Meet & Train races generally take place in parks, on flat surfaces which are kind to the participants, many of whom are new to racing or making a comeback. Not so on Sunday 21st February. Meet & Train moved into the hardcore zone – Cow Park Dunboyne. A daunting prospect.
The weather wasn’t on our side either. It was grey, wet & windy. Cow Park was bumpy, marshy & mucky. A near perfect day for Emma and Laurence to try out their shiny new spikes! The conditions didn’t stop a large crowd of eager Sportsworld women heading off on the 3 lap jaunt. It was tough going from the off and the pace brisk enough notwithstanding the conditions.
Valerie Power & Race Reporter Anna laughing it up!
First lap was OKish, we were still fresh enough to tackle the marsh, second lap it got tougher, third lap was just get through it. Great to see some hardened supporters out on the course. Thanks Conor, Jim and Dave for making the journey. Being a spectator on a day like this is nearly as bad as racing. At least we warmed up!
We were without our usual Meet & Train leader, Paddy, but Emily took over the reins and managed to fly around the course shouting instructions at us from various different spots. Catherine was our first girl home. A really strong performance.
Quite a few other outstanding performances on the day – Breda had a great run as did Margaret who turned up straight from her sick bed. That’s dedication!
Claire Rowley and Naoise also gained a few places from the last race. We were a happy bunch once we were all safely over that line. The relief was heavenly! We were practically revelling in the muck at that stage taking photos and all. It’s all great gas when the hard work is over. Then a 1m jog back to Dunboyne clubhouse and the nicest cup of tea ever. Well done everyone.
It’s all to do again next Sunday in Cherryfield Park at 11am for the last race in the Winter league.
Conor Kenny has dusted down his old programmes from the Terenure 5, formerly known as the Dublin 5 Mile Classic. Each year there where articles and features written by some of Sportsworlds finest so Conor has kindly offered to transcribe these articles and give them a second wind! It also ensures that club members contributions are archived and not lost or forgotten
First up is an piece from Conor on mountain running which featured in the May 2002 race programme.
By Conor Kenny
“I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less travelled, And that has made all the difference” Robert Frost
To the non-runner struggling to understand this unnatural obsession, runners are either heroic, patriotic Olympians or merely, slightly sad, get-in-your-way Sunday morning ‘Joggers’. The ultimate in fame or “Ah God Love them” victim. There’s no in between and, if you’re not famous, you join the latter label instantly: “There Darling, look at them, you should be out there ‘jogging’ too”
The joy of running is not in winning. If it were, we mere mortals would have retired ages ago. No, running is a magnificent engine that creates fun, memories and even the occasional medal. Even the ‘finishers’ medal’ can create a treasure chest of memories, trips and PB’s.
On the way to the start
It’s a funny old sport. A season that last 52 weeks of the year, a sport that carries on regardless of the wind, rain or storm. It’s a race against ourselves, a physical battle that tests our mental strength and not just in a race. It’s the ultimate mid-winter Angel & Devil debate; “Stay in, it’s cold and wet. You’re tired, you deserve a rest. Come on, you’ve worked hard, relax, what’s the rush? Go tomorrow”. The seductive voice is rudely interrupted by the strict voice that says “Get your ass out the door, drop the excuses and go lose some weight” – Eventually ‘Reasonable Voice’ enters the fray. “Oh Go On, go, you won’t regret it” Thing is, you never do. You go (mostly!)
Lots and lots has been written about winners, elites and so on but, this little piece, is about the regular, middle of the pack runner, who falls in behind the winners and pace setters. It’s in these private personal battles that my best memories have been born and they are as fresh today in my head.
In 1999, after running in the Irish Mountain Running Association leagues, I decided I’d have a go at the ultimate race on their annual calendar, Carrounthill, Kerry.
It’s a terrifying race. No marshals, no aid, no markings and no supporters. Its 4 miles straight up and 4 miles down. It tests courage, strength, will power and more. The climbs are horrific and the descents utterly frightening. There are no paths, just loose stone.
Eric, a good friend, was given a highly edited invite to join me. Kerry, June, a bit of a hill and a night out after. Before he could think about it “I’ll pick you up, I’ll drive” He agreed to come. Now, I should tell you that the reason this race is held in June is because it has the record of visibility and, they added, the fewest casualties and fatalities. Carrounthill is not to be messed with.
Eric Golden
The night before, Eric couldn’t understand why I was a little on edge. He said “How long is the race tomorrow?” I said “Oh, about 8 Miles” Eric never spoke after that. Later that evening, we drove in the mid summer dusk to look across the lakes at this beast. It was beautiful but it was surreal. The idea of ‘running’ any of it was hilarious. You know what I mean by ‘hilarious’? Nervous laughter that looked like we’d overdosed on Botox.
It’s about a 10 mile drive to the start. Each mountain seemed bigger than the next. Eric kept saying “That one? Surely not ‘that’ one?”
We drove through Killorglin without a curtain moving, passed the Gap of Dunloe beaming in the sun. Around a few twisty bends and “Sweet Divine Jesus, that couldn’t be Carrounthill, is it?” It was.
The start was the most frightening ever …. Ever. The entire entry for this ‘Irish International Championship’ event was 38. No women, all men. Almost everyone wore international tracksuits boasting of Olympic selection, National honours and more. Eric and I wondered if our Sportsworld tracksuits fitted in.
A friendly face, Vivian O’Gorman, was officiating. Vivian is a much better hill runner than I. Knowing the answer, I asked Vivian how tough was this. He smiled, said “Very” and continued on his way. There was no point warming up, we were doomed.
John Lenihan is a World Champion Mountain Runner. He has been undefeated on this beast for 14 straight years and one of the most modest men you’ll meet. I was in awe of this legend as I lined up with Eric and the other 36.
John Lenihan descending. World Mountain Running Champion
The start was simply a vertical slope. Lenihan was away like some clockwork toy making mincemeat of the hill. Those of us at the back, about 8 of the 38, blew up after 100 metres and walked. There was just 4 miles of sheer climbing ahead. This was going to be some challenge.
In time, I got a little rhythm going. After all, here I was taking on this most daunting of challenges – me and just 37 others.
An hour into the climb I looked up at the vertical peaks that still lay ahead. It was soul destroying not to mention the physical pain. I considered giving up. Just then, like some Messiah emerging from the clouds above, arms flailing and feet dancing, came Lenihan on his descent. His speed was a dance, this was a World Champion mesmerising us mortals. He glided from jagged edge to jagged edge and one wrong foot spelt enormous danger. I paused, on all fours, to watch. He looked across and gave me a smile and thumbs up. I couldn’t surrender now. A DNF is nothing. I scrambled on.
