Facebook Twitter
14.9 C
Dublin
Monday, September 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 52

Meet and Train Race 4 Balheary Fields Swords

Race Report by Laurence Delair

Thanks to Phil Daly for the photos.

The fourth and last instalment of the Meet and Train Winter League took place on Sunday 5th. The Sportsworld runners and supporters converged towards the Balheary Fields, in Swords for the occasion.

For those of you who have never set foot there, I could hardly recommend it as a picturesque destination. No, it is a utilitarian, fit-for-purpose sort of a place. Nothing wrong with that. It is rather long and narrow, made up of a couple of pitches, and it is bordered on 3 sides by clumps of trees, and immediately surrounded by a maze of busy-ish roads. However, on that cold and crisp morning, with the grass still covered in frost, the perfectly blue sky and the warm rays of sunshine, the Balheary Fields looked positively glorious.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

After our customary warm-up and strides – during which I suspect we all ended up with soaking wet socks and suitably frozen feet – the 20 or so of us gathered at the start line along with another 100 runners.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

The excitement and the nervousness were palpable, or so is my impression each time we are about to go. Some of the Sportsworld girls were galvanising the others by saying “Think of the brunch afterwards” (more on this further down). There was a false start of sorts, on account of a whistle being blown on the football pitch next to us. And then we were finally off.

Due to a training regime that I must confess is “minimalist”, I tend to stay at the back of the field from beginning to end. On a side note, I have come to the conclusion that minimalism is best suited to Art, and that it does not work so well for running, nor for most sports I suspect. But I digress… Here was the task at hand: two laps and a bit (which is always the hardest bit) of a perfectly flat course around the pitches above-mentioned, with a section on one side where the path took us behind the clumps of trees and followed a tiny river. That came as a welcome diversion if you ask me.

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end][/ezcol_1half_end]

The underfoot conditions were close to ideal, a little soft but not too much. The pace at the front was ruthless as far as I could see from my vantage point. All I can say is that we all finished in one piece, Maria Jones being the first one in for the Sportsworld crew taking the third place!

There were all-round excellent performances.

After the cool down (which I inadvertently skipped), we all enjoyed the tea/coffee, biscuits and cakes offered by our host, Fingallians Athletic Club, and a bit of a chat. As this was the last of our Meet and Train race, the “après race” did not end up there. Naoise De Bhaldraithe had kindly booked a group of us for a brunch in the Gourmet Food Parlour, conveniently located a short walking distance away. So we had a further excuse to enjoy good food and excellent company. What more could you ask for?

OVERALL LEAGUE RESULTS

CLUB Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 TOTAL

GOLD DIVISION
Sportsworld A INC 44 54 43 141
Clonliffe A 39 68 71 68 175
Crusaders A INC 84 98 58 240
Crusaders B INC 85 171 90 346
Trim A 73 106 187 INC 366
Dunboyne A 50 177 151 INC 378

SILVER DIVISION
Esker A 126 182 161 102 389
Bros Pearse A 189 120 134 INC 443
Fingallians A 136 194 INC 127 457
Clonliffe B 144 196 202 INC 542
Blackrock AC 196 199 164 INC 559
Crusaders C 192 INC 227 172 591
Lucan A 145 198 288 INC 631

BRONZE DIVISION
Dunboyne B 237 250 271 INC 758
Fingallians B 258 279 350 246 783
Sportsworld D 333 389 406 252 974
Donore B 296 398 420 INC 1114
Esker B INC 387 389 246 1022
Trim B 289 INC 397 INC INC
Lucan C 394 514 INC INC INC
Fingallians C 358 419 INC INC INC
Sportsworld C INC 226 273 INC INC
Tallaght A INC 129 INC INC INC
Donore D INC 283 INC INC INC
Donore C 296 INC INC INC INC
Fingallians D 380 INC INC INC INC
Bros Pearse B INC 393 INC INC INC
Tallaght B INC 414 INC INC INC
Lucan B 419 INC INC INC INC
Sportsworld B INC INC 270 INC INC
Sportsworld E INC INC INC INC INC
Crusaders D INC INC INC 229 INC
Donore A INC INC INC INC INC

INC: Incomplete team

Phil Daly

This week we have Phil Daly, a keen tennis player and fan who made it to all 4 grand slams in 2008. Phils completed the Lanzarote Channage with the club last year as well as racing in Edinburgh and Milan!

When did you join Sportsworld?

First night that I came down was in July 2015.  It was the summer BBQ night so it was a great introduction!

Where do you work?

I work as a Business Consultant in a Software Development Company in Leopardstown

What is your favourite club session?

In the Spring/Summer I think for me that is the track sessions Saturday morning in Tallaght. They are though but good fun and you know at the end of the session there is that lovely coffee as a reward. It was also great way of getting to know people.

In the Winter I prefer to run when it is bright, but I was nervous of going along to the long run in the Phoenix Park on Sunday Mornings. However, my fears were unfounded as you can run whatever distance you prefer and there is always someone running at your pace. It is such a beautiful place to run and again there is chat and coffee afterwards.

What is your favourite race distance?

Hmm I am still trying to work that out! I think probably the shorter distances. 5K, 5 Mile and 10K.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

This depends on the time of the race. If it is a morning race I would not eat too much, a little cereal and maybe a banana, and definitely a coffee. If it is later in the day, I might have poached egg with avocado on a bagel.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

The Track and any run in the Phoenix Park

What is your target for the next year?

Probably to try and get a bit faster, but I think I need to work on endurance also!

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

I would have to say the Lanzarote trip. It was just fantastic and especially that there were about 47 or so people from the Club there. I actually managed to complete all the races which was for me a great achievement. When I was in the middle of each race I would be saying that’s it I am not running the next race, but of course I forget about the hard work and turned up at the start line every day.

It was great fun and the support from all who didn’t run was fantastic. Everything about the trip was great including the weather which I am told can be a bit hit and miss in November.

What international events have you ran?     

Before I ran with sportsworld I did do two international half marathons with some friends.  I did a half marathon in Edinburgh in 2010, and a half marathon in Milan in 2012.        Really nice to fit in a weekend away as well as a run. Of course I cannot forget the Lanzarote Challenge this year as mention above.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

I love to travel and do spend a lot of time organise the next trip away! Before I joined the running club I played Tennis and still have a keen interest in the game, so I tend to watch a lot of matches on TV and travel to tennis tournaments. Back in 2008 I went to the all four Grand Slam Tournaments. My other big hobby is shopping…..I love to shop.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I played Basketball when I was younger and part of the training was running. I was never in a running club but did a few races on and off over the years.  I really only committed to running when I joined Sportsworld in 2015

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement for completing the four-day race challenge in Lanzarote.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

Hmm….I am not as good in the winter as the summer. Probably 20/25 miles if I do the run in the phoenix park. If I don’t get that run done it is a little less.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

The encouragement you receive from the other club members is fantastic. Sometimes you need a bit of motivation and you really get this from the other member. The social aspect of being in a running club is great also.

What made you join a Running Club?

I was away on holidays with Sandra Kelly and we talked about joining a running club. Sandra did all the investigation and got in touch with Sportsworld and we came down on BBQ Tuesday. There was no way we couldn’t join after that introduction.

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Emily and Myles are so enthusiastic that they really inspire you to do better. The commitment they show is fantastic.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

Not really now. I still enjoy a game of tennis but this is not the weather for that as I look out at the pouring rain.

Trim 10 Mile 2017

Report by Emma Barry

So race day arrived and i had arranged to meet Catherine Gilmore, Madeleine Byrne and Stephen Willoughby in Terenure to travel down. The morning itself was very cold but thankfully no wind really to speak of and a promise of a dry was day ahead!

Once we got there we found regeneration easy enough and collected a very nice long sleeve shirt.

Once we began our warm up and drills we  soon found it had warmed up a lot and was perfect racing conditions!

The race course itself was same as last year, typical twist and turns of nice country roads.

We meet a few others from Sportsworld at the finish line and we all went for coffee after.

Overall a nice day was had by all and a few PBs were had….

Sportsworld Results

Stephen Willoughby: 1.10:32 PB!
Eileen Rowland:1:17:11
Eoin O’Brien: 1:18:35
Emma Barry: 1:19:52 PB!
Catherine Gilmore: 1:23:58
Audrey O’Driscoll: 1:28:50
Rosie Mulhern: 1:29:17

Dungarvan 10 Miler 2017

On Sunday last I togged out for the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Mile. This classic race sells out in jig time every Autumn. A sign of my advancing years, that I had forgotten I had entered this race until an envelope containing a race number surfaced at the home place in Limerick. As I’m currently in the midst of marathon training, this race fitted into the schedule perfectly for a good race pace run and my first opportunity of 2017 to wear the red and white jersey (Eoin O’Brien, take note).

Race reporter Will

The Dungarvan 10 is a well-regarded race but one I’ve never had the pleasure of running before. And it was a pleasure.  The race is excellently organised by local club, West Waterford AC. As an official starter goes, hard to beat having John Treacy fire the starting gun. It’s quite a fast course with not too many tricky hills or drags.

There was a stiff enough headwind during the early part of the race but that aside, weather conditions were spot on. There was plenty of athletes around the whole time and pacers at 5 minute intervals from 60 minutes up to tuck in behind. There was loads of support en route including three water stations and people calling out mile splits throughout. Post-race, there was a spread of food and goodies that would feed an army awaiting us in the sports centre (as well as warm showers).

At the business end of the race, Associate Sportsworld member and Gareth Murran’s nemesis, Siobhan O’Doherty was a comfortable winner of the women’s race in 57.30. On the same day when Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to his fifth Superbowl from seven visits, Siobhan matched that achievement with her fifth win from seven visits to Dungarvan.

Gareth Murran’s nemesis, Siobhan O’Doherty

The mens race was won by Alan O’Shea of Bantry AC in 50.54.  With five weeks or so until I flog myself around Barcelona for the marathon craic, my own plan was to run at slightly faster than marathon pace throughout and to focus on form. This went well, first five miles 32.08, second five miles 32.07 to finish in 64.15. I didn’t see any other of Bushy Park’s finest pre or post race but the race results show that Mark Hogan had a great run – finishing in 62.54.

I’d recommend this race and will hopefully be back to race next year. Sure, someone has to hold Siobhan’s flowers.

Raheny 5 2017

Report by Crona ‘I couldn’t find my singlet’ Brady

Thanks to Anthony Gillen for his photos and the race finishing photos are by Eoin Fegan – for his full Flickr album: Click here

I learned two valuable lessons at Sunday’s Raheny 5. firstly I should always wear my sportsworld singlet and secondly I should never wave to Eoin OBrien approaching the 4 mile mark when not wearing the aforementioned singlet.

Not an hour had gone by after the race  when I received the dreaded text .  you’re writing the race report.
I’m not going to make excuses for my lack of vest; suffice to say I have ordered a new one from Emily!
A photo from Crona’s last race report. It was her last race report because she didn’t have a club singlet there either!
Back to the race. the Raheny 5 took place  on Sunday for its 33rd year running. it’s a fantastically organised race with almost 4,000 runners toeing the line for the 3pm start.
Sportsworld were out in force with 42 runners completing the race. the course is a mix of roads and park running with the section between mile 3 and 4 taking place in the scenic st annes park.
The race has it all, some down hill some climbing some sharp bends but most of all it has phenomenal support. all along the roads were people cheering and shouting encouragement. despite the rain, the atmosphere was fantastic  and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every step of the race.
There was huge support from Sportsworld, the voice of the legendary Dick.Hooper greeted us in the home straight, with Susan McGovern shouting encouragement.
The pace upfront was fast. two time winner Mark Christie was the overall winner, pulling away from Rio Olympian and local man Mick Clohisey in the last 500m in an exciting finish. first lady home was Barbara Cleary from Donore in impressive fashion from Catriona McKiernan.
The Sportsworld crew had some great performances. 42 runners completed the course led home  by Conor McCarty in an excellent time of 2806 followed closely by Michael Cunningham. First lady home was Margaret Crowley followed closely by Naoise Waldron . Super to see so many people in the red and white running excellent times.
Fair to say it was a great afternoon and we will probably be eating the contents of the goody bag for some time to come!

Sportsworld Results

Conor MCCARTY 00:28:06
Michael CUNNINGHAM 00:29:37
Mark HORGAN 00:29:43
Diarmuid O’SUILLEABHAIN 00:30:10 – PB!
Martin KEENAN 00:30:18
Martin DOYLE 00:31:26 – PB!
Paul O’CONNELL 00:30:33
Denis MCCAUL 00:31:41
Sean DONEGAN 00:32:07
Nigel BURKE 00:32:15
Jose CHAPA 00:32:35
Peter KNAGGS 00:33:40
Adrian LANIGAN 00:33:44 – PB!
Margaret CROWLEY 00:34:16 – PB!
Noel LYNAM 00:34:17
Naoise WALDRON 00:34:19 – PB!
Crona BRADY 00:34:22
Paul CANNFFE 00:35:04
Gerard NEENAN 00:35:05
Liam O’BRIEN 00:35:16
Aoife O’LEARY 00:35:26
Philip KERR 00:35:27
Aidan CURRAN 00:35:38
Dermot SULLIVAN 00:35:54 – PB!
Ray CARPENTER 00:36:45
Thomas KINSELLA 00:36:50
Killian MCMORROW 00:37:01
Paul CASSIDY 00:37:12
Emma BARRY 00:37:21
Irene O’CONNOR 00:37:49
David RYAN 00:38:04
Eoin O’BRIEN 00:38:14
Grainne LYNCH 00:38:45 – PB!
Olive FOGARTY 00:38:54
Aileen MELODY 00:38:59
Amy LOOMEY 00:39:26
Ellen LAVIN 00:39:28
Fergal MOHAN 00:39:58
Valerie POWER 00:40:51
Thomas LYSTER 00:41:38
Trevor LLOYD 00:41:51
Orla GREAVES 00:43:53

Sandra Kelly

This week we have Sportsworld Registrar Sandra Kelly! When she’s not chasing you to pay your club fees she’s found the time to run her first marathon with Sportsworld and made the clubs annual pilgrimage to the Lanzarote International Running Challenge last November!

When did you join Sportsworld?

July 2015

Where do you work?

HR Manager for a Technology Company based in Sandyford

What is your favourite club session?

My favourite session is probably the track, although I think I’m probably better at middle distance/longer distance running.  I love the buzz of the track sessions and it gets me up early on a Saturday morning and I love the coffee session afterwards.

What is your favourite race distance?

10k or the half marathon although you wouldn’t have thought so after Clontarf last July!  Thankfully I had trained for the race series half by September.

What is your favourite meal before a big race?

I don’t eat much before a race but porridge with banana or toast is what I’d usually have.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

I really like the Waterworks and the Thursday sessions in Bushy Park in the summer.  I do like Marley park if going for a run myself and usually run all different routes around there.

What is your target for the next year?

My target this year is to try and improve on my 5k and 10k times and get some speed into my legs.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

I have 2 best memories; the 2015 Club track championship races in Tallaght where I was on the winning relay team along with Anthony Gillen, Kevin Curran, Aoife Brady and myself.  I was only in the club about 2 months at the time so it was a nice start!

Running the Dublin Marathon last year was another super memory and a day I’ll never forget.

What international events have you ran?     

I ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon a couple of years ago when I didn’t run too much.  It’s a great flat course along the coast and I’d love to try it again now that I’ve a couple of years running behind me.

I ran the Great North 5k last September in Newcastle.  It’s a great weekend with the city games and the half marathon and fantastic atmosphere.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

Shopping, shopping and more shopping and watching a good box set on Netflix or Sky Atlantic.

I’m currently hooked on Suits and haven’t watched anything else for a couple of weeks.

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

I was a gym bunny for many years and dabbled in running every now and then but nothing too serious until 2015.  Someone once told me that if I joined a running club, I would leave the gym and never look back.  I laughed at the time, but it was so true.  Running is the most fantastic therapy anyone will ever experience and I never fail to feel great at the end of a run, either with the club or running by myself.  Even after a not so great session, I’m still glad I went out.

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

I have no great PB’s to shout about but my personal favourite was doing the Dublin Marathon last year and coming in under 4 hours still feeling great at the end of it.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

3-5 times per week depending what I have on and how busy I am.  Weekly mileage is about 25 – 30 miles.  Obviously was more when training for the marathon last year.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

The Experience and variety of dabbling in various distances, from 100 metres to 10 miles.  Trying out different locations, from Bushy Park to Phoenix Park to the Waterworks to Tallaght track.

Meeting lots of new people and getting the encouragement to get out on a cold wintery night.

What made you join a Running Club?

I was at a stage where I needed a change and spoke to a couple of people who were running at clubs and I’ve always been into exercising so decided to give it a go.

What was your first day at the Club like?

I happened to join on probably one of the best days of the Sportsworld Calendar, the summer BBQ.  Need I say more ……

Why is running important to you?

Its Therapeutic, It keeps me sane, keeps me fit and healthy and I can run almost anywhere at any time without relying on anybody or anything.  Once you have your trainers, you can get going.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

Nothing in particular to mention

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

Myles and Emily are great for advice and encouragement and the coffee sessions after training are a great way to talk to other runners and get running tips.  You can get inspiration from anyone that runs at any level.

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?

I still do an odd gym session at different times of the year.

National Indoor League Round 2 Athlone

Race Report and photos by Conor Keating

It was a winter of discontent running wise for me– As some of you know my mad (keep on reading) dog at home bit me while ‘playing’ which lead to my big right toe getting fairly seriously infected. The hospital procedure, just before Christmas, meant 3 and a half weeks off running and I made a fairly underwhelming return to action (DNF) in the National Intermediate cross country last weekend.

Don’t let the gorgeous, puppy face trick you

Saying that, I’m lucky that I’ve never had another other injures during all my years playing soccer/running so I wanted to brush off that disappoint, clean up my spikes, and hope that the cross country that I had competed in this season would put me in good stead for track racing which is definitely my favourite.

The spikes after last weekend

Not content with waiting for the Dublin graded season, or even the next Irish runner paced mile, I signed up to compete in round 2 of the National Indoor League in Athlone IT.

We have some cousins in Athlone so my parents thought it would be good to visit our relatives at the same time and they could all come along to watch the race(no pressure then).

Clubs can enter teams into the National Indoor league and club members can also enter as individuals into guest races. There were various team/guest races on the day ranging from 200 to 1500m. I got to witness some superb performances such as Brian Greegan (47.07) running the European 400m indoor standard and Eoin Everard (3.45.25) running the 1500m A race in 4 minute mile pace.

I was ‘safely’ in the 1500m C race but I still knew that the competition would still be tough given that there were runners from Cork, Sligo, Derry, Mayo etc. on the same start list as me (a true national race), who I anticipated weren’t travelling all that distance to make up the numbers.

All the races were held on the 200m indoor track which meant 7.5 laps instead of the usual 3.75 laps of the 400m track which I’m used to – this was also my first ever time on an indoor track. The gun went and my plan was to have a conservative race for the first 4/5 laps and then try to push on from there if possible – especially since I’m only back training 2 weeks. The pace was pretty strong, as predicted, and I tried to keep touch with the back of the main group as the race started to spread out.

Race reporter Conor back in action

The 200m track meant it was nearly constant turning and I was getting a bit dizzy but every time I went around I did hear shouts of ‘C’mon Conor’ including from areas of the stand far away from where my parents and my Athlone relatives were sitting (did most of my family turn up?). I did feel the pace, and not fully race fit, but although I did let the main group get away a bit I produced a good finish to hold off the other Conor in the race in a sprint finish (his supporters were invaluable along with my family’s). I was fairly happy with my time, 4.43.63, and a respectable 12th place finish out of 14 (meaning I could go to our cousin’s house without feeling embarrassed).

This was a good run out for me and sets me up well for the track season which I’m looking to concentrate on this year. Chasing the dog around the garden makes for good sprint sessions. Our dog is down to a no more than 7 lives at this stage having:

  • Bitten through the lead of a laptop charger which was plugged in at the time: she got a shock but we believe that the fact she was standing on a carpet saved her from being electrocuted.
  • Eating half a box of neuferon: hence a dash to the vet to get her to vomit up her stomach (via injection) as the tablets would have probably killed her.

