Midleton AC Senior Section News


Before we talk running, a few words regarding some important dates to log in the diary.



On this Wednesday February 9thth and on the following Wednesday February 16th, (6.45pm to 7.15pm on both occasions) our Clothing Officer Claire Fitzgerald will on hand at training with a wide selection of Midleton AC merchandise for sale.



All items are greatly subsidised by Midleton AC and thus represent great value as follows - . Tracksuits €50 Rain Jackets €25 Beanie hats €5 T shirts €15 and Singlets €15.

Midleton AC has developed a great identity in recent years as one of the largest clubs in the Munster region. It is encouraging to see the club colours worn with pride at so many races in so many different locations. So, with Ballycotton on the radar, make sure you are fully kitted out for the big day and the long year ahead.

Club Meeting

the other significant date concerns our important club meeting which is scheduled for Thursday February 24th at O’Mearas Bar, Main Street Ballinacurra. By then all the necessary documentation regarding membership should be in place and our club will be all set to focus on the year ahead. Administration wise there is now a considerable amount of work required to ensure the smooth running of a sports club which has extended to it’s current size.



This year the intention is to expand the number of officers further, to include a number of new roles and of course to continue with the formation of sub committees. Business thereafter for the year can then be delegated to the incoming

officers/committee and various sub committees. So please come along and play your part and have your say. Many hands make light work.



- One other important item on the agenda is our own Midelton AC ‘5’ Mile Road Race which is coming on the horizon. The aforememntioned meeting will also afford the opportunity to initially set the wheels in motion, from which the race can be organised.

Dungarvan Success

All round it seems the Quantum Life Dungarvan ’10’ was a very successful occasion. Certainly the picture post card view on the descent to the town before the race set the tone for what was a great sporting and social occasion. Although there was a sting in the late winter sunshine, conditions were close to perfect for the opening fixture of this year’s John Buckley Sports Munster Series.
Our club had arguably it’s greatest ever participation in the big race with seasoned campaigners and first timers all producing excellent displays.
Up front Kevin Smith delivered another accomplished performance averaging 6:07 per mile to cross the line in 1:01:07. Next home were a brace of runners currently in superb form – both Marc Dalton 1:03:30 and Darragh Canavan 1:03:43 look set for a really serious season after hitting this level in January.

Newcomer Matt Chojan crossed the line in just over 65 minutes whilst Mick Murphy had a very steady run in just over 68 minutes. Adrian Williams exceeded his own target with a splendid 68 also, which leaves him in great shape as he advances his marathon preparations. One of the performances of the day was produced by Fergal O’Meara, who ripped his own personal best to shreds with an outstanding run of 1:08:06. All the hard work is certainly paying rich dividends for Fergal as he also counts down to Rotterdam.

Just behind were two more athletes with longer runs in their sights. Both Brian Nolan and Kevin Cooney came home in just over 69 minutes to give their preparations a further boost.
Marion Aherne in just over 73 minutes produced another excellent run to lead our strong ladies challenge. Sally Drennan, Breda Cahill and Marie Murphy were all close behind. mongst our other runners to enjoy good outings were Claire Fitzgerald, Deidere Aherne, Ann Marie Perry, Kevin Morrisson, Mary Keane, Brian Kenneally, Simon Thompson and Paul Kierans.



As I’m sure you will understand it is impossible to mention and indeed accurately analyse all our runners. It would be great to give me a shout if a pb is recorded as a chance meeting is my only way of finding out - so do not be modest!

Next up in the Series is of course Ballycotton on Sunday March 6th – no less than 115 Midleton AC competitors have entered in what promises to be another great sporting and social occasion. Our social committee are again planning a meal for the evening of the race – more details soon.



East Cork 3K
The highly popular East Cork AC 3K Series will conclude on Tuesday February 15th. It has been another successful venture which again has seen numbers soar during the winter months. Many of our new club numbers ran their first race during this series whilst many regulars made outstanding progress during the last few races recording personal best times in the process. Well done to all! Remember all the results of this year’s series so far can be tracked back on our club blog, so have a quick check if you wish to recall your best time to date. Incidentally all runners who complete five of the seven races receive a souvenir long sleeve t shirt.

Club Membership



Just a final reminder that all outstanding membership should be paid to registrar Danny McCarthy at training on Monday or Wednesday this week.

BHAA Cross Country

Next Sunday sees the BHAA host their annual cross country race over 5K at Beaumont Park near Blackrock (11am). Our ladies captain Sally Dreenan sends members the following message.


“This winter several Midleton AC members tried out cross country races for the first time. The feedback has been very positive. We are hoping that next season we may be able to interest even more people in cross country and be in a position to field a couple of teams at least at county level, if not beyond. If there is anyone out there who has ever considered cross country, but doesn't know where to start or what is involved, there is a great opportunity coming up. On Sunday next, in Beaumont, Blackrock the BHAA are holding their annual cross country race. It is a 5 km race, incorporating a steep hill, but is a lovely course. Afterwards there are the usual plentiful refreshments. For running cross country you really need running spikes, but don't let that put you off giving this one a go in ordinary runners. You will at least get a taste of cross country and hopefully be encouraged to enter a few more races next autumn”


Cork Team

Sally and her club colleague Joan Hough are great examples of how to combine road running and cross country. Last Sunday the duo were honoured when selected as part of the Cork team for the All Ireland Masters Championships in Dublin. Many congratulations to you both from all at Midleton AC.





Fixtures



Before concluding, here is a quick summary of upcoming road races.



The Meelagh Valley Run over 10 Miles also takes part in Bantry next Sunday, whilst back on the roads the Carrigaline 5 Mile Race on Sunday February 20th is the next big club race on the horizon. After Ballycotton on March 6th, the former ESB 5K race has a new beginning under the banner of the Fota Island 5K on Sunday March 13th (11am). Then on St Patrick’s Day Rising Sun AC promote the Ballinhassig 4 miler (11am) before action switches back to the BHAA programme with the Janssen 4 Mile event on Sunday March 20th. Then, it’s back to the Munster 10 Mile Series - remember the rescheduled Mallow ‘10’ is on Sunday March 27th.

Incidentally looking further ahead the first evening fixture of 2011 will be the Ballintotis ‘4’ on Wednesday April 20th.



Until next time ‘keep on running’.