The final ridge
I tried hard to catch the 2 ahead but I couldn’t. I stayed with them all the way to the summit vowing to take them on the descent. Not far behind me was my friend Eric, a tough cookie beavering away. The gap was small.
The final ridge is the stuff of nightmares. An undulating, uneven rocky path links 2 ridges. It’s about 2 metres wide. On either side, unguarded, the drop is over 1,000 feet.
On either side, American tourists, in full mountain climbing gear, stared in disbelief as these wild Irishmen, in shorts and singlets, ran as fast as they could along this treacherous trail. I don’t think they knew what they were cheering, a remake of Braveheart perhaps?
Nearing the summit
I’d never been to the summit of Carrounthill. It was breath-taking. A simple metal cross and dry stone hide marked it out. More tourists sipping from flasks, more cheering and time to turn.
The descent was a rollercoaster. Full throttle, no fear, throw yourself forward. Just go. It was time to catch those 2 guys.
Quickly, I caught one, then another, then 2 more. It was exhilarating. It was my Chariots of Fire, my Olympics. I fell twice but that was just an inconvenience.
From 36th overall, I was heading for 32nd. That would do me.
About 2 miles from the finish, there’s a soft sloping boggy ridge. It gives your feet a break. I eased up a little hearing (or so I thought?) a manic kind of roar. It grew louder. I chanced to look over my shoulder. Closing in fast was a flame haired 6’2” Kerry runner who was really angry that I had overtaken him. He passed me at the speed of light and looked me in the eye and roared.
It scared whatever life was left in me straight out. Worse still, he then raised a clenched fist as the final tribal stamp of his superiority.
As he continued his incredible speed down the soft boggy ridge he forgot to take a sharp right hand turn that would lead him home.
Alas, I couldn’t find the energy to shout after him. He disappeared into oblivion and I finished in 32nd.
But, that’s not important or even the point of this story. Read on.
My time was 2 hours and 15 minutes. Decent compared to others. I was satisfied. The clock kept ticking and every few minutes the 33rd runner, the 34th and so on came around the final bend.
At 3 hours and 5 minutes, the last runner was in. But where was my friend Eric? He was only 100 metres behind me at the summit.
The Stewards looked impatient and that turned to worry. I started to fear the worst, this mountain had claimed too many.
Ten minutes after the last runner came in, Eric came around the corner looking relaxed. Rather than rush to congratulate him, I unleashed my anxiety “What the Hell happened to you? You were only 100 meters behind me and now it’s an hour?”
His reply made a powerful mark and taught me a precious lesson.
“Nothing happened me Conor, nothing at all. I got to the summit, saw the beautiful views and met some of the Americans taking shelter. They gave me some tea and asked me what was going on. I told them. Then I told them I must go and came down”
Race reporter Conor Kenny & Eric Golden
You see, Eric enjoyed his run that day and I was to learn why.
That night, he gave me his view;
“You see Conor, I was never ever going to win the race. I probably won’t ever see the summit again so I thought I’m going to stop, take in the view and enjoy it all. It’s that simple and I had a lovely day”
Eric took the road less travelled. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t have learnt a valuable lesson and you wouldn’t be reading this today.
Last November I decided that I wanted to try a race longer than a Marathon ( just because) , so I roped in Shay Brady , entered the Donadea 50K and told myself “it will be grand , I have 12weeks”
Next thing I know the alarm goes off and I discover it is 6am race day – Ahhh where did the time go – im not ready –I’ll never get around that distance. All of the usual panic moments before a race.
Fast forward to 9.55am , 4 nervous sportsworld runners are on the start line , myself , Shay Brady , Irene O’Connor and a late entry Claire Harrington . All have one goal in mind – Finish.
Claire Harrington
It was unusual not to be time focused and just run how you feel and we quickly settled into an easy pace. The race consists of 10 x 5K laps and I was counting them down by park runs “ only 8 park runs to go” , “only 7”and so on.
The first 25k or so were fine but then fatigue started and each lap seemed longer and it didn’t help that the leaders were lapping us. The first time the leader passed us we cheered him on, the second time we gave him a thumbs up , by the third time I wanted to trip him up.
Irene O’Connor
Finally it was almost finished “on the last park run” and all I could think about was getting off my poor feet and drinking cold beer, and like a mirage in the distance was the finish line. I had done it. I was over the moon.
All four of us finished and all four were happy and exhausted. If you fancy a challenge greater than a marathon, Donadea 50K is a good one . But be warned, if you’re an ultra virgin like me, it is a long long way.
Researched and written by Sean O’Byrne, February 2016
Beginnings
In 1983, the year of the first Women’s Mini Marathon, a small group of ladies met for the first time under “the tree” next to the Bushy Park entrance beside Our Lady’s School. They came to train for the 10k distance, a daunting prospect for many as very few had ever run before. Nevertheless help, coaching and advice was on hand from one Emily Dowling, an International and National athlete who has been involved in sport all her life.
Sportsworld team in 1984 & running the 1986 Dublin Mini Marathon
A senior International Cross Country runner for Dublin City Harriers (DCH) for many years, Emily has completed 5 World Cross Country Championships on the Irish Team, won the Dublin City Marathon in 1981 in 2h 48m 22s, was a Gold Medal winner in the World Cross Country Masters (O50) 5000m in Oregan USA, and has competed in the World Senior Marathon Championships in Japan and Australia.
Emily Dowling Racing (center in Sportsworld Singlet)
Emily also held the course record for 16 years for the Ballycotton 10mile Road Race, with a time of 56.00mins. She was ably assisted by her husband, the former Olympic boxer Mick Dowling. Mick had competed at Bantamweight on the Irish Team in both the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1968 Mexico Olympics after winning 8 consecutive titles in 1968 and European Bronze Medals in 1969 and 1971.
Mick Dowling sparring with his opponent from the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, Cuban Orlando Martinez, in Havana in 2015
Mick retired from the sport in 1975 after winning 8 National Senior Bantamweight titles. Also around at the time was a fellow DCH club-mate and friend of Emily, Ailish Smyth who went on to compete for Ireland in the Marathon in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. So those first Sportsworld members certainly had quality coaching from the beginning.
Ailish Smyth (3rd from right) departing with the 1988 Olympic Squad at Dublin Airport. Photo from the Dublin City Council Photographic Collection
Some original members included:
Ruth McGann, Tony McGann, Deirdre Steadman, Ann McGrail, Ann Kissane, John Kissane John Delany, Vera Delany, Jackie Wright, Nessa Waldron, Kathleen Dempsey, Tommy Dempsey (Dec) Ann Cowzer, Alan Cowzer, James Wright, Mary Whelan, Adam Jones, Dr. John Walsh (Dec), Anne Mulveney, Basil Kennedy, Eilish Barry, Rita Reid, Mick West, Anne Murphy, Maeve Foy, Veronica Boylan, Teresa Mullen, Carol Lynch, Paddy Lynch (Present Chairman), Frank Kelly and more.