Anyway it was a great experience: the facilities in Athlone are world class. I was able to warm up both on the 60m track (which is in the middle of the 200m track) as well as the specific warm up track upstairs.  I know there has been talk of the club going down to Athlone for a training session and I would definitely recommend it.

The welcome home party waiting for Conor in Tipperary

Meet and Train Race 3 Lucan

Race Report by Maria Finnegan

Photos by Catherine Mulleady

Final Meet and Train race is Sunday 5th February hosted by Fingallians (Sunday week)

With most of the Christmas excesses shook off, 20 Sportsworld ladies dusted off their singlets and hit the N4 for the third Meet & Train Race of the cross country series in Lucan. Unfortunately my singlet was nowhere to be found on Sunday morning so my reward is to write this week’s race report. Memo to self; get organised!


Once we landed in Griffeen Park (via a scenic detour of the back roads of Lucan for some!) we did some vigorous warm up strides followed by even more vigorous grumbling about the task ahead! The course was two laps, reasonably flat with a small hill mid-way to add to the challenge.

144 participants lined up at the start line which equates to 288 elbows jostling for space…survival of the fittest! All the Sportsworld ladies pulled out a great race performance with Maria Jones posting a third consecutive Top 5 finish. Afterwards we tucked into a spread of muffins and cakes in the club house before making our short journey home tired but delighted with our mornings work.

Full race results with Sportsworld finishers in red:

