Adam In Action

Pictured at the indoors in Claremorris is Sligo AC Athlete Adam Lynch.
Well done to all.

Girls just want to have fun....

The girls competing at the indoors held in Claremorris are
L-R Ellen McGeough,Lauren Cadden,Aoife Morris

Carrick - On - Shannon

Best of Luck to all Sligo AC athletes taking part in the Carrick 10K this Sunday,
a great event and a good test before the Cara Bundoran 10 mile road race due to take place on Saturday March 10th. Happy Running to all.

Run with Ray Darcy...

Come on folks lets get registering...
The Sligo Run With Ray is up to 181 runners which is on April the 4th. Sligo is a bit behind on numbers in relation to the rest of the Country so log on today and enter for just €5 -
Run with Ray 5k - in assoc. with Spar and Athletics Ireland - see www.todayfm.com or Enter at www.athleticsirelland.ie..
HAPPY RUNNING....

And there is more....

Calry In More & More Pictures..

Calry In More Pictures..

Calry In Pictures..

Running in Calry.

A Great turn out for the Dominic O'Hara 9 mile road race today, the event was held in perfect conditions where Liam Feely narrowly beat Alan McGuire in the last 100mts. Well Done to all Sligo AC members who took part.

Run with Ray Darcy...

For all you Ray Darcy fans out there you now have a chance to run a 5K with the legendary Radio and TV personality around the roads of Sligo Town. The event will be held on Wednesday April 04th at 1pm and you can now enter at www.events.athleticsireland.ie and follow the link to the Sligo event.
"Let Ray Fix It For You"...Enjoy.

Race 4..

All,
The fourth race in the Fit For Life series will take place Next Thursday
March 01st at 18:30pm, Meet at the IT entrance on the Clarion Road.
Best of Luck to all and Happy Running.

7:57 Club invade Bundoran....

48.... Yes 48 athletes out there at 8.30am this morning for the Cara Bundoran 10 mile training run..so good to see. A big thank you to Paddy Donoghue for great company, great route with water supplied and fantastic scenery, the gale force wind was a nice touch to build stamina, Please pass on our thanks to Aine in the Great Northern Hotel for the use of the leisure centre for a very welcome shower. Well done to all and see you on March 10th from all at Sligo AC.

And the winner is.................

The T-shirt will be awarded in Bundoran this week just before the 10mile run with Paddy Donoghue & friends.....how to decide will be tricky......

ATTENTION :-)

Our '7:57' Sligo Saturday morning runners are going to Bundoran to run the 10mile route with Paddy Donoghue and friends. We will carpool and leave from the Carraroe Retail Park(CURRYS) at 7:45am SHARP on Saturday morning and make our way to the Waterworld Car Park for an 8:30 start.Those not going can meet in Union as per normal. Looking forward to the run Paddy. Happy Running from all in Sligo AC.

Run In Calry.

Calry Athletic Club 9 Mile road race for the Dominic O’Hara Cup.
under IAAF Rules and AAI permit. Race will be run on handicap allocation.
Starts from: Calry Community Park Hazelwood Sligo 11am, Saturday February 25th.
Expression of interest to Terry Hayes before Thursday Feb 23rd 0872274622
Enter on morning of race from 10am.
Further details are available from Gerard Higgins 0876427044 or Zola Flynn 0719143046.

Help Needed....

Western People West Of Ireland Women's Mini Marathon,
Castlebar, Sunday May 6th 2012.
The Friends of Sligo General Hospital are inviting ladies to raise funds for this worthy cause and participate in the forthcoming West of Ireland Mini marathon.

Sponsorship cards and free T shirt will be available for all those walking or running for the Friends of Sligo General Hospital plus all those participating on behalf of the "friends" will have their name entered into a draw for a luxury weekend away for two.

Register on line or complete the registration form in the Western People then contact Mary Tighe at marytighe1@yahoo.ie or phone 0874182366

Another Sligo AC Winner...And more.

A big well done to Sligo AC's Zak Irwin who won the U/17 60metres in the National Indoors in Belfast in a new PB 7.23, Fantastic performance and well done to Zak, also Emily Burns just missed on the Long Jump final by 1cm, Colm Bourke went beyond 6m again in the Long Jump and finally to 2 other outstanding Juvenile performances - Caelainn McGonigle finished 2nd in the 800m,Orlaith Delahunt won the walk. Congratulations from all your friends in Sligo AC.

