the rivalry between Orla and her training partner Anna Ryan. Both girls have been going hell for leather all season long with Orla besting in the indoors and Anna gaining the upper hand so far in the outdoor season. As the bronze medal played out the two girls had clean cards up to 2:80 meters. As the bar moved to 2:90 and national title to the winner Orla was first up with her attempt. Down the runway and over as clean as a whistle her first time clearance puts the ball in Anna's court.
The pressure on and Anna fails on her first attempt at a vault that is right at the pinnacle of both girls ability. Even if she clears 2:90 Anna is in second on count back so she opts to have the bar raised to 3 metres, a new high for both girls.
Both girls fail on their first two attempts at 3 so it goes down to Orla's third attempt at 3 meters , clear this and the title is hers outright. Down the runway she accelerates, faster than previous efforts , plants her pole , pulls and strains every sinew to force the issue. Over she goes, a slight touch , the bar rattles , holds. Orla bounces from the mat and a smile erupts across her face as wide as the height of her new PB. Championship Sunday is well and truly on.
Next up were sprinters Katie Walsh(girls under 19) and Ciaran Nugent (boys under 18) in 400 meter action. 400 meters is one teak hard event. Needing the speed of a pure sprinter and the endurance of a middle distance runner 400 meters training is not for the weak of stomach. These two have applied themselves impressively over the season to their task of qualifying and performing on this day in July. Both had first to negotiate a heat to get a place in the final.
Katie was first up drawing lane six in the first heat of two. With the first three and two fastest losers to go through ,drawing the faster heat was all important. From the gun the field leapt from their blocks and covered the first 200 with nothing separating them. Around the top bend and the stagger unwinds and their all in line. Down the home straight and ad the the line approaches small gaps open. Over the line and Katie looks like fourth. A second heat and a wait for results to see times. Results published and the first five over the line in Katie's heat are through with 1 to 5 separated by seven hundredths of a second. A huge new PB of 60:63 for Katie knocking two seconds off her previous best.
Ciaran drew lane two in heat one and again with three and the two fastest losers the right heat would be all important. Running from an inside lane Ciaran would have his work cut out for him , but at least he could see the rest of the field laid out before him. Running the race of his season Ciaran attacked both bends with aggression and found himself accelerating down the home straight with a clear lead and crossed the line winning his heat in a new PB of 52:46. No need to wait for results and he marches to the final with a centre lane due to his win. In the finals ,held later in the afternoon , it was always going to be difficult to replicate the performances laid down in their heats.
Katie for her part ran a brave last 100 meters to close the gap with the rest of the field finishing in 61:42 a time inside her PB coming into the days races.
Ciarans race was plagued with four false starts, three green cards and an eventual red for one competitor. Ciaran came home in fifth from lane four in 52:53 equaling his PB coming into the days competition.
Ciaran Hurley was our third walker of the day in action in boys under 15 2km. Ciaran like all the track squad has been putting in performance after performance all season long and this final race of his season was going to be another milestone for him. Over the seasons Ciaran has looked at his rival Matthew Glennon of Mullingar Harriers up the track ahead of him time and again too far ahead to hope to catch. This season saw Ciaran close that gap to a point where at the end of this championships a mere 8 seconds separated the two. Ciaran took Silver in another massive PB of 10:58 knocking 26 seconds off his previous best. I predict that the next time these two meet , Matthew won't have to look over his shoulder for Ciaran because Ciaran will be sitting on it.
Back track side we go to the pole vault matt where Emma Coffey was in action in girls under 17. Emma has been performing at a level well above her age contemporaries for some time now. So much so that Emma's opening height was the silver medalists best. With Gold in the bag with her first effort at 3 meters Emma had another goal in her sights. If she could manage to beat the under 18 and 19 girls she would secure selection to represent Ireland in the Celtic games.
On to 3:10 meters she went only to fail on her first attempt. A minor blip surely. Second attempt and a fail. Was there something amiss? A quick consultation with her coach and the decision to change poles to a stiffer pole. A bold call with only one attempt left to keep her in contention with two older girls already clear.
Over she pops with ease and a scream of delight and the gamble pays off. On to 3:20 and 3:30 she clears both first time leaving her the only competitor still standing setting a new championship record, Gold medal ,outdoor PB and Irish team selection in the bag. Three decent attempts at 3:40 , the third of which was so close , bode well for the coming weeks for continued success.
Back on the track last competitor of the day Daire O'Sullivan was warming up before heading to the call room to go to battle over 3000 meters in boys under 16. 3km only comes into competition at under 16 so this was only Daire's second ever race over the distance . As it would be a new event for most of the 14 other boys in the race the nervous anticipation was obvious at the start line. The starter marshalled them well and advised that "it won't be won in the first corner so take it easy". To their marks and with a shot of the gun their away ,winding down the seven and one half laps with coaches calling out splits as the pace picks up as each lap passes. Gaps start to appear with four to go and Daire moves up on the shoulders of the leaders. Three to go and the selection thins out yet further. Two to go and they're down to four . Daire looks comfortable with 600 to go in second behind Westport ACs Ethan Lloyd. Lloyd does his best to inject some pace and its down to three at the bell. 300 to go and down the back straight Lloyd kicks again with Daire the only one hanging on for grim death. 200 to go and Daire trails by 5 meters but finds something to keep fighting and the gap begins to close . As they round on to the home straight ,shoulder to shoulder now ,Daire kicks for home and no reaction from the Westport man sees Daire over the line arms aloft to the roars of the crowd.
So in review , out of 13 athletes that competed over the two days they came away with 8 medals. Six national titles, two silvers and one championship record. All of the athletes that missed out on silverware put in personal best performances validating their training and keeping them on an upward curve as they finish their season.
This weekend the all Ireland B championships take place in Tullamore on Saturday with Sam O'Sullivan (60 meters/ long jump) and Kathryn O'Mahony (600 meters) representing the club.
On Sunday Maebh Daly (javelin) and Joesph Daly (1500 meters) go into action joined by Katie Walsh (high jump/ 400 hurdles) and Daire O'Sullivan (1500 meters) who hope to add to last weekends success.
All the very best of luck to them.
06th July, 2017
Best of luck to the Athletes featured above, Emma, Michelle, Martha, Maebh, Nessa, Daire, Ciarán N, Ava, Sarah, Ciarán H, Rebecca, Theo and Orla, (missing from the photo is Joseph) who are heading to compete for the Club in the All Ireland Track and Field Championships, which will be held in Tullamore, over the next two weekends. Carraig Abú!!
05th July, 2017
Club on the Relay road again!
National juvenile inter club relays:
Our boys under 12 relay team of Richard , Michael, Ben, Theo and Cathal traveled to Athlone town's IT last Sunday to complete in 4 X 100 national relay race championships. A 19 team field of qualified teams lined up in three heats with the first two automatically through to the final from each heat and the two fastest of the rest joining them. Having qualified out of Munster championships with a fine Silver medal the boys had their work cut out just to get to the final. Drawing the second heat in the outside lane 7 and with one of the favourites Dooneen AC their task was not made any easier.
As expected Dooneen won the heat in 55:19 and our boys came home in fourth in 56:66. The time would have won both of the other heats meant that they went through to the final as the 8th qualifier.
Into the final the boys would go with Dooneen AC running out winners in a new championship record time of 54:39. The boys didn't manage to better their heat time with a 57:20 run and were 8th.
In an event of marginal gains and split seconds between victory and bitter defeat ours lads have done us proud over these summer months. We are lucky to have such enthusiastic young men around us and with the support of their families more will be written about them in their futures.
National junior and under 23 Championships:
Emma Coffey one of our blue ribbon performers was on the road again over the past weekend, this time Tullamore and national junior pole vault competition. On the back of a string of recent great results and consistent performances Emma was a little off her recent high standards with a vault of 3:05 to take joint silver on count back. To put this into context though Emma an under 17 athlete was completing under 20s so she punches above her weight most of the time. We look forward to seeing her perform this weekend in her own age at nationals and have genuine hopes for her success.
Courtbrak 5k:
Father and daughter Mick and Blathnaid Daly ran the Courtbrak 5k last Thursday night. Blathnaid was first junior lady over the line.
