................SLIGO ATHLETIC CLUB................

Another Sligo AC Winner...And more.

2012-02-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

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....

2012-02-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

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........

2012-02-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

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..

2012-02-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

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..

2012-02-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-11T12:15:00.000-08:00

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..

2012-02-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Boyle Cross Country 05 Feb 2012

The height of Fashion.......

2012-02-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

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..

2012-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-07T00:19:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-03T04:01:00.000-08:00

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.

2012-02-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Update..

2012-01-31T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Sligo AC AGM was held in The Best Western Southern Hotel in Sligo last night.
I will post a summary of the meeting minutes once compiled and any other business addressed at the meeting. If you would like to post anything on the Sligo AC blog such as an event please forward details to sligoac@gmail.com.

Fit4Life

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dont Forget
Race 2 in the Fit 4 Life series is on this Thursday February 02nd.
Make registration easy by remembering your number and be aware of your group at the start as the groups will go very close to each other.
Register from 6:00pm - 6:20pm at the Cleveragh Park across from Smyths Toys.
Happy Running, and Enjoy...

WANTED....

2012-01-31T04:20:00.000-08:00

Hi Running colleagues:
If any of you have old spikes whatever condition or size could please let us have them for recycling. They are invaluable to children who are trying out cross country or track for the first time and do not as yet have their own. If they are in top condition due to the fact they are expensive a small fee can be arranged. If you can help please contact any of the Club coaches who will be present at the Sligo IT training track every Tuesday and Thursday between 17:00pm and 18:30pm.
Thank you in advance.

Join SPAR and Ray for 5K

2012-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again...after the inaugural series of 5ks last year, Ray and Co are ready to do it again this year! With 5 new locations just announced it's time to get the training started. We'll have more information on the clubs and routes in the near future.

Monday April 2nd – Kilkenny

Tuesday April 3rd – Limerick
Wednesday April 4th – Sligo
Thursday April 5th – Tullamore
Friday April 6th (Good Friday) – Dublin

Once more information becomes available for this event we will post on this blog
and local media. If you have any queries please mail us at sligoac@gmail.com

XC Inter / Masters Boyle

2012-01-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

Best of luck to all Sligo AC athletes competing in the Inter / Masters Cross Country in The Forest Park, Boyle, County Roscommon, next Sunday February 05th. Happy Running from all in the club.

Saturday Morning Run.

2012-01-28T05:41:00.000-08:00

Once again the 7:57 Trail Runners took shelter and comfort in the surroundings of Union Wood this morning, Sources close to the Blog Spotter said that Sligo AC's hardened Road Runners were spotted pounding the roads of the Yeats County early this morning, and we have photographic evidence of Sligo AC's "Legs 11" training group who also braved the elements this morning and were spotted in a scenic area of the County completing there long run, well done to all Sligo AC members for choosing to stay active this morning and get out and enjoy the fresh air and banter of each training group rather than lazing the day away. All members are asked to remember that the club's AGM is on this Monday evening January 27th in The Sligo Southern Hotel and all are asked to attend, we would also like to invite any one wishing to join the club to attend on the night.
Happy Running...

Sligo Try A Tri.

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

This year's Sligo Try A Tri event organised by Sligo Triathlon Club takes place on Sunday the 15th of April starting from the Regional Sports Centre, Sligo. It involves swimming 10 lengths of the pool, a 10km cycle and a 4km run.

Entry is now open on www.triathlonireland.com.

Go on give it a go.......

Sligo AC training times and venues.

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

ALL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.
Why not come and join Irelands fastest growing athletic club

Mondays 6:00pm to 7:00pm Sligo IT Gym for ages under 6s to under 15s

Tuesday 5:15pm to 6:15pm Sligo IT Track for all ages
6:00pm to 7:00pm Middle/ Long distance meet at Sligo IT for all
(including fit4life)

Thursday 5:15pm to 6:15pm Sligo IT Track for all ages
6:00pm to 7:00pm Cleveragh Middle/ Long distance meet Green Area
across from Smyths toys(including fit4life)

Saturday 07:57am to ????am Smyths toys for LONG distance road run, subject
to the odd change to Union wood

Sligo AC's future stars shine bright.

2012-01-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

The National Junior Indoors(U/20) were held in Nenagh on Sunday last. Some great performances by our young athletes. Emily Burns and Colm Bourke qualified respectively for their Long Jump Finals and acquitted themselves very well. Killian O'Connor finished 6th in the 1500m final while Zak Irwin qualified for the 60m Final and finished in 5th place. This augurs well for the season ahead, and well done to all athletes and their dedicated coaches from all in Sligo AC.

7:57 Club

2012-01-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

Once again there was a fantastic turnout at Union wood this morning for the weekly gathering of the renowned Sligo AC's 7:57 club. At the time of going to post the word on the ground was that a splinter group was spotted heading in the direction of Rosses Point as the 7:57 was gathering at Union, It is also rumoured that the discussion of the splinter group was focusing on a speed session which took place under the cover of darkness last Tuesday on the Hazelwood Road where it is alleged the average speed was above the legel limit for the area, it was also mentioned that one of the offenders was herd saying during one of the ferocious bursts of speed "when are we starting the session", the same offender is no stranger to entering races under an alias, The club Chairman is investigating these allegations. It is hoped that all athletes are enjoying their running and we hope to see the numbers increasing each week. A suggestion was also made that a new camera will need to be purchased with a telescopic lens as due to increased numbers the "old reliable iphone" no longer can handle the crowd's.
Please don't forget that Sligo AC's AGM is been held in the Sligo Southern Hotel on Monday January 30th at 7:30pm, all members are asked to attend and all newcomers are most welcome.

Emmet's success.

2012-01-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

What a great day for Sligo AC's Emmett Dunleavy who was the 1st Irish finisher and 17th overall in the Antrim International Cross country."Emmett kept the Kenyans well in his sights". Congratulations from all your running buddies in Sligo AC.
Photo by Declan Dunleavy.

Calender of Events Jan - Jun

2012-01-19T22:46:00.001-08:00

Athletics Calendar Jan to June 2012

Day Date Competition Category Venue

Sat Jan-21 Indoors T/F Senior combined Nenagh

Sat Jan-21 Indoors T/F Senior AAI games Nenagh

Sun Jan-22 Indoors T/F Junior Nenagh

Thurs Jan-26 XC Connacht Schools prelim Sligo & Galway

Sat Jan-28 Indoors T/F Juvenile combined Nenagh

Thurs Feb-02 Fit4life 2 miles Riverside

Sun Feb-05 XC Inter / Masters Boyle

Juveniles B Boyle

Wed Feb-08 XC Connacht Schools Finals Galway

Sat&Sun Feb 11&12 Indoors T/F Senior Championships Belfast

Thurs Feb-16 Fit4life 3K Sligo IT

Sat Feb-18 Indoors T/F Connacht Juvenile Hurdles Claremorris
Long jump / High jump

Sun Feb-26 XC Senior / Junior Inter Clubs Dublin

Thurs Mar-01 Fit4life 3K Sligo IT

Sun Mar-04 Road Race Carrick On Shannon 10K Carrick On Shannon

Thurs Mar-08 Fit4life 1 mile Riverside

Sat Mar-10 XC All Ireland Schools Finals Galway

Sat Mar-10 Road Race Cara 10 mile Bundoran, Donegal

Sat Mar-10 Duathlon Sligo Tri Club Spring Duathlon Rosses Point,

Sun Mar-11 Indoors T/F Connacht All ages / senior Nenagh
Relays , sprints , middle distance

Sat Mar-17 Road Race Tubbercurry 10K Tubbercurry

Sun Mar-18 Road Race Craughwell 10 Mile Craughwell, Co. Galway

Thurs Mar-22 Fit4life 2 miles Riverside

Sat&Sun Mar 24&25 Indoors T/F All Ireland session one Nenagh

Sat&Sun Mar 31&Apr 1 Indoors T/F All Ireland session two Nenagh

Mon Apr-09 Road Race Carney 10k Carney, Sligo

Sun Apr-15 Road Race National 10K (Great Ireland Run)Phoenix Park

Sun Apr-22 Road Relays All Ireland Senior and Masters Raheny

Wed May-02 Track & Field Connacht Schools preliminaries Sligo/Athlone/Galway

Sat May-12 Road Race Sligo AC 8 K Rosses Point Sligo

Thurs May-17 Track & Field Connacht Schools finals Athlone

Sat May-26 Road Race Carers 10K Sligo IT

Sat Jun-02 Track & Field All Ireland Schools Tullamore

Sun Jun-06 Duathlon Boyle Charity Duathlon Boyly, Roscommon

Sun Jun-17 Road Race Streets of Sligo Champion 5K Sligo Town

Sat Jun-30 Road Race Ransboro 10K Ransboro, Sligo

All information is correct of going to post Friday 20th Jan 2012.

2012-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

Best of luck to Sligo AC's Emmett Dunleavy who makes his International debut on Saturday in the IAAF International Cross country in Antrim. A richly deserved honour and no doubt it will be the first of many Irish singlets, all the hard work and many many miles are now paying off, Emmett Best wishes from all your friends in Sligo AC. Also best of luck to all other Sligo AC members travelling and competing in Antrim this Saturday, Enjoy the atmosphere and above all enjoy the running.

Teddy Bear's Picnic......

2012-01-17T12:06:00.001-08:00

If you go down to the woods this Saturday your in for a big surprise,
If you go down to the woods this Saturday you'll never believe your eyes,
For all the runners that ever there was are gathered there together because,
O'Connell has said get out of bed because the Pink T-Shirt is waiting for the Lazy head. The 7:57 club is heading for union wood Saturday morning and with 22 brave "Bears" last week expectations are high for increased numbers this week and all new comers are welcome as there are a number of pace groups available. The Irish aviation authority have been informed of the increased levels of high Viz clothing in the area and we are not expecting any air liners veering off course for the duration of the run. So see you there for the craic and banter provided by all on route.

Gold Medal for Sligo AC Athlete.

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations and well done to Sligo AC's Kevin Mc Glone who won GOLD in the 800metres M40 in 2.12 at the National Indoor Championshps in Nenagh. Well done Kevin from all at Sligo AC.

"Fit For Life"

2012-01-16T13:50:00.001-08:00

Fit4Life starts this Thursday 18th January with a 2 mile run along the Riverside. Register from 6pm opposite Smyths car park. Happy Running.

Sligo AC AGM

2012-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Sligo AC'S AGM will be held in Sligo Southern Hotel on Monday 30th of January at 7.30pm. All new members are welcome, so why not come along and join one of Irelands fastest growing Athletics clubs.

Sligo AC's " Little Children's Athletics"

2012-01-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

Little children's athletics every Monday at Sligo I.T. from 6-7pm. All newcomers are very welcome. It's play time while exercising at the same time. Fun for all.

Operation Transformation Walk......

2012-01-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

The Irish Sports Council and the 33 Local Sports Partnerships around the
country have teamed up with RTE's Operation Transformation Programme
(presenter Kathryn Thomas) to encourage people to follow a healthy lifestyle
in 2012.

People of Sligo are been encouraged to kick start a healthy and active
lifestyle for 2012 by joining Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership at 12
noon on Saturday 14th January for one of the Operation Transformation
National Walks. The meeting place for the walk is JFK Parade Sligo and the
route will follow along Doorly Park over a distance of 4 kilometres.

The Sligo walk will have an RTE film crew on site for the event and hence
the people of Sligo are encouraged to put on their walking shoes and promote
Sligo as an active an d scenic county to the nation (highlights from the
walk, one of only 7 walks to be filmed, will be featured on the 'Operation
Transformation' RTE programme on Wednesday 18th January).

Attached is a flier so please spread the message among family, friends, work
colleagues through your websites/ facebook pages/ email contacts etc.

Hope to see you on the day and 'Let's Get Sligo Walking'

Regards,
Shane
--
Shane Hayes

Sports Inclusion Disability Officer

Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership

FIT 4 Life Winter League

2012-01-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

We are kicking off Winter League next Thursday
Will send out handicaps(starting positions) in next couple of days but each person needs to get a starting number the first event.
If you are not on list dont panic you will be sorted on Thursday
Come before six to get registered.

This is a fantastic way to get into running so come along one and all, we cater for all abilities.

SLIGO FIT4LIFE Winter League 2012
An event for all levels of runner / walker.
6 events run on a handicap basis with slower walkers / runners starting ahead of faster competitors.
Handicaps are continually adjusted to give every participant an equal chance.

Date Time Distance Venue
Thurs 19 th Jan 6.30pm 2 mls Riverside (Cleveragh)

Thurs 2ndrd Feb 6.30pm 2 mls Riverside(Cleveragh)

Thurs 16th Feb 6.30PM 3K Sligo IT

Thurs 1st March 6.30pm 3 K SligoIT

Thurs 8th March 6.30pm 1ml Riverside(Cleveragh)

Thurs 22nd March 6.30pm 2 mls Riverside(Cleveragh)

ENTRY FEE 2 EURO PER EVENT

SCORING FIRST 1 PT, SECOND 2PTS DOWN TO LAST FINISHER
OVERALL RESULT LOWEST POINTS WINS FOLLOWED BY NEXT LOWEST DOWN THE TO LAST
MISS A RACE AND GET THE SCORE OF LAST FINISHER PLUS ONE
PRIZES FOR TOP FIFTEEN AFTER SIX EVENTS
Registration between 6pm and 6.20pm.Absolutely no entries after 6.20pm

Craughwell 10 Mile

2012-01-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Tommy casey winsAVIVA Tailteann Schools’ Awards 2011

2011-11-13T12:54:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Sligo AC’s Tommy Casey on winning the AVIVA Tailteann Schools’ Awards at the AAI awards 2011.Tommy won the schools 1500 meters in 2010 and 2011 (3:52), which brought him to the attention of the major US colleges and Okalahoma State University is where Tommy now calls home.

So from all Sligo athletes well done Tommy (and coach dad Michael)

Jaffa Cakes.....

2011-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

You’ll not get a Jaffa cake, fig roll, jelly baby, lucozade sport, PowerAde, cinnamon & raisin pancake between here and Mullingar this weekend.... haven’t forgotten about the banana they were got in the weekly “Big Shop” already.

Why could this be?

Because the lads from the 7:57 club are fuelling up, like a bear going into hibernation, for the marathon. For most Sligo people they go to Dublin for 3 reasons, the airport, the zoo and take that concerts, but these boyos aren’t most people they are marathoners so they add in a trip the last weekend in October each year and some have said it’s a lot less painful than having to go up shopping so it’s not that bad after all.

It all began in early June during one of the infamous long runs when it was whispered about getting ready for Dublin, a few side eyes and that sort of talk was banished so erly in the year.

A few weeks later the signs began to slowly show that marathon fever was brewing.
How can you tell I hear you ask.......It happens in stages!

Stage 1: The Little White LieYou turn up at the complex at 7:45 for the 7:57 run and see one or two cars already there but no one in or outside them, then just like a Michael Jackson thriller video they appear form the mist.
“You were out early”

Shuffle the feet and dont make eye contact

“I have a kid’s birthday party to go to” or “I have an underage Connaught cup match so I came out a bit earlier”.
But the scheme comes undone when they complete the distance with the lads.
“Someone’s gonna be late for the party and the other ones just missed the bus”

Sign 2: Building Sneaky Mileage

“I just left some water out on the route just in case” .Water for runs just over the hour a bit sus we think but say nothing but again the mask slips when you get to the complex and you hear “ I’m just going to do a few laps of the racecourse”.
Sign 3: Combination of 1 & 2.
We set out for the out and back at 7:57am of course, not a minute sooner or later, the out part has always been the same distance as the back part up until now, but for some strange reason we throw in a detour of a side road we would never usually have included, and why is this?
We are told “Sure it’s a grand morning to be out”....... would be if it wasn’t raining.
Nothing to do with the morning, it’s the little white lie to sneak in the miles.

Step 4: Dublin Hotel Prices
During the course of the Long run you just happen to mention that you might be going to Dublin for the weekend (visiting the Zoo, gona do a bit of shopping and sure if take that are in town we’ll pop along) don’t even mention dates and all of a sudden one of the lads has a rain man experience and can rattle of every hotel in Dublin in alphabetical order, prices for B&B and one evening meal sharing.... for when.....you guessed it last weekend in October
See their starting to slip up now.

Step5: More Miles
The long run goes up to 14 miles. No reason why, but still no admittance of entering marathon.

Step 5: I didn’t book it, it was the wife.

The hotel is booked for last weekend in October as close to the marathon start line as possible, which “I knew nothing about it; the wife booked it just in case.......”

Step 6: The Admission

It’s now mid July and no more denial, they’ve lived with it long enough and can’t hide it anymore, we’ve covered the county with Long runs, scattered water bottles from Ballicar to Knocknarae and on the day of admission a gel appears on the long run. That it the game is up full pelt ahead next stop Dubalin......
After this stage its all systems go and the body is prepared for distance only, miles are carefully added during the long runs and groups that begin together disintegrate over the morning as some of us mere mortals stick to the hour run only. Half marathons are entered and some 10kms for speed and as the time approaches the gels appear like the first snow drop in spring, it begins with one but quickly sprouts.

So that’s how it happens in the 7:57 club.

But on a serious note all these lads have put in a huge commitment and have dedicated huge amounts of time and effort to training for the marathon. From the outside looking in you may think that they have done so many marathons that they just turn up, but that is not the case.

Early mornings, rescheduling of family plans, missed nights out watching what you eat and drink are all par for the course. Lads getting out of their bed hours before the runs and driving miles out of their ways to leave out water bottles for us all along the route and back again to collect them after.

Morning and evenings when you wouldn’t put a dog out these boys took to the roads to stick to their schedules encouraging one another along the way.

No prima donnas or Billy big times here everyone was there to help the other along and although an individual sport they did it with team spirit and encouraged and persuaded any new comer that they could do it too.

Ordinary people doing extra ordinary things

Good luck:
Eamon Dunbar, Eamon Coyne, Seamus Somers, Mark Burns, Declan Foley, Enda Dineen, Ciaran Donnellan, Mel C, Richard Gorman, Ross McLynn, Paul Deering, John Whelan, Enda Whelan, Damien Kenneddy, Kieran Coleman, Joe Davey

Like their male compatriots our ladies have put in the hard slog for the 26.2 miles juggling their time and other commitments to build the mileage necessary for completing the task.
Many a mile was put in the race course on Saturday mornings and that’s not an easy place to do your long runs mentally or physically. Building steady mileage over the summer months to culminate in the completion of the marathon has paid off
So ladies I am sure you will achieve all you set out to achieve

Good luck to
Linda Higgins, Roseanne Mitchell, Aisling Kennedy, Maeve Hayes, Aisling Gillen, Sharon Dineen.

Well done boys’ yer a credit....

Happy running

Marathoners......

2011-10-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

“A marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time.
It's all in conquering the challenge."

October 31st 2011 the date many of our Sligo athletes will have a life changing experience.
The marathon is a daunting thought for those experiencing their first one, but thinking about it is worse than the reality. That’s what sets you aside as a marathoner you’re not thinking about it anymore you’re doing it, you’ve realised the challenge and are facing it head on.

You‘ve put in the training, the hard miles, you’ve made the sacrifices and gave the commitment and now you are ready for that challenge.

The dream of completing 26.2 miles will become a reality, the race will start and finish, the day will end, and it will all be over .You will experience pain and hurt, self doubt, and more than once you will question whether you can complete the distance, you will have a moment when you say “I don’t think I can do this” and when this happens remember in the end you will have a lifetime of knowing you have.
You are a marathoner.

The emotion of crossing the finish line is like nothing you have experienced before and cannot be described until you experience it yourself. Just before you close your eyes that night you will smile and feel the joy of what you have achieved, you won’t remember hurt or pain and wonder to yourself what was all the fuss about.

You will be the inspiration for others to follow.

Take a bow marathoner.

McMillan's Marathon Manual

2011-09-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

Below, you will find the instructions I use with my coaching clients who are getting ready for a marathon. These general guidelines and tips will help you get to the line ready for a peak performance. As always, you should have practiced much of what is in this manual in training. Race day is simply a celebration of all the hard work you have completed and a chance to let your performance shine!

First, pat yourself on the back. Training for a marathon is not easy and often does not go smoothly but getting to the line shows your dedication and determination. The race is the icing on the cake. As this week of nervousness proceeds, take time to remember to thank those who have supported you in your marathon quest.

The two weeks prior to the marathon is what I call the 'great marathon freak-out' that occurs during the peaking process. Questions abound. Self-doubt creeps in. Fear is present. The marathon becomes monumental. Don't worry. Everyone feels this way. We put so much into the training and want desperately for the race to go well. Use this peaking time to reflect on all your successes in the training. Think good thoughts. Run strong in the remaining workouts and focus on relaxing the body/mind. Negative thoughts will creep in but just push them aside and focus on the positive. Don't over rest or overeat but just relax and smile.

A few general tips for marathoners:

1) Pack your race gear in your carry-on baggage. You can always buy new casual clothes but you don't want to have to buy new shoes and race clothes for the race. Lay all your gear out on the bed and make sure you pack everything you need in your carry-on bag. Don't forget band-aids, chafing prevention, nutrition, etc. And remember, new TSA security requirements can sometimes limit gels, rehab tools like The Stick and foam rollers in carry-on baggage, so you may have to put those items in your checked baggage or buy them at the race site.

2) Carry food with you at all times. In the peaking phase, you never want to get hungry (especially the last 3 days before the race). Again, don't overeat but just be prepared in case a meeting goes long or you are late for a meal. Always have a good snack available. In addition to your race gear, pack some good food in your carry-on bag. You may want something to eat on the plane/train/car. The final week before the race is also a good week to have fluids with you at all times as well. Don't over drink but just be prepared. Have something available at all times. Variety in beverages is good as well - water, Gatorade, juices, etc.

3) Book your pre-race dinner before leaving home. You will not be alone in wanting a proven pre-race meal the night before the race. Plan ahead by making a reservation before you even leave home. The concierge at your hotel can recommend restaurants near your hotel or you can do some research online to check menus, etc. Nothing is worse than arriving at the race site and all of the desired restaurants are booked so don't leave your meal to chance. Find a relaxing place and enjoy a nice, enjoyable dinner. I usually try to eat close to my hotel so I can take a leisurely 10-15 minute walk after dinner. Don't eat too early or too late.

4) The first thing you should do after settling into your hotel is find a grocery store. Ask the front desk for the nearest one or call ahead to expedite the process. Go immediately to the grocery store and stock up. Buy the foods you like and you know prepare you for successful running. I buy bananas, Gatorade, water, instant oat meal (though usually brought from home), bagels and spread, peanut butter and jelly, energy bars, etc. Again, you never want to get thirsty or hungry prior to the race. Being stocked will help avoid this. Don't just eat out of nervousness but have food available if you need a snack.

5) You'll likely need to visit the expo to pick up your race number, chip, etc. Enjoy the expo but don't spend all day there. It's too much time on your feet. Browse through it, pick up what you need and get out. The expo is where many runners get dehydrated and hungry so carry fluids and fuel with you to keep this from happening.

6) Race morning will be exciting but you need to plan your morning ahead of time so you just follow the routine and don't have to stress about anything. You'll be keyed up but you shouldn't need to panic about what to do when. Plan your wake up time to allow for your morning breakfast and digestion. Your marathon-specific long runs have provided ample opportunity to figure out your pre-run routine so follow it. Have a good breakfast, get your bowels empty, get dressed and get to the starting line. Plan all of this out for timing. Count backward from the race start and document each minute up until race time. Have breakfast with you or know where you are going to get it. Stay relaxed. Use your hotel bathroom as much as possible because the portajohns always have a line. Have your gear laid out the night before so you can just go through the motions getting dressed and ready. Keep fluids and easily digestible foods close at hand up until the start.

I always have a banana (they digest easily) with me up until right before the race. If I ever feel that breakfast is 'wearing off', I can have a few bites of banana. I also keep a Gatorade bottle in hand all the way up the start. I chuck it with a minute or two before the race. I don't constantly drink but just have it in case I feel the need to drink something or wet my mouth. Lining up for the race can be stressful so plan ahead. Know where your corral/pacing area is and how to get to it. (You may want to scout this the day before the race if the start is close by.) Don't think you can arrive 10 minutes before the race and step on the line. Plan ahead and you'll be feeling great because you got into your spot in good time, got a good spot in your area and have your nutritional and fluid needs met. Monitor the weather the rest of the week so you will know how to dress. I always have some 'throw away' gear on hand in case it's cold. You should have a hat, gloves and t-shirt that can be peeled off and tossed aside if not needed or to toss after warming up during the race. You may want to have an old t-shirt available to wear while waiting in your corral. Again, the better planning you do for race morning, the less stressful it will be.

7) Most runners on most courses run best when they run even splits (the first half-marathon and the second half-marathon are run in the same time). I like to start out a little slower than goal pace for the first few miles to warm up but then settle into goal pace. Always think about running as efficiently and relaxed as possible and don't let your mind think about really racing until 22 miles in the marathon. Remember, what you are doing is not something new to you. You've done this time and time again in training. The race is simply a fun long run with a bunch of other folks along a route with crowds cheering for you. Don't over think things. Just let your body do what it's trained to do. (Get out of your own way!)

Relax in the beginning and get ready to run fast like in your fast finish long runs. Run strong from 22 miles in the marathon to the finish just like you have mimicked in practice. There will be plenty of pacing groups so you should be able to find others who are running your pace. Form some friendships and work together.

8) There will be plenty of fluids on the course (usually Gatorade Endurance Formula). You've had plenty of time to work out your nutrition/hydration strategy for the race. During the race, simply implement it. At fluid stations, I usually try to grab a cup as I enter the aid station and another as I exit it. This way, I get two opportunities for fluids since most of it gets spilled. Take your time in the aid stations and get your fluids. Think "Sip and Carry" not "Grab and Gulp".

Monitor your hydration as you go. If you start to feel full or 'sloshy', skip a station and get the next one. No problem. You know your schedule so just do what's been working for you. In all of this, I never want to try something new. Just do what's worked for you. It's not magic. It's just doing what you have been trained to do.

9) The most important thing to remember about running a marathon is to have FUN! I assume that you run primarily because it's fun. The race must be as well. Don't stress about it or get too caught up in it. Just go there to have fun.

I've also posted two pre-marathon articles on the Running University page of my website. Be sure to scan those as they may be beneficial in your preparations.

Best of luck!
Greg
(Follow me on Twitter @McMillanRunning for more tips)

PS: Post Race Tips

You'll want to celebrate after the race so here are a few tips to make your post-race fun more fun.

1) Runners always think about what they are going to wear to the starting line but rarely what they are going to wear when they finish. Far too often, I've seen marathon finishers wrapped in the finishing blankets freezing cold as they walk back to their hotels. If there is a bag drop at the start (where the race will bring your bag to the finish line), remember to include some warm, dry clothes for after the race. If there is no bag drop but friends/family will greet you after the race, give them some warm clothes to bring to you. Believe me, you'll be so glad you prepared for your after-the-race clothing.

2) While you may want to hit the bar for a celebratory drink, I recommend your first drinks be your recovery drinks. Before leaving for the race start, place two smoothies, shakes or other recovery drinks in the hotel fridge or ice bucket. When you get back to your room after the race, down as much of it as you can. Sometimes your stomach isn't ready for a meal but these post-race drinks go a long way to helping you recover and be ready for your celebratory drinks. As you unwind, shower and rest, continue to drink as much Gatorade as your stomach will tolerate to help rehydrate yourself. As with training, your urine frequency and color will let you know when you're rehydrated.

3) Also before you head to the starting line, fill your hotel room bathtub up with cold water. Hang the sign on your door to not clean your room. Then, when you are heading back to the room after the race, stop by the ice machine and fill a bucket or plastic bag up with ice. Get in the tub and add the ice. Sit and relax for 15-20 minutes in the ice bath (perfect time to drink your recovery drink) and reflect on your race. This quick ice bath can really help with post-race recovery. You'll be stiff from the bath when you stand up (you might need some help standing up) but then simply drain the bath, turn on the hot water and take a nice hot shower. I'm always amazed at how fresh I feel after this ice bath/hot shower combo post-marathon.

4) You need to get some proper food in you so either head to a restaurant very, very close by or (my usual option) order room service. I'm usually not interested in a big meal post-marathon so I pick something that will be satisfying and easy to digest. Relax as you eat and keep rehydrating.

5) Now that you are refueled, moving toward recovery with the ice bath/hot shower and cleaned up, REST. I know the inclination is to go celebrate but trust me, rest now and you'll enjoy your celebration more. I recommend resting for 2-4 hours post-race just to make sure you get refueled and rehydrated properly. You give you muscles time to relax and recovery. You may not be able to nap (preferred rest) but I recommend you take some time to just chill out and let the body and mind recover. You just ran a marathon so respect that your body needs some down time before party time.

6) Now that you've done #1-5, it's time to go celebrate. I find that if you give your body a few hours to recover from running 26.2 miles, you can then really enjoy your accomplishment with a good meal and fun time with friends, fellow runners and family.

2011-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

ATHLETICS SLIGO WOMEN’S 5K

A 5 km Road Race for female runners and walkers (aged 16 +) of all abilities and fitness levels

Sunday 25th September 2011

1.00 pm – at St Mary’s GAA Club
Registration on the day from 11.00 am

Enquiries/Registration: Terry Hayes 0872274622

Entries by post or online to runireland.com before September 23rd 2011 will be guaranteed a T-Shirt.
By post Terry Hayes, 16 Rathanna, Sligo

Prize Categories: (Prizes based on category entered)

Senior 1st 2nd 3rd
O40 1st 2nd 3rd
O45 1st 2nd 3rd
O50 1st 2nd 3rd
O55 1st 2nd
O60 1st 2nd
Junior (16yrs – 20yrs) 1st 2nd 3rd
Walkers 10 prizes

Entry Fee €10 on line or by post. €15 on day of competition

Name:

Club: (if any) Runner:  Walker: 

Age on Race Day (Runners): Category:

Long Run & Warriors....

2011-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

We’re back with the Long Run details and here it as I have it form the chair “Lads 7.57 at the complex Saturday” that’s it. So this week ladies and gents it seems we’re not leaving the complex so anyone looking to do 14-16 miles, well..... that’s roughly 154-167 laps of the complex car park, water will be left at the bottle banks to be consumed after lap 83 and not before it and as always give way to oncoming traffic i.e. parents leaving kids off to swimming.

Ah no I’d say we’ll depart the complex and take a mystery tour yet again around the Sligo countryside, with the tour master Dineen setting the route. Talk will inevitably turn to the league across the pond and Wayne Rooney’s hair transplant and how Liverpool are going to win the league again this year but will be short lived as the chat will inevitably turn to the warriors run later in the day. This of course will be the second most significant run of the day, the 7:57 club long run being the most significant of course.

We will most likely lose one or two soldiers to the warriors but they’ll be back next week and to the hearty soles on day release form the 7:57 club god speed to ye brave sons may the wind be at yer back a and the sun in yer faces.
This is a killer run make no mistake about that but one of the most satisfying sense of achievements that you will get at the finish, with the first time marathon being the ultimate.

It’s a bit different not only as races go in relation to the route, there’s road, trail, cross country, uphill, downhill and round a Cairn on top of a mountain. But also with the kit bag. Usual culprits will be there singlet, short, socks and runners and towel, but add to this the warriors survival kit. Pain killers with ibuprofen (swelling you don’t even know you have yet), blister plasters for blister you haven’t got yet but will appear later, ice packs for the hamstring or quad strain you don’t know you have yet, plasters for the miscellaneous grazes that appear from nowhere that you ask yourself “how’d I get cut there”.

Yes it’s a bit different alright.

But even after all these precautions to soften up the body for the abuse you put it through in the hope that they will gain you brownie points your chassis will kick back, not immediately. So while you enjoy the after warriors glow of achievement and lap up the plaudits of on lookers “Well fair play to ya” deep down a master plan is being hatched. It will start with a slight tightness noticeable after getting up from a seated position , making your way to the little boys (or girls) room, followed by a sudden sharp pain in some part of the antomy, will be short but sharp.
That evening the “warriors” walk will speak volumes.
If you were to walk up to the bar staff ask them did they see your horse, and if they say no without batten eye lid then you’re a warrior alright. Stairs will be out for 2-3 days starting from Monday.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

To Seamie, Mel, Eamnon Coyne, Ross and Mark we salute ye.
Seamie “Oisin” Somers, they say is so young looking he comes from Tir Na Nog, could enter the kids race at half one, win it, and then run the seniors at three. Oisin only aged when he touched the earth but Seamie glides over the ground, his feet aren’t touching the earth long enough for it even to notice he’s there. A great run last year saw him finish 12th overall.

Mel Casserly goes to post and the organiser supreme is in great shape as proven out in the horseshoe where he not only showed great endurance over the hilly course but introduced us to his to his new friend “ kick finish” who came out to play in the final sprint in Gleniff. If any man can dig in its Mel and in the form he is in there is no reason he won’t improve on his 26th place finish of last year. Just hope he brings his own runners or will he need to borrow David’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eamonn Coyne will toe the warrior’s line on Saturday also, now Coyner we’ll have no Aikido on the mountain if someone tries to pass ya just play it cool son and get them on the way down. Eamon has clocked the miles over the last few weeks and is great nick to run a warriors personal best, and no doubt will enjoy a bevy or two after in the Strand; ya never know the entertainment might even throw in a Metallica tune or two just to round off a perfect day. Carpe Diem Baby.

Ross McGlynn will take his marks outside the surf school tomorrow, more accustomed to being in the hill “catching waves” in surf school the mountain will hold no fear for McGlynn as many a winter mountain run in Limerick will have made him race ready for the bump of Knocknarae. A 10th place finish (1hr 30 secs) in 2009 is beatable and maybe the sub 60 minutes will be achieved al gong well.

Last but by no means least is Mark “Coohcy” Burns, who’ll turn up in Strandhill ready to rumble, not literally, or maybe, no he won’t. If theirs any man (no offence to anyone else) you want to see run a good one its Burnsie and it’s a race that plays to his strengths, and that is his strength. His commitment to training is unquestionable spending more time on the roads than “catseyes” and has more miles in his legs than a car dealer’s showroom. The climbing may hurt but Marky can get through this and put in a good finish off the mountain should see him run a good one.

So apologies if I have left any of the club out and good luck to all who run this gruelling event.

To the Warriors we salute you one and all

Saturday Long Run

2011-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

As of going to press still no conformation from the hierarchy in relation to the 7:57route for Saturdays Long Run, but fear not it will take place so just arrive on time at the complex for a return of the “Mystery Tour of Sligo”. These were common occurrences in the recent past when no routes were pre selected prior to the rendezvous at break of light at the complex. So as we all gathered double guessing the route our human GPS. Mr.Hunter would swan in, some say late but I believe he just arrived when he planned to, and after the last slug of coffee he’d hop out of the jeep and made the announcement “Carraroe, out the dual carriageway, into Union down by Toms, over Carnamoddagh, Holywell and back to the complex 15 miles” Sound.

Generally we all agreed nice route Trev, good 15 miles, but there’s always the “wan” “That’s not 15, its at least 16 and a half if not 17, I’m telling ya” “I’m not going into Union,” no names mentioned but he has a dog the size of a lion, with the strength of an Ox that would write of a car if it hit him.....

Yes the mystery tours were a joy to be on, in the early days some of us townies would get to carraroe roundabout and wonder what was beyond this point, we were stepping into the unknown once we went by the borough boundary stone, and we discovered parts of Sligo we never knew existed on the mystery tour, places like Ransboro, Drumishkabowel and Ballintogher come to mind. It was an education in itself on them Saturday morning runs.

But in recent times we have become more structured in our training and plan well in advance as was the case last week when we did the “Rosses Point Run”. Usual suspects were in attendance for the early morning roll call (see bookface evidence).
Burnsie provided the hard evidence that he is in full 26.2mile marathon mode, a box of gels in the back of the car “bargain”. Eamon Coyne turned up in a flashy new “sport vehicle”, no recession in the health board and Mel Casserly arrived with a brand spanking new pair of New Balance trainers...for David. Oh ya the brother “lost” one runner and Mel was unfortunate to be his size with a new pair straight from the box, so well done Mel. Don’t worry Mel you’ll get to wear your “new second hand runners” soon.

So ready for the off, wait Stevie just arriving late, not like him .......quick snap from Jimmy “O’Connell” Eccles for bookface, Mel takes the pink for the team and we’re off...

Not out the gate and the crying starts “Where’s the red mist, said he’d be here, I have gels for him.....” Anyway most did their 15 and a few hardy bucks went up to 18...myself and the chairman sauntered a leisurely 9.5 mile. Mickey provided the picnic after giving me biscuits “here take one of them “and sports drinks “here try that”, funny tablets (see the spaceships man) “here take them, here's a full packet” his generosity knows no bounds, I left the run full the run as the bingo bus.

So this Saturday just turn up at 7:57 and see where it takes us

P.S Congrats to Trevor Hunter on his first triathlon alo to other 7:57 club members Skinny McMorrow, Damien Kenneddy (relay)...

Coolaney 8km Results

2011-07-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,

Thank you for supporting our road race and summer festival in Coolaney last weekend. We hope you enjoyed the run in the sun and will be back to us next year.

As promised, attached are the results of the race. They won't be posted online so if you know of anyone else who didn't get a copy please let me know and I'll forward them.

Well done to all who won prizes or set a new personal best.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Joseph Fogarty
Coolaney Summer Festival Committee

No. Name Gender Category 00:00:01
130 Emmet Dunleavy Male Senior :25:56
143 Alan Kearins Male 35-45 :28:04
170 Seamus Summers Male 35-45 :28:38
136 Neil Higgins Male Senior :29:09
162 David Kearins Male 35-45 :29:15
141 Danny Hannon Male 45+ :29:20
109 John Canny Male Senior :29:56
120 Derek Hunter Male 45+ :30:35
112 Paul Deering Male 45+ :32:02
129 Colm Parke Male Senior :32:50
146 Rosanna Mitchell Female Senior :33:02
178 Ollie Brady Male Senior :33:28
160 Joh Molloy Male 45+ :33:33
182 John Kilgallen Male Senior :33:33
158 Cindy McCarthy Female 35-45 :33:39
144 Michael McDermott Male 45+ :33:53
184 Brian Mullen Male Senior :34:10
124 Joe Stagg Male 45+ :34:20
140 Alan French Male Senior :34:23
116 Fintan Brophy Male Senior :34:27
121 Anne Hunter Female 45+ :34:47
165 Paul McGrath Male 35-45 :34:50
183 Brendan Mullen Male 45+ :35:30
199 Conor McElhinney Male Senior :35:38
142 Stephanie McSharry Female Senior :35:43
181 Gerry Hargadon Male 45+ :36:23
159 Edel Cart Female Senior :36:25
173 Loraine Hosey Female 35-45 :36:40
172 Aisling Cawley Female 35-45 :36:43
193 Tom Cullen Male 45+ :36:45
171 Monica Henry Female 35-45 :36:48
101 Gavan Laws Male Senior :36:52
195 Fiona Lenihan Female 35-45 :36:57
117 Karen Gillen Male 35-45 :37:00
139 Ciaran Donnellan Male 45+ :37:00
166 Tony Walsh Male 45+ :37:00
177 David Bradish Male Senior :37:00
176 Declan Conlon Male Senior :37:10
115 Trevor Kelly Male Senior :37:24
153 Joe Davey Male 45+ :37:47
148 Padraig Casey Male 35-45 :38:06
149 Fintan Conlon Male Senior :38:06
107 Finbar Filan Male 35-45 :39:00
128 Gary Gallagher Male 35-45 :39:22
113 Deirdre Deering Female 35-45 :39:26
119 Conor Doyle Male Senior :40:16
108 Geraldine Gilroy Female 35-45 :40:28
150 Pauline Henry Female Senior :40:30
151 Brian McCann Male 45+ :40:41
118 Brian Doyle Male 35-45 :41:09
114 Seamus McLoughlin Male 35-45 :41:40
180 Dave Egan Male Senior :41:54
155 Jenny Arnsby Female Senior :42:58
104 Noelle Galvin Female Senior :42:59
125 Colletee Sheeran Female Senior :43:04
132 Tara Kelly Female Senior :43:27
179 Sarah McCaffrey Female 35-45 :43:34
152 Maurice Galvin Male 45+ :44:17
126 Robert Fitzpatrick Male 45+ :44:33
103 Emer Kelly Female Senior :45:34
187 Karen McIntyre Female Senior :45:47
188 Sandra Rowley Female Senior :45:48
127 Niamh Fitzpatrick Female 35-45 :46:14
123 Judy Inglis Female 45+ :47:16
168 Emer Liddy Female Senior :47:58
154 Aisling Davet Female 35-45 :48:22
122 Herby Inglis Male 45+ :49:36
131 Vanessa Dunleavy Female Senior :51:14
134 Sharon Frizzle Female Senior :51:21
167 Laura Gaffney Female Senior :52:13
157 Anne Conheady Female 45+ :56:16
156 Phil Rooney Female 45+ :56:44
137 Bernie Higgins Female Walkers :57:11
102 James McGuire Male Walkers 1:00:00
145 Fidelma Davey Female Walkers 1:00:15
138 Jerry Toolan Male Walkers 1:04:00
194 Peter Rynn Male Walkers 1:05:00
161 Patricia Walsh Female Walkers 1:07:40
106 Jane Farry Female Walkers 1:07:46
185 Margeret Rowley Female Walkers 1:08:10
186 Attracta McIntyre Female Walkers 1:08:10
163 Colletee McGowan Female Walkers 1:09:00
164 Yvonne McGown Female Walkers 1:09:00
147 Valerie Casey Female Walkers 1:11:20
174 Alicia Finan Female Walkers 1:11:20
175 Laura Walsh Female Walkers 1:11:20
135 Eileen Toolan Female Walkers 1:11:50
110 Caoilfhionn Geraghty Female Walkers 1:12:26
111 Dev Geraghty Female Walkers 1:12:26
196 Emma Gormley Female Walkers 1:13:15
197 Ailish Gormley Female Walkers 1:13:15
198 Geraldine Gormley Female Walkers 1:13:15
133 Teresa Frizzle Female Walkers 1:14:03
105 Joan McGuine Female Walkers 1:14:05
169 Pete Smith Male Walkers 1:14:05
189 Bridey Gallagher Female Walkers 1:16:15
190 Fiona Coleman Female Walkers 1:16:15
191 Fiona Coleman Female Walkers 1:16:15
192 Phil Coleman Female Walkers 1:16:15

7:57 Club Long Run Saturday July 23rd

2011-07-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Well folks week 2 of the 7:57 Long run update. These are the hearty souls who ventured on last week’s run (missing form crew is Mickey as he is the designated photographer, this pic will be filed under wildlife).Last week took in the Rosses point route so this week it changes to a more undulating route. This week’s route took us quite a while to come up with a title for the route, so after much deliberation and differencing of opinions we finally christened, it “The Calry Route”, probably wondering why......well it goes out to Calry.Geneous

This route holds biblical significance to the 7:57 crew, and one member in particular our beloved chairman Mr. O’Connell who believe it or not “walked on water” one Saturday morning. Confronted with flooded roads and fields the crew had to go cross country or turn back over killargleboy again, so it was onwards for the crew. We trudged through swampy marshes, and had to scale barbed wire and electric fences and the occasional wall to get to dry land, we nearly lost a man or two that morning but no soldier was going to be left behind (well unless a dog appeared then I was gone), when one fell we picked them up and carried on, more than once a fatigued comrade whispered “You go on leave me here, save yourself “but no we started together and we would finish together. Eventually we made dry land weary from the journey some men lost runners and socks, everyone’s runners were covered in a coat of mud and dirt except for one......Jesus O’Connell emerged from the battlefield spotless, not a spec on him his new Asics actually seemed to come out cleaner than when he went in, rumour has it he got a “piggy bank” from Mark Burns, but Burnsie categorically denies this, no that day Mickey walked on water, that’s the only logical explanation. God bless ya Mickey.
Also that faithful day we all made a collective decision, Mark Burns would only be permitted to select the long run route between the months of May and July, strictly for health and safety reasons.If by chance Burnsie was permoitted to select the route outside these dates it would require all athletes to bring a life jacket, rubber armbands, a flre gun ,iodine tablets and 20 fags......

Fortunately the weather has improved and Burnsie has used his quota of route selections so we’re back to Calry for the 15 miler tomorrow morning.
Starting at Complex heads across the back avenue, over footbridge, over by hospital, out toward Calry, left up the Black Mud Hill, Left over Faughts lane (at bottom of lane a left turn will bring you back to town) then from here head towards Killargleeboy (nice wee drag) in by Deer Park, Cloghereveagh, back in by the GAA pitch, Hazelwood Road, up by hospital, down footbridge and over back avenue back to the complex. Once again the pace is nice and easy (as should the Long Run be) and water will be left out on route and there are many stages you can turn off.
So look forward to seeing (well not as will be heading to Coollaney for the 8km).

Happy Running

7:57 Club Saturday Long Run

2011-07-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

Going to try and notify athletes of the infamous 7:57 Clubs long weekend run from now on. For anyone thinking of joining this motley crew, well time to stop thinking about it and drag yourself out of the kot, don the vest and lace the runners and get yourself down to the sports complex for 7:57am.

Early starts are difficult but you will feel great after finishing your days run at 9or 10am and having the rest of the day free. Many of the lads are human GPS and reci the route so caters for runners looking to cover anything from 6 -20 miles. Pace is easy so you will not be left behind and refreshments are left on route.
This Saturdays we will be following the “Rosses Point Route”

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/41614306

Starting at the complex, over the back avenue, up the foot bridge, over by the hospital, clarion road, old Bundoran road, right after Abbotts, into Teesan, drop a right at end of road and out towards Rathcormac, left turning towards Rosses point 3rd beach, over by Cregg, left in Rosses point road up to bridge at Crozon, left down Pearse Road, over by Londis and back to complex.

Route is 14.5 miles, but if you want to run 5 mile or the full 14.5 or any distance in between the lads will inform you of turn off points all along the route to get your desired distance in.

Usually by the end of run we have solved the country’s economic crisis, resolved local political issues, tore to shreds decades of training theories replacing them with our own, re invented everything about sports nutrition “Yes it’s ok to have a fry the morning of the marathon and a few pints the night before”, gone through the history of Sligo Runners races and times, repetitively abused each other and our football teams and then at the end “sure we’ll do it again next Saturday”

p.s. After all that I will miss this weeks Long Run

National Juvenile Track and Field Results.

2011-07-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

The first phase of the National Championships took place over two days in Tullamore on Saturday and Sunday. These Championships are the culmination of a years hard training for young Athletes and provide a searching test for those who have qualified from Regional Events. Just to qualify is an achievement but to get to a final or win a medal is a great boost to a young Athletes morale.

Athletes from the various clubs in Sligo proved up to the task with a host of good performances and plenty of medals.

Day one saw Colm Bourke of Sligo do well in his under 18 triple jump after a shaky start.

Graham and Stacey Kerr were 4th and 3rd in their heats over 100ms and qualified for their finals where they acquitted themselves well. Zak Irwin was a comfortable second in the heats , a position he also took in the final in the under 16 boys 100ms.Ania Bednoz, Emily Burns and Kevin Mc Glynn all made 100m finals while North Sligo took home a gold in the boys under 17 100ms courtesy of a clear win for Ciaran Elliott in the under 17 100ms while his clubmate , Odhran Byrne Gildea took a
bronze in his under 15 100ms final after both Athletes qualified easily in their heats.

In the sprint hurdle races Shane Mooney of Tireragh AC did well to be 3rd in his under 13 heat and 6th in the final.

Louise Mulvaney was 5th in her under 17 sprint hurdles final, a position she also occupied in the 300ms hurdles final, an event in which she could well win a medal with another year behind her.

Lee Currid of North Sligo was 5th in his hurdles final over 80ms and did well over the longer race later.

While day one was good for Sligo Athletes , day two was a revelation with Cian Mc Bride just missing a National record by one second as he narrowly beat his North Sligo clubmate William Crowe to take the under 15 800ms in just under 2mins 3 secs. At the presentation it was announced that Cians father Brian had lifted the same gold medal 37 years ago but no record of the time.

More gold followed for Kilian O Connor and Leo Doherty of Sligo as they took first in the under 19 3000ms and under 12 600ms respectively.

In the under 17 3000ms James Mc Geough almost emulated his clubmates gold over the same distance but was edged to bronze in a tight finish.

Aaron Murtagh from South Sligo but competing with Balina repeated his Schools win in the Triple Jump with a gold at under 19 level.

There were strong performances from Shane and Darren Kilcawleyand Dylan Carty over 800ms ,while in the girls 800ms Claire Conlon and Caelinn Mc Gonigle did well.

Ransboro 10km Results

2011-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

RANSBORO 10K 2011
Overall Finishings
Pos number Name address category time
1 36 Thomas Kelly North Sligo A.C M40 00:35:05
2 101 Alan Kearins Sligo A.C SM 00:36:00
3 98 Nel Walton Sligo SM 00:36:48
4 8 Mel Casserly Sligo A.C M40 00:36:59
5 69 Neal Higgins Sligo A.C SM 00:37:21
6 87 Elish Kelly Dublin SL 00:37:23
7 37 David Kearins Sligo A.C SM 00:37:37
8 81 John Whelan Sligo A.C SM 00:37:56
9 149 Seamus Somers Sligo A.C SM 00:38:27
10 172 Garry Gallagher Lietrim SM 00:38:39
11 49 Danny Hannon Lietrim M50 00:39:02
12 14 Conal Sexton Sligo Tri Club SM 00:39:16
13 20 Roy Kelly Sligo Tri Club SM 00:39:22
14 17 Trevor Hunter Sligo A.C M40 00:39:46
15 143 Eamon Coyne Sligo SM 00:40:12
16 34 Declan Foley Sligo A.C M40 00:40:22
17 141 Paul Mc Dermott North Lietrim M40 00:40:30
18 18 Paul Mc Grath South Sligo A.C M40 00:40:41
19 86 Michael Clancy Sligo M50 00:40:46
20 53 Paul Deering Sligo A.C M40 00:40:50
21 109 Shane Hayes Sligo A.C SM 00:41:08
22 122 Rory Connor Sligo A.C M40 00:41:21
23 155 Barry O kane Local Male LM 00:41:28
24 93 Ciaran Clancey Lietrim SM 00:41:38
25 32 Brendan Brett South Sligo A.C M40 00:41:43
26 58 Emer Guckian Carrick on Shannon W40 00:41:45
27 114 Roasanne Mitchell Sligo A.C W40 00:41:48
28 103 Joe Lowe Carrick on Shannon M40 00:41:50
29 146 Darren Aldridge sligo SM 00:41:54
30 33 Kevin Mc Gee Grange SM 00:42:00
31 179 Peter Osborne Strandhill LM 00:42:08
32 55 Niall Mc Intyre North Sligo A.C SM 00:42:14
33 63 Mark bourke Local Male LM 00:42:30
34 131 Keith Raymond Sligo SM 00:42:32
35 194 Paul Higgins Strandhill M40 00:42:44
36 121 Conor Mc Cann Grange SM 00:42:57
37 62 Greg kelly Sligo Tri SM 00:43:03
38 192 Fergal Henry Sligo SM 00:43:10
39 163 Joe Stage Balymote M50 00:43:17
40 102 Michael Mc Dermott Collooney M50 00:43:18
41 176 Kevin Mc Manus Sligo SM 00:43:20
42 123 Kieran Harte Sligo SM 00:43:40
43 97 Cindy Mc carthy Sligo A.C W40 00:43:43
44 124 Aisling Van Rensburg Nrt.Sligo SL 00:43:48
45 167 John Kilgallon Skreen SM 00:43:54
46 23 Shane Mc Gowan Drumcliffe SM 00:44:03
47 142 Tom O Grady Sligo M40 00:44:06
48 85 Brian Mc Donagh Sligo SM 00:44:08
49 161 John Mulrooney sligo A.C SM 00:44:16
50 185 Jimmy Currid Maugheron M40 00:44:24
51 82 Gerard Lynch Achill SM 00:44:33
52 84 William Parke Sligo M50 00:44:44
53 158 Christy O Malley Mayo A.C M40 00:44:51
54 173 conor Mc Elhinney Beltra SM 00:45:00
55 162 Noel Walsh Sligo LM 00:45:20
56 45 John Molloy Sligo M50 00:45:34
57 182 Paul Kerrigan Drumcliffe SM 00:45:35
58 1 Michael Casserly Sligo SM 00:45:44
59 138 Kevin Sexton Sligo SM 00:45:45
60 9 Brian Mc Dermott Collooney M40 00:45:49
61 116 Kieran Brennan Sligo M40 00:45:56
62 127 Ross Slattery Sligo SM 00:45:57
63 40 Darren Egan Grange SM 00:45:59
64 171 Paul Heekin Sligo M40 00:46:03
65 56 Stephanie McSharry Nrth Sligo SL 00:46:10
66 168 David Keane Sligo LM 00:46:14
67 104 Pat Conheady Sligo SM 00:46:16
68 190 Damian Willis Grange M40 00:46:27
69 135 Monica henry Tubbercurry W40 00:46:41
70 70 Harry Noone M40 00:46:46
71 144 Declan Conlon Sligo Tri Club M40 00:47:01
72 152 Phillip Osborne Sligo M40 00:47:05
73 64 Glenn carty Ballygawley SM 00:47:17
74 83 Rolf Zoschke Sligo SM 00:47:19
75 91 Kyle Gethins Sligo SM 00:47:19
76 90 Niall Mc Dermott Sligo SM 00:47:19
77 140 Eamon Norton Sligo SM 00:47:22
78 181 Gavin Patton Sligo Tri M40 00:47:24
79 151 Hubert Beahs Sligo A.C M40 00:47:25
80 22 Paul Walsh Sligo SM 00:47:30
81 170 Ciaran Foley Sligo LM 00:47:31
82 126 Adrian Muldowney Sligo M40 00:47:35
83 133 Lorraine Hossey Sligo A.C SL 00:47:37
84 66 Shane Quill Local Male LM 00:47:40
85 136 Kevin O Regan Grange M50 00:47:41
86 6 Anothony Walsh South Sligo A.c M50 00:47:44
87 154 des mc Gee Carney SM 00:47:47
88 25 Pat Kerrigan Ballisodare M40 00:47:50
89 195 Fintan Conlon Sligo A.C SM 00:47:53
90 105 Mathona Conheady Sligo SL 00:47:55
91 94 Patrice Foley Sligo W 00:47:56
92 106 David Mc Quillan Castlebar SM 00:47:57
93 125 Jim Fox Strandhill M40 00:47:58
94 54 Deirdre Deering Sligo A.C W40 00:47:59
95 75 Geraldine Gilroy Ballisodare W40 00:48:00
96 51 Ciaran Donnellan Sligo A.C M50 00:48:01
97 59 Iain Howard Sligo A.C SM 00:48:02
98 145 Naoise Davitt Sligo SM 00:48:04
99 156 Anthony ryan Sligo M50 00:48:07
100 132 Christy Maloney Ballisodare M50 00:48:08
101 111 Michael Mc Loughlin Lietrim SM 00:48:09
102 5 Liam Loftus Kilmacowen M40 00:48:10
103 110 Cathy Mc Carthy Sligo A.C W40 00:48:11
104 35 Vanessa Foley Sligo A.C SL 00:48:40
105 183 Sean Mc Caffery Carney SM 00:48:43
106 11 Seamus Quinn Sligo M40 00:48:47
107 100 Nigel Morahan Strandhill M40 00:48:48
108 48 Paul Mc Cafrey Sligo SM 00:48:55
109 129 Derek Murphy Mayo SM 00:48:59
110 31 Peter Byrne Ballisodare M40 00:49:06
111 495 Maria Tighe Sligo W 00:49:10
112 478 Joan Fabozzi Sligo W 00:49:12
113 24 Mary Kerrigan Ballisodare L50 00:49:13
114 479 Pauline Dubson Dublin W 00:49:15
115 92 Trevor Kelly Sligo SM 00:49:20
116 117 Michelle Henry Sligo SL 00:49:30
117 112 Ian Kelly Sligo SM 00:49:34
118 177 Tom cullan North Lietrim M50 00:49:36
119 67 Caroline Ryan Donegal SL 00:49:42
120 19 Michael O connell Sigo A.C M40 00:49:45
121 65 Barry Bree Local Male LM 00:49:47
122 29 Vincent Mc Gee Sligo M50 00:49:50
123 118 sheila Devaney Sligo SL 00:49:55
124 79 Alan Groarke Ballaghaderreen SM 00:50:01
125 99 Linda Higgins Sligo A.C W40 00:50:05
126 128 Alan Gilmartin Sligo SM 00:50:32
127 153 Ashleen Cawley North sligo A.C SL 00:51:02
128 139 Deirdre Norton Sligo SL 00:51:07
129 175 Shane Loftus Roscommon M40 00:51:08
130 180 Brian Pedmond Coolera LM 00:51:16
131 30 Emma Casserly Sligo SL 00:51:20
132 52 Alison O sullivan Nrth Sligo SL 00:51:24
133 74 Finbarr Filan Ballisodare M40 00:51:31
134 80 Donal Harney Sligo SM 00:51:38
135 96 Brian Hamilton Slgo SM 00:52:11
136 2 Aoife Langan Strandhill SL 00:52:17
137 46 Joe Gilroy Sligo M40 00:52:21
138 88 Richie Barry Sligo M40 00:52:22
139 13 Frank O Sullivan Ballisodare M40 00:52:34
140 15 David Bradish Sligo SM 00:53:03
141 148 Owen Mc Loughlin Sligo SM 00:53:13
142 174 Anthony Scanlon Ballymote M50 00:53:23
143 500 Pamela higgins Strandhill W 00:53:27
144 499 Pauline Winters Ballisodare W 00:53:28
145 39 Don Watts Ballygawley M50 00:53:30
146 27 Pauline Henry Sligo A.C SL 00:53:38
147 164 John Barry Strandhill LM 00:53:40
148 159 Sylvia Moriarty Local Female LF 00:53:42
149 147 Seamus Dennison Sligo SM 00:53:47
150 160 Miriam Cunningham Strandhill L50 00:53:50
151 60 niamh O Halloran Local Femal LF 00:54:00
152 50 Justine O Gara Ballaghaderren SL 00:54:07
153 68 Kate Kenny Strandhill LF 00:54:16
154 38 Maureen Harte Sligo W40 00:54:17
155 178 Anne Roberts Lietrim L50 00:54:26
156 166 Rose Hunter Young Ballisodare L50 00:54:57
157 47 Michael Taheny Pearse Road SM 00:55:00
158 108 David Duncan Sligo SM 00:55:06
159 184 John Currid Ballinfull M40 00:55:11
160 157 Martina Lenehan Sligo SL 00:55:14
161 43 Daniel Kelly Ballymot SM 00:55:21
162 483 Eileen Sheridan Sligo W 00:55:26
163 491 Catherine Loftus Sligo W 00:55:27
164 115 Corinna Kiernan Sligo A.C SL 00:55:28
165 89 Elizabeth King Sligo W40 00:55:50
166 165 Shelia Hannon north Sligo A.C W40 00:55:51
167 150 Olivia O Malley Sligo SL 00:56:01
168 16 Cliodna Carroll Strandhill SL 00:56:02
169 78 Thomas Farrell Roscommon SM 00:56:18
170 120 Paul Dobson Dublin W40 00:56:39
171 73 Eddie Mulrooney Strandhill M40 00:57:10
172 71 James Moran N.Ireland M40 00:57:13
173 107 Maeve Hayes Sligo SL 00:57:40
174 119 Ruth Walsh Sligo SL 00:57:52
175 186 Andrew Lang Sligo SM 00:58:05
176 134 Maureen Boylan Sligo SL 00:59:04
177 193 Aaron Lenehan Sligo SM 00:59:09
178 44 Tom McTernan Manorhamilton M40 00:59:40
179 77 Mary Casey Local female LF 01:00:04
180 482 Karina King Dublin W 01:00:15
181 191 Patricia Kelly Sligo SL 01:00:19
182 494 Rory Foley Sligo W 01:00:23
183 95 Sharon Clancy Sligo SL 01:00:27
184 57 John Reynolds Cark.Shannon M40 01:01:01
185 21 Aisling Carey Drumshambo SL 01:01:04
186 76 Alan molloy Local Male LM 01:01:48
187 137 Carmel Henehan Local Female LF 01:01:51
188 28 Tom Mc Gowan Sligo M50 01:01:53
189 481 Deirdre Devaney Carrowmore W 01:02:55
190 492 Lennie Mc Veigh Sligo W 01:02:59
191 493 Attracta O Heir Sligo W 01:03:02
192 489 Sandra Barber Sligo W 01:03:05
193 490 Shirley Ward Sligo W 01:03:08
194 474 Dervilia Melly Sligo W 01:04:10
195 61 Gorgina Gethings Local Female LF 01:04:12
196 476 Hazel Melly Sligo W 01:04:14
197 475 Gemma Caeser Sligo W 01:04:17
198 4 Ann Pollock W40 01:04:19
199 497 Joe Mahon Kevinsfort W 01.06.59
200 496 Bernie Higgins Galway W 01:09:27
201 487 Catriona Coyne Sligo W 01:14:05
202 484 Adrienne sampson Offaly W 01:14:34
203 485 Tony Sampson Offaly W 01:14:35
204 498 Olivia griffin Strandhill W 01:16:57

Runners Ultimate Nutritional Recovery Routine

2011-06-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Runner's Ultimate Nutritional Recovery Routine (RUNRR)
You'll be amazed at how good you feel the next day
by Greg McMillan, M.S.

About six years ago, I started drinking a Slim-Fast™ shake after my Sunday long runs. In my graduate classes in exercise physiology, we were studying the inner workings of the muscular and endocrine (hormonal) systems. I started drinking the Slim-Fast because researchers discovered that the enzyme, glycogen synthase, that turns carbohydrates from your food into glycogen for storage in your muscles is most active immediately after exercise. If you ingest carbohydrates soon after exercise, your muscles store two to three times as much glycogen than if you wait until you eat your post-workout meal, usually two to three hours later. I knew that the glycogen stores were an important source of energy during running and that there is only so much glycogen you can store in your muscles. So, I wanted to get the carbohydrates in quick to take advantage of this increased storage of glycogen.

The Slim-Fast shakes became part of my Sunday morning recovery routine. I would run long (two hours); down one or two Slim-Fast (depending on how depleted I felt); take a shower then drink a liter of Gatorade while stretching. Next, I would make a plate of spaghetti or pancakes and eat while reading the morning paper. A couple of hours later, I was in bed for a two-hour nap. Throughout the day, I would continue to drink fluids till my urine was clear.

As the researchers would predict, I found that my legs felt much more recovered by my Monday run and I was easily ready for a workout on Tuesday. To this day, I continue to use what I call The Runner's Ultimate Nutritional Recovery Routine after long runs and key workouts. I don't necessarily drink Slim-Fast every time but no matter what type of shake, smoothie or other concoction I drink, I notice that I reduce the number of "bad" workouts where I just feel "off". I believe it is because my muscles are more ready (glycogen loaded) for each workout due to my recovery routine.

How Your Muscles Recover

I've already mentioned that the key to enhancing the replenishment of muscle glycogen is to ingest carbohydrates immediately after your workout. Science shows that this is related to the hormone insulin as well as the enzyme glycogen synthase (discussed above). Insulin stimulates glycogen synthase which then converts more carbohydrate to glycogen. Insulin simultaneously increases the transport of this glycogen from the blood into the muscles. Choreographed perfectly, the hormonal system and associated enzymes work to not only replace the glycogen you lost during exercise but they do it in the most efficient and rapid way.

Once scientists began to focus on insulin's role in glycogen replenishment, another connection was made that impacts the recovery routine. It turns out that ingesting protein along with the carbohydrate increases your insulin response. As a result, up to 30% more glycogen is stored than if you just ingest carbohydrates. Researchers also discovered that the amount of protein is important, they found that there was a threshold of protein intake, above which, digestion and absorption of the meal was slowed, thus slowing glycogen replenishment. As a result, one of the prominent researchers in this area, Ed Burke, came up which what he calls the Optimum Recovery Ratio. Ingesting one gram of protein for every four grams of carbohydrates results in the greatest stimulus of insulin and glycogen storage, yet doesn't negatively affect the digestive process.

Guess what? I took a look at my (original) Slim-Fast and sure enough it fits the Optimum Recovery Ratio perfectly - 40 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of protein in one can. I started drinking Slim-Fast just to get the carbohydrates in my body and ended up with the perfect ratio of protein that would facilitate the replenishment of my glycogen stores.

There's one more part of the equation - timing. As Burke says in his book, Optimal Muscle Recovery, "when you eat is just as important as what you eat". I knew from my study of muscle recovery that the rate of replenishment was the greatest in the first two hours after a workout and especially in the first half hour. That's exactly why I started using the shake. I didn't feel like eating anything solid immediately after a run, but Slim-Fast was liquid and it had a lot of carbohydrates. I could down one and get some carbohydrates in quickly. Then within two hours after the run, I would sit down to my meal of pasta or pancakes. Using this routine, I was able to take full advantage of my body's ability to recover. The result was a better recovered athlete who was ready for the next key workout which led to better and more consistent workouts and faster races.

Creating Your Ultimate Nutritional Recovery Routine

Let's take a minute to create a Runner's Ultimate Nutritional Recovery Routine for you. According to Burke and confirmed with my own experience, you should shoot for taking in one gram of carbohydrate for every pound of body weight within the first two hours following your workout, always remembering to match this with the appropriate ratio of protein. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds then you need 100 grams of carbohydrate and 25 grams of protein. If you weigh 160 pounds then you need 160 grams of carbohydrate and 40 grams of protein.

Additionally, I've experimented with ingesting 50%, 75% or 100% of this requirement in the first half hour to see if I could find the best recipe for maximizing recovery. After all, the greatest rate of recovery occurs in the first half hour. What I found is that I felt best when I ingested one-half of my needs (in liquid form) in the first 30 minutes then the remaining 50% in the next one and a half hours, usually as a meal of pasta and chicken or pancakes and eggs. Taking more than half of the carbohydrates and protein in the first half hour made me too full, too quickly, and I wouldn't feel like eating as much as I needed in my meal. From the examples above, the 100 pound woman would shoot to get in 50 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of protein in the first 30 minutes while the 160 pound man would shoot for 80 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein immediately following the workout.

After calculating your individual needs, you, too, can begin to optimize your recovery nutritional plan. Try to take half of your carbohydrate/protein needs within the first 30 minutes then follow with a nice, healthy meal which contains a base of carbohydrates and some protein such as pasta and meat, rice and meat or pancakes and eggs. My advice is to find something that you really love to eat and use it as a celebration of your hard work from your training.

Don't forget. You'll also need to drink enough fluids to rehydrate. I find that the use of sports drinks or lemonade works best for me and I continue to drink a half liter to a liter an hour till I'm urinating once per hour and my urine is clear.

Sligo AC Competing in Connaught Team Event

2011-06-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sligo Athletic club U9, U10 and U11 competitors took to the track on Saturday afternoon last to compete in the Connaught Team Event. 20 teams from Sligo AC took part having qualified from the County Sligo Team event. All competitors gained great experience as many had their first outing at Connaught competition. Three teams qualified for the All Ireland Team Event to be held in Templemore later this month with U9 Darragh Hennigen and Liam Carty scoring bronze in the 300m, U10 Shane McGlone and Sean Kerrigan bronze in the 60m and Eoin Carty and Richard Hunter bronze in the 500m. In the U12 section Leo Doherty ran an excellent race in the 600m to claim gold and Tara Carty came away with a silver medal in the Shot putt. Well done to all who completed and represented the club so well.

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes

2011-05-06T08:36:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago one of our High Performance athletes was flying out of the country to compete. At the airport he encountered one of our leading hurling teams who were on route to Portugal for warm weather training. He got talking to them and they told him they were going for five days. They said they would train three times a day for four days and on the fifth day they would drink. Being quite near April 1st I thought my High Performance friend was winding me up but I did not have to wait long for confirmation that the mentality outlined was prevalent in that sport. The headline on the Irish Independent caught my eye. “Kingdom chief dismisses talk of 40K bill for Portugal Camp”. Apparently the local newspaper in Kerry “The Kerryman” had a go at their team for spending 40K on warm weather training abroad. The chairman of Kerry County Board defended the decision to go abroad and among the things he said was the following gem of a quote. “The benefits of warm weather training are that players can train three times a day. In normal circumstances we train three times a week, so if the players spend four days in warm weather training which is now proposed that is equivalent to four weeks training.” If proof were needed why we in athletics don’t take sports like this seriously then what I have just outlined is enough. Warm weather training is just that. A sportsperson who is used to training only three times a week doesn’t suddenly train three times a day for three or four consecutive days. I have accompanied numerous athletic teams and individuals on training camps and they train exactly as they train at home. A lot of athletes would train twice daily at home so they would do the same on a training camp. The big advantage being abroad is that there is more time to rest. Athletes usually train hard in the morning, have some physio before lunch, sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon and have an easy training session in the evening. Sligo A.C. athlete Emmett Dunleavy has won All Ireland medals on the track in the summer of 2009 and 2010. At the end of May he will be heading to Kenya for a three week training stint in warm weather and at altitude. He has done that successfully in the last two years. Like the aforementioned hurlers and footballers, Emmett holds down a 9 to 5 job. His three week training will not differ greatly from what he would be doing at home. The big difference is the benefit of altitude and the extra time he will have to rest. Incidentally the hurling team who went to Portugal were comprehensively beaten on their home ground in a league match a few days after they returned. I rest my case.
Athletes are reminded about the upcoming Streets of Sligo 5km road race which is on Sunday, May 15th at 13.15. With an Athletics Ireland licence in place it is expected to attract a big entry. Enquiries to Terry Hayes on 087-2274622.
Finally this week congratulations to Alberto Sanchez on winning the universities 5000 metres track title in Antrim last Saturday. Also well done to Rachael Kilgallon on finishing 4th in the 800 metres.

Sligo AC Fit4Life League: Race one results!

2011-04-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

The first race in this seasons Fit4Life league was underway on Tuesday last 19th April in the Race course, Cleveragh. The race distance was 2 miles and once again a good turnout made the affair an exciting and enjoyable one for all concerned. Jason McMorrow recorded the fastest time of the evening in a time of 11.43 out of a total of 78 competitors. Top ten athletes are as follows;
1. devanney, sheila 16.02
2. mc guinness, gavin 15.19
3. heaney, mark 16.30
4. arey, ashling 19.42
5. thrumble, elaine 19.59
6. mahon, deborah 21.11
7. cashell, patricia 18.45
8. banks, avril 18.09
9. mc elroy, declan 14.58
10. smyth, michelle 17.34

Sligo AC News Update: Running Shoes

2011-04-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

An agonising 12 seconds was the difference between Sligo Athletic Club men winning team medals and finishing 5th at last Sundays Athletics Ireland road relay championships at a sun drenched Raheny. The team of Martin Conroy, Dermot McDermott, David Kelly and Alberto Sanchez ran their hearts out and the time they ran would have been good enough for medals any other year. Twenty five clubs toed the line in this most competitive of national championships. Martin Conroy lead the team off and handed the baton to Dermot McDermott after running the first two mile leg, McDermott ran a good 1 mile leg and handed over to David Kelly to run the long three mile lap. Alberto Sanchez ran the final 2 mile leg and brought the team home in 5th place behind Raheny, Dundrum, Letterkenny and Tallaght. The fact that Sligo finished ahead of such illustrious clubs as Clonliffe Harriers, Rathfarnham and Ennis Track Club illustrates how well the lads ran. Sligo AC ladies team also got in on the action Sunday as for only the second time in its history they had a team in the ladies race. Sarah Hodgins led the team off on the first one mile leg and handed over to Anna Reddin for the 2 mile lap. Rachael Kilgallon ran the final one mile lap and brought the team home in 8th place out of the 15 starters. Considering that this team were all under 20 years of age it certainly augers very well for the future. So no medals for men or women but so many positives to take out of a truly enjoyable day of athletics. The road to the all Ireland schools track finals on the first Saturday in June started on Thursday last at the Sligo IT track. There were many fine performances by Sligo athletes in the Sligo Leitrim Mayo section. The Connaught finals will take place in Athlone on May 18th; all our top club athletes were in fine form. Tommy Casey in the senior 800mts and 1500mts particularly caught the eye. Other athletes to shine were Sharon Hodgins, James McGeogh, Stacey Kerr, Zak Irwin, Cian McBride and William Crowe. Some fine relay running also was noted on Thursday with the Summerhill college junior team looking particularly strong. A lot of training and competition will be held before anyone mounts the victory rostrum in Tullamore but I have a feeling we could see a record Sligo medal haul.
Well done to all athletes who limbered up for the Calry 5k road race held on Good Friday. This was a charity event in aid of Friends of Sligo General Hospital and started in perfect conditions at 5pm on the usual out and back loop. One of Sligo AC's young guns, James McGeough, took off in dramatic fashion and ran a blistering race to finish 1st in a huge personal best time of 15.33. Second place fell to another up and coming talent Killian O'Connor whilst veteran road racer Alan Kearins ran a great race finishing in 3rd place also with a PB over the distance.

Sligo FIT4LIFE Spring League 2011

2011-04-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Sligo FIT4LIFE Spring League 2011 is an event for all levels of runner/walker. 6 events will be ran on a handicap basis with slower walkers / runners starting ahead of faster competitors. Handicaps are continually adjusted to give every participant an equal chance. Date Time Distance Venue Tues 19 th April 6.30pm 2 mls Racecourse Tues 3rd May 6.30pm 2 mls Racecourse Wed 18th May 6.30PM 2K Riverside Tues 31st May 6.30pm 2 K Riverside Tues 14th june 6.30pm 2mls Cairns Hill Tues 21st june 6.30pm 2 mls Cairns Hill

ENTRY FEE 2 EURO PER EVENT

SCORING FIRST 1 PT, SECOND 2PTS DOWN TO LAST FINISHER OVERALL RESULT

LOWEST POINTS WINS FOLLOWED BY NEXT LOWEST DOWN THE TO LAST

MISS A RACE AND GET THE SCORE OF LAST FINISHER PLUS ONE

PRIZES FOR TOP FIFTEEN AFTER SIX EVENTS

Registration between 6pm and 6.20pm.Absolutely no entries after 6.20pm

Sligo AC News Update: Running Shoes

2011-04-14T04:06:00.001-07:00

A lot done, more to do. This was a famous, or is it now infamous, election slogan from one of our leading political parties some years ago. The same slogan could apply to our athletes as we look back on the cross country and indoor seasons that have just concluded. A cross country season that started with the primary schools county championships in Calry on a bright Saturday afternoon last October, ended in equally bright sunshine in a field in County Antrim on the last Saturday in March. On that day we took pride in watching two Sligo athletes, James McGeogh and William Crowe represent Ireland in an international match against Scotland , Wales and England . As these lads’ parents looked on and took pictures of them before during and after the races, I couldn’t help thinking how fortunate they were to be in a sport with an international outlet. The fact that they had avoided the clutches of the G.A.A. gave them the opportunity to compete internationally and I would imagine that this would be the first of many international opportunities for this duo. These two lads were only two of the many Sligo athletes who made a big impact on the cross country season. Tommy Casey picked his cross country races carefully and his fine performance in finishing 4th in the senior schools championships justified this. The glut of competition for juvenile athletes in the winter time is an ongoing concern and it is imperative that we in Athletics Ireland tackle this problem soon rather than later. The unluckiest Sligo athlete of the cross country season had to be Anna Reddin who led a couple of national championships but never got the result she deserved. Her time will come. The two most improved athletes of the season had to be Lea Doherty and Sharon Hodskins. Our senior cross country runners have had better seasons but a lot of this was down to injury and illness of our better runners. Mary Cullen was unlucky to get injured just as she looked set for a great season. Eimear O’Brien (pictured) kept the flag flying at national level with a bronze in the national novice. The indoor season started good with many medals at Connaught level and got better cumulating in two wonderful weekends at the national championships. Two gold medals for Zack Irwin in the 60 and 200 metres heralded his arrival on the national stage. Odran Gildea, William Crowe, Sinead Keogh, Lea Doherty and Kian McBride also got in on the medal winning act. Throw in Mary Cullen’s stunning performance in the national senior championships as well as her European qualification times achieved abroad and it will give some idea of the achievement of Sligo athletes this indoor season. Added to all that is an Irish under 15 relay indoor record set by the North Sligo boys. Of course, it’s not all about the medal winners and we had a host of personal best times recorded by athletes like Dermot McDermott and Tommy Casey as they reached finals of the national 800 metres and 3,000 metres . Alberto Sanchez also recorded a P.B. for 3,000 metres as he claimed a bronze medal in the university championships. Of course none of these achievements would be possible without the coaching input from the Sligo clubs.. A considerable number of new coaches have emerged in clubs in the past couple of years and this is now paying rich dividends for out sport here in Sligo . Yes, a lot has been done. More on the way.

Sligo AC Athletes compete in Spar Great Ireland Run!

2011-04-12T03:23:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day and the humid conditions to go with it made Sundays 10k Great Ireland Run a great spectacle but tough on the competitors. Charlotte Purdue despite having ran the fastest five kilometres leg for her Aldershot club in the English National Road Relays the previous day, trounced her rivals when winning the womens race in a time of 32 minutes 42 seconds. Sligo's Mary Cullen, back after a short layoff, was disappointed with her time clocking 34.22 which was well short of her usual standard.

J.Espana produced a lethal finish in the final 1200 metres to clinch the men's title in a time of 29min 26sec ahead of Finland's Jussi Utriainen and Ireland's Martin Fagan. The Spaniard was content to follow the pace particularly when defending champion Fagan took charge in the second half of the race which saw the demise of the highly fancied Sergey Lebid of Ukraine and Portugal's Rui Silva. Sligo AC was well represented in both the mens and womens events with results listed below, well done to all who took part from all at the club!

Seamus Somers 00:36:33 Mel Casserly 00:37:22 Alan Kearns 00:38:42 Trevor Hunter 00:39:04 Jason Mc Morrow 00:39:07 Damien Kennedy 00:39:37 Enda Dineen 00:39:58 Declan Foley 00:40:41 Rory Connor 00:41:38 Aoife Quigley 00:44:13 Vanessa Foley 00:51:07 Linda Higgins 00:51:12 Fintan Conlon 00:51:46 Aishling Kennedy 00:53:02 Bernie Flynn 00:53:52 Sheila Lehany 00:53:56 Sharon Dineen 00:54:06 Rosie Friel 00:55:41 Aisling Gillen 00:55:49 Jill Connor 00:59:08

Connacht Development Squad, Sunday April 17th, Athlone IT, 12 noon

2011-04-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

Athletes will not be notified individually of selection to the squad as per vote at congress. Notification will go through club or school only. Thus Sligo AC is now notifying Sligo athletes of their selection to Connacht Development Squad and their invitation to attend the above squad days. Sign in at 12 noon (in sports hall in AIT) Followed by presentation by guest speaker Coaching session from 1pm Wrap up at approx 2.30pm Please note final squad date for spring 2011 is Sunday May 22nd, venue TBC.

North Sligo AC Boys

Ben Roberts, Cian McBride, Feidhlim McGowan, Kevin McGlynn, Leigh Currid, Lorcan Roddy, William Crowe.

Sligo AC Boys

Boal Connell, Colm Bourke, David Lynch, Dylan Carty, Jack Roberts, James McGeough, Killian O'Connor, Shane Kilcawley, Tommy Casey.

North Sligo AC Girls

Rachel Oates, Sarah Oates, Sinead Keogh, Sorcha Fallon, Tory McGlynn.

Sligo AC Girls

Anna Reddin, Claire Conlon, Ennia Bedzoz, Rianne McHugh, Sarah McGeough, Stacey Kerr.

Irwin Gold medal the highlight of a really successful weekend for Sligo AC

2011-03-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

A number of Sligo AC athletes made the very worthwhile trip up North this weekend to Magherafelt Co Derry for the National Juvenile All Ireland Indoor Championships. With an early start for the 60m heats there were great openers from both Kerrs, Graham and Stacey, and Ania Bednorz when all 3 athletes secured places in the 60m finals to be held later that day, Colm Bourke ran a fine race in his 60m heat just missing qualification for the final. Onto the finals, first up was Kevin McGlynn who went agonisingly close to a bronze medal in the u-19 boys 60m where he finished in 4th place but will have taken great confidence from his run, Ania Bednorz ran an excellent race where she mixed it all the way to the line to finish a close 7th in a new personal best time of 8.23 seconds. Both Kerrs went one after the other with Stacey first up and she flew out of the blocks and was involved in a blanket finish and resulted with a 5th place finish again with a new personal best of 8.25 seconds, Graham too can be really happy with his performance when he finished in a very close 5th place lowering his best to 8.39 seconds.
Onto our frst medal of the day, Zak Irwin (pictured no.458) drawn out on his own in lane 9 flew from the blocks and ran strong all the way to the line to win in fine style. Zak can be proud of his achievements as he is so new to sprinting at this level and has adopted to it in fine style. He will now concentrate on his 200m National bid in 2 weeks time.
Leo Doherty (pictured no 392) secured Sligo AC medal number 2 in the u-12 boys 600m, getting off to a slow start he quickly made up the ground going out onto the second lap of 2 and rounding into the home straight Leo took up the running only to be "collared" close to home by a young Donegal athlete. This was an amazing run by this fine young Sligo athlete and he can look forward to a very bright future. Colm Bourke did his confidence the world of good finishing a fine 6th in the boys u-18 triple jump as did Aishan Patil in the u-17 boys 1,500m where he too finished in 6th.
There was time for two more fine performances from Sligo athletes with first Sharon Hodgins running the most perfect race only to be pipped for 2nd place by a mere 0.2 of a second and had to settle for 4th place in a blanket finish - she held 2nd all the way up the straight until being pipped on the line. This is Sharons first indoor race so will learn so much from this. Then Killian O'Connor (pictured no.464) nearly pulled off the perfect run when he lead the boys u-19 1,500m all the way through the race, winding it up every lap and going out onto the final lap had kicked well clear, homing in on his first National title. However with 100m to go a Metro St Brigets athlete got onto his shoulder and out scrapped the gutsy O'Connor. But still a great performance and Killian came away with a brilliant silver medal.
Well done to all Sligo AC athletes and best of luck to all taking part in the second part of the National indoor programme in 2 weeks time in Nenagh.

Tubbercurry 10k Race Report

2011-03-21T04:22:00.000-07:00

Tubbercurry's 38th Annual Road Race took place as usual on St. Patricks day and once again all participants were blessed with fine weather and great racing conditions. The added factor of this race being included in the new Credit Union Sligo Road Race Series added to the excitement before the event was underway. All local clubs were represented including Sligo AC, North Sligo, South Sligo, Mayo AC, Ballina AC and Tir Connaill and as such it promised to show a good battle for honours up front. Roger Barrett (Ballina AC) was the eventual victor crossing the line in 32.50 followed by road racing veteran John Byrne (Mayo AC) in second; 33.40. North Sligo's Phelim McGowan showed his obvious talent coming in third in a time of 34.12, a great result for this young athlete. Tir Connaill's Paul Ward closely followed hot on the heels of McGowan in a time of 34.19 and North Sligo's Thomas McBride took fifth place in a time of 34.41. A selection of the Sligo AC athletes that took part are as follows, Alan Kearins, Trevor Hunter, Rory Connor, Paul Deering, Willie Parke, Brendan Mullen, Dermot Cunningham, Deirdre Deering, Pauline Henry and Sheila Lehany. In the team event North Sligo took the mens honours whilst Sligo AC's female athletes took the womens title. This team was lead home by Rosanne Mitchell in a great time of 40.31 followed by Mari Johnson (41.21), Cindy McCarthy (43.55) and Corina Clarke (48.13). Deirdre Deering followed closely (48.18) ensuring the Sligo AC's womens had this title in the bag. Well done to them and to all club athletes who competed!

McGeough gets his first International call after his heroics in all Ireland Schools Cross Country

2011-03-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sligo AC's James mcGeough (pictured) will get his first flavour of international duty when he represents Ireland for the first time on Saturday the 26th of March in Antrim. A student in Sligo Grammer school, James ran the perfect race to finish a close 4th place in the National schools competition. He started the race with some sense of purpose just sitting a couple of strides off the swift pace(4min 45secs for the first mile). On the final lap he still held his chance but was unable to get on terms with the eventual winner Sean Tobin of Clonmel. James lost absolutely nothing in defeat considering this was his first real competitive outing since his All Ireland winning display over 3,000m on the track last July. His training partner and close friend Anna Reddin (pictured) lost nothing in defeat also when with 150m to go she looked all over the winner but was unfortunately ran out of the medals it in the end to finish in a very close 6th place. Tommy Casey ran his best ever Cross Country race finishing in 4th place in the senior boys race which will give him huge boost as he sets off to the States for scholarship next year. There was a number of other fine performances from Sligo AC athletes in Killian OConnor, Dylan Carty, Orla Mulvihill, Sharon Hodgins, Laura Joyce and Aishan Patil. They can all hold their heads high and look forward to a great track season. Well done to all Sligo athletes who took part last weekend.

Sligo Road Race League 2011 gets underway!

2011-03-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

The whole purpose of running the Sligo Credit Union Road Race League is to get as many people out as possible for as many races as possible, and to try to give acknowledgement to all the people who take part. The league, even though it will be competitive, should allow every person taking part to maximize their potential, and hopefully, see some improvement in their overall health and fitness as the league goes on. There are 30 prizes, of which each person will be only allowed to win one. If funds allow, more prizes may be added. The scoring system will hopefully make it accessible for as many people as possible, and will also make it competitive at the top, as there will be relatively little difference between coming first or second etc .
1. Tubbercurry - St. Patricks Day
2. Carney Lisadell 10k - Easter Monday
3. Maugherow 10k - Early June
4. Ransboro 10k - Late June
5. Horseshoe 10k - 5th August
6. Dromahaire 4 mile - Early September
7. Sligo AC 8k - 17th September
8. Grange 10k - 2nd October
The Sligo Credit Union Road Race League starts this Thursday in Tubbercurry.
Scoring: Top 50 men and top 50 women will receive points in each race i.e. 50 points for first, 49 for second etc all the way to 1 for 50th. Entry to the league will be included in the entry to each race - once you are in the individual race, you are in the league. When the final league table is calculated the prizes will be awarded as follows:
Men - 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
Women 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
O40 Men 1,2,3,
O40 Women 1,2,3,
O50 Men 1,2,3,
O50 Women 1,2,3
Sligo North Leitrim Runner not already in Prizes Male and Female 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Special Award for any person who completes all 8 races. Dates of birth for categories to be on the day of first race i.e. 17/3. Each competitor is eligible for only one prize in the race league - Prizes in individual races are completely separate from the league.
For details search facebook for SligoRoadRaceLeague or email sligoroadraceleague@gmail.com, or call Mel on 0868169126

Sligo Juveniles excel at Connaught indoor Championships in Nenagh

2011-03-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

There was plenty of gold, a few silver, a few bronze and a number of fine performances by Sligo AC’s up and coming stars. First up were the sprints where Sligo AC vests were very prominent across all age groups.
Mary Stenson got the ball rolling with a fine 5th place finish in the girls u-13 60m final that was swiftly followed up with a bronze medal for Graham Kerr in the u-14 boys 60m final. Then came Stacey Kerr with a smashing silver medal in the u-15 girls 60m, immediately followed by an impressive gold medal for Zak Irwin in the boys u-16. After Zak followed another gold medal, this time his training partner Kevin McGlynn won the u-19 boys 60m very convincingly. Ita Connell can also be very proud of her fine 6th place finish in the girls u-16 60m final.
On the outer track the 1,500m races were taking place where Sligo AC scooped more success with Killian O’Connor showing his form ahead of the All Ireland schools this weekend with a gun to tape victory in magnificent style, he later followed this gold medal with a bloodless win in the 3,000m. There was also fine performances in the 1500m by Aishan Patil finishing a close 4th and Orla Mulvihill in 7th place in the u-17’s category.
Sligo also enjoyed great success in field events with Colm Bourke claiming double gold in the boys u-18 triple and long jump, Ania Bednorz scooped gold in the u-18 triple jump and followed that up with a silver in the u-17 long jump. And new senior jump sensation Ciaran White in only his second competition took gold in the long jump nearly breaking 6metres for the first time and that was his second medal of the day adding to his bronze in the senior 60m final. Orla Mulvihill, Leo Doherty, Liam Kerrigan, Philip Hunter, Laura Joyce and Lauren Cadden jumped well in their first ever indoor competition and will have learned a lot from their experience.
Eimear Joyce and Liam Kerrigan did really well in their shot putt competitions and again would have learned so much from their experience. There was better luck on track for the walkers as Sligo dominated the male section claiming gold with Robby Kelly in the u-14 and National Champion Dylan Carty strode to victory in the boys u-16, he later added an impressive bronze medal in the 800m. Orla Delahunt was desperately unlucky not to claim bronze in the u-14 girls walk showing her potential and look forward to great things come the outdoors.
Sligo AC enjoyed even more success in the 800m with the impressive Caelainn McGonigle dominating from gun to tape to stride to an impressive victory and this is a really nice return to form for Caelainn. Sligo nearly added to Caelainn and Dylan’s medal in the 800m with Thomas Delahunt, Aishan Patil, Claire Conlon, Mark Connolly, Philip Hunter and Niall Simon all running excellent races to finish in close prominent positions.
The medal haul didn’t finish there with 2 more medals to come. First Leo Doherty finished a very close 2nd place in the boys u-12 600m, he can look forward to Nationals where he will have a great chance to turn the tables on his conqueror. And second; Zak Irwin winning the u-16 boys 200m in fine style, showing fine speed to blow his rivals away.
A big well done to all Sligo AC athletes who took part over the weekend and good luck to all who made it to Nationals where the first weekend will take place in Magherafelt, co Derry in 2 weeks time.

Sligo AC News: Bundoran 10 miler & National 10k

2011-03-09T02:41:00.000-08:00

Bundoran 10 mile Road Race: The first runner home in the excellent time of 50:18 seconds was Derry man Paddy Hamilton, who had over a two-minute advantage over his nearest rival, young sligoman Patrick Brennan (Letterkenny AC) in 52:56. Taking the third rung on the winners’ rostrum was Ferbane’s Paul Buckley in another respectable time of 54:14. 1st woman home across the line on the day to the beautiful coastline of Bundoran was Belfast's Breege Connolly in another excellent time of 59:23, followed home by Tir Chonaill AC’s Fiona Stack in 1:04:26 seconds and Sligo's Roseanne Mitchell in 1:07:40 in third. Well done to all the Sligo AC members members that competed, times are listed below;
Richard Gorman 58.52
Mel Casserly 60.50
John Whelan 65.26
Enda Dineen 66.31
Paul Deering 67.27
Rory Connor 67.29
Roseanne Mitchell 67.50
Fintan Whelan 72.01
Enda Whelan 72.09
Cindy McCarthy 72.54
Willie Parke 74.22
Carina Clarke 80.34
Deirdre Deering 80.39
Bernie Flynn 82.09
Hubert Beatty 82.52
Vanessa Foley 84.12
Dermot Cunningham 85.03
Sheila Lehany 86.35
Aisling Gillen 90.07
Jill Connor 97.24

National 10k Championships

Any club member wishing to run in the National 10k Road Race championships on the 10th April in the Phoenix Park, Dublin (in conjunction with the Great Ireland Run) should please contact Rory on 0872660372 by friday 11th march at the latest stating what category you wish to be entered in. Your club registration must be paid in order to run as a member of Sligo AC. Thanking you in advance for your time with this issue.

Sligo AC National Indoors: Juvenile Update

2011-02-23T03:31:00.000-08:00

A number of Sligo AC juvenile athletes made the trip to Belfast as guests in the Northern Ireland Championships. With the impressive Odyssey arena the venue, this was a real special introduction to big competition to Sligo's up and coming stars. On the Saturday morning of competition Graham Kerr set the ball rolling by winning his 60m heat in impressive style, followed immediately by his big sister Stacey, she too was victorious in winning her 60m heat in fine style and a new personal best of 8.35 seconds. While Graham and Stacey prepared for their finals Caelainn McGonigle strode to victory in her 800m time trial but as she was racing against the clock her time was good enough for 4th place overall.
After Caelainn came Dylan Carty in the boys U-16 walk where he was a very impressive winner lapping all but one to win in fine style. Onto the finals of the 60m for girls where Stacey drawn in lane 5 got off to a slow start but quickly made up ground to finish in a very tight 4th place behind National record holder for 60m u13 and Celtic Games champion Grace Lawlor. Stacey can look forward to the Connaught indoors which take place in Nenagh on the 5th of March. After a long delay they eventually got the boys u13 under way which saw Graham Kerr power out of the blocks in his usual fashion to claim a very close 4th place finish.
Onto Sundays competition where we had a sole representitive in Zak Irwin and he didn't disappoint. First he set onto the track in the 200m, where for the first time ever he tasted defeat, this event was a huge learning curve for him as he later showed in the 60m. In heat 1 he strolled to an easy win in a very fast time of 7.48 seconds, later on that day he bettered that time to the final by some way in a time of 7.42 seconds. This really is classy running and he too can look forward to both a fine indoor and outdoor season ahead.
On the topic of juvenile athletes we had 5 competing in Senior competition. Tommy Casey and Ania Bednorz both really do need a special mention as first Tommy on Saturday night obliterated his personal best for 3,000m to qualify for the final. His time of 8min 27seconds is truly top class running and puts him right up there with the best juniors in the Country, he went on the next day to back this performance up with a time of 8min 32 seconds in the final, this shows the stregnth and character that it takes to be a world class runner which Tommy will be some day. And with Ania only 15 years of age competing for her first time in senior competition and still only in her first year of competition, she finsihed a very credible 5th place in the final of the senior womans triple jump on Sunday afternoon. Ciaran White (long jump), Rianne McHugh(800m) and Kevin McGlynn (60m) can all be proud of their performances and look forward to building on them through the indoor season and onto outdoor season. The future looks bright in Sligo athletics with so many young athletes competing at this level of competition. Well done to all Sligo athletes who took part in this excellent competition over the weekend and best of luck in their competitions ahead.

Sligo AC National Indoors Update: Running Shoes

2011-02-23T03:26:00.000-08:00

North Sligo golden girl Mary Cullen again stole the headlines after running a stunning performance at last weekend’s Woodie’s D.I.Y. Athletics Ireland Indoor Championships at the Odyssey arena in Belfast . In what was a great weekend for Sligo Athletics Club, Cullen won gold in the 1500m with a blistering last 300 metres to relegate the hot pre-race favourite Ciara Magean to third place. Considering that Mary had ran 3,000m in Birmingham just 24 hours earlier in a season’s best time of 8 minutes 53 seconds, puts into perspective her great performance. While Cullen was the only Sligo podium place, other Sligo athletes left there mark on what was a very exciting Championships. Popular Sligo A.C. athlete and coach Dermot McDermott reached his first ever championship final when he ran a personal best time of 1 minute 54.3 seconds. He went on to finish 6th in a high class final, recording exactly the same time. The Men’s 3,000m attracted such a huge field that it required the running of heats on Saturday evening.
To see two Sligo A.C. finalists on Sunday afternoon was gratifying. In reaching the final, Tommy Casey ran a lifetime best of 8 minutes 27 seconds. Alberto Sanchez also recorded a personal best when he reached the final in 8 minutes 28 seconds. In the final, Sanchez finished 9th with Casey in 10th place. Another Sligo A.C. athlete who left Belfast on Sunday evening happy was triple jumper Annia Bednow who finished 4th in the triple jump. While the Sligo senior athletes did the county proud in the senior championships, a bunch of promising juveniles proved that the production line of athletes is top quality with some great performances in the warm up races before the main event. Wins for Dylan Carty in the 1,000mwalk and Zak Irwin in the 60m sprint insured celebrations in the Sligo A.C. camp. A third place for Graham Kerr and great sprinting by his sister Stacey were also impressive. Cailim McGonagle ran a personal best in the 800m while Rianne McHugh, despite her age, did not look out of place in the senior 800m. While Mary Cullen upset the odds in the 1,500m, Leitrim race walker Laura Reynolds also caused a big surprise with victory in the 3,000m walk. The west is really awake in athletics.
Next weekend in Santry, Dublin , the final senior cross country takes place with the staging of the national inter clubs championships. Sligo A.C. will have a team in the senior men’s race where David Kelly will lead the team. Anna Reddin will lead a junior Sligo A.C. team who will be taking part in these championships for the first time in many years. Good luck to all then.

Connacht Development Squad: Sligo Athlete List.

2011-02-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

Connacht Development Squad, Sunday February 20th, Dangan, Galway, 12 noon.
Please note, athletes will not be notified individually of selection to the squad as per vote at congress. Notification will go through club or school only. Could clubs and schools please notify athletes of their selection to Connacht Development Squad and their invitation to attend the above squad days.
Sligo AC Athletes (boys)

Connell Boal,Colm Bourke, David Lynch, Dylan Carty, Jack Roberts, James McGeough, Killian O'Connor, Shane Kilcawley, Tommy Casey
Sligo AC Athletes (girls)
Anna Reddin, Claire Conlon, Ennia Bedzoz, Rianne McHugh, Sara McGeough, Stacey Kerr

North Sligo Athletes (boys)
Ben Roberts, Cian McBride,Feidhlim McGowan, Kevin McGlynn, Leigh Currid, Lorcan Roddy,William Crowe
North Sligo Athletes (girls)
Rachel Oates, Sarah Oates, Sinead Keogh, Sorcha Fallon, Tory McGlynn
Sign in at 12 noon (upstairs meeting room in Dangan pavilion)
Followed by presentation and workshop on hydration from Ruth Kilcawley, dietitian.
Coaching session from 1pm. Wrap up at 2.30pm.

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes

2011-02-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

Cream always rises to the top. North Sligo athlete Mary Cullen once again proved that saying true in stunning fashion on Tuesday night last in France. Running her first race back after months of injury she finished a brilliant 3rd place behind Ethiopian athlete Mekdes Bekele at the indoor venue in Lieven. Mary’s time for the 3000mts was 8.56.89 and nearly four seconds inside the qualifying time for the European indoor championships in Paris in early March. Mary won a bronze medal in the European indoors two years ago and with a couple of more races in her legs she will be competitive again and she will have a great chance of a medal. One race that Mary will be taking in is the Athletics Ireland indoor championships in the magnificent Odyssey arena in Belfast next weekend! This will be her first time to compete in those championships and whether she opts to compete in the 3000mts or the 1500mts she will be a firm favourite to win the gold medal.
Other Sligo athletes who will be travelling to Belfast are Tommy Casey who will be hoping to run a personal best time in the 3000mts, Dermot McDermott who will be hugely disappointed if he doesn’t make the final of the 800mts, Annia Bednoz in the long and the triple jump and Alberto Sanchez who like Tommy Casey will be hoping for a personal best in the 3000mts. The Sligo athletes will be part of what is expected to be one of the best indoor meetings ever staged in Ireland.
Well done to all the Sligo athletes who qualified for the All Ireland schools finals in Dublin in a few weeks time. They qualified by virtue of good performances at the Connaught finals in Galway last Tuesday and it looks like we will have some All Ireland medals coming West from the cross country finals in Alsa Dublin.
One medal that has come to Sligo is a bronze medal won by Sligo IT athlete Alberto Sanchez who collected the bronze at the All Ireland Varsities championships indoors held in Nenagh last week. Alberto was very impressive clocking 8mins27secs for the 3000mts distance. Across the water in the British varsities cross country championships Tommy Carroll of St Mary’s college London ran the cross country race of his life to finish in forth place. Tommy has not had much look this season in cross country but he certainly came good in this high class race and once again proved what a high class athlete he is.
Road running athletes are reminded once again of the Bundoran 10 mile road race which will take place on Saturday March 5th starting at 11am with walkers starting at 10am. Any athlete who is planning a marathon in the Spring, Summer or Autumn are encouraged to be on the starting line. Ten kilometres, ten miles, and a half marathon are a must for prospective marathon runners so this is an ideal opportunity. The race which is sponsored by Cara Pharmacy is well organised and well marshalled with times given at every mile. Entries can be made at www.bundoranrun.com
Finally this week congratulations to Sligo AC athlete Dylan Carty who collected his Athletics Ireland star award for 2010 in Athlone on Saturday night last.

Sligo AC News: Club Meeting

2011-02-17T01:01:00.000-08:00

Sligo AC's next club meeting is on Thursday 24th February at 8.30pm in the Southern Hotel, Sligo. Club officials would appreciate if as many members as possible would attend in order to discuss relevant issues such as 8k race, club singlets etc. This is also a valuable forum where all members can express their opinions and offer suggestions to improve the club.

Sligo AC News: Athletic Coaching Courses

2011-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Assistant Coaching Course in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim.
The Assistant Coach course is to develop basic skills to the beginner coach to help assist a more senior coach in the delivery of coaching sessions to young athletes. It is an introduction to the coaching of four key events, running (Sprints and Endurance), Jumping (Long Jump) and Throwing (Shot Putt).Venue – Carrick on Shannon Community Centre, Co Leitrim. Dates – Thursdays 17th and 24th February 2011. Time – 6pm-10pm. Entry Requirements - The Assistant Coach Course is open to all [over 16 years]. Assessment/ Qualification - There is no exam / assessment. Coaches must attend and participate in all aspects of the course. Cost - €60 - Included in the price for this course is an AAI Assistant Coach Manual.
McDonalds Athletic Leader Course, Grange, Co Sligo.
The Athletic Leader course focuses on introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement to children. The aim of the Athletic Leader course is to provide teachers, parents, club volunteers with the skills and tools to manage and lead an Athletics Program in their school or club for children in the 5-10 year old age bracket. The course is centered on the delivery of practical information and lessons. The content focuses on organising athletics games and activities for young childrenVenue – Grange Community Centre, North Sligo. Dates – Thursdays 17th and 24th February 2011. Time – 6pm-10pm. Entry Requirements - Athletics Leader is open to all volunteers/club coaches/parents/teachers. Participants must be over 16years of age. Assessment/ Qualification - There is no exam/assessment. Participants gain an Athletics Leader qualification via attendance and participation. Cost - €60 – Included in the cost for this course is the new McDonalds Athletics Leader manual containing hundreds of child friendly agility, balance and co-ordination activities. Applications to: Eamon Harvey, Athletics Ireland, Regional Development Officer. Email eamon@athleticsireland.ie Mob 087 2797548

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes

2011-02-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend in a field in county Antrim at the International cross country race Sligo AC head coach Terry Hayes pointed out a small fit looking man in his mid fifties to me. He asked me did I recognise him and I didn’t. He told me it was John McLoughlin from Belfast , a man who had won the Calry ten mile back in the late seventies. Terry reminded me that the prize he won was a television set that apparently never worked because apparently back in that era televisions bought on this side of the border didn’t work in the North and visa versa. This story brought back memories of many ten mile races staged at that time around the country. There is something magical about the ten mile distance. Most good club runners aspire to break the one hour barrier while the 50 minute barrier is a good land mark for any runner who has ambition to break into International competition as is the one hour mark for ladies. In the seventies and eighties ten mile races were the norm. these days 5 and 10k races have replaced the 10mile which perhaps is a reflection on how soft we have become. My own favourite 10 mile was the Ballyshannon 10. This was a really tough race around the hills of Ballyshannon and attracted huge crowds from both sides of the border. I remember being delighted to break the 55minute barrier in this race which ironically did not get me in the top 30. Athletics Ireland and Tirconnell AC will try to reverse the decline in the ten mile races when they stage what is hoped to be the first annual 10 mile race in Bundoran on March 5th. The race is open to runners and walkers with the walkers setting off at 10am and runners at 11am. The race was launched in Bundoran on Thursday night last by Athletics Ireland president Liam Hennessey and CEO John Foley. Sligo man Dermot McDermott will be the front man in the promotion of the event for Athletics Ireland. Knowing Dermot as I do he will leave no stone unturned and I would expect participation levels to return to the highs of the seventies and eighties. A wide range of prizes will be on offer for all categories and Cara Pharmacy the largest pharmacy chain in the North West will be sponsoring the event. A number of high profile athletes have indicated they will take part including Sligo AC international athlete David Kelly. In the last couple of years running has come second to his medical studies but David is back in full training now and has targeted this Bundoran race as his comeback race. The route will be a very scenic one and all Sligo athletes of all abilities are asked to take part. All proceeds from the run will go to juvenile athletic development in athletics Ireland . It looks like the good old days of 10 mile races are back. Roll on Bundoran on March 5th.

Sligo AC News: AGM Minutes

2011-02-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

Sligo Athletic Club AGM was held on Thursday, 27th January 2011 in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel at 8:30pm with an encouragingly increased attendance of members and parents. The Minutes of the 2010 AGM were read by outgoing Secretary Terry Hayes and were adopted by the meeting. Outgoing Chairman Ray Flynn welcomed all members to the meeting and gave a detailed report on the training and competitive activities over the year. Highlighting the achievements of 13 individual National medal winners from the club he concluded by congratulating Dylan Carty on winning the Athletics Ireland Juvenile Star Award for Sligo to be awarded in Athlone on February 12th, 2011. Treasurer Michael O’Hart circulated a detailed financial report and following discussion on queries raised regarding purchase of gear and travel expenses, was thanked for keeping the finances in such good order. Anne McHugh reported that there were 285 registered members in 2010. All members must renew membership in 2011 and be registered for competition entry. Having assisted with this in the past Anne said it would now be a function of the incoming Secretary. Officers for 2011 were elected as follows: Chairperson – Michael O’Connell. Secretary – Mary Foye. Treasurer - Michael O’Hart. Asst Chairperson – Enda Dineen. Asst Secretary – Paul Deering. Child & Welfare Officer – Michael Gilroy. Upcoming 2011 Fixtures: 6th February - National Intermediate, Masters & Juvenile B Cross Country, ALSAA Dublin. 19th & 20th February – National Senior Indoors, Belfast. 26th February – National Inter Club Cross Country, Santry, Dublin. It is planned to have teams/individuals in all these events.Schools, Connaught and National Juvenile fixtures circulated. Proposal for Streets of Sligo 5k on 15th May 2011 in conjunction with The Sligo Champion to mark the paper’s 175th Anniversary. Date of Club’s Annual 8k (probably August/September) to be decided at next Club Meeting. Annual end of year club social event to honour athlete’s achievements to be pursued further. Club coach Dermot McDermott is planning a 1 week training camp trip to Gran Canaria in June with approx. cost of €500 (all inclusive). Members can contact Dermot directly for further details. Proposal of road race series discussed and to be followed-up to decide on conditions e.g. prize structure but any race included must have an AAI Permit. Rory O’Connor and Michael O’Connell have sought samples on new club singlets/gear. Incoming Secretary Mary Foye extended congratulations on behalf of the club to Ray Flynn on his election as Chair of High Performance Committee at the Athletics Ireland Congress held in Sligo in April 2010 along with Michael O’Harte and Anne McHugh elected to National Competition and Juvenile Committees respectively.

Sligo Athletic Club: News Update

2011-01-28T02:46:00.000-08:00

Special Olympics Fundraising Day
Thousands of people will take to the roads and streets of Ireland on Friday, April 15th to shake their buckets and raise essential funding for Special Olympics Ireland. This is the biggest annual fundraising event in aid of Special Olympics. We aim to raise €1 million in one day and we need your help. We need volunteers all over Ireland to shake a bucket in their local communities. If you think you can spare an hour or two on the 15th April please email connaughtvol@specialolympics.ie or go to www.specialolympics.ie and click on your county to register your interest in becoming involved.If you would like to be more involved with the planning and organising of this day in your area/county please get in touch with our Fundraising Coordinator Lydia Rogers at Lydia.rogers@specialolympics.ie or call 071 9118320.
CSAA NORTH CONNACHT CROSS COUNTRY RESULT 2011 Sligo Racecourse 27th January 2011
MINOR GIRLS: INDIVIDUAL WINNER - ORLA MC CANN, SWINFORD
1st TEAM.URSULINES SLIGO 12PTS
MINOR BOYS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - RONAN ANDERSON SUMMERHILL COLLEGE
1st TEAM.SUMMERHILL COLLEGE 58PTS
JUNIOR GIRLSINDIVIDUAL WINNER - SARAH MCGEOUGH, SLIGO GRAMMAR
1st TEAM.ST JOSEPHS FOXFORD 15PTS
JUNIOR BOYS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - WILLIAM CROWE, SLIGO GRAMMAR
1st TEAM.SLIGO GRAMMAR 45PTS
INTER BOYS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - DAIRE FARRELL, CARRICK C.S.
1st TEAM.RICE COLLEGE WESTPORT 32PTS
INTER GIRLS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - ROSIE HYNES, ST.ATTRACTAS TUBBERCURRY
1st TEAM.URSULINES SLIGO 19PTS
SENIOR GIRLS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - ANNA REDDIN, SLIGO GRAMMAR
1st TEAM.SLIGO GRAMMAR 11PTS
SENIOR BOYS INDIVIDUAL WINNER - TOMMY CASEY, SLIGO GRAMMAR
1st TEAM.SLIGO GRAMMAR 24PTS

Sligo Athletic Club: News Update

2011-01-27T02:09:00.000-08:00

A.G.M
Our Annual General Meeting takes place in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel TONIGHT at 8.30pm. All members are invited and encouraged to attend.
National Novice Cross Country update
Hearty congratulations to Eimear O'Brien who was promoted to third place in National Novice Cross Country as the second placed finisher was ineligible due to having won Intermediate (higher grade) medal in 2009. This medal is justly deserved for all the hard training undertaken over the preceeding months leading up to this competitive fixture and adds to the team medal won by the senior womens county team. Well done from all at the club!
Upcoming Events
Please contact club officials if interested;
Sunday 6th February: National Masters and Intermediates in Santry, Dublin (near Airport) closing 28th January. Also scheduled is the under 11, 13, 15, 17, 19b cross country races.
Saturday/Sunday 19th & 20th February: National Indoors Belfast closing 28th Jan.
Saturday 26th February: National Inter Clubs Senior Cross Country in Santry closing 6th February.

Sligo Athletic Club: News Update

2011-01-25T04:33:00.000-08:00

Sligo Athletic Club AGM
Our Annual General Meeting takes place in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel this Thursday, 27th January 2011, at 8.30pm. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. Congratulations to Eimear O'Brien on coming 18th at the recent International Cross Country race which was held in Antrim over the weekend. Terry Hayes and Rory Connor also took part in their respective categories representing the Club. Also congratulations to Henry Rowan who was winner of the High Jump at the National Masters ,over 55 category, held in Nenagh.

The Cara Bundoran Run 10 Mile Challenge is Ireland’s newest road race and will provide runners, joggers and walkers of all standards with a thrilling experience on breathtaking route.
The course skirts Donegal’s Atlantic coastline around the holiday resort of Bundoran with a sweeping downhill finish towards the finish. A Different Running Experience. For more information please visit http://www.bundoranrun.com/

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes!

2011-01-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

A good running surface, a well marked and laid out course, good weather, a big crowd and huge fields in every race all contributed to make last Sundays Juvenile and Novice cross country in Tullamore one of the most enjoyable athletic events I have attended in recent years. Sligo athletes recently have ended up in fourth place in many races. This trend continued on Sunday when Eimear O’Brien finished in that position after running a brave race in the women’s novice race. However some form of consolation to her was the fact that she led the Sligo county team to bronze medals in the intercounty race. The four scoring members on the team were Eimear O’Brien 4th, Una McCool 23rd, Aishling Van Rensburg 43rd and Roseanne Mitchell 54th. William Crowe again proved what a fine athlete he is when he finished 6th in a high standard under 15 boys race and another athlete who caught the eye in this race was Sligo athletic club athlete Darren Kilcawley who ran his best ever cross country race finishing in 24th place. A top ten finish was a good reward for young Leo Doherty (pictured with Jack Connor) who continues his improvement in the boys under 11 race. The unluckiest Sligