Senior Section News
Race Day Success

Although it is now almost two weeks since the event, it is certainly worthy of a few quick reflections on the Joe Hourigan 5 Mile Race, the highlight of our club’s annual activities.

Michael Herlihy showed his class up front to win for a second year running. Our top man Noel O’Regan came 12th after clocking a splendid 28:25 whilst Michelle Nolan chalked up a pb when recording 31:06 to win the Over 35 category. Our ladies captain Sally Drennan continued her fine form by winning the Over 40 category, Neilus Aherne shone again as Over 50 winner whilst Margaret Barry was also amongst the prize winners. In total we had 65 club members taking part including many of our newcomers who were participating for the first time over the course and the distance.

There were several excellent displays through out the field and whilst again it is impossible to accurately analyse each individual due the strength of club. However, runners such as John O’Halloran, Kevin O’Reilly, Donal Broderick, Margaret Twohig, Susan Delaney, Ciara Coughlan, Edmond O’Sullivan, Marian Aherne, Christine Murphy, Marie Murphy Paul Kierans, John Carey and Jim Boyle are amongst our large group to have satisfying runs.

In fact, it might be a good idea if those runners who clock a pb in any race might drop a quick line to the P.R.O. so that they can get the recognition they deserve for what is always a great achievement.

A huge word of thanks is extended to our many people who contributed to making our recent annual Midleton AC Race one of the most successful ever.

Of course on behalf of Midleton AC we say a sincere word of thanks to the many athletes that travelled from various parts of the county and further to take part and in doing so made our race such a success.

Finally our club were delighted to present a cheque for 650 euro to Pat Buckley of the ‘Let’s Get Together Foundation’. 2 euro from each entry fee for the race went directly to their fund.



Club Tour
The Midleton AC Club Tour to Lanzarote is in the pipeline for next November. Edmond O’Sullivan has done a huge amount of work in seeking out the best possible options. Time is now here when a solid booking has to be made and thus Edmond is attempting to tie up any lose ends this week. Close to 20 members have committed to travel thus far, but there is still a chance to join the travelling party. Edmond is the man to contact if you wish to mix the races and the social scene under blue skies later this year.


Book Launch
Jim McMurtry’s pictorial history book has received very positive feed back since a few copies were released for public sale on the night of our road race. It is hoped to have a launch night in the near future. More details soon.

Race Action

Back on the roads there was plenty of race action in recent days. The Pfizer’s 6 Mile Race in Ringaskiddy last Wednesday saw numbers soar to 364, a considerable increase on last year. Again there was plenty of Midleton interest in the race with plenty of good performances including those recorded by Mick Murphy and Marc Dalton, two of our prominent members who had the energy to sprint to the finish line at the end of the demanding course. Well done to all!

On Sunday the John Treacy Classic in Villierstown was the high point of a busy day in Munster. Fresh from their exploits in Paris last month Fergal O’Meara and Kevin Morrisson both produced very steady runs whilst Danny McCarthy, Marie Murphy and Mary Toher also had good outings.

Locally Rising Sun AC hosted the 1 Mile Race in Ballinhassig whilst there was also a 5K Fun Run in East Ferry.

Fota
All roads lead to Fota Wild Life Park on this Thursday for the Cheetah Run. Over 600 runners set a new mid week record last year for the first running of the race. The standard advice to ‘arrive early’ is even more significant with regard to this race – action begins for this Eagle AC event at 8pm.

Overall it’s hectic conclusion to the month in the lead in to the Cork City Marathon on June 7. Next Sunday it’s the 4th Annual Emer Casey Memorial 10K in Youghal, followed by the start of the Ballycotton Series on the following Thursday. The West Waterford Series continues in Clashmore 24 hours later and then the Glanmire ‘5’ Race reverts to it’s original Monday date on the last day of the month.

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

Training

- A reminder that training on Mondays is now at Midleton CBS at 6pm with the Tuesday session comprising of a run from the Community Centre at 7pm. and at 6pm for the beginners group.

Until next time – “Keep on Running”.