1983 to 2005
Early Years
The Group continued to meet and train after the first Mini-marathon was completed, gathering at ‘the tree’ in Bushy Park in the summer and the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Templeville Rd\Springfield Rd junction during the first winter (you run by it at the start of the Terenure Lap in training), because the street lighting in the vicinity was good.
That infamous tree in Bushy Park – still in use today as a start point for sessions
In the winter of 1983\4 the club was able to use the facilities of St Pauls School, Greenhills, Walkinstown and this link with the school continued for 28 years with it being the registration and prize-giving venue for the Sportsworld 5 Mile Classic Road Race.
From 1986 the winters were spent using the facilities of Mike Dowling’s Boxing Club on Mount Tallant Ave, Kimmage. Sprint training was held in the car-park of Rathfarnham Shopping Centre since at the time the centre closed at 5.00pm. The “Ballyboden Lap” was used for longer training runs. Summer training always centered on Bushy Park as it does today. The club during these years went from strength to strength, gaining many members and losing only a small number each season. Mini-marathon training for new members continued with a new group starting every April organised by Emily.
In 1987\8 Sportsworld first registered as an Athletics Club with Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE, the forerunner of Athletics Ireland) and formally became Sportsworld A.C. Coincidently Myles Nugent as Secretary of Kilcullen A.C. was at the meeting of the Dublin County Board that considered and eventually accepted Sportsworld’s application. Mick Dowling served as Chairman and Tony McGann as Secretary. Later Frank Kelly became President of the club and served for many years, becoming one of only three life-members of the club alongside Mick and Emily.
Ruth & Tony McGann in Lanzarote – Front row far left Tony McGann and front row far right Frank Kelly
The club participated in many away races throughout these years, with coach travel organised by the President Frank Kelly, an owner of Silverdale coaches. (Frank also owned a beautiful classic car, a touring open 2-seater 1940 MG sports car, red in colour. If he gave you a jaunt in the car you were very honoured).
Sportsworld trips to France (top left) and Galway (top right) have contrasting reasons for the umbrellas while Frank & Emily led out the Sportsworld 5 mile classic in style
Club members travelled to the Enniskillen 10k every year for some time. During that period Northern Ireland was a dangerous place to visit as the civil strife, euphemistically referred to as the “troubles” was ongoing. Crossing the border meant driving through a heavily armed area with both the British Army and RUC Police inspecting the coach in both directions.
Checkpoint leaving Northern Ireland
Alcohol was cheaper in the North at the time and the back of the bus as it returned to Dublin resembled an off-licence with “slabs” of Carling, Harp and Carlsberg lining the seats. Not that any of this was consumed prior to our arrival home of course!!!! Club AGMs during this period were held in various venues around Terenure including CYM Sports Club (Now Terenure Sports Club), Spawell and Terenure Inn.
Just some of the clubs championship winning teams over the years – see the clubs titles page for the full listing
During this period Sportsworld gained many honours for both individual achievements and club team successes. These are recorded elsewhere on the club website (Click Here) and are too numerous to list here. The club had teams running at all levels of competition from Meet and Train to Marathons, as well as at all levels of BLE\A.I. competitions. Club members also ran at Novice, Intermediate and Senior level in National, Leinster and Dublin races. Many members competed for Dublin and other county teams during this period and the club became a regular competitor at races throughout Ireland.
Some notable achievements over these years included club members making Irish teams for international competitions (Click Here) and the winning of National, Leinster and Dublin Titles (Click here).
Internationals clockwise from top left: Lucy D’Arcy, Sandra Gowran, Ed McEntee, Orna Dilworth, Jean Wilson, Helen Dixon, Aoife O’Leary, Carol Lynch
Lanzarote Connection
In 1994 Mick and Emily’s daughter Lisa, a club member also, went to work in Club La Santa in Lanzarote, which began our annual connection with the International Running Challenge held there in the last week in November.
Lisa Dowling with husband Sean at the clubs 25th Anniversary Ball, Club La Santa in Lanzarote & Julie Dowling racing in La Santa green team colours
Over the years club members won many of these races and team events across all age levels. Hundreds of club members over the years have enjoyed this warm weather week of training\running coupled with sun, sea and sandals (See club Galleries for photos: Click here).
Emily and Mick’s family continued their Club La Santa connection over the years with their sons Mark and Stephen and daughter Julie-Ann also spending time working there. Sportsworld members have made lasting impressions on the disco floor and at karaoke nights, as well as becoming experts on local restaurants and very knowledgeable about a certain golden liquid called Cruz Campo. The Club’s annual week away in La Santa continues to the present day.
Administrative Changes
During these years the structure of the club went through a number of changes. With growing membership and the need to attract sponsors for the 5 mile Classic a formal Club Constitution became necessary. Work on this was completed by members Tony McGann and Sean O’Byrne and was formally adopted by the Club AGM in 2001.
Sean O’Byrne: author of this article and the club constitution!
This gave the club the structure we have in place today, with President, Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Club Committee positions. At this time the Club adopted the logo of two runners side by side to go with our red and white club colours. Club tracksuits and tops first became available also.
Winter Facilities
The Boxing club continued to be used for winter facilities until local residents objected about the amount of cars parked in a small suburban area and the Club had to move again, this time to the Tennis Pavilion (the building next door to our current club house) in Bushy Park in 2002. This was totally unsatisfactory as the building had no heating, no showers, toilets only fit for use by the very brave and sometimes no electricity.
Our Own Clubhouse
Over these years many discussions took place, especially on the long Sunday runs, of the possibility of building a Clubhouse. It was felt to be an impossible dream as the chances of obtaining a site in leafy Terenure close to Bushy Park would simply be beyond Club resources.
However Mick decided to seek a meeting with the Parks and Landscape Services Division of Dublin City Council (DCC) in 2003 to discuss the feasibility of getting a site for a Clubhouse in Bushy Park itself. After some discussion DCC offered two sites, one behind the existing football pavilion and the other at the bandstand. Both of these were unsuitable; the first because of the existence of a stand of oak trees which must not be damaged during any construction work and the second because the low lying area near the bandstand is basically a flood plain for the Dodder river.
Eventually after further meetings with DCC a site was offered and agreed alongside the existing Tennis Pavilion. This news was amazing and members simply could not believe that a Clubhouse was now no longer a dream, but something that might actually happen.