Graded league:
Three Carraig juniors competed in the John Buckley sponsored graded league round three last Thursday night in CIT.
Katie Walsh and Ciaran Nugent ran over 100 and 400 meters as they put the finishing touches to their training for national championships this weekend. Joseph Daly ran 1500 in a large competitive field giving him a good run out before his 1500 national race on the 16th.
National juvenile Championships:
This coming weekend 13 of our 15 athletes that have qualified for national finals are in action in the first two of three days of national track and field championships. All the best of luck and positive thoughts to Theo, Martha, Ava, Nessa, Sarah, Rebecca, Orla, Michelle, Katie, Ciaran N, Ciaran H, Emma, Daire ,Maebh and Joseph. We're blessed with such talented young people in our club so please when you see them training this week let them know how proud we all are of them.
27th June, 2017
Tales from the Tailteann!
Irish Life Health Tailteann Games:
On Saturday last three Carraig na bhFear AC athletes were competing for Munster in the Tailteann Games held in Morton stadium, Santry.
The Tailteann Games are named after an Irish sporting tradition going back to the 1600s BC where ancient Irish people competed in feats of mainly fighting skills in late summer. After the Norman invasion the games died out and attempts were made in the 1920s to revive them with little success. Athletics Ireland now yearly hold a interprovincial schools competition and have named it after the Celtic tradition.
The top two athletes in every province in each athletic discipline of schools Intermediate age (under 17 on the 1st of July in the year of competition)are selected to compete.
Emma Coffey of St Angela's College, Patrick's Hill was pole vaulting in a large competitive field. Having won the schools all Ireland Emma was favoured going into this competition but ,proving that your can never get complacent, during her warm up Emma's pole snapped in two mid vault. Luckily Emma landed on the crash matt but, the vibration of the pole shattering injured her wrist. Continuing in the competition Emma jumped comfortably with a replacement pole up to 3 meters. On her first attempt at the height she had cleared the bar but her pole fell forwards to knock the bar. A failed first attempt meant she was in third position on count back after clearing on her second vault with two of her competitors over on their first.
The bar raised to 3.1 meters and Emma clears first time with her competition taking three attempts each. Into first and the bar onto 3.20 she clears on her second attempt with her competition failing. Victory secured she makes an excellent attempt at setting a new championship record of 3.31 coming very close at her third attempt but it wasn't to be this day.
Martha Quain representing Colaiste Chroi Naofa, Carrignavar was throwing 1kg Discus in another really competitive field. With five throws each the eleven strong field were all peppering the 30 meter mark. Two girls had broken beyond 30 meters and Gold and Silver would be settled between them. Martha with one throw left was in sixth place on 29.09 and needed something special to give herself a chance of Bronze. Launching her last throw to 31.27 she deservedly catapulted herself onto the third step of the podium and her first ever medal in these games for this accomplished performer.
Ciaran Hurleys recent run of results and increased performance level got him an invite to compete up an age in boys 3km walk. Normally a junior in schools competition and competing over the 2km distance it was a step up in class that didn't phase our man. Representing his school GC Mhuire AG Ciaran went out with a race plan and executed perfectly coming home in a fine 7th place in a field of boys up to four years older than him. With invaluable experience gained the next years should see our man on a podium.
Viking half Marathon:
Some of our adult athletes journeyed to Waterford last weekend to complete the Viking half Marathon. In warm conditions on an interesting but challenging route a great day was had by all. Well done to Cliona, Liza, Sonya, Dave and Paul.
A contingent of younger athletes represented the club at Courceys open sports in Ballinspittle last Sunday. Excellent preformances by al saw Richard take 1st in 80m, 600m and 800m.
Theo 2nd in 80m and 1st long jump. Ava 3rd in 80m and 1st in 600m. Rebecca 2nd in 800m.
Sorcha, Jess and Cian won trophies in the relays. Well done to all
22nd June, 2017
Everyone should try and go to Courceys sports on Sunday, its a great day out!
20th June, 2017
Carraig teens dig deep for Gold!
Munster under 14 to 19 Track and field:
Last weekend was our teenagers big test of the track season when they made their bid for titles, medals and dreams of qualifying for national championships.
With glorious summer sunshine over both days adding to the occasion as the stand emptied and the crowds took to the grass embankments around the CIT track. Fifteen Carraig athletes took on only the events that they specialise in as Munster's is no place for tryouts, only the best succeed.
We'll go through every event by age to give a idea of the range of different events and ages taking part.
Under 14:
Lily O'Riordan was one of our first into battle in girls 400gram javelin. This is Lily's first year in the teenage ranks and and was an excellent all rounder under age. With the help of the older athletes she has decided to target javelin as one of her main efforts in coming years. With four going through to all Ireland's Lily was merely centimetres away from qualifying in fifth place with a throw of 23:40 meters.
Lily took on sprint hurdles also in what was the most competitive of all the short hurdle races on the Saturday. Lily qualified for the final in an automatic spot with third place in her heat with a time of 14:57. The final was ran off within 30 minutes of the semi leaving minimal time for rest. lily was up against some serious competition but managed to better her time running 14:02. Alas outside the medal positions but definitely one for the future.
Michelle Ugwah was another stepping on to the the teenage ranks for the first time in long jump. In a large field of 17 jumpers Michelle's first goal was to get a jump on the board of sufficient quality from her first three to warrant another three when the leading 8 go on to decide the medals. Michelle's first jump was long but over stepped her takeoff to foul. Moving back her mark slightly for her second jump did the trick and she registered a jump of 4:72 meters launching her into the lead. A foul on her third jump meant no improvement but through to the final three jumps she went in the lead. Fouling twice more in the final Michelle was unable to make some excellent jumps count and was pushed into second and a brilliant silver medal.
Under 15:
Ciaran Hurley our race walking aficionado was our sole competitor in under 15s. In increasing temperatures under the midday sun the walks got underway. A two kilometre time trial in unfavourable conditions never makes for big performances but Ciaran was in no mood for excuses. Knocking a whopping 28 seconds off his PB was a big step forward for Ciaran and the good news kept coming when he was invited to join the provincial squad for the upcoming Tailteann games to be held in Santry at months end.
Under 16:
Orla Coffey was action in pole vault as one of her stronger events. Orla is an excellent all rounder and has a string of medals so far this season , but an unfortunate injury curtailed her over the weekend restricting her to a solo medal attempt at pole vault. Orla has had a ding dong battle all season with her vaulting training partner and rival Anna Ryan. Both girls having traded the top two positions on the podium all season and on this occasion Orla had to settle for Silver with a vault of 2:72.
Daire O'Sullivan was in middle distance action on both days hoping for good performances and confident of silverware. Daire was racing the 3000 meters on Saturday in his first ever championship race over the distance. Running conservatively for the early laps of the 7.5 lap race with two to go Daire opened up the taps and pulled clear of his opponents to win comfortably. One win in the bag and into Sunday's 1500 meters. 1500 races are considered the blue ribbon event of middle distance so the standard is always high. The race started with a steady tempo with the pace building as the 3.75 laps unwound. As the bell rang to signal the last lap a group of four pulled away from the field and stayed in contact until the home straight when Daire pulled up on the shoulder of the leader and started to pull clear and romped home with a ten meter lead and another title in the bag.
Under 17:
Martha Quain was in action in 1kg Discus on Sunday afternoon in sweltering conditions. With a delayed start and a combined event with the under 19s making for a protracted competition. In a close contest with no athlete gaining a commanding lead Martha consistently peppered the 30 meter mark without breaking beyond it like she had been in recent weeks. Her experience told as she kept her rivals at arms length throughout as spectators slid into the shade of the trees surrounding the track as temperatures trackside hit the high 20s. A gold and another title for a very consistent performer.
Nessa Wheeler was doubling up at the middle distances of 800 and 1500. On the back of her most successful county championships ever Nessa was rightfully hopeful of her chances of a medal. On Saturday morning she was first race on track in the 800. Her race went to plan up to the bell when a sudden acceleration split the field and Nessa struggled to react and a 10 meter gap opened between third and fourth. Down the back straight managing the gap as silver and gold pulled away Nessa started to close the gap inch by inch stride by stride but ran out of track as the finish line approached and had to settle for fourth in a time of 2:30 and a place on the start line at nationals and another bite at the cherry.
1500 meters on Sunday was a similar story for Nessa holding her position well and as the bell sounded a blistering injection of pace left her battling to hold on eventually coming home in Fifth.
Joseph Daly like Nessa was doubling up over the two days at 800 and 1500. A similar fate lay in store for Joseph as on the first days 800 race he was right in the mix up to 200 to go but couldn't hold on coming home in fifth in 2:08 and missed out by mere seconds of qualifying for nationals. Redemption was at hand the next day when he dug deep to hang out with a high quality field and came home fourth in a time of 4:34. Securing a starting position for the prestigious 1500 national final.
Emma Coffey was pole vaulting for yet another title on Saturday and true to form she secured it with a solid series of vaults. Topping out at 3:22 meters Emma set another championship record to add to her palmares. On to nationals she marches where the stakes get higher along with the rewards, but we're quietly confident of a positive result.
Under 18:
Maebh Daly has been consistently picking up titles and medals all season in Javelin. With the confidence and calmness of someone much older Maebh manages to squeeze the very best out of herself every time when she needs to. Sunday was no different when she threw 33:95 to take command of her competitors and take the title of Munster champion.
Ciaran Nugent was into the 400 meter final off the back of a new PB set the weekend previous. In a high class field Ciaran would have to produce again to feel the weight of a medal around his neck. Having abandoned his customary slow start in recent weeks Ciaran sprang from the blocks to be right with the leaders over the first 200. Coming around the bend and cost of the fast start has to be paid and our boy starts to slip back. Rounding the home straight and he's down,fifth maybe sixth ,but Ciaran has one card left to play and it's an ace. He lights the afterburners, rocks and rolls his head and grits his teeth clawing back ground. Dipping for the line to take bronze and a new PB of 52:66.
Sarah Constant was race walking over 3000 meters in the midday sun on Saturday in a really competitive race. With three national standard Waterford based athletes in her race Sarah was up against serious opposition in her first year of competition. A gutsy performance by Sarah saw her home in fourth position and a place in the national championships. A good result for her first year competing.
Under 19
Rebecca Kearney was also in race walk action over 3000 meters on Saturday in the same race as Sarah. Rebecca mixed it well with a chase group just behind the under 18 race leader for most of the race. As the race wound its way around the track with the pace incrementally increasing over the last two laps Rebecca keep her own pace to cross the line in Gold medal position in the under 19 category adding yet another title to her war chest.
Katie Walsh took on three disciplines over the two days and following on an active season so far was in buoyant mood going into her final Munster underage championships. 400 meter sprint was first up on the Saturday for Katie and after getting a favourable lane three in the draw was off to a flyer over the first 100. Running the back straight and second bend smoothly as the stagger unwound at the start of the home straight Katie had some ground to make up to get in contention. With 50 to go she pulled up on the shoulder of the lead girl and they went head to head over the closing stages. On the dip for the line there was nothing between the two and it took a photo to separate them by 1 hundred of a second. Katie had to settle for second, but a new PB of 60.2 was a satisfactory result.
On Sunday Katie jumped 1:55 comfortably to take Gold in high jump just minutes before taking to the blocks in what is arguably her best event the 400 hurdles. An outside lane draw for this race meant that Katie would be running blind from the front. Running her own race and listening for the leading leg of the girl inside her to strike the ground to gauge how much to push Katie was level over the third last hurdle going into the home straight. Kicking for the line and hurdling clean over the last two barriers she cruised over he line in gold medal position clocking 67:59.
So to summarise. Out of 14 competitors we came home with 13 medals, nine of them Gold, three Silver and one Bronze. 13 of the 14 qualifying for nationals and two athletes qualifying in more than one event. Unrivalled success by any standard.
Road Racing:
A large group of Carraig athletes of all ages took to the roads around upper Glanmire to support the Upper Glanmire NS 5km last Monday night. Carraig athletes Joseph and Kathryn took home the Junior prizes. Well done to all on a very warm evening.
13th June, 2017
Young Guns fire at Seniors.
Munster Senior Track & Field.
On last Sunday the club broke yet more new ground when we were well represented at the Munster senior track and field championships held in CIT and came away with some medals and great performances.
With some competitive up and coming young adults we encouraged some of our juniors to enter their preferred disciplines at Munster senior level to get some track time and a competition before Juvenile Munster's this coming weekend.
Emma Coffey who is no stranger to high level competition was in Senior ladies pole vault. The weather on Sunday was very windy with some heavy showers around lunch time which made for difficult vaulting conditions especially on the northern end of the track where the pole vault area is. Not to be undone by he weather though Emma was her usual consistent and professional self securing gold with only her second vault of 3 meters.
Katie Walsh was in action in 400 hurdles in her first ever senior race. Up against some more experienced athletes Katie wasn't helped with an outside lane draw which means you don't know your behind until you've been passed. From the gun the girls inside Katie took up the stagger but our girl reacted and held on to clear the last hurdle in second and was only caught on the line. Given joint second on the same time of 67.8 seconds,only a photo finish to pushed her into third.
Katie ran a second race in the afternoon when she took to the blocks for 400 sprint. Not one of her stronger events and with a race already in her legs she did well to finish fourth in the eight strong field that was won in an impressive time of 54 seconds.
Martha Quain threw discus in a very competitive field of six ladies. Holding her nerve with a two hour delayed start our girl stepped into the enclosure for each of her six throws with the confidence of someone on the rich vein of form that she is in. Throwing a best of 31:99 meters Martha took a great bronze medal to add to her ever increasing collection.
Joseph Daly was in 800 meters action in a first outing at the adult level for him. From the gun the pace was blistering and after a sub 60 seconds first 400 Joseph was in contention. On the second lap down the back straight Joseph positioned himself to make his move with 200 to go and go he did , taking the lead. Heading into the home straight and into a strong headwind , two of his pursuers caught and passed but Joseph held on for an excellent bronze medal.
Ruaidhri Myers ran in a 22 strong field in the men's 5 km. Ruaidhri is a prolific racer both with his club and college CIT. With some good performances and medals under his belt so far this season we can forgive him for being a little bit off form last Sunday running over a minute off his best.
Last runner of the day was Ciaran Nugent in senior 400 meters. In one of the highest quality fields of the day fourteen went in two heats. Drawn in lane five in the faster second heat meant a performance was on the cards. As I mentioned earlier the weather meant that the day was not one for running fast times but, Ciaran bucked the trend to run a PB of 52:58 taking nearly a second off his previous best. This was a great step forward for Ciaran and we'll be hoping for more over next weekend.
So to round up the days medals. Four Munster Senior medals from six entered and one PB was a great return from a very worthwhile days "training ".
Upcoming events:
This weekend sees our teens back in CIT for Munster under 14 to 19 track and field Championships. Training for athletes going to all Ireland competition continues at the usual times and details can be found on website. Our adults will be in action over the summer at races around the county and meeting up for training so keep track of our Facebook page for updates.
06th June, 2017
Carraig class acts go to Schools.
All Ireland Schools:
Tullamore was the destination for the post primary schools all Ireland's last Saturday. With changeable weather and blustery conditions testing the nerve as much as the physical prowess of the athletes. Another successful outcome with lots of medals and reasons to be optimistic.
Emma Coffey in intermediate girls pole-vault was confident of her performance going on form, but none the less had to do it on the day. She did so and secured yet another national accolade but was pushed all the way eventually winning with a vault of 3:10 meters on count back.
Orla Coffey was vaulting in junior girls and put on the performance of the day with a new personal best of 2:92 meters which was well clear of all opposition bar her training partner and great rival Anna Ryan who matched Orla's vault with a PB of her own. Both girls now hold a new championship record but alas Orla lost out on count back to Anna taking second on the day in a riveting competition.
Maebh Daly in senior girls javelin proved yet again what a wonderful championship performer she is by taking silver by a mere 30mm in a competitive competition. Maebh's consistency is key to her success, but when she needs it she always seems to be able to get every last millimetre out of herself when it's needed.
Martha Quain was in action in girls intermediate discus and won another excellent silver in a competitive field pushing her limits to just get ahead of her peers. In an event of marginal gains Martha seems to have the ability to come out the right side of tight results.
Ciaran Hurley in boys junior walk and Katie Walsh in senior girls 400 hurdles both had the heartbreak of finishing fourth in their finals. Ciaran set a new PB and Katie takes the solace that she is getting closer to the podium every race. Their day will come!
Rebecca Kearney in senior girls walk was in a high class field and was a little bit of the pace for a medal but will be back in action again with Munster's next week to feel the weight of silverware around her neck.
Munster under 9 to 13 Track and Field.
The two day event was held in Lees road Ennis over last weekend and our wonderful girls and boys did their club , coaches and parents proud with some excellent performances.
On Saturday four athletes competing brought home three medals which is a great return.
Ruaidhri Boyle boys under 12 600 meters qualified for his final showing maturity beyond his years leading out the pace and easing up over the line with his place in the final secured. Ruaidhri ran the final race just a quarter of a second off the championship record only to see Johnny Murphy of Liscarrol AC smash the record to leave Ruaidhri in a terrific second.
Faye O'Riordan in girls under 10 500 meters despite getting spiked at the start ran like the ferocious competitor that she is to take silver from a field of 36.
Theo de Souza in boys under 12 long jump took another fine silver with a his first jump 4:29 meters being his best and holding out to claim the medal.
Ava Fitzgerald on Sunday in girls under 12 600 meters took a bronze from a field of 29 other girls through heats and finals proving again what a fantastic competitor she is.
Boys under 12 4X100 relay who were in action Sunday also took silver in the ultra competitive sprinting world.
Honourable mention goes to Sam O'Sullivan who set a new PB of 1:30 in his under 12 high jump but was just outside a medal in fifth and Richard Barry who after winning his boys under 11 600 heat he was half a second off a medal in the final coming home fifth.
Cork City Marathon:
Our adult members were in action Sunday at the marathon with lots of singlets spotted out on the course of the marathon, half and relay. Big shout out to our stewards on the first five miles as usual and to Andy Wheeler who decided at 50 it was about time he did a marathon. Thanks to Michelle for taking the time out to take pictures and all the family support out on the route that makes the experience all the more special.
30th May, 2017
National Pentathlon.
Orla Coffey was our only participant at the national multi-events championships held in Morton stadium Santry last weekend. Multi-event competitions, also known as decathlon (senior male) and heptathlon (senior female) , for the juveniles are pentathlons consisting of five disciplines. Starting with high (sprint) hurdles, shot putt, high jump, long jump and finishing always with and 800 meters race. Points are awarded on a standardised scale for performance in each discipline. The winner is inevitably the most consistent over all disciplines.
On Saturday in Santry the weather was so inclement that the high jump had to be cancelled completely meaning Orla was at a disadvantage as high jump is one of her stronger disciplines. So with three events completed and only the 800 meter race left to decide the final order, Orla was in fourth place. In dramatic fashion Orla won the 800 bringing her overall score to 2064 points and into a silver medal a mere two points ahead of third. Another brilliant national medal by one of our dedicated athletes.
County juvenile relays:
On Sunday morning our under age boys and girls were in action in CIT running the 4X100 relays. We had five teams between boys under 10, two boys under 12 teams, girls under 12 and girls under 13. With very competitive fields in all heats we got three of the five teams into finals. Boys under 12 team of Ruaidhri, Sam, Bobby, Theo and Michael took gold to retain their title from last year. Girls under 12 were just outside the medal podium in fourth. Both teams will go forward to Munster competition.
County Track and Field B Championships:
The B championships was held in CIT on Sunday also and we had another great medal haul from our young athletes. The B competition is only open to athletes who did not medal in the previous weekends and is an essential opportunity for our developing younger protagonists.
I shall go through by age the medalists.
Under 11:
Conor Gardiner jumped to a wonderful gold medal in long jump.
Under 12:
Michael Mullins and Cathal Whooley took Silver and Bronze respectively in shot putt.
Sam O'Sullivan took Gold in long jump and Bronze in 60 meters sprint. Just reward for Sam who was so close so many times in recent weeks.
Bobby O'Riordan took Silver in high jump with a brilliant new PB of 1:20meters and Bronze in the 600 to cap off a great day for him.
Under 13:
Kathryn O'Mahony and Rebecca Kelleher took Gold and Silver respectively in their 600 meter race. The girls led the pack from the start and were rewarded for the hard work they put into their sport.
Rian O'Luasa went home with a fantastic Gold medal for his efforts in High jump.
So to wrap up the County juvenile program for another year we had a really successful few weeks in May, with fifty individual medals and one team relay medal. We have so much to be optimistic about with the current crop of athletes and really excited about what their future holds in store.
County Juniors:
County junior (under 17 to 20) track and field took place alongside the juvenile competitions on Sunday and our two participants Maebh Daly (javelin) and Martha Quain (Discus) both took Gold medals. The girls are both in a solid and consistent run of results and we hope to have more medal news over the coming weeks.
Graded leagues:
The John Buckley sports sponsored graded leagues took place in CIT on Monday night. Joseph Daly and Ciaran Nugent ran impressively in the 800 meters. Emma Coffey was in pole vault action getting some good vaults in as she gets to the business end of the season.
Week ahead:
The coming week is another jam packed full of action. Saturday is the schools all Ireland track and field in Tullamore. Munster under 9 to under 13 T&F Championships are on Saturday and Sunday in Lee's road, Ennis. Sunday will see a good deal of our adult members participating in the Cork City Marathon, some doing their debut marathon. All the best of luck to everyone and we look forward to the fruits of their labours. Training times and locations as always are on our website and follow us on Facebook for more interactive updates.
23rd May, 2017
10 out of 10 at Munster Schools!
Munster Schools:
The main event of this week was Munster schools track and field which took place in CIT last Saturday. Ten Carraig registered athletes were qualified after participating in the south Munster competitions over the previous two weeks. Eight out of the ten medaled and two medaled on the double making for another successful day out and a great strike rate of participants per medal.
We'll go through the results by School to add a little more geographic context to them.
St Angela's College(Patricks Hill, Cork):
Katie Walsh ran senior 400 hurdles in a new PB of 66:28 to take gold , showing her battling qualities to come from behind to take the win in a photo finish. Katie now goes on to the national final in a seriously competitive field hoping for more improvement. Katie also competed in senior high jump taking bronze with a jump of 1:50 which was shy of her PB but with two championship medals from two events she should be as proud as are we.
Emma Coffey our Pole vaulting star showed good form in blustery conditions taking Gold with a vault of 3:10meters. A little shy of her own championship record, but well clear of her competition and we look forward to her national final with confidence.
Orla Coffey took yet another Pole vault medal in junior with a vault of 2:80 metres to secure silver. Close to her PB she set a new championship record only to see it beaten 10cm in the next round by her long term rival Anna Ryan of Thurles. The ladies will renew their good natured completion at the national final also. Orla the ultimate all rounder towed the line in the junior 800 meters, but in a really competitive field she came home in fifth place running true to her PB which is no more than we expect from this consistent performer.
GC Mhuire AG(Farranferris):
Ciaran Hurley had a right battle on his hands in junior boys 1200 meter walk and in the end took silver with a new PB beaten by only four seconds. We'll look forward to the national final for more improvement on his good run of form.
Maebh Daly left it late to take silver in girls senior javelin snatching her medal with her last throw to leap frog from third by a mere nine millimetres. Meabh is a real championship performer and showed true metal to pull off a great result.
Col an Chroi Naofa(Carraig na bhFear):
Martha Quain took Gold in girls intermediate discus from a strong field of throwers putting in yet another consistent performance on the back of a solid training block.
Loreto Fermoy:
Michelle Kearney threw discus in senior girls but on this day the competition was too strong for her and placed fifth.
Col an Chraoibhin (Fermoy):
Rebecca Kearney was in action in senior girls 3000 meter walk and carried home a silver medal and will go to nationals looking for more improvement we're sure.
Ciaran Nugent took home two bronze medals with two super combative performances in boys intermediate 400 metres flat and hurdles. With only two qualifiers going to nationals from each of the sprint races Ciaran loses out on nationals by small margins (half a second in his 400 flat) but he should be happy with what he's achieved.
Davis College (Mallow)
Joesph Daly went to battle in the uber competitive 1500 meter field in boys intermediate. Joseph lit the afterburners with 400 to go giving himself a chance to medal but on this day his best effort came up short of glory as he was passed in the home straight eventually coming home fifth.
So a haul of three Golds, four silvers and three bronze was another huge step forward for the club and we qualified seven athletes for nationals with real medal hopes.
County Senior track and field:
Two of our seniors were in action in CIT on Sunday at the County senior track and field. Sean O'Sullivan in 1500 meters and Ruaidhri Myers in 5000 meters performed with distinction but as of going to press the results have not been confirmed. Please follow on Facebook to see how they got on.
Pentathlon:
Three of our under 12s were in multi event action on Sunday at CIT.
Theo de Souza, Leah Dunne and Ava Fitzgerald went into this their third weekend of competition on the back of a really successful county championships for all three.
Theo jumped a PB of 1:32 in high jump, won his 80 meters sprint and long jump and is on a real upwards curve.
Leah and Ava were in a very competitive girls competition. Leah finished in fifth place and Ava got to stand on the podium with a wonderful silver.
Road racing:
We had a really busy week of road racing for our adult,older juveniles and even one of our younger members got to with some cheetahs in Fota. I'll try to mention everyone but please forgive me if I omit someone.
The Cheetah run held in Fota wildlife park last Thursday is a great concept and is always very popular.
Mother and Daughter Veronica and Roisin (junior one mile race), sisters Norma and Edel, Father and Son Gary and Daire (won their categories) were in action.
On Friday night another Father and daughter duo wore their vests with pride at the Kilcredan 5km. Well done to Mick and Blathnaid on their first race together.
The Blackwater 10 mile race in Clondulane outside Fermoy on Sunday saw Cliona, Sonya, Gus, Jim and club chairman Philip tackle a challenging out and back course along the N72.
Training:
As always times, dates and locations of our activities can be found on our website and Facebook page.
Busy weeks ahead with county relays and B championships this weekend and training ramping up for athletes going forward to Munster club and Schools all Ireland finals.
16th May, 2017
A second busy week of county and schools events saw Carraig juvenile athletes busy taking their fair share of silverware home from a feast of athletic competitions.
South Munster Schools:
Post primary schools Track and Field for boys took place last Thursday in CIT's outdoor stadium and Carraig athletes were again performing with credit for their respective schools.
Ciaran Hurley won boys junior race walk for Gealcholaiste Mhuire AG.
Ciaran Nugent took intermediate gold in 400 flat, silver in 400 hurdles and silver in senior 4X400 running up an age with his school Col an Chraoibhin Fermoy.
Joseph Daly was second in intermediate 1500 meters for Davis College Mallow.
The three boys will now join seven of our girls qualifying for Munster schools which will take place this Saturday again in CIT.
Javelin:
Javelin star Maebh Daly was in action Saturday in Waterford IT's arena in a track meet called Tón le Gaoithe. Maebh threw her usual solid performance to take third place.
County Championship Day 2:
Day two of the county track and field championships took place last Sunday in CIT. With the track season well and truly up and running attendance was large and competition fierce. Conditions were blustery and showery, but luckily the worst of the weather stayed away. Great performances from all involved were needed to replicate the previous weeks results and that's exactly what was handed up. Like last weeks report I will only mention the medal winners by discipline.
Turbo javelin:
Unlike its name suggests the turbo javelin on this day was not boosted by an increase of air pressure as the morning throws taken on the north end of the track were into a strong gusting breeze. Tough going for the young practitioners, but both Faye O'Riordan girls under 10 and Leah Dunne girls under 12 got good enough throws in to both take bronze in their competitions.
Javelin:
After competing the previous day in WIT Maebh Daly put in another consistent performance to win under 18 javelin.
Shot Putt:
Pat Daly is one of our few exponents of shot and after some solid work in training got his just reward with a bronze in boys under 15.
High jump:
An ever increasing squad of high jump aficionados has emerged over the winter and on the back of the multi events competitions earlier in the year performances are on the up. So much so that Ava Fitzgerald girls under 12, Theo de Souza boys under 12 and Orla Coffey girls under 16 all took silver medals with personal bests for each to boot. Katie Walsh the de facto coach/leader of the squad took gold in girls under 19.
Race Walking:
Our dedicated race walkers started their season off with a clean sweep of gold medals with Ciaran Hurley boys under 15, Sarah Constant in girls under 18 and Rebecca Kearney girls under 19. The group all raced strong times and we look forward to their progress as the season advances.
Sprints:
Our sprinters put on a tremendous days entertainment with multiple rounds and some great performances to keep the crowds cheering, but only one of our speedsters managed to get on a podium. Theo de Souza capped a fine personal county championships with a silver in boys under 12 60 meters.
Middle distance:
Our middle distance squad again proved their metal by putting in a fine afternoons work. In the huge under age fields Richard Barry snatched an excellent bronze with a late surge in boys under 11.
The talented all rounder Orla Coffey put in a great performance in possibly her strongest event ,the 800 meters, to take silver in the ultra competitive under 16 girls race.
Another athlete who has had a fantastic championships is Nessa Wheeler and took her girls under 17 800 meters race by the scruff in setting the pace from the gun. Nessa's stock is on the rise and as her race craft develops we should see more medals like the silver she took Sunday.
Ciaran Nugent is one of our speed merchants with 400 his speciality, but he took a chance to back his furious finishing kick and see how he would fare over 800 meters. Every the showman Ciaran left it till the last 100 to eat up the opposition and take an impressive silver.
Katie Walsh is another one lap specialist who has had an impressive championships taking her fourth gold this year. A blistering second lap left her competition distanced as she stormed to victory in girls under 19 800 meters.
So with two days down and a third to come for relays and multi events the medal haul stands at 16 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze. For the athletes that were just outside the podium positions county B championships hold promise of glory and more competition before we launch our assault on Munster.
Training continues with our adult members getting final runs in for the city marathon. As always times and locations for training to be found on our website and Facebook page.
14th May, 2017
Congratulations to everyone that took part in the second round of the Counties today, it was another excellent day out! There are lots of pictures up on our facebook page and I will be hoping to update all the pictures from the recent events to our Photos page sometime this week. Training continues as normal this week, next weekend is the County multi events so only a small few athletes will be taking part in that and we will do a session in Blarney on Sunday morning for everyone else!
09th May, 2017
There has been a change to the County T&F program - The Juvenile Multi events have been moved to Sunday 21st May and the Juvenile 'B' Championships have been moved to the 28th May. The fixtures page has been updated with the changes.
09th May, 2017
Emma's star continues to rise!
Club pole vault athlete Emma Coffey received yet another accolade last week when Cork City Sports awarded her sports star of the month for March. Followers of Carraig club notes will be aware of Emma's athletic achievements in the recent months but this is a massive boost in our girls celebrity. Emma is the first pole vaulter to receive the CCS athlete of the month award. CCS chairman Tony O'Connell stated "we are delighted to have a pole vaulter win the athlete of the month award. This demonstrates the strength and depth in all athletics disciplines in Cork athletics. We wish Emma every success and we are sure that she will go on to great heights". So say all at Carraig na bhFear AC.
South Munster Schools.
Seven Carraig post primary students were in track and field action last Thursday in the South Munster schools girls championships. Representing their schools the competition took place in CIT and was well attended. Results to note on the day.
Martha Quain, Gold in intermediate discus.
Michelle Kearney, Silver in senior discus
Katie Walsh, Gold in senior High jump and Silver in senior 400meter hurdles.
Meabh Daly, Gold in senior Javelin
Orla Coffey, Bronze in intermediate 800meters.
The girls will now go forward to Munster competition and hopefully push for national honours.
Post primary boys will be in action this Thursday the 11th again in CIT and we look forward to some more medals.
Leevale open Senior sports:
Three of our young adult athletes were in competition at the Leevale senior sports on Saturday in CIT. Emma Coffey surely buoyed by her award took first place in pole vault.
Meabh Daly kept a run of recent good results going by taking second in Javelin.
Martha Quain was third in discus with another solid performance.
County Track and Field.
Day one of the three day county track and field program of competitions got underway last Sunday in CIT in bright brilliant sunshine and a massive crowd. After a run out in the East Cork track and field the competition starts to heat up at county level and some excellent athletic endeavour was on show for the packed stand to savour. With so many competitors in action you will have to forgive me if I only mention the twenty three medals that we took home.
We will go through each discipline to ease the confusion.
Hurdles:
We don't have a strong tradition of hurdling, but I may have to reconsider that statement as five of our medals came from this discipline. Theo de Souza took a fantastic bronze medal in boys under 12 60 meter sprint hurdles. Theo is proving to be a real all rounder and added another string to his bow with this result. Long hurdles is were the strength of this group lies and Lily O'Riordans battling bronze in under 14 200meters has us picking up medals in ever age. Lily may have found a event that suits her and we look forward to more from her in the coming weeks. Orla Coffey took Silver in under 16 in a competitive race. Ciaran Nugent and Katie Walsh both took Gold in under 18 and 19 races respectively rounding out the tally from the emerging "hurdle squad".
Sprints:
I the ultra competitive area of sprinting where the margin between sweet victory and bitter defeat can be thousands of seconds we managed to pull five further medals from the grasps of the "bigger clubs".
Lucy Lynch and Richard Barry both took bronze medals in under 11 60 meters. Great results given the two heats and final ran in relatively quick succession necessary to sort the placings. Nessa Wheeler in her first ever race over 400 meters proved her potential to snatch bronze in a competitive under 17 race. Ciaran Nugent displayed his usual blistering last 100 to take Gold in the under 18 400. Katie Walsh running from the unfavored lane 8 put on a display of front running to comfortably win the under 19 400 meters.
Middle distance:
Our usual strong showing in the middle distances continued with Faye O'Riordan starting the ball rolling by taking Silver in Girls under10 500 meters.
In under 12 600 meters Eva Fitzgerald took a hard fought silver with her usual battle to the line style and Ruaidhri Boyle added a bronze to the tally with another strong finish.
Great credit is due to these youngsters as they all had to run a heat to qualify for their final with a relatively short rest between both.
In the 1500 meter races Daire O'Sullivan off the back of victory in the indoor nationals was hot favourite in boys under 16. He did not disappoint running a blistering last 400 to blow the field asunder to take gold.
In girls under 17 Nessa Wheeler ran an equally impressive last 200 to clench her first ever county title in the prestigious event.
Joseph Daly took control of his race with 400 to go also, but with only meters to the line he was passed by a strong finishing Youghal athlete having to settle for silver. A great result none the less and an exciting finish against a quality opposition.
Long Jump:
Faye O'Riordan took her second medal of the day with Bronze in girls under 10 and is proving to be a real all rounder.
Likewise Theo deSouza took his second medal with gold in boys under 12. Theo is really turning in consistent performances in long jump and should be one to watch as the summer progresses.
Shot Putt:
In girls under 12 saw another two medal haul for Eva Fitzgerald as she secured a bronze.
In girls under 17 Martha Quain threw her way to silver.
Pole Vault:
Pole vaulting sisters Emma and Orla Coffey both won their respective age competitions comfortably and will advance to Munster and national completion. As the weeks and months roll by we should see more medals from the girls.
High Jump:
Lucy Lynch took a fantastic gold to add to her sprint medal in under 11 with a first time clearance of 1:20 which was good enough to win on count back.
So in review, a really successful weekend with 23 medals, 10 of which were gold. Well done to everyone who pulled on the singlet and put on their race faces , especially those who were competing for the first time. We look forward to day two this Sunday for more silverware and exciting performances.
02nd May, 2017
Week of 24th to 30th May.
John Buckley graded leagues:
Four of our young adult athletes took part in the graded league round one track meet on last Wednesday night in CIT. The league is a four part meet series aimed at athletes under 17 up to vets. These events are a great training aid for our maturing athletes to gauge themselves against the best around. Martha Quain and James Sheehan threw discus to get some decent practice in before they get into competition over the coming weeks and months as they hope for another year competing for national titles.
Ciaran Nugent ran in 400 meters as he prepares to challenge for county honours this weekend.
Ruaidhri Myers ran a seriously fast mile as he continues to improve on a run of solid form.
East Cork road race championships.
Two of our clubs best role models Gus Keohane and Blathnaid Daly togged off to represent in Ballynoe last Thursday night. The road race is an annual event that has a notorious hill to be negotiated as the race does a lap around the village. The ladies race climb the hill once in 3km but the men have a slightly tougher task over 8km going up the hill four times. Well done to both our ambassadors on the night.
Ballyhoura Mountain running:
Senior athlete Dave O'Riordan tackled the Ballyhoura mountain ultra Marathon last Saturday morning.
Dave has this year taken to mountain running and jumped straight in at the deep end within a short time tackling one of the hardest races on the calendar. With a 65km course winding its way around the Ballyhoura mountains picking up over 1800meters of climbing along the way this was some intro to mountain ultra running. Dave completed the course well within his target time and was second in his category.
Junior athlete Joesph Daly was also in action in Ballyhoura on Saturday running in the youth Trial race which was a qualifier to represent Ireland in the youth cup in Italy. Joseph, like Dave, has taken to trail running just this year and a sixth place finish amongst Ireland's finest young mountain goats was a fine result. More to come from this young man we believe.
Training:
Training times and arrangements can be found on our webpage or FB. Preparations are done for county championships this weekend and we look forward with quiet confidence for some fine performances.
25th April, 2017
Weekends round up.
Munster juvenile multi events:
Last Saturday the 22 the Munster juvenile pentathlon championships took place on Waterford institutes of technologies (WIT) outdoor track at their sports grounds....
19 Carraig athletes attended and competed with great credit due their coaches for getting them prepared. Multi event training is very time consuming as trying to give every discipline ample time is difficult. Well done to Conor, Lucy, Emma, Ava, Leah, Theo, Sam, Ruaidhri , Bobby, Ben, Howard, Zach, Kathryn , Rebecca, Jessica, Ciara, Ellie, Sorcha and Orla.
Medals were won by Orla Coffey, silver, in girls under 16 running a fabulous 800 meters to secure her podium place.Lucy Lynch , bronze, in girls under 11. Notable other performers were Theo de Souza who was only 11 points off a medal in a very competitive boys under 12 and Ava Fitzgerald who was also only 10 points off Third.
Great to see the spirit of team mates all day encouraging each and in everyone's event.
Munster Juniors.
Six of our 17 to 20 year olds competed in the Munster junior track and field also held in Waterford on Saturday alongside the multi events.
First up was Rebecca Kearney in 3k race walking and set a new personal best , but that was only good enough on the day for fourth place.
Emma Coffey set yet another championship record on her way to winning gold in Pole Vault.
Joesph Daly and Meabh Daly both picked up Silvers in 800 meters and Javelin respectively.
Katie Walsh swept up two bronze medals for her efforts in 400 hurdles and High jump.
A credit to Emma, Katie, Meabh and Blathnaid for their dedication to wait for the final event of the day, girls 4X100 relay. Their dedication didn't pay dividends being run into fourth place.
22nd April, 2017
Munster Juvenile Multi Events & Junior T&F Championships
Congratulations to everyone that took part in todays Munster T&F Championships in Waterford. It was a super day out with a great turnout from our club, everyone that we entered to compete today turned up which is great to see. There were some outstanding performances from our athletes with everyone performing to the best of their abilities, throw in plenty of PB's a bunch of medals and it was a mighty day all together! Some pictures from today can be found on our photos page.
11th April, 2017
East Cork Track and Field.
The second day of the East Cork athletics track and field program took place in Youghal last Sunday. Numbers of Carraig Athletes were down on the previous weekend, but those that participated did so to the now accepted high standards. Listed below are the medal winners.
Girls under 10 Faye O’Riordan 2nd 300m & 2nd long jump
Boys under 10 Dylan Mulcahy 3rd 300m
Girls under 12 Ava Fitzgerald 1st 800m
Girls under 12 Leah Dunne 3rd 800m
Boys under 12 Ruaidhri Boyle 1st 800m
Boys under 12 Bobby O’Riordan 3rd shot putt
Girls under 13 Kathryn O’Mahony 1st800m
Boys under 13 Rian O’Luasa 2nd high jump
Girls 16 Jennifer Kearney 2nd 200m & 3rd 1,500m
Boys under 17-19 Joseph Daly 2nd200m & 2nd 1,500m
Full results on Cork Athletics website.
Highlights of the day was probably our 12&13 girls and boys wins in 800 meters showing again the strength of our middle distance athletes.
National inter varsities Track and field.
Three Carraig athletes were in action with their third level colleges in CIT last weekend.
Ruaidhri Myers ran for CIT in men's 10,000 meters and came home in the middle of a large field in a time of 36:19.
Sean O'Sullivan ran in men's 1500meters for UL but failed to qualify for the final out of his heat with a time of decent time of 4:27.
David Atkinson qualified from his heat of the men's 800 meters with a fastest losers time of 2 minutes flat and replicated that time in the final for sixth place. David also competed in 4X400 relay with his UCD team which qualified for the final and were fourth in the final just 2 seconds off a medal.
Munster performance squad:
Nine of our juvenile athletes were training with their high performance coaches over the weekend in WIT and Templemore. This is the final session of the year and we look forward to the fruits of their labours in the coming months competitions.
09th April, 2017
East Cork T&F
Congratultions to everyone that took part in the final round of this years East Cork T&F Championships, it was a great day out! Check out all the pictures from todays events on our Facebook page. Also well done to our Munster Performance squad athletes on completion of this years squads in Waterford over the course of yesterday and today, heres to a successful T&F season.
05th April, 2017
The results from day 1 of the East Cork T&F championships are now available here.
05th April, 2017
Last Saturday the 1st was the third day of the national juvenile indoors held again in Athlone IT. Four Carraig Athletes were on the early morning run to the Midlands town.
Our youngest competitor this year was Theo deSousa participating in boys under 12 long jump. The competition had 20 boys getting three jumps each and after these the top eight got a further three to decide the medals. Theo's second jump had him in provisional fourth place and into the round of eight, a success in its own right. This was Theo's first time participating at a national indoor event and an eventual sixth place jump of 4.06 meters was a great start to what we're sure will be a great season for this young man.
Maebh Daly was in girls under 18 triple jump. Maebh is one of our multiple event athletes with national medals in javelin,participating in county and provincial pentathlon as well as cross country. In recent years she has made triple jump seem easy winning county and Munster podium places. At national level competition is fierce and Maebh was just outside the medals in sixth position.
Orla Coffey was next up in girls under 16 800 meters. In my opinion 800 meters is the toughest of all the race distances in track competition and my hat is tipped to any youngster who throws their hat in the ring. Orla is another of our versatile athletes and only last week won the pole vault in her age category. There was two heats in her competition with the first three in each heat as well as the next two fastest times getting into the eighth place final. Orla booked the eighth place with a time of 2:29 for 800 meters. The final ,ran in the late afternoon ,was a savage affair with the first 400 ran in 60 seconds blowing the field apart. The pace did slow but the damage was done with most of the field distanced from the leaders. Orla matched her qualifying time but out of the medal battle. Another example of the cauldron that national standards produce.
Daire O'Sullivan was in action in boys under 16 800 meters in the morning with no qualifications the competition went straight to a final of 12 runners. After winning the 1500 last week a second medal was always going to be a big ask over the shorter distance. Daire manfully stepped up to the plate and stuck in the race just behind the leaders. With the turn of pace of sprinters true 800 specialists are able to inject blistering pace at will and open gaps in seconds. Daire came home in sixth in a brilliant time of 2:06 with the winner over the line in a savage 2 minutes flat.
In concluding our indoor season ,today wasn't as successful as last weekends achievements but maybe a slice of realism is needed when we look back on what we did achieve. 10 athletes qualifying in 12 disciplines. 4 national titles, two silvers, a national record and invaluable experience gained to bring back to the club ,pass on and inspire others.
East Cork T&F:
Day one of the East Cork track and field took place last Sunday in CITs outdoor track. East Corks are the clubs big day out where our young beginners get to experience competition for the first time and our older more experienced get to try events that they may diversify into. The day kicked off in brilliant sunshine with the men's over 19 5000 meters. Ruaidhri, Sean, Gus and Robert blasted off from the gun and settled into their own race strategies. Ruaidhri took the honours on the day with a storming last 400 meters and a not too shabby time of 16:49 for 5km.
With a large amount of athletes participating in multiple events, a summery of notable results will have to do this week. To start with the under 13 to 19 star performers.
Fresh from their national indoor exploits Daire , Meabh and Orla bagged medals in Discus, Javelin, long jump, shot put, high jump,100 and 800 meters.
Katie and Christine collected 10 medals between them in 17 to 19 girls.
Girls under 14 4X100 meters relay won gold.
Ciaran Battled back from a distance off to take bronze in a good quality under 17 boys 800.
Under 13 report:
GU10 Faye O'Riordan 2nd 200m, 3rd in 60m, 2nd Turbo Javelin
GU11 Lucy Lynch 2nd 300m, 1st 80m
BU11 Richard Barry 2nd 300m, 3rd High Jump
GU12 Ava Fitzgerald 1st 600m, 2nd 80m
GU12 Leah Dunne 2nd 600m, 1st 80m, 3rd High Jump
BU12 Ruaidhri Boyle 1st 600m, 2nd High Jump
BU12 Theo De Souza 1st 80m
BU12 Sam O'Sullivan 2nd 80m
GU13 Kathryn O'Mahony 1st 600m, 3rd 80m
BU13 Arron Sheehan 2nd 600m
BU13 Rian O'Luasa 3rd 600m
GU14 Lily O'Riordan 2nd Javelin, 3rd 100m
Relays
Gu12 2nd
Bu12 1st, B team 3rd (we had 3 teams in the final)
Gu14 1st
Great performances by all, standout performers were probably the middle distance race winners - Ava, Ruaidhri and Kathryn. Getting 3 boys U12 teams to the relay final was also unreal.
02nd April, 2017
East Cork T&F Championships
Congratulations to everyone that took part in the first round of this years East Cork T&F Championships. There was a fantastic turnout with big numbers in most of the events and great weather to add to the occasion. There are some great pictures from todays action on our facebook page, the final round of the East Corks takes place in Youghal next Sunday at the same time.
27th March, 2017
All Ireland Indoors:
Last weekend saw the first two days of the national juvenile indoor championships bring Ireland's finest young athletes together in Athlone IT's modern arena. The Saturday program saw our jump specialists in action with bright sunshine shining through the floor to ceiling glass walls of the arena.
First up was Katie Walsh in girls under 19 high jump with legitimate hopes of a podium position to build on her bronze in last years outdoor finals. Katie had performed well over the winter with a Munster under 20 gold, some solid coaching sessions with the Munster performance squad and has added strength and conditioning to her training regime. The hours in the gym payed dividends with a silver medal and a PB jump of 1:60m which is a considerable feat for a lady only 1:57m tall.
Pole vaulting sisters Orla and Emma Coffey were in action Saturday lunchtime in under 16s & 17s respectively. Both girls were in buoyant mood with Munster titles in the bag and a great winters training behind them. Orla is one of the clubs most versatile athletes and continues to push her boundaries in all her endeavours. This day would be another step forward with a national title in a close contest with our girl winning gold on count back with a vault of 2:75m. Orla's three attempts at a new PB of 2:85 were just shy of the mark and it surely is just a matter of time for the improvement to come.
Emma was one of the stars of the weekend with a masterful performance to take the under 17 title and go on to set a new national record not once but three times. In doing so she moved the mark from 3 meters to 3:25 with the whole stadium slow clapping her every attempt and eventually received a massive ovation for her efforts.
With super Saturday done it was over to the track stars to up the anti with Sunday's performances.
Sunday kicked off with the speed merchants going to battle over 400 meter heats. Ciaran Nugent was in the third and final heat of the uber competitive boys under 18. Ciaran was fourth in his heat with a new PB of 53:89. All six runners in his heat were only separated by a single second going to emphasise just home competitive things are at this level.