M&T Cross Country League Race 3, Griffeen Park, January 22nd 2017
Place Time Number Name Team
1 12:45 316 Jane Cahill Dunboyne A
2 12:54 253 Fiona Shine Crusaders A
3 13:00 319 Carol Cullanine Dunboyne A
4 13.01 418 Sarah Hade Bros Pearse Indiv
5 13.02 291 Maria Jones Sportsworld A
6 13.06 375 Ciara Peelo Clonliffe Harriers A
7 13:10 228 Rachel Eustace Fingallians A
8 13.11 288 Ann Dalton Sportsworld A
9 13.12 259 Grainne Regan Crusaders B
10 13.15 422 Aishling Smith Waterstown Warriors
11 13.16 220 Claire Tonry Blackrock AC
12 13:20 329 Fiona Gro Esker A
13 13.23 275 Sinead Tighe Bros Pearse A
14 13.28 451 Aisling O’Connor Rathfarnham AC
15 13.29 344 Máiréad Kirby Donore A
16 13.31 452 Therese Hanly Rathfarnham AC
17 13.32 374 Aideen Brady Clonliffe Harriers A
18 13.34 293 Margaret Crowley Sportsworld A
19 13.35 254 Lisa Shine Crusaders A
20 13.38 408 Claire Ní Fhaircheallaigh Dunboyne Indiv
21 13.39 420 Naoise Waldron Sportsworld Indiv
22 13.44 3?? Who is This?
23 13.47 290 Patricia Fitzmaurice Sportsworld A
24 13.48 264 Emily Ferghan Crusaders C
25 13:50 328 Nicola Kavanagh Esker A
26 13.52 407 Emer Brennan Clonliffe Harriers A
27 13.53 227 Brona Snow Fingallians A
28 13.55 338 Ellen Vitting Trim A
29 14.03 256 Kate Murray Crusaders B
30 14.04 377 Laura Kearnan Clonliffe Harriers A
31 14.05 276 Ingrid McGovern Bros Pearse A
32 14.07 257 Darina Scully Crusaders B
33 14.08 376 Brid Beausang Clonliffe Harriers A
34 14.09 343 Audrey Gahan Donore A
35 14.11 450 Bernadette Crowley Rathfarnham AC
36 14.19 296 Caroline Conway Sportsworld B
37 14:20 382 Claire Roche Clonliffe Harriers B
38 14.24 250 Geraldine Clements Crusaders A
39 14.26 251 Emer Kenny Crusaders A
40 14.27 342 Leonie Dyer Trim A
41 14.28 221 Mary Butler Blackrock AC
42 14.34 341 Denise Molloy Trim A
43 14.36 272 Lisa Nagle Bros Pearse A
44 14.37 225 Dee O’Mahony Blackrock AC
45 14.38 378 Aisish Patton Clonliffe Harriers B
46 14.39 426 Marian Kavanagh Tallaght Indiv
47 14:40 273 Ailish Hudson Bros Pearse A
48 14.42 323 Emily Ryan Dunboyne B
49 14.43 385 Lee Chambers Donore D
50 14.44 424 Anita Carruth Tallaght A
51 14.46 322 Maeve Dunne Dunboyne B
52 14.47 302 Breda Brown Sportsworld C
53 14:50 3?? Who is This?
54 14.51 301 Sandra Gowran Sportsworld C
55 14.52 392 Suzanne Carter Tallaght A
56 14.53 381 Orla Deighan Clonliffe Harriers B
57 14.54 332 Linde Murphy Esker A
58 14.55 265 Olwyn Dunne Crusaders C
59 14.59 425 Clare O’Brien Tallaght Indiv
60 15:00 283 Patricia Gough Lucan Harriers A
61 15.01 320 Heather Harold Dunboyne A
62 15.02 267 Arwen Cusack Crusaders C
63 15.03 314 Olive Fogarty Sportsworld E
64 15.04 380 Yvonne McDonagh Clonliffe Harriers B
65 15.05 286 Bernie Stapleton Lucan Harriers A
66 15.08 325 Annette Conroy Dunboyne B
67 15.09 331 Emma Finlay Esker A
68 15:10 222 Marie Therese McCoy Blackrock AC
69 15.11 416 Elaine Verdon Donore Indiv
70 15.15 270 Mairead Cashman Crusaders D
71 15.16 287 Lorraine Heffernan Lucan Harriers A
72 15.17 346 Mary Murphy Donore A
73 15.18 306 Irene O’Connor Sportsworld D
74 15.19 297 Angela Keane Sportsworld B
75 15:20 423 name not in reference data Tallaght Indiv??
76 15.21 379 Mel Curran Clonliffe Harriers B
77 15.23 339 Paula Hegarty Trim A
78 15.28 235 Siobhan McCarthy Fingallians B
79 15.31 294 Sandra Kelly Sportsworld B
80 15.33 389 Sarah Kinsella Tallaght A
81 15.35 295 Aileen Melody Sportsworld B
82 15.36 304 Maria Finnigan Sportsworld C
83 15.37 262 Ailís Fagan Crusaders C
84 15.39 335 Meagan Mooney Esker B
85 15:40 303 Graine Lynch Sportsworld C
86 15.48 321 Minela Dunboyne A
87 15.53 266 Orlaith de Burca Crusaders C
88 15.54 357 Avril Winters Trim B
89 16.04 409 Catherine McKeon Donore Indiv
90 16.08 348 Michelle Dawson Donore B
91 16.11 313 Aine Belton Sportsworld E
92 16.13 285 Celine Murphy Lucan Harriers A
93 16:20 360 Darlene Reilly Trim B
94 16.21 333 Helen Taylor Esker B
95 16.23 430 Sophie Quinn Individual
96 16.24 358 Valerie Cronin Trim B
97 16.25 399 Suzanne Callaghan Tallaght B
98 16.27 308 Ann Marie Scanlon Sportsworld D
99 16:30 349 Linda Curtis Donore B
100 16.31 330 Sarah Barraghy Esker A
101 16.35 258 Rhona McGrath Crusaders B
102 16.36 351 Teresa Brophy Donore B
103 16.46 336 Nicole Doran Esker B
104 16.47 224 Jennifer Lee Blackrock AC
105 16:50 386 Sarah Ní Ruain Donore D
106 16.51 324 Ann Marie Sheehan Dunboyne B
107 16.54 419 Helen Evers Waterstown Warriors
108 16.56 334 Kathleen Phelan Esker B
109 16.58 237 Carmel O’Mahony Fingallians B
110 17:00 234 Paula Murray Fingallians B
111 17.03 263 Fiona Craven Crusaders C
112 17.04 232 Josie Power Fingallians B
113 17.05 309 Anna Corrigan Sportsworld D
114 17.09 355 Jennifer O’Keeffe Donore C
115 17.12 417 Amanda Younge Waterstown Warriors
116 17.18 284 Fiona Hegarty Lucan Harriers A
117 17.19 246 Caroline Sheedy Fingallians D
118 17.26 427 Hazel Keane Tallaght Indiv
119 17.27 261 Mairin Shine Crusaders B
120 17.32 359 Karen Westphal Trim B
121 17.34 247 Niamh Butler Fingallians D
122 17.44 310 Orla Greaves Sportsworld D
123 17.51 353 Sue Lynch Donore C
124 18.01 397 Grainne Coogan Tallaght B
125 18.07 244 Sarah Roche Fingallians D
126 18.23 240 Yvonne Heaslip Fingallians C
127 18.24 239 Gay Nolan Fingallians C
128 18.27 370 Sinead Fleet Lucan Harriers C
129 18.28 350 Anne Woodlock Donore B
130 18.42 395 Regina Coleman Tallaght B
131 18:50 307 Laurence Delair Sportsworld D
132 18.52 238 Lucy Cowley Fingallians C
133 19.56 402 Geraldine Fagan Dunboyne Indiv
134 20.06 361 Maria Donoghue Lucan Harriers B
135 20:20 269 Lorraine Fitzsimons Crusaders D
136 20:30 455 Carina Davidson Crusaders Indiv
137 20.31 369 Lorraine Mullally Lucan Harriers C
138 20:50 365 Aideen McCormac Lucan Harriers B
139 20.58 421 Bridie Bowe Waterstown Warriors
140 21.41 411 Michelle Boyle Lucan Indiv
141 22.39 368 Patricia Byrne Lucan Harriers C
142 22.43 362 Fanchea Gibson Lucan Harriers B
143 24.18 429 Aisling McCarthy Individual
144 24.18 428 Janine Nagle Individual

James Brady

This Wednesday we have James Brady, an integral member of the club in recent years, a self proclaimed chatterbox and a 2hr 49min marathoner!

To see the Meet the Runner archive: Click here

When did you join Sportsworld?

I joined Sportsworld in June 2011. I had moved to Dublin in February of that year, living on Fortfield Rd. I saw a sign for the Terenure 5 Mile race on a telephone pole outside the house one day and decided to run it. I was on the race committee two years later!

Where do you work?