2004 was a year of meetings and fund raising as the reality of paying for a large building in the park really came home. Finance became all important and it was agreed initially to fund €40,000 from our own resources. A levy of €150 on each member to “buy a brick” was agreed (indeed, some members contributed much more). Quiz-nights in Faughs GAA club, bag packing in Tesco’s Rathfarnham organised by Ellen Lavin and other fund raising activities all helped towards reaching our target.
The club was very fortunate to have an Architect, Sarah Davenport as a member at the time. She designed the Clubhouse and the plans drawn up by her were submitted and accepted by DCC after a number of meetings with them.
Sportsworld Architect Sarah Davenport in center (race number 520)
Joe Byrne, a Quantity Surveyor assisted Sarah with this process. In the meantime Mick had spoken to both the Sports Council and the Minister for Sport John O’Donoghue and an application was made to the National Lottery for funding of €100,000. In November 2004 the news came through we had been granted €80,000.
Fundraiser Ellen Lavin, Quantity Surveyor Joe Byrne & Project Manager Trevor Lloyd
A builder was sourced; Joe Duke Ltd. DCC had agreed to match the finance provided by the club and so, with grants of €160,000 and €40,000 of club funds, the construction went ahead. Club member Trevor Lloyd offered his services as an Engineer to project manage the construction over the timeframe of approximately 6 months during the winter of 2004\2005. However, the funding which the Club had started out with was insufficient to completely finish the building. After further discussions with the Sports Council another application for funding was successful and the Club was granted €25,000. This ensured that the Clubhouse could be finished.
It was agreed that Dublin City Council, as owners of the building, would hand control of the Clubhouse to Sportsworld A.C. on an annual licence basis with conditions attached. This is the situation to the present day.
Sportsworld was now in the position of having not only a Clubhouse in the very park we train in but also having no building debt hanging over us – a truly marvellous achievement which all club members have benefited from in subsequent years.
The Clubhouse was officially opened in June 2005. Some members had spent the previous month busily painting and decorating so it was looking fantastic on the beautiful summer’s evening when the Minister for Sport, John O’Donoghue T.D. officially declared it open (Ministers Speech: Click here). Also in attendance was the Deputy Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague. Many club members attended the celebration and it was a wonderful evening with speeches and wine which marked a fantastic job of work and a new chapter for Sportsworld.
The Official opening with Minister for Sport, John O’Donoghue T.D. and Emily & Mick Dowling
5 Mile Classic Road Race 1985 to 2011
In 1985 under the leadership of Mick Dowling, Sportsworld began a remarkable local event by putting on an international 5 mile road race – The 5 Mile Classic. It became an annual event on a Sunday in May, continuing for 26 years on the same course and becoming synonymous with racing excellence.
The start was on Greentrees Rd\St Peters Rd in Walkinstown and the route was Templeville Rd, Lr Dodder Rd, Terenure Village, Templeogue Rd and back along Templeville to the finish on Greentrees Rd. Mick had chosen the name from a race in the USA that Emily’s brother had run, called the “Cresent City Classic”.
The race was also to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Crumlin where Irish Olympian athlete Eamon Coghlan was Executive Director of Fundraising and Development. This relationship lasted nearly thirty years and well in excess of €250,000 was raised by the participants over that time. In 1985 the men’s winner was Noel Harvey 24:04 with Dick Hooper 2nd in 24:10. Emily Dowling won the women’s race in 27:43 with Deirdre Walsh 2nd in 29:38.
Past winners: the 5000m world champion Ismael Kiriui & world cross country silver medalist Catherina McKiernan
Over the years some great athletes competed in the race: in 1993 the world 5000m champion Ismael Kiriui ran 22:07 for the distance, 1991 Eamon Martin 22:17, 1994 John Treacy 23:06, 1994 Catherina McKiernan 25:43, 1988 Jill Hunter 25:24, 1989 Jerry Kiernan 23:06, 1986 Ailish Smyth 26:50, 2000 Magdalen Chemjor 26:13. In 1988 1500 runners participated in the race, an indication of its popularity at that time.
The 1989 Sportsworld 5 mile classic highlights on RTE!
For the two years 1995 and 1996 the Race was sponsored by the ESB, at whose request the distance was reduced to 5k. It was held in Dublin city centre, starting and finishing on Merrion Square. The winners in 1995 were James Karuiki 13:38 and Catherina McKiernan 15:35 and in 1996 Rob Denmark 13:30 and Rose Cheruiot 15:12. In 1997 the race returned to the course in Walkinstown\Terenure.
Sponsorship was forthcoming for most of the twenty eight years due in no small part to both the networking of Mick Dowling and the tireless efforts of Tony McGann in cajoling club members to bring in sponsorship. Over the years sponsors included Woodies Ltd. Asics, Nike, Insight Ltd. Manor Farm Chickens Ltd. For 26 years until 2009 the Race Director was Mick Dowling and the Course Director Tony McGann. Tony Mc Gann took the position of Race Director for 2010 and Michael Cunningham took the position for 2011.
However, various changes over time impacted negatively on the Classic Race and these required a response, described below, to enable Sportsworld to continue with an annual event in its home locality of Terenure.
Other Charitable Activities
Sportsworld’s Annual Cake Sale organised by Nessa Waldron has contributed to a number of charities over many years, including Harold’s Cross Hospice and Guide Dogs. Throughout the 90s one of the summer evening’s training sessions was devoted to an egg-throwing and dizzy-stick contest, again to support various charities.
Deirdre Steadman, Ellen Lavin & Nessa Waldron at the 2015 cakesale
2005 to Present
Changing Times
Responsibility for a clubhouse meant that the club always had to have sufficient funds to cover payment of bills, ongoing maintenance and any accidental damage to the building that might occur. Having its own facilities in Bushy Park raised the profile of Sportsworld and encouraged the growth of membership. New members are a feature of nearly every weekly training session, in particular during the summer months. In 2007 the original layout of the building was modified to remove the office area which matched the kitchen area on the opposite side. This necessitated the removal of a wall and re-covering the floor. This modification created the space for the rowing machines and exercise bikes.
2011 saw a major change in the Club’s management with Mick Dowling stepping down as Club Chairman after 28 years. His association with Sportsworld has continued both as Club President and an Honorary Life Member.
Mick Dowling – club chairman for 28 years and current president
At the 2011 AGM the election for Chairman had two candidates in the field, Paddy Lynch and Sean O’Byrne. Paddy duly won the election and has been re-elected Chairman in 2013 and 2015.
Current club chairman Paddy Lynch
2013 saw the celebration of 30 years of Sportsworld with a formal dinner to mark the event in the Hilton Hotel on Charlemont Place (For Photo Gallery: Click here & Speech by Conor Kenny: Click here).