Nessa Wheeler was next up in girls under 17 1500meters. Nessa went with the pace for the early laps of the seven and one half lap race but with two laps to go gaps started to appear leaving Nessa outside the battle for medals. This was a huge leap forward for Nessa as she knocked a massive 9 seconds off her time ran in Munster when she qualified for nationals.
Boys under 16 1500 next and Daire O'Sullivan was quietly confident going to the start line. Daire has put in some really good quality training sessions since qualifying for nationals by winning his Munster race with an excellent display of front running. Daire ran a mature, calculated and near perfect race as he matched all the early moves an lit the afterburners with 300 meters to go romping home in first in a fabulous time of 4:23. Another national champion and we weren't even though lunch.
The afternoon program had our two race walking stars in action.
Ciaran Hurleys boys under 15 1000 meters race saw our boy put a sterling silver medal performance. With a winter of dedicated application and benefiting from the coaching of the Munster performance squad training Ciaran set a new PB of 5:23.
Last but by no means least was Rebecca Kearney in girls under 19 1.5km walk. Rebecca is a multi title holder and no surprise that she added a national age title to her bulging war chest. A great start for this young ladies last season in the juvenile ranks.
So to summarise. Of the eight athletes that competed over the two days we had four national champions, two silver medalists, one national record set and five personal bests. As mentors and coaches all we ask of our athletes is that they apply themselves ,do their best and enjoy the fruits of their labour. As a club we will bask in the radiated glory of days like these and look forward with optimism for the weeks ahead. Roll on next weekend with four more athletes in national competition and the first day of outdoor track with East Corks in CIT.
Mallow 10 mile:
Senior runners Paul and Jim hit the roads around the north Cork town in Mallow ACs annual road race. An ever popular race that gets a large entry got some perfect weather with a cloudless sky beaming sunshine onto participants. Following on from a promising Ballycotton race Jim broke 70 minutes with a fabulous run of 69minutes with Paul a little further back at 77. Well done boys , great running.
26th March, 2017
County Road race:
On St. Patrick's day morning three of our dedicated adult athletes took to the start line of the County novice and vets road race championships. Gus Keohane along with husband and wife Christy and Eileen Murphy tackled the fast five mile course around the village of Castlelyons. Eileen was there to defend her F55 title which she won on the same course on the same day last year and defend it she did adding another title to the club coffers.
Upcoming Events:
Over the next two weekends eleven of our under age athletes will be hitting the road to Athlone for National indoors. All the best of luck to them in anticipation of great
success reports over the coming weeks.
The first outdoor track and field event of our season will be held in CIT track on the 2nd of April. Training is in full swing and excitement is building with our youngest members who will heading for their first competition and you never know when the next star will be unearthed.
As always training times and dates can be found on our website or keep in touch with activities with our active Facebook page.
03rd March, 2017
East Cork T&F Championships 2017
The program for this years East Cork T&F Championships can be viewed here: East Cork T&F 2017
20th of February, 2017
Our fixtures page has now been updated with this years T&F dates, as yet there are no confirmed dates for the County Championships
16th of February, 2017
Thank you to everyone that turned up for our AGM on Monday night, it was great to see so many people in attendance. Our list of club officers has been updated showing our new committee, our fixture list will be updated shortly. Congratulations to everyone that competed in the All-Ireland 'B' XC last Sunday and also to our County award winners from last Friday night.
07th of February 2017
Reminder - Our club AGM takes place next Monday Night 13th of February at 8pm in the Community hall in Carraignavar, we would love to see a good turnout from the parents of our juvenile athletes and also from our adult members.
26th of January 2017
I have attached the link to the Athletics Ireland Competition booklet for 2017, this is a very useful document as it contains all the dates for every National competition for the coming year and also gives the timetables for the various All Ireland T&F Championships. It also contains all the specifics like hurdle heights, javelin weights etc for each age group.
18th of January 2017
Some dates for your diaries:
East Cork Awards Night 24th February at Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal.
East Cork T & F – day 1 on 2nd April at CIT and day 2 on 9th April in Youghal.
East Cork Road Race 27th April in Ballynoe.
15th of January 2017
As training was cancelled last Thursday night due to the weather registration for all athletes will take place this coming Thursday night instead.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL SOCIAL NIGHT OUT: Friday next 20th January at 7.30 pm at the Ambassador Hotel.
The club is hosting the annual night out for adults (!) next Friday. The price is €20 per head payable on the night. The hotel will provide a buffet style meal and desert. Speeches will be kept short. The club hopes the night will be a well earned celebration of the achievements of the club and its athletes throughout 2016 and a chance to give thanks for that success and to look forward to a great 2017.
All are welcome and it is usually a good night and opportunity to socialise with like minded people!
We need to give the hotel early warning of the numbers attending so whilst it is a pay on the night event people might text/ring with confirmation of attendance to Anne at 086 1025420 or Philip at 086 8012913.
Carraig na bhFear AC year in review.
The year 2017 has been the most successful in the clubs history with phenomenal success in juvenile track and field and cross country.
The year started with indoor track and field where Emma Coffey took the clubs first senior national track and field medal when she took silver in womens pole vault at national senior indoors.
Over the two weekends of national juvenile indoor championships the club had ten athletes taking four national titles, two silver medals, five personal bests and set one new national record in girls under 17 pole vault.
Amongst the results Daire O'Sullivan was crowned boys under 16 1500 meters champion in Athlone IT in February , Orla Coffey took under 16 pole vault as did Emma Coffey in the under 17, smashing the national record.
In March new ground was broken by our Pole vault star Emma Coffey when she was awarded Cork City Sports Athlete of the month. Emma had also been honoured by the East Cork athletics board as their athlete of the year for 2016 at the annual awards in February.
As the year advanced into spring and summer the club focus moved to outdoor track and field competition.
Sweeping up hatfuls of medals through East Cork, County and Munster competitions eventually qualifying fifteen athletes who would go on to compete for national honours at the juvenile championships.
Daire O'Sullivan took another national title in under 16 boys 3000 meters. National titles in race walking, pole vault fell to Carraig athletes over the three days of competition. Theo de Souza and Michelle Ugwah took gold in under 12 and 14 long jump respectively.
The clubs medal haul of Six golds and five silvers ranked us as the fifth most successful juvenile club in the country at the 2017 championships. An unprecedented feat in the clubs history and a cause of much pride amongst athletes , coaches and parents.
A schools athletics competition runs parallel to the club competitions throughout the year and many of our secondary athletes compete for their schools. Titles and records fell to their efforts also and Pole Vault athlete Enma Coffey and Pentathlon athlete Orla Coffey won Irish team call ups and competed in the SIAB international events. Both went on to take Bronze medals with their teams.
Cross country racing has always been the bedrock of our club and 2017 so far has been no exception with county , Munster and national medals taken over the Autumn and Winter months.
Faye O'Riordan won the under 10 Munster race putting back to back titles together having won the under 9 race 12 months previously. Ava Fitzgerald took Gold in girls under 12 at the Munster championships in early November and went on to lead both the under 12 and 13 girls teams to national silver medals taking two national individual bronze medals for good measure.
Over the two days of Munster competition club athletes took two Munster titles, seven individual bronze medals, three club team podiums, thirteen county team medals and qualified 34 athletes for national competition.
After the two days of national championship competitions the athletes took away 27 medals in total. An impressive haul of medals with a high conversion rate of medals per participant.
Ava Fitzgerald was undoubtedly the star performer taking eight medals over the two days and leading two teams to national podiums.
Our adults had a busy year as always leading by example for our younger members.
Ruaidhri Myers took podium medals in men's under 23 county and Munster cross country. Ruaidhri also lead our novice men's team to East Cork team Gold. Mary Fitzgerald took the novice women's race victory.
The Cork and Dublin city marathons were big targets for our adults as they put in lots of PB's and debut performances. Dave O'Riordan had an impressive debut year in the AAI Munster mountain running association league.
Eileen Murphy took the women's 55 county road race title for a second year in succession in Castlelyons on St Patrick's day.
An action packed full throttle year will take a lot to surpass in 2018 but all at the club will endeavour to pull together and give it our all.