I work in Lucena Clinic in Rathgar as a Community Mental Health Nurse. I work in a day hospital for adolescents with mental health difficulties. I’ve just finished a part time post grad. in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which I’m hoping to do a little more with outside of my normal work day.

What is your favourite club session?

Hmm…Probably the track sessions. I have no speed so I really benefit from those sessions. It normally means the weather is decent as it’s a good time of the year. It’s a short session and you’re done and dusted nice and early to eat a Pickles sandwich, coffee and scone.

What is your favorite race distance?

My least worst race distance is probably the marathon! But I really like the half marathon and a good mountain race. I’m so slow over anything other than a half that its torture!

What is your favorite meal before a big race?

Oh, sure this is why we run. The night before maybe a mild chicken curry and rice. The morning of, something easy to digest. Maybe Frosties if I’m feeling really bold. Or else just white toast and jam. Not too much of anything though. Oh, expect for coffee, lots of coffee.

My Favourite place to train/compete is?

Definitely either the track in Tallaght or the Phoenix Park. I love the Phoenix Park, you can get coffee and cake straight after your long run. Sure what’s not to love about that.

Probably my favourite race is the Wicklow Way Relay. It is a really great team event and you get to run through the best & most beautiful county in Ireland 😉 Or ‘Run The Rock’ which is my local race every year and finishes outside the door of the bar at the Brooklodge hotel in Aughrim.

What is your target for the next year?

Hmm…Well, I was hoping Raheny 5 mile but I’ve been a bit sick of late. So maybe another 5 miler somewhere and a good half marathon. Maybe Charleville in September, its nice and flat! And a PB at my local race.

What is your best Sportsworld memory?

I think probably running down Fortfield Rd. for my first marathon and seeing all the people from the club out cheering us on.

What international events have you ran?  

I ran the Boston marathon in 2014 with my sister, it was the year after the bombing and there were a million spectators out watching. Fairly amazing. Apart from that just a few smaller races in France were my sister lives.

What do you like doing when you don’t run?

Hmmm….I probably eat quite a lot. And have a few sneaky pints. I love watching some rugby or heading home to my family in Wicklow. I like my movies and I like to read too. And watching ‘Homes Under The Hammer’…..

How/When did you start your adventure with running?

It was May/June 2011 after I had seen a sign for the ‘Terenure 5 Mile’ outside my house and decided to run in it. It was my first race since I was about 10 years old. I couldn’t believe the amount of aul lads that passed me out! I thought I better do something about that and came down to the club. Now I’m getting a bit auld!

Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement was a 2.49 marathon in 2013. I’m pretty sure I’ve told anyone who would listen about that, probably even complete strangers. I was really happy to get a sub 30 minute 5 miler. And the 3rd place team finish with the club in the Wicklow Way Relay.

How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?

It really depends on the time of year. My mileage always goes up over the summer. So maybe averaging 30 miles per week during the winter and 50 during the summer.

What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?

Eh, Im a bit of a chatter so having people to chat with to distract you on a long run is great. The speed work is something I’d find very difficult to do by myself. And probably getting to meet lots of people from all different walks of life. There are some really great people in the club.

What was your first day at the Club like?

My first day I met Paddy and a guy called John who I haven’t really seen in years! That’s actually about all I can remember! No traumatic incidents to report!

Why is running important to you?

I think its great for my mental health. Its obviously brilliant for your physical health and it also means I can get away with eating more scones! Oh, and it’s a good excuse not to go on the beer, “sorry lads, I’ve a long run in the morning!”.

Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?

I think maybe getting into the hills during the spring or summer once or twice would make a nice change. And maybe a few more races with a night or two away?

Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?

I think Lucy has had a massive influence on me. She always giving me advice and pushing me on and is a great inspiration. Damian Kelly has always been a good person to chat with about training and hill running. Ed McEntee is someone who has given lots of good advice about the marathon and Michael Cunningham is a bit of an unsung hero in my opinion!

Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis

I try to get to the gym regularly. It doesn’t really happen though! I’m hoping to maybe cycle a little more often this year. Defintely something I’ve noticed is that a lot of the good runners in the club seem to cycle almost everywhere!

To see the Meet the Runner archive: Click here

2017 National Intermediate Champions!

Race reports by Anna Delaney and Michael Cunningham 

Full Club results are below.

Womens Intermediate by Anna Delaney

This Sportsworld intermediate team are a talented bunch.  They’ve been picking up individual/team/county medals all season. This was to be their last outing and hopes were high.   I had planned to go to Tuam to watch them run but somehow I ended up running the race. And doing the race report.  Not sure how that all happened but it was great to be part of the excitement.  I can happily say that now.

I certainly wasn’t saying that on the drive to Tuam, or on the warm up or at the start line.  But on the plus side the sun was shining and there wasn’t a breath of wind as we were called to line up.  I felt really apprehensive at that start line, there were only 53 girls lining up.  Nowhere to hide here.  After a few encouraging words from Lucy we were away off around the 5k course.  4 laps, 2 short, 2 long.

It really was soft underfoot. And hilly, so many hills.  It was tough from the start.   The girls battled away up the front and I ‘ran my own race’ as was my instruction.   The field spread out a lot but with the twisty turney course I caught the odd glimpse of the girls in the distance doing what they do best.   It felt very long as the energy was being sapped out of my legs. I don’t know how many Killtipper Saturday mornings you’d have to do to make this easier.  Does it ever get easier?