From 5 Mile Classic to Terenure 5 Road Race
As time moved on and Irish society changed, the 5 Mile Classic course became difficult to police and to steward. Sunday trading became a normal part of society bringing an increase in Sunday traffic and the “celtic tiger” period added to this. In addition, construction of the M50 Motorway (which certain Sportsworld members used a number of times for long Sunday morning runs prior to its opening!!) and the opening of the Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght impacted on the race.
The Gardai could no longer hold up traffic on the main routes leading to the motorway and Tallaght, so the Club reluctantly had little option but to change the Classic course in 2009. With a new start time of 9.00am and a new course, numbers were very low and the race costs had to be borne by the Club at a time when little sponsorship was available due to Ireland being in the depths of recession.
A decision was made in 2011\12 to rebrand the race as a community event, the “Terenure 5” and to change the course so as to allow traffic flow on one lane with the runners using the opposite lane. This meant the Guards were prepared to allow a start time of 11.00am. Terenure College was approached and kindly agreed to offer their facilities for registration and prize giving. The Club also decided to allow a Sportsworld Men’s team and Women’s team into the race.
The Terenure 5 Race has proved a successful event since 2012, with numbers exceeding the 1000 mark each year. In addition the race now has a dedicated website (click here), web entry and electronic timing. It requires a dedicated team to work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for all the runners.
The Race must meet the high safety and event management standards of Dublin City Council and the Gardai and costs in the region of €20,000 to stage. Charities supported have included Debra Ireland, Jack and Jill Foundation and Fighting Blindness.
Clockwise from top left: 2014, 2010 & 2004 charitable donations
The Race Director for 2012 was Tony McGann and from 2013 to 2016 Michael Cunningham has undertaken this role. The Race Organising Committee Chairman was Trevor Lloyd in 2012\13 and Paddy Lynch in 2014\16.
2013-2016 Race director Michael Cunningham
Sportsworld Club Leagues
Myles Nugent agreed to organise a number of Club Leagues using a handicap system, the first being held in Tymon Park in 1998. Further leagues were held over the years the last being 2014 using the Terenure Lap. These were a great success with much “discussion” on allotted handicaps.
Club stalwart & coach Myles Nugent
In 2015 the Club used the Tallaght Track for this event, the format being a men’s and a women’s 1500m race followed by a mixed team event of 4 X 400m (For race report: Click here & Photo Gallery: Click here). It was a really enjoyable and successful day.
The 2015 Club Track event
Back to the Future
Sportsworld has always been much more than simply an Athletics Club which has sporting success as its only goal. The “real” history of Sportsworld is the human one: the friendships made and sustained over many years, relationships established, support in times of adversity, in times of loss, in times of trouble.
In 2016 Emily started her 33rd consecutive year coaching Sportsworld runners. This dedicated commitment to the Club and to athletics in Ireland is a remarkable achievement and continues to encourage everybody.
Silver medals for the Senior ladies team of Helen Brouder, Noreen Brouder, Zoë Greene and Caoimhe Costigan!
Silver medal for Carol Lynch in her age category too!
Full results below.
The 32nd annual Raheny 5 Mile Road Race took place on the last day of January. Over 40 Sportsworld atheletes were in attendance at what was to be a fantastically organised and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on the Northside!
Overall the conditions were fair. Unseasonably warm and despite the drizzle and the breeze, a surprisingly more pleasant experience than I had anticipated looking out the window that morning!
The afternoon kicked off, as usual, outside the Garda Station in Raheny village. Despite the fact that I live only down the road I managed to cut it fine, arriving just in time for a quick half hearted warm up in the rain before it was time to line up. I spotted a few familiar red and white tops gathering at the start line.
Chatting before the gun, we were all united in our gratitude to be back on solid ground after last week’s mud bath!
Race reporter Caoimhe clearly missing last weeks mud
The shiny clean road runners were back out and the chances of finishing with our shoes the same colour as when we had started were high…things were looking up! Just before the start Eoin mentioned something about a race report….hahaha no no I’m new, I couldn’t….but apparently my newbie grace period was over!!
The course was fast and flat. The start, as could be expected with over 2000 participants, was a little congested with lots dodging and weaving required. The crowd really carried us along throught the first mile, and before I knew it the watches were beeping….20% done. Mile two was a nice flat stretch along the main Howth Road, turning into a gentle descent towards the park. With the crowd dispersed by this stage there was plenty of room to stretch the legs and get into a rhythm.
We hit mile three just as we entered the park, a new twist in the route, which previously would have taken us along the seafront and up the long drag of Watermill road, to make us really earn those goodie bags. The park was overall a pleasant change of scenery, and on a windy day less, exposed than the main seafront road would have been.
The long “out and back stretch” was probably the toughest part of the race….seeing all the traffic coming against us….thinking “surely the turnaround can’t be far”…”we’re not going all the way to the end of this avenue are we!?”…“I can’t even see the end”. Finally, we turned. Then the four mile marker came…nearly home!
Another few hundred meters and the loudspeakers from the finish came into ear shot….psychological boost…really nearly home now…As we exited the park we met Myles in his Sunday best promising a finish line “just around the corner”…..and although it felt like forever the bunting finally came into view and it was all over.
Spot the Sportsworld!
The race was won by Mick Clohissey in 24:05 with Mary Cullen leading the women home in an impressive 26:16. Sportsworld had some notable results of their own with Carol Lynch coming in 2nd, Ray Carpenter 5th and Patrick Mc Morrow 6th in their respective categories. Karol Cronin finished 8th in the Men’s Senior race and in the team event the Sportsworld ladies team came in 2nd. Full results below.
A great race and fantastic start to 2016, congratulations to all who ran. Enjoy those goodie bags….well deserved!!
Sportsworld Results:
Karol CRONIN 26:11:00
Paul O’CONNELL 27:56:00
Karl CHATTERTON 28:57:00
Conor MCCARTHY 29:06:00
Diarmuid Ó’SÚILLEABHÁIN 30:55:00
Helen BROUDER 30:56:00
Conor KEATING 31:08:00
Noreen BROUDER 31:28:00
Joe BYRNE 31:36:00
William GREENSMYTH 31:36:00
Jim BROWNE 31:58:00
Peter KNAGGS 33:28:00
Denis MCCAUL 33:37:00
Caoimhe COSTIGAN 33:50:00
Zoë GREENE 33:50:00
Jose CHOPA 33:54:00
Damien GERAGHTY 34:29:00
Stephen WILLOUGHBY 35:10:00
Aidan CURRAN 35:15:00
Catherine MULLEADY 35:36:00
Noel LYNAM 35:47:00
Eoin O’BRIEN 35:50:00
Naoise WALDRON 36:37:00
Ray CARPENTER 36:56:00
Patrick Killian MCMORROW 37:38:00
Margaret CROWLEY 38:22:00
Sibeal WALDRON 39:05:00
Grace KENNY 39:30:00
Enda MCMORROW 39:48:00
Conor KENNY 39:55:00
Trevor LLOYD 40:07:00
Valerie LACY POWER 40:26:00
David CLARKE 40:31:00
Emer CASEY 40:38:00
Denise KILKENNY 40:50:00
Emma BARRY 40:52:00
Claire RAWLEY 41:05:00
Deirdre HEAVEY 41:34:00
Cathy COYLE 41:56:00
Ellen LAVIN 43:33:00
Catherine GILMORE 44:04:00
Ed COLLINS 44:06:00
Padraig MOOREHOUSE 44:37:00
Audrai O’DRISCOLL 44:55:00
Carol LYNCH 45:17:00
Sean O’BYRNE 45:19:00
Photo sourced at Irish Runner Magazine, visit here for more details and full gallery: Irish Runner
The first Irish Runner paced mile event took place on Wednesday, 27 January on the Alsaa track beside Dublin Airport. The next event is on 24th February followed by 23 March with plans for further paced mile events to follow throughout the year. Having taken part last week, I would recommend it if you can make it.
The opportunity to clock a time over one mile, the benefit of which is twofold – firstly to track your mile pace at regular intervals throughout the year and secondly, to obtain a “base pace” from which to draw out your range of training and racing paces.
There were pacers from sub 13 to sub 5. The event was very well coordinated and there were pre-run talks from David Carrie, Catherina McKiernan (Irish ladies marathon record holder in 2.22!!!) and Gareth Turnbull (Irish Olympian and sub 4 minute miler). The pacers were all right on the mark and guided, cajoled and encouraged the runners around the four laps and nine metres. As David said beforehand “Think pace, not race”.
For the measly entry fee of €5, you got electronic timing by myrunresults.com, an experienced pacer, a goodie bag and a free copy of the Irish Runner. Sure, what else would you be doing of a Wednesday evening. If nothing else, it will get the buzz of the track back into the bones, ahead of our return to the Saturday morning sessions on the Tallaght track, and arguably more importantly prepare you for the Sportsworld Club Relays (especially if you get picked on Gareth Murran’s team J) and the jewel in the crown that is the Trinity Track BHAA 1200m D grade race…
This week we chat to our most successful men’s senior athlete of recent years Karol Cronin.
When did you join Sportsworld?
I joined Sportsworld in January 2010
Where do you work?
I’m a primary school teacher in St Damian’s Perrystown.
What is your favourite club session?
I like the Saturday sessions as I love running in the mornings (not too early) and they are usually the hardest ones where you can push yourself especially track season. 400m sessions are good healthy ones.
What is your favourite race distance?
At the beginning it was marathons but now I like doing 5ks. 1500m on the track is also a bit of fun.
What is your favourite meal before a big race?
I don’t really like eating before a race so I don’t really have a favourite meal but I have something light like a banana or a bit of bread. It’s best to have a good meal the night before I find.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
Other than the club sessions, the place you would probably find me training is St Enda’s Park in Rathfarnham. It’s a really nice park, not too big with good terrain and history. Running up the mountains is also very nice through the woods.
What is your target for the next year?
I am hoping to improve on the track and get some new pbs. I am hoping as well to do a good 10 mile race and win something with the team.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
First of all coming second in the Dublin Novice CC which was my first ever medal to win. It was a really exciting race and gave me a real boost after coming back from a year long injury. Then down in Adamstown in 2013 coming first in the Leinster Intermediate CC and winning the team event. It was a great day for the club.
What international events have you ran?
I ran the Boston marathon twice in 2010 and 2011. I recommend everyone to do Boston where the entire city turns up and lines the full route the whole way and gets behind you. It’s a great atmosphere throughout and helps when you’re climbing heartbreak hill at mile 20. My brother who lives over there does it every year. I also did the New York marathon in 2011 and The James Joyce 10k in Boston where they give out free beer afterwards and read Ulysses throughout the race.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
I like going up to the Dublin Mountains and Wicklow for cycles with my friends. There are really amazing scenery and pubs to visit and it’s a great escape from Dublin.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
I played hurling and gaelic with Ballyboden St Enda’s for all my life before I got into running. I had sprained my ankle in 2009 playing gaelic and it took a while to heal. Around this time a few of my friends were doing Gaelforce West, an adventure race in Mayo with running, cycling and a bit of kayaking so I decided to do it with them to get fit again. I really enjoyed the competitive nature to it and did really well in it. So I looked to see if there were any races I could do next and it was the Dublin half marathon. I did it in 1hr 23min and people said that was really good. It was the longest I’d ever run but I decided to do the full marathon six weeks later. I realised I had a talent for running and most of all I really enjoyed it. I remember buying a pair of runners in Mick Dowlings shop and asking him advice to prepare for the marathon and he told me about Sportsworld Running Club in Bushy Park. I ran the marathon in 3hr 17 min and felt disappointed as I blew up after mile 16 so I was determined to join the club and improve on my time. I was hooked after that with running.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
Running 14.58 for the Rathfarnham 5k and running 8.57 for 3k on the track are ones I’m proud of and winning a Leinster Star award back in 2013 was a nice reward.
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
When I’m fit and healthy, I’d run six times a week, averaging 50 miles a week.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
There are some really good characters down in the club that make it fun and build a good club spirit. It is a very welcoming club and I like that everyone has a love for running and they can achieve their own personal goals with the help of others.
What was your first day at the Club like?
I picked a good day as it was the annual Christmas cake sale in December 2009. I went up with a friend of mine Cian just after the marathon and we did the Terenure lap. We were given a free cup of tea and biscuits and met Emily and a few other members from the club. The affable Packie Enright was there who filled me in on the club and asked me every question under the sun.
Why is running important to you?
I like keeping fit and running is great for the mind and find it very therapeutic. Since joining the running club, it has introduced me to a life of road races, cross country and track competitions which make running all the more enjoyable.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
If we had other places to train in the summer as Bushy gets quite crowded. Attracting more runners to the club as we’re a small club in relative terms and it can leave groups stretched at times when competing and more runners will improve competitiveness and times.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
Myles and Emily are a great help to offer sound advice even though they’ll have a healthy disagreement with each on occasion 🙂 They give up their own time for the club to train us, to help us improve and achieve our goals and always encourage new members.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I do a bit of cycling for fun up the mountains and the odd bit of 5 a side football.
Photos by Gareth Murren, Will Greensmyth, Eoin O’Brien & Conor Kenny
Click here for two albums of pictures of all our runners: Album 1 – Album 2
Sportsworld results at the bottom
Ladies Race Reports by Helen Brouder
Race reporter Helen on her way to finishing in 8th place
The Athletics Ireland National Masters and Intermediate XC Championship took place in Dundalk IT on Sunday. We had over 50 people competing across the 4 races, so the last race of the XC championship was going to be a good ‘un!
As the bus departed Bushy Park a nervous excitement hung in the air as many contemplated the gruelling agony that lay ahead (i.e. who would have to write the race report!!).
The Masters Ladies were first on the “firing line” (quote Margaret Crowley) at 1.30 with thirteen ladies lining out for Sportsworld in a massive field of 196.
A blistering pace was set from the start and with such a large turn-out it was quiet congested during the first lap but our ladies persevered and thankfully there were no fallers! The pace of the race did not ease on the final lap and our ladies remained strong and challenged for every place.
There were many exciting battles on the finishing straight beginning with an exhilarating battle between Anna Sadowska and Pauline Curley, with the Civil Service athlete winning on this occasion.
The Sportsworld ladies, led home by Ruth Kelly, were an inspiration to watch and won the National Club title in a highly competitive field of 23 clubs. Congratulations to all the Masters ladies on an incredible team effort!!
On completion of the Ladies Master race it was time to warm up and contemplate how we were going to follow that performance! No pressure!
As we warmed up around the perimeter of the course we cheered on the Masters Men and the reality of the mud and water logged course began to resonate. I silently began to panic as pre-race jitters kicked in.
The Intermediate field was much smaller than the Masters with 53 lining out. This momentarily gave me some solace and then the race began! After 800m I felt wrecked and wondered how I was going to make my way around this loop three times.
Erratic thoughts such as running out the gate ran through my mind followed by regrets about eating too close to the race, not training enough, going out too fast etc. It was an endless list and all that kept me going was the support from the crowd which was incredible. With the big group that travelled there was someone shouting your name and pushing you up every hill and through every mud puddle.
That hill!
This culminated in climbing “that hill” for the last time; I felt like crawling up it and probably would have, if not for the Sportworld crew shouting me on at the top. Thankfully after that hill the finish line was not far off.
Although a thoroughly difficult race, I think the sense of alleviation and achievement for all the girls was clear at the finish line. We all ran our hearts out and our legs off and we were in close contention for the bronze medal losing by just 5 points to Dublin City Harriers. To be continued next year ….
Mens Race Reports by Jose Chapa
Race Repoter Jose in action Sunday
Last Sunday, over fifty members of the club made their way to Dundalk IT, to what must have been one of the most popular cross country races ever.
There was a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere on the bus on our way to Dundalk. On arrival, we set camp and shortly after the usual pre-race nerves started to surface. So, while some people went for the almost mandatory course walk, others occupied themselves with an early warm up.
I had only found out that same morning that the men masters race was 7 Km rather than the 6 Km I was expecting, and a gruelling 8 Km for the intermediate. With that extra Km in mind I decided to go for a late warm up as I didn’t want to tire myself out before the race and made a mental note to take it easy on the first lap, being fully aware that it wouldn’t be the first time that my race strategy goes out the window on the first few meters after the start.
After the magnificent master women race it was our turn and while waiting at the start line I asked myself, once again, why was I putting myself through this. The whistle blow quickly ended my predicament as I sprinted along 254 other men. A few meters after that, Peter Knaggs fell almost in front of me. Fortunately, with great grace, he manage to get up almost before he touch the ground without a scratch and to his merit quickly recovered most of the lost positions.
Peter didn’t fall here thankfully!
The course was quite flat with only a bump halfway and a small hill towards the end of the lap. The ground was mostly in good condition but with some muddy parts that quickly became quite challenging as the race advanced, especially around some corners.
Towards the end of the first lap, while going over the hill, I realised that once again I had started too fast. At this point, Peter had already passed me but I was still closely folowing Eoin O’Brien and John Flaherty, who I tend to use as a reference point. I decided to let them go for a few meters, in hope that I could recover some ground later on.
Needless to say, it was more wishful thinking than a real strategy. Nevertheless, I manage to get into a rhythm that I was able to maintain for the next lap or so. I was feeling good and I could still see them about 150 meters ahead of me. I said to myself that the glory is for those who are brave and decided to push for a chase… They must have been feeling pretty good themselves, as the distance not only didn’t diminish but it increased over time.
However, Brian Conway did catch up with me around the third lap. At this point, I wasn’t going to let go my hard won position in the field without a battle and in the final lap we exchanged positions a couple times but with a great finish he beat me for two seconds on the finish line. Enjoy it Brian, it won’t happen again!
At least, this is how I remember the facts, but bear in mind that the great demands of oxygen exerted by my legs and heart during the event, probably left my brain a bit deprived of the vital gas, which might have distorted my perception of reality.
Phil Kilgannon was the first Sportsworld member in crossing the finish line followed by Paul O’Connell, Michael Cunningham and Justin McKeever.
The intermediate race was over 5 laps, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. After a full day of races, the course had noticeably deteriorated and adding an extra lap on top felt like gratuitous cruelty.
Kevin Curran was the Sportswold front runner for a couple laps but eventually Karl Chatterton and Conor McCarthy, got ahead of him, with Sadanand Magee following shortly behind, all of them finishing around 32 minutes. Great race lads.
There was well deserved food and beverages in the hotel near the campus, which we all very much enjoyed in good spirit after the hard day. After all, it was the last cross country race of the season, so some even celebrated with desserts. Yes, you know who you are…
And we learned about the Women O35 Team Club gold medal over lunch which was just the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Special thanks to all of you, who came along to support the team, and to everyone cheering along the race course, it really helps to go that extra bit further.
Let me just finish with a paragraph from Murakami’s book “What I talk about when I talk about running”
My time, the rank I attain, my outward appearance, all of these are secondary. For a runner like me, what’s really important is reaching the goal I set myself, under my own power. I give it everything I have, endure what needs enduring, and I am able, in my own way, to be satisfied. (Haruki Murakami, 2009)
It was only my third cross country race and I must admit that after the Dublin masters I never thought I’d say this, there is no way to sweeten it, cross country is hard, but maybe that’s exactly why I really enjoyed the day. Looking forward to the next season.
