Carrick Road Runners Athletic Club Notes 7th January 2008
It was a beautiful Christmas Morning which greeted over 150 runners and walkers who came out onto the streets of Carrick in support of the inaugural GOAL mile. All of the credit for this great event and the monies raised must go to Mags Power whose brainchild it was almost 1 year ago. Mags also got great support from her husband Bobby and daughter Deirdre. It was interesting to note that almost half the money raised was collected on Christmas Eve on the streets of the town and from local businesses, while the other half was collected mostly from the participants and any passing motorists on the morning of the event. What a total it was with €7004 going to the GOAL fund which is a charity doing sterling work in developing countries.
The course itself saw runners and walkers starting outside Carrick's unique Ormonde Castle, continuing up the Main Street, through the West Gate, along the Quays with some great views of the river and Old Bridge before finishing back on the Main Street. Most agreed that the town had never looked better than on that fine morning. The event was not short on celebrities either as the great Sean Kelly took to the streets (this time without the bike!) and enjoyed the atmosphere that went with the event.
The success of this years GOAL mile of course means that next year's edition is expected to be even bigger and better! Finally a big thank-you must go to all of the club members who helped out the Power family in fundraising effort, especially Barbara and Shane Cooke who were on hand to offer water, wine and festive goodies to all who took part and this added greatly to the fun element of the morning. A particular word of gratitiude goes to Sgt. Stepehn O'Sullivan and Carrick-on-Suir Gardai who came out especially on this Christmas morning to ensure that the course was safe for everyone. Finally thanks to everyone who ran, jogged or walked the course and raised such vitally needed funds for GOAL. See you all on Christmas Day 2008!
Tony O'Connell 4 Mile Road Race
Well done to Niall O'Sullivan and all the team at Clonmel AC for putting on another top class event on St. Stepen's Day. Perfect conditions greeted the 206 athletes who went to the line for the Tony O'Connell 4 Mile road race. Brian Maher of KCH took the top prize in what was a very fast 19:04. While the ladies race was a close affair with Adele Walsh of St. Senans (the ladies winner of last years Outfield Sports/Asics Summer Series) coming home first in 24:23. Coming in a strong 2nd was, a regular at our club's Winter League, in the form of West Waterford's Diane Behan in a time of 24:45.
Carrick-on-Suir AC had a great turn out of 18 runners. Some were competing for the club at this level for the very first time and all acquitted themselves to a very high standard. Here is how they fared: 33. Johnny Brunnock-23:54; 42. Cornelius McFadden-24:19; 73. Padraig Larkin-26:18; 90. Paddy Kerwick-26:52; 94. Paddy Brunnock-27:03; 106. James Fox-27:44; 116. Andrew Downey-28:21; 117. Andrew O'Meara-28:29; 123. John Downey-29:04; 126. Alan Treacy-29:09; 133. Mick O'Shea-29:33; 150. Anne Power-31:11; 154. Jane Evans-31:35; 155. Ann Cronin-31:38; 163. Niall Duggan-32:11; 173. Teresa O'Sullivan-33:07; 176. Geraldine Houlihane-33:17; 197. Sandra O'Neill-36:38. Well done to all of these runners!
Super-Valu Winter League and that New Year's Resolution!
A reminder to all that the club's Winter League is back from its Christmas break since Tuesday night last the 8th January. It will take place every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Kildalton College, Piltown, with registration commencing from 6:30 p.m. New runners are still welcome and you can join in right up to and including our last competitive night which is 12th February. For new members entry is €8 (this includes a refundable €5 number deposit), entry is €3 every other week. Most importantly please remember your reflective bib and any runner without a bib will not be allowed to register on the night.
AGM
The club's AGM will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday 17th January in the Carraig Hotel. We would like to ask all members to attend. If you have not paid your €30 membership as yet, you may do so on the night and you will then be eligible to vote. If any club member wishes to put an item on the agenda please have it into club chairman Alan Treacy, Outfield Sports no later than Monday 14th January (or any committee member).
Fixtures
For the new year we are encouraging all of our members, new and old, to get out there and support local events. Here is a list of some upcoming events to whet your appetite:
Super-Valu Winter League: Kildalton College, Piltown, 7 p.m. every Tuesday evening.
Colligan Cup: 2p.m., Sunday 27th January, Colligan Woods, Dungarvan (predict your time).
Vivas Health Dungarvan 10: 1 p.m., Sunday 3rd February, Dungarvan.
Bausch & Lomb Kilmac 5: 11 a.m., Sunday 24th February, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford.
Easons Dungarvan 10k: 2 p.m., Sunday March 2nd, Dungarvan.
Ballycotton 10: 1:30 p.m., Ballycotton, Co. Cork.