As I was still navigating my last lap I could hear the announcer over the intercom listing off the girls as they crossed the finish line.  He very helpfully counted in the Sportsworld girls.  If I couldn’t watch the race at least I could hear it.   The finishing straight was on a bit of an incline so there wasn’t too much of a sprint finish from my legs but I was so happy to cross that line.    Sinead was already getting her silver individual medal when I came in.   She had another stunning performance.   Helen wasn’t too far behind her in 6th, followed by Catherine, Ruth, Noreen and Stephanie.   We had 5 girls in the top 15.

It was another bit of a wait before the team results were announced but it was looking good. And good it was.   Sportsworld were announced National Intermediate champions.   A really strong performance in what was a very competitive field.

Well done to all the girls who ran, and to the lads in their gruelling 8k race.   Huge thanks as always to Myles, Emily, Lucy and Paul for the encouragement all over the course and to Mr & Mrs Tangney who are no strangers to cheering on at cross country races.

Mens Intermediate by Michael Cunningham

A few years ago I wrote a little introduction to cross country races (To read that: Click here) because at the time we were trying to get more runners in the club involved in cross country and to try all have full teams in all the races. There were a couple of things I left out.

Jealousy – You’re going to have live with the women’s team being more successful then you

Lack of sympathy – For a lot of us this was the third Sunday in a row of cross country races on the back of a Christmas hangover but coaches like winners not whiners.

Transport – Some races like this one in Tuam is a 2 hour drive away. Pick the right car and you will travel in style in a top of the range BMW with homemade protein balls for the trip home, pick the wrong transport and you could be on a bus with a failing battery surrounded by people talking about food but not actually having any.

Not waiting for Michael at the clubhouse

So at 8.45am on a Sunday morning most of us met at the clubhouse to start the journey to the National Intermediate cross country in Tuam. There was no breakfast for the racers, no cheering crowd to see us off and we had to carry our own bags to the cars. After 2.5 hours we arrived in Tuam on a gorgeous January day with no wind, or rain just blue skies. The course is in a public park just like Bushy park with people walking their dogs and kids playing in the playground. Only the load speaker announcing the races and the tape and stakes gave away there is a cross country going on.

 

We watched the woman’s race first while doing our warm up and checking out the course. The men had an 8km challenging course of 2 small laps and 4 large laps. Watching the race the girls made the course look easy but there were 3 or 4 sharp hills and loads of twists and turns so you could never settle or get a rhythm. When I started in Sportsworld we used to struggle to get a full men’s team for the races but the last few years we have always had full teams with new people trying out the races each year.

The men’s team finished 6th in a national cross country with a good battle between Conor McCarty and Kevin Curran at the front with Karl Chatterton putting his park run pace to good use and an excellent first season run by Stephen O Donnell. Only two Dublin clubs managed to make it to Tuam with full teams which shows you not every club has an Emily or Myles to round up runners and get a team together. Thanks to all those with drove to Tuam and back for the race.

 

Sportsworld Results

Intermediate Women
2nd Sinead TANGNEY 00:20:39 (Individual Silver Medal, Club Gold Medal and Dublin team Silver Medal!)
6 Helen BROUDER 00:21:11 (Club Gold Medal and Dublin team Silver Medal!)
10 Catherine BAMBRICK 00:21:59 (Club Gold Medal and Dublin team Silver Medal!)
11 Ruth KELLY 00:22:12 (Club Gold Medal and Dublin team Silver Medal!)
14 Noreen BROUDER 00:22:47
22 Stephanie BERGIN 00:23:34
29 Anna DELANEY 00:24:37

Intermediate Women Teams
1st Sportsworld A.C. 29
2 Youghal A.C. 37
3 North Sligo A.C. 84
4 Mayo A.C. 87
5 An Riocht A.C. 121
6 Galway City Harriers A.C. 127
7 Swinford A.C. 153
8 Tuam A.C. 173

Intermediate Womens County results
1st Cork
2 Dublin (Sinead, Helen, Catherine, Ruth)
3 Galway

Intermediate Men
38th Conor MCCARTHY 00:31:52
39 Kevin CURRAN 00:31:55
43 Karl CHATTERTON 00:32:22
48 Stephen O’DONNELL 00:32:41
50 Michael CUNNINGHAM 00:32:49
61 Sadanand MAGEE 00:33:16
76 Anthony GILLEN 00:34:49
77 Diarmuid O’SULLEABHAIN 00:34:59

Intermediate Men Teams
1st Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 62
2 North Belfast Harriers A.C. 66
3 North Sligo A.C. 81
4 Crusaders A.C. 106
5 East Cork A.C. 118
6 Sportsworld A.C. 168
7 Mayo A.C. 172
8 Longford A.C. 180
9 Tuam A.C. 190
10 Galway City Harriers A.C. 198
11 Tullamore Harriers A.C. 203
12 Castlegar A.C. 249

1...515253...116Page 52 of 116
Sportsworld Running Club
Sportsworld Running Club Bushy Park Dublin 6
Contact us: info@sportsworldrunningclub.com
Facebook Twitter

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Sportsworld 2019