Senior Section News

Our Big Night Is Almost Here

Midleton AC will be in the shop window on this Thursday as our club proudly hosts the 27th running of our 5 mile Road Race. Much has changed since the inaugural running of the fixture the mid eighties and whilst the calendar is now practically packed with races across the county the Midleton AC race is still recognised as one of the outstanding fixtures of the summer.

It’s up to all of us to maintain the high standards which have been reached. A new course last year brought a fresh look to the entire event and many athletes left the venue with lavish words of the praise for the new route. Much planning and work is required to ensure that everything moves smoothly and whilst running the risk of singing from the same hymn sheet too often, it is again worth stating that everybody in our club has a role to play before and on the day of the race.

Here is a final reminder of what you can do –
* Encourage your friends, your work colleagues and your extended family to participate on Thursday evening. We nearly made the 300 mark last year – this year we want to over take it!
If you fail to recruit runners there are many more ways to lend a hand.

* Edmond O’Sullivan is co-ordinating stewarding for the race. Is there somebody you know that can spare some time to help us on the night – a family member, friend or work colleague? If so please send text to Edmond with details -086-8323267

* We will also have a draw for spot prizes on the night of the race – if you can acquire any prizes please forward them to Kathleen O’Connell.

* Finally, Midleton AC has developed a reputation for the best after race food in the county. As usual we would ask each of our club members to bring a plate of sandwiches or some cakes if possible.
Get there early is the best advice possible. The race HQ at Midleton GAA will be open before 6pm and Edmond will be pleased to meet any stewards well in advance of race time.

Important Note For Stewards Re Thursday's Race

“All stewards are asked to meet at Edmonds Blue Transit bus which will be parked in the GAA car park at 6.30 pm sharp. Stewards will be issued with Hi-Viz jackets and allocated to a particular location. It is important to get started at 6.30 as parking/traffic around the GAA will need to be organized/controlled.


Finally enjoy the occasion and the race itself and ensure that all our visitors enjoy their trip to the Midleton ‘5’.


Ballintotis

The first 4 mile race to be run in Ballintotis was a big success with 436 runners taking part. It was a figure beyond the expectations of the organisers and they wish to extend a sincere word of thanks to the huge Midleton AC contingent that participated. In general, times were fast on what was almost a perfect night for running. Reports afterwards indicated that many of our runners recorded their best 4 mile time for quite a while.
As usual Midleton AC figured amongst the top places in the various categories. The roll of honour showed Michelle Nolan 5th overall and top lady Over 35, Sally Drennan 2nd Over 40, Joan Hough 1st Over 50, Elaine Hennessy 3rd Over 50, Margaret Barry 1st Over 60 and Neilus Aherne 2nd man Over 50.
As stated earlier they were several other fine performances on the night including excellent runs by Emmet Hennessy, Edmond O’Sullivan and Alan Kelly who all comfortably broke the 25 minute mark. Mick Murphy, Paul Kierans Niall O’Neill, Peter Gunning, Danny McCarthy and Adam Dunchincz were amongst our other large group of men who had satisfying outings. Yvonne Fitzgerald, Sandra Bohan, Claire Fitzgerald, Marie Murphy, Deidere Duggan, Ann Savage and Margeret Twohig were amongst our many lady members to enjoy their run around the Ballintotis roads.

East Cork Champions
The big news from last week was that Midelton AC were the top club at the East Cork Road Championships in Ballynoe. Many congratulations to Michelle Nolan, Caroline Geary and Breda Cahill who won gold, silver and bronze respectively in the ladies race. Yvonne Fitzgerald, Anne Marie Perry and Yvonne Kennedy followed home their club colleagues to ensure a team gold medal for the club.
Our men were also in top form. Noel O’Regan 5th and Kevin Smith 7th were our top finishers and they were joined by club colleagues Donal Broderick 11th and Neilus Aherne 12th to win the team title for Midleton AC. - Overall a great night’s work around the demanding Ballynoe roads.

Stride By The Tide
Earlier last week there was also a big Midleton crew seen Striding By The Tide at Redbarn. The latest Cork BHAA fixture saw an increase on last year’s numbers with 232 taking part in this novel event.
Michelle Nolan had a great run to finish as second lady overall whilst Joan Hough was again the Over 50 winner. The men too were to the fore with Noel O’Regan, Neilus Aherne and John Cashman along with Midleton UDC team (category winners) all on the prize list.
The organisers also held a juvenile race which meant some of our senior members also had the chance to see the younger generation follow in the family foot steps. Well done to all who took part.

Training Reminder

Monday training is now at the CBS Field from 6pm to 7pm with the Tuesday session commencing from the Community Centre at 7pm.

AGM
A reminder that the Midleton AC AGM – combined meeting for juvenile and adult club will be held at The Two Mile Inn on Thursday May 13th – 8pm – please make an effort to attend.

Races
Next week on the horizon we have the Pfizer’s 6 Mile Race in Ringaskiddy on Wednesday with the usual 8pm start and the John Treacy 10 miler to follow on Sunday week. There are plenty of events during this busy month ahead, but of course none more important than the Joe Hourigan Memorial Midleton AC 5 Miler on this Thursday. – Let’s make it the best yet!

Congratulations Kevin

Congratulations to Kevin Smith who recorded a superb time of 2 hours 59 mins in last Sunday's Limerick Marathon

Thursday May 6th – Joe Hourigan Midleton ‘5’ – 8pm
Saturday May 8th – Waterford to Tramore (7.5 Miles) – 7.30pm
Sunday May 9th – Clonmel 10K
Wednesday May 12th – Pfizers 6 Mile – Ringaskiddy – 8pm
Sunday May 16th – John Treacy 10 Mile – Villierstown – 12.30pm
Sunday May 16th – Rising Sun 1 Mile – Half Way (time to be confirmed)
Thursday May 20th – Cheetah Run – 4 Mile at Fota Wildlife Park – 8pm
Sunday May 23rd – Emer Casey Memorial 10K – Youghal – 1.30pm
Thursday May 27th – Ballycotton Summer Series – Race 1 – Ballyandreen – 8pm
Friday May 28th – Clashmore 5 Mile – 7.30pm
Monday May 31st – Glanmire 5 Mile – 8pm


Until next time – ‘keep on running’.