Lead by Example....

Sligo AC Chairman Michael O'Connell showed all members how it should be done by winning the Cloonacool 5K today in a time of 18:10, a fantastic result for Michael who's comeback from a long injury lay off is well and truly up and RUNNING, also congratulations to Club runners Mari Johnston, and Rory Connor who ran superbly and also Ciaran Donnellan who achieved a PB in 21:56 knocking 2 minutes of his previous 5K time. Well done from all in Sligo AC.

National Indoors.

Congrats and well done to Sligo AC's Eimear O'Brien who has won a Bronze medal in the National Indoor Championships over the 3K distance, Sligo Ac's Alberto Sanchez wins Bronze in the 3k in 8.06, and a new club record for Alberto. Also Dermot Mc Dermott qualified for the 800m final running 1.55. Well done Rachael Kilgallon who had a PB in the 800m running 2.19 in her heat. A great day for the club and well done to all who competed in Belfast this weekend.

Triathlon Season Kicking off........

We at Sligo AC wish all our friends at Sligo Triathlon Club all the very best for the 2012 season. We are delighted to say that there is great Camaraderie between both clubs with some of our AC members now taking on the Triathlon challenge while we have also welcomed a number of our Tri colleagues to the Athletic Club. All Tri information can be found on www.sligotriathlon.ie along with tips on training and racing. So from all in Sligo AC Happy Swimming, Cycling and Running.

Improve your performance..

Hi folks,

There is an upcoming seminar on improving performance in sport through the use of Sports Psychology and similar methods. It is being delivered by Caroline Currid and should be very interesting, Also free of charge. Below are the details

In Sport...
Does the Mind Matter?
Wednesday 29th February 2012
7.30pm to 10.00pm
Location: IT Sligo, Lecture room A0004
Event Speaker – Caroline Currid (Performance Coach)

7.15 pm Registration
7.30 pm Welcome by Youth Sport West Development Officer
7.35 pm Youth Coaching – How different coaching styles affect youth participation and performance
8.20 pm Athlete’s - What is Performance Coaching
9.10 pm Questions and Answers

Registration forms can be obtained from theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie or telephone 071 91 61511. Closing date for registration forms is Monday 27th February as places are limited.

Run In Calry..

Dominic O'Hara Calry 9 Mile Road Race.Saturday, February 25 at 11:00am
Location: Hazelwood Community Park, Calry, Sligo.
"Why not see how the training is going".

Connacht Schools CC.

Folks,

Summary results of Connacht Schools CC taken from AAI website. Well done to CSAA and St. Mary’s College for organizing an excellent event. Also a massive well done to all Sligo AC members who competed so well on the day.

Aviva Connacht Schools Cross Country

St Marys Galway Wednesday 8th February 2012

Minor Girls
D. Beirne Mohill CC
S. Lee Presentation Athenry
S. Ni Domhnaill Colaiste na Coiribe
C. McGonigle Ursuline Sligo
M. Hughes Salerno Galway
G. McDaid Presentation Athenry
E. Keane Presentation Athenry
L.Freaney Presentation Athenry
N. Cronin Ursuline Sligo
A. Ni Dhonnacha Colaiste na Coiribe
K. Anderson Ursuline Sligo
M. Walsh SM&P Swinford
E. Bruen Carrick CS
S. Quinn Ballinrobe CS
D. McCloskey Ursuline Sligo

Teams
1st Presentation Athenry 15pts (2.6,7)
2nd Ursuline Sligo 24pts(4,9,11)
3rd HRC Mountbellew 81pts(23,27,31)

Minor Boys
M. Barrett Calasanctius Oranmore
O. McLoughlin Rice College Westport
C. O’Sullivan SM&P Swinford
O. Doyle Calasanctius Oranmore
C. Moran Rice College Westport
D. Coyne Ballyhaunis CC
S. O’Malley Rice College Westport
D. Fallon Summerhill Sligo
B. Kelly Dunmore CS
K. Dowd HRC Mountbellew
K. Holloway Loughrea VS
M. Mac Cormac Colaiste an Eachreidh
L. Forde Gort CS
D. Huane St Colmans Claremorris
E. Ronane St Colmans Claremorris

Teams
1st Rice College Westport 59pts(2,5,7,45)
2nd Calasanctius Oranmore 73pts(1,4,31,37)
3rd St Colmans Claremorris 79pts(14,15,20.30)

Junior Girls
Ciara Greene Bower Athlone
E. O’Dowd Ballinamore PPS
A. Forkan SM&P Swinford
O. McCann SM&P Swinford
E. Martin Ursuline Sligo
A. Joyce Ballinrobe CS
K. Devaney Ursuline Sligo
T. McGlynn Sligo Grammar
K. McGlynn Sligo Grammar
S. Hynes Mercy Tuam
M. Sloane SM Longford
S. Mai-Sutton Salerno
E. Byrne Loughrea VS
T. McNally Loughrea VS
K. Walsh HRC Mountbellew

Teams
1st Ursuline Sligo 31pts(5,7,19)
2nd Sligo Grammar 38pts(8,9,21)
3rd Ballinrobe CS 49pts(6,17,26)


Junior Boys
Padraig Creaven St Marys Galway
T. McGinty SM&P Swinford
W. Hynes St Attractas Tubbercurry
S. Bracken St Josephs Foxford
M. Dilger Dunmore CS
R. Anderson Summerhill Sligo
K. Szymaszek St Marys Galway
N. Joyce St Colmans Claremorris
C. McMurray Summerhill Sligo
R. O’Rourke Ballinamore PPS
J. Timlin St Muredach Ballina
D. McNulty Rice College Westport
E. Corcoran HRC Mountbellew
M. Feeney St Claires Manorhamilton
S. Samson St Marys Galway

Teams
1st St Marys Galway 54pts(1,7,15,31)
2nd Summerhill Sligo 63pts(6,9,16,32)
3rd Rice College Westport 88pts(12,24,25,27)

Inter Girls
Rosie Hynes St Attractas Tubbercurry
A. Mulroy St Josephs Foxford
M. Brannigan Colaiste Iognaid
A. Daly Bower Athlone
M. Hurst Bower Athlone
A. McCann SM&P Swinford
S. Fallon Ursuline Sligo
E. McCarthy Ursuline Sligo
C. Quinn Mercy Tuam
S. Finnegan Mercy Tuam
O. Mulvill Ursuline Sligo
A. Lipsius Sligo Grammar
A. Terzioglu St Josephs Foxford
C. Kelly Moate CS
C. McGowan Ursuline Sligo

Teams
1st Ursuline Sligo 26pts(7,8,11)
2nd Bower Athlone 31pts(4,5,22)
3rd Mercy Tuam 46pts(9.10.27)

Inter Boys
C. Doherty Rice College Westport
J. Spellman Calasanctius Oranmore
C. Gillen Athenry VS
C. Treacy St Muredachs Ballina
S. Garrity St Josephs Galway
S. Mulroy St Josephs Foxford
N. Greaney Calasanctius Oranmore
C. Mulrooney J&M Ennniscrone
P. Daly Ballinrobe CS
S. Henry Summerhill Sligo
A. Patil Summerhill Sligo
D. Kilcawley Summerhill Sligo
J. Cormican Calasanctius Oranmore
E. O’Ceallaigh St Marys Galway
L. Brennan Abbey CC Boyle

Teams
1st Calasactius Oranmore 40pts(2,7.13,18)
2nd St Marys Galway 77pts(14,17,26,30)
3rd Summerhill Sligo 89pts(10.11.12.56)

Senior Girl
E. Moran SH Westport
K. Burke Bower AThlone
H. Kilkenny Presentation Atherny
L. Porter Loughrea VS
S. O’Reilly-Collins Athlone CC
C. Burke Bower Athlone
C. Mulroy St Josephs Foxford
L. Kelly Athlone CC
M. Maloney St Raphaels Loughrea
D. Sherry St Josephs Foxford
L. Hannon Presentation Athenry
C. O’Dwyer Sligo Grammar
L. Bourke St Josephs Foxford
J. Feeney St Claires Manorhamilton
N. Rainey St Josephs Foxford

Teams
1st St Josephs Foxford 30pts(7,10.13)
2nd Athlone CC 36pts(5,8,23)
3rd SH Westport 38pts(1,17,20)


Senior Boys

Hugh Armstrong Gortnor Abbey
David Harper Rice College Westport
J. Mooney Presentation Headford
J. Ryan St Geralds Castlebar
A. McGinty St Marys Galway
James McGeough Sligo Grammar
Finn Stoneman St Endas Galway
B. McHugh HRC Mountbellew
P. Joyce Athenry VS
P. Fahy St Marys Galway
A. Hardiman St Josephs Galway
D. Laffey St Endas Galway
C. Laffey St Endas Galway
C. Corcoran St Josephs Galway
D. Farrell Moate CS

Teams
1st St Endas Galway 53pts(7,12,13,21)
2nd St Marys Galway 56pts(5,10,18,23)
3rd St Geralds Castlebar 87pts(4,24,26,33)

True Warriors..

Boyle Cross Country 05 Feb 2012

The height of Fashion.......

Pictured is Sligo Athletic Club Chairman Michael O'Connell and Club PRO Enda Dineen been presented with the clubs new Hoodies by the club sponsors Ciaran Donnellan of Amcor flexibles and Barry O'Flynn of Sligo Credit Union.
Sligo AC would like to thank both Ciaran and Barry for their continuing support.

Run in Carlow..

Race 4 Life Carlow Sunday March 11th


We at St. Laurence O'Toole Fit for Life club in Carlow are organising a 5km and 10km ''Race 4 Life' in Carlow on Sunday March 11th at 2pm. All funds raised will go to the Special Olympics Carlow Branch and the St. Laurence O'Toole Athletic club.

The course has been AAI measured and is a very flat course, so perfect for beginners the elite athlete looking for a PB and all in between!

We would love if your Fit for Life members could join us on race day or any of your club athletes.

Please see the Run Ireland website for more details

2012 spring road races in Galway

The 2012 road racing season really starts in earnest in Galway
this weekend with the Maree road race. It is quickly followed
by a collection of other races, almost one a weekend, until mid-April,
from 5KM right the way up to 39M...and most distances in-between.

Sunday, 12 February: 5th Maree 8KM -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-maree-8km-road-race

Sunday, 19 February: Inaugural Gort 4M by South Galway AC -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-gorgeous-gort-4m-road-race

Sunday, 26 February: 4th Kilconieron 5M -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-kilconieron-5m-road-race

Saturday, 3 March: 2nd Kinvara Rock and Road 10KM & Half -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-kinvara-rock-and-road-races

Sunday, 11 March: 3rd Martin Egan, Beagh 10KM -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-martin-egan-memorial-10km-road-race

Sunday, 18 March: 3rd Craughwell 10M - http://www.athenryac.com/craughwell-10-miler

Sunday, 1 April: 11th Connemarathon Half & Full & Ultra -
http://www.athenryac.com/2012-connemarathon **SOLD OUT**

Saturday, 7 April: 2nd Colemanstown 10KM - http://www.athenryac.com/2012-colemanstown-10km-road-race

One for everyone in the audience.

mullaghmore Club Duathlon.

DONT FORGET...
Just a quick reminder that the first race of the MSC Tri 2012 Duathlon Series is been held this Sunday 12th February with a 10am Start from Lakeside Centre Ballyshannon. The distances are Run 2K/Bike 12K/Run 2K. This is an ideal introduction to Duathlons. MSC would encourage newcomers to come along and give this a go!! Costs and information on the other races are on the website through the link below.

msctri.com/index.php/news

Human Nutrition.

All Male club athletes.Below are details of a memo we received from a Human Nutrition student who is looking to see if some of our male club athletes over the age of 18 would participate in a project titled “An investigation of the hydration status and nutritional knowledge of male endurance athletes”. Please could you take the time to read this and consider taking part in the project. The student's name is Sarah-Jayne and she will be carrying out the testing procedure on Tuesday the 14th of February at the Sligo I.T athletics track between 4pm and 8pm.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

Study title
An investigation of the hydration status and nutritional knowledge of male endurance athletes.

Invitation to participate
You are being invited to take part in a research study that will form the basis of 2 undergraduate research projects at the University of Ulster. Before you decide whether or not to take part, it is important that you understand what the research is for and what you will be asked to do. Please read the following information and do not hesitate to ask any questions about anything that might not be clear to you. Make sure that you are happy before you decide what to do. Thank you for taking the time to consider this invitation.

Purpose of the study
Exercise increases the loss of water and electrolytes from the body and, if dehydration (a loss of > 2% body weight through sweat) occurs, this can significantly impair exercise performance. It is important that athletes commence exercise in a hydrated state and have an adequate fluid intake during and after exercise. Sweat rates vary dramatically between athletes and it is important that athletes consume enough fluid during exercise to maintain an adequate hydration status in line with individual needs. Furthermore, nutrition has a profound effect on sports performance and it is important that athletes have a good understanding of their nutritional requirements for optimal performance.

The aim of this study is to assess the hydration status of athletes before and after training and to assess the nutritional knowledge of athletes.

Why have I been chosen?
You have been chosen for this study as you fulfil our inclusion criteria. We are looking for healthy male athletes over the age of 18 who currently train on a regular basis.

Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part you will be given this information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. You should be aware however that as the urine samples provided are fully anonymous, it will not be possible to withdraw samples from the study.

What will happen to me if I take part?
If you do decide to take part you will be asked to do the following:
1. Provide a urine sample (~10ml) immediately before and immediately after training on one occasion. Urine samples will be used to assess your hydration status.
2. Complete a questionnaire to assess your sports nutrition knowledge.
3. Have your weight (kg) and height (m) measured. (n.b. weight will be recorded before and after training).

All samples, questionnaires and data will be fully anonymised.

Your participation in the study should take no longer than 45 min in total.

Risks
Participation in this study will pose no risk to participants.

Possible benefits
There are no direct benefits to study participants; however, the findings from this study will provide valuable information with regard to the general hydration status of athletes within your club/team before and after training.

What if something goes wrong?
It is extremely unlikely that something will go wrong during this study. However, you should know that the University has procedures in place for reporting, investigating, recording and handling adverse events and complaints from study volunteers. The University is insured for its staff and students to carry out research involving people. The University knows about this research project and has approved it. Further details on the complaints procedure can be found in the University’s "Research Ethics and Governance" webpage (Internet address: http://research.ulster.ac.uk/rg/0208ResearchVolunteerComplaintsProcedure.pdf). Any complaint should be made, in the first instance, to the Chief Investigator identified for this particular study. Any complaint you make will be treated seriously and reported to the appropriate authority.

Confidentiality
All samples, questionnaires and data will be fully anonymous.

What will happen to the results of the study?
The results of the study will be written up as an undergraduate research project by a final year BSc Hons Human Nutrition student. The student will provide general feedback on the results of the study in the form of a short presentation to the club/team.

Who is organising and funding the research?
This study is being conducted as a final year research project funded by the University of Ulster.

Who has reviewed this study?
This study has been reviewed by the Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee, University of Ulster.

Contact details:

Sarah-Jayne Boyce: Boyce-SJ@email.ulster.ac.uk

Dr Pamela Magee: pj.magee@ulster.ac.uk

Senior Indoor's

Once again Sligo AC will be well represented as a number of the club’s athletes
Travel to the Senior Indoor Championships 2012 in Belfast on 11th/12th February.
Below are the names and the events our athletes will be competing in and we would like to wish them all the best from all in Sligo AC.


Colm Bourke (Long Jump)
Emily Burns (Long Jump)
Zak Irwin (60m) & (200m)
Rachael Kilgallon (800m)
Dermot Dermott (800m)
Alberto Sanchez (3000m)
Killian O Connor (1500m)

Cross Country Team Results

TEAM RESULTS FROM ATHLETICS IRELAND CROSS COUNTRY, BOYLE 2012

Master Women
Sligo AC finished in 7th Place

Master Men
Sligo AC Finished in 8th Place

Intermediate Men
Sligo AC Finished in 8th Place

Well done to all, your club is proud of you...... :)

Cross Country in Boyle.

Once again Sligo AC was well represented at the Juvenile B Cross country and the Intermediate & Masters races in Lough Key Forest Park Today. Action commenced at 11:30am with the Juveniles and proceeded to the intermediates and the Masters taking to the course at 2:30pm. Conditions were challenging to say the least due to the wet weather we have been encountering while the course also offered some challenges for the athletes to contend with, Underfoot was very mossy and soft in places, and it got very cut up as the races progressed, again making it more difficult for the following competitors. The distances covered varied depending on age categories and a massive congratulations goes out to all for representing the club with outstanding performances on the day, a special mention has to go to Oisin Harney and Thomas Delahunt medal winners on the day.
At the time of going to post official positioning was not confirmed but once received will be posted here.

Fit 4 Life Result's Race Two 2012

The second leg of the Winter League fit4life took place at a frosty riverside last Thursday as 120 hardy participants faced a testing 2 mile run which was an out and back route along the cycle and pedestrian path so well laid out by the Borough Council.
The handicapper erred on the generous side with Maurice Meade who took full advantage and came home well clear in an impressive 12mins 47 seconds ahead of Sligo AC's promising young walker Orla Delahunt with Winnie Connolly in third
Michael O Connell was fastest on the night ahead of Conal Sexton and Tom Meehan while Roseanne Mitchell was fastest women ahead of Cindy Mc Carthy and the improving Geraldine Gilroy.

Maracycle weekend 23 & 24 June 2012

OK all you Sligo AC members looking to give your joints a rest from the constant pounding why not set yourself a "different" challenge while also doing something for charity, Read on.........

Co-operation Ireland presents Maracycle 2012, a weekend of cycling between the two major cities of Belfast and Dublin, with shorter distances to suit all abilities. Starting in Belfast on Saturday 23 June you have an option of cycling 110 miles to finish in Dublin, 40 miles to finish in Newry, or start in Newry and cycle 70 miles to Dublin. There is also a choice of starting in Dublin on Sunday 24 June and cycling 110 miles to finish in Belfast, 70 miles to finish in Newry or start in Newry and cycle 40 miles to Belfast. You can also take on a combination of options, for example, Newry to Dublin on Saturday and Dublin to Newry on Sunday with a total of 140 miles, or for the more experienced cyclist and those looking for a major challenge, there is also the option of cycling 220 miles both days.

This year, for the first time, we have introduced a Company Challenge, giving the opportunity for a minimum of 6 colleagues to take on the challenge of cycling all or part of the route. Cycle 40, 70 or 110 miles on either 1 or both days. You can choose 1 section and ride as a group, or each person can simply just choose which distance would suit them best. It is not a relay, but an opportunity to be part of the cycling weekend, setting realistic mileage targets for your own ability. It is also an opportunity for a your company to get involved in the community, a great team-building exercise, a personal challenge for individuals and the chance to do something positive for charity by raising sponsorship in support of your efforts. Already we have a commitment of teams from DHL, Jury’s Inns, Northgate and Haldane & Fisher and aim to ensure that each county in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is represented. Should you wish to share this information with your own company or a company you have an association with, please forward email details to us and we will follow up.

Bus & lorry transfers for you and your bike are available on all stages of the challenge. There is also a superb overnight package at Dublin City University on the Saturday which includes breakfast and evening meal and great entertainment in the bar area at DCU, offering a great opportunity for a get together with your colleagues and other cyclists. People wishing to spend Friday evening in Belfast will be accommodated in Jurys Inn who are offering a great family package including choice of visitor attraction.

Raise £100/€114 for Co-operation Ireland's peace-building programmes through your efforts and receive a fantastic cycle shirt FREE . Additionally if you want to raise sponsorship for another charity of your choice, anything above this amount can be split on a 50/50 basis, and as long as you provide us with the name and address of your chosen charity, we will handle all the administration. We can provide you with fundraising ideas, sponsorship cards and support letters to help with raising sponsorship.

For full details, please follow the link www.cooperationireland.org/supportus/2012/maracycle where you will be able to download information, entry forms or enter online. If you need to talk to us about the event, please call on +44 (0) 28 9032 1462 or send us an email to events@cooperationireland.org

Running off-road in Connaught

All,
Please see message forwarded to Sligo AC for sharing,,

Due to a large amount of Interest a Facebook group page has been set up as a focal point for runners to organise off-road runs in the Connaught area. There will be information on routes (GPS tracks and maps), safety, info and discussions on training. Group training runs will be organised with runners also being able to organise runs themselves. Wed hope that runners would upload routes to the Group page to share with other runners. Hill running as excellent training for all runners whether running Track, road, cross country as well as obvious benefits to hill and orienteering specialists. Running in new and scenic places is also just as good for the mind as for the body!

Could you pass on the following Facebook URL to your members?

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/102676813190044/

The page was set up yesterday and has 85 members already

Calling ALL Women

Thousands to take to the streets of Castlebar for Western People
West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon.
The third annual Western People West of Ireland Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Castlebar on Sunday, May 6, 2012. More than 5,000 women are expected to take part in this year’s event. The 10K race is open to serious athletes, fun runners and walkers. It also acts as a major fundraiser for charities and over the last two years. The mini marathon has become a major event in the "Running" calendar and is a vital focus now for women who participate in our running programmes such as Fit4life and gives a great goal for all to aim for and hopefully keep the interest and enjoyment alive. So Ladies if you have not already started your training get out there especially with the long bright evenings approaching and the lovely crisp air we are currently experiencing and start yor "road to Castlebar" and you never know where it may lead you too.
Entrants must be over 15 years of age. Ladies can enter online at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com. Entry costs €20.
Enjoy.............

AGM Minutes.

Please see a summary of the Minutes of Sligo AC's AGM which was held in the Sligo Best Western Southern hotel on Monday 30th Jan. last.

Chairman Michael O’Connell welcomed all members to the meeting and gave a detailed report on activities throughout 2011 which has been a great year for the club. Michael highlighted the achievements of all medal winners from the club. Tommy Casey was congratulated on his Aviva Schools Award and winning the Senior Boys 1500m for a second consecutive year. Other notable achievements of James McGeough (Irish Schools) and Killian O’Connor (Irish Mountain Running) competing at international level were highly praised along with Emmett Dunleavy representing Ireland at the recent international cross country event in Antrim. Michael considered these honours to be a great reflection of the coaching staff and structure of Sligo AC.

Michael referred to the many successful events organised and hosted by Sligo AC during 2011 including Sligo 8K, Sligo Credit Union Road Race League (for which Mel Casserly was commended), Round 1 of National League, Connaught Track & Field, Streets of Sligo 5k and Connaught cross country. The year was rounded off by a very successful staging at Sligo Racecourse of the National Inter Counties & Even Ages cross country championships in November. This involved a lot of hard work on behalf of Sligo Co Board including Anne McHugh and Terry Hayes and many other club members who helped out. It was noted that the huge success of the event generated fantastic feedback nationally.
Michael highlighted that Sligo AC now has an official crest for the first time which will feature on all new singlets and gear and improve identity for the club at races.
Michael thanked Barry O’Flynn, Sligo Credit Union and Ciaran Donnellan, Amcor for their generous sponsorship contribution towards the cost of club gear and events especially at a time when monies are hard for clubs to generate. Michael thanked all the club coaches for their hard work especially Rory Connor who has assisted in many other additional activities throughout the year. Michael referred to the massive increase in registration of members to Sligo AC and commented on the huge success of the Fit for Life series which has brought a lot of newcomers to the sport. Outgoing Secretary Mary Foye gave an outline of registrations with over 300 paid-up members registered for 2011. It was noted that from AAI figures, club membership in Sligo had risen by 46% in the past year, by far the highest increase throughout the country. Michael O’Connell extended sincere thanks on behalf of Sligo AC for Michael O'Harts longstanding dedication to the role of Treasurer and continually keeping the finances in such good order, Michael O'Hart was stepping down as Sligo AC treasurer with well over 20 years service in the position.
Election of Officers was conducted and below are the 2012 Sligo AC elected officers.

Chairperson - Michael OConnell
Vice Chairperson - Enda Dineen
Secretary - Mel Casserly
Vice Secretary - Alan Keirns
Treasurer - Vanessa Foley
PRO - Enda Dineen
Child Welfare Officer - Michael Gilroy
Coaches Representative - Terry Hayes
Club Kit Manager - Seamus Somers.

Alan Kearins highlighted the importance of discussion with parents of juvenile athletes in terms of coaching methods, planning and expected achievements.
Suggestions were made to investigate having a subsidised club Physio, have a sports dietician/nutritionist give a talk to club members to which Ray Flynn has arranged for Chris Jones who coaches Fionnuala Britton and Mary Cullen to come to Sligo to give a talk/presentation on nutrition and coaching on 7th March 2012. More details to follow.

The meeting was concluded by Chairperson Michael O'Connell thanking everyone for their attendance and the first meeting of the new committee will be scheduled for February, date to be confirmed.