Full Sportsworld results:
Women O35 Team Club Team Points
1 Sportsworld A.C. 18, 23, 25, 37
2 Tullamore Harriers A.C. 2, 22, 33, 57
3 Sli Cualann A.C. 24, 36, 48, 58
Masters Women 4k
18 Ruth Kelly 14.15
23 Noreen Brouder 14.30
25 Mary Finn 14.37
37 Lucy Darcy 14.54
64 Stephanie Bergin 15.39
96 Anna Delaney 16.21
105 Natalia Sokolowska 16.29
122 Ann Higgins 16.55
135 Eileen Rowland 17.11
150 Breda Browne 17.26
157 Aileen Melody 17.43
174 Anna Carrigan 18.17
180 Ellen Lavin 18.47
Masters Men 7k
59 Phil Kilgallon 26.17
91 Paul O’Connell 27.24
105 Michael Cunningham 27.47
110 Justin McKeever 27.55
162 Anthony Gillen 29.40
173 Jim Browne 29.59
177 Joe Byrne 30.05
195 Denis McCaul 30.54
214 Peter Knaggs 32.17
222 John Flaherty 32.53
225 Eoin O’Brien 33.15
230 Brian Conway 33.37
231 Jose Chapa 33.39
240 Noel Lynam 34.12
Intermediate Women 5k
7 Helen Brouder 19.59
15 Kate Kelly 20.54
32 Caoimhe Costigan 22.25
34 Hanna Fuhrweg 22.33
36 Zoe Greene 22.41
42 Naoise Waldron 23.25
43 Catherine Mulleady 23.32
50 Margaret Crowley 25.17
Intermediate Women Team Results
1 Crusaders A.C. 1, 12, 14, 17 = 44
2 Donore Harriers 5, 11, 13, 24 = 53
3 Dublin City Harriers A.C. 10, 22, 25, 26 = 83
4 Sportsworld A.C. 7, 15, 32, 34 = 88
Intermediate Men 8k
51 Karl Chatterton 32.08
55 Conor McCarthy 32.16
61 Kevin Curran 32.32
63 Sadanand Magee 32.40
75 Diarmuid O’Sulleabhain 34.31
80 Conor Keating 35.55
This week we meet one of Sportsworld’s international members Laurence Delair. She has a flaire for running and badminton and has been with the club for almost 10 years.
When did you join Sportsworld?
I very nearly joined the club back in 1995, almost a year after I had arrived in Ireland… I was doing a tiny bit of running and I had taken a number of badminton classes. My now-husband mentioned Emily (former marathon runner) and Mick Dowling (former Olympic boxer), and the meeting point at the tree in Bushy Park. I was chuffed to hear all that! It sounded all so glamorous and exciting to me (I must say that I come from a tiny, sleepy French village, where nothing much ever happens). In the end though, I decided to join the Terenure Badminton Club, so delighted I was to have developed some kind of “hand-eye” coordination.
Fast forward to 2007, after a few years of badminton, dancing classes and running on my own, I finally decided it was time to join Sportsworld.
Where do you work?
In the comfort of my little office in my back garden. I am a freelance translator, working mainly from English to French (and rarely from Spanish into French). I translate all sorts of written contents (and also review other translators’ work) for various companies, mainly in the area of IT.
What is your favourite club session?
Any session that takes place in Bushy Park.
What is your favorite race distance?
I don’t think I have one as such. Maybe 10 miles. For some curious reasons, I have great memories running a couple of them in the Race Series in Phoenix Park.
What is your favorite meal before a big race?
Porridge, but not the magic kind that that fast runners have mentioned in previous interviews.
My Favourite place to train/compete is?
Well, Bushy Park for training, and the area around my village in France. I also enjoyed doing the Race Series in the Phoenix Park.
What is your target for the next year?
Trying to attend the sessions more consistently.
What is your best Sportsworld memory?
Any Meet and Train races (cross-country and road). I don’t think I have a competitive streak in me, but I do love the feeling of anticipation before those races and the fact I am part of a team.
What international events have you ran?
Note to self: start getting out more.
What do you like doing when you don’t run?
Meeting friends for a chat, cooking for family and friends, reading and going to the theatre.
How/When did you start your adventure with running?
As a kid, pretty much at the same time I started zooming around on my bicycle and going up trees. I used to love running for the feeling of freedom it gives you. It was exhilarating.
Tell us about your PB’s / What is your biggest achievement?
I could not wait to answer this question. When it comes to “Perfect Baking” or “PB” as it is known in the club, I can without boasting say that I have produced some consistently good work for the baking sale. Having said that, I have yet to achieve the flair and the finesse demonstrated by Eoin O’Brien and Michael Cunningham…
How often do you run / What is your typical weekly mileage?
In the last few years, partly due to a lingering injury and life challenges, my training schedule has dwindled to one session during the week and a small to medium run at the weekend.
What would you say is the best thing about being in a Running Club?
The company of other runners: I used to run on my own and still do occasionally, and I find it more enjoyable to run with others. The advice: I find that the advice that Emily and others give me is very useful. The variety: the sessions are more diversified,whereas I used to do pretty much the same thing every time I ran! And finally, I feel I did improve as a result of being in the club.
What made you join a Running Club?
After running on my own at different times in my life and having worked for a few years as a freelance translator (translation is a very silent, concentrated activity), I thought it would be good to join a group and to get advice.
What was your first day at the Club like?
I have a good memory for the first part. I went into the club house a bit early. It was virtually empty, but Crona came to me and said hello. After that, the training session was a fartlek one, if I remember well… I could not understand for the life of me why people went so fast. I mean, “How long can you keep this up?” was I thinking, desperately hanging on for dear life.
Why is running important to you?
I have enjoyed running for many years and for many different reasons as I was getting older. For the fun feeling it gave me when I was a kid and still gives me now, for the way it has given me strength, and I don’t only refer to fitness but to the grounding effect it has.
Is there anything you would like to see more of or less of at the Club?
I am happy with what is on offer in the Club.
Who is the person in the club who inspires/drives to run better?
I am very grateful to Carol Lynch as she is a great example to me and she inspires me in many ways. I have to say that I admire
Emily, Myles and Paddy for their commitment and their words of encouragement. Their dedication is truly remarkable. I have to say that I admire a lot of the runners in the club. I find there are lots of interesting people whom I admire a lot for their various achievements, small and big, and their humility.
Do you do any cross training / other sports on a regular basis?
I attend Mick’s conditioning classes from time to time.
Sportsworld Martin Keenan returned from a long injury layoff to pick up a silver medal at the Munster Masters Indoor Track Championships in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary!
Martin was allowed to race as a guest runner on the day in the O45 1500m and crossed the line in a strong second place in 4.53:65. Munster Athletics sportingly gave Martin a championship medal for his efforts.
This distance will be Martin’s focus of 2016 to build on the bronze medal he won at the 2015 National Masters Indoor 1500m and the Silver medal he won at the 2015 National Masters Outdoor 1500m. Congratulations and best of luck in 2016 Martin!
Current club chairman Paddy Lynch 
Clockwise from top left: 2014, 2010 & 2004 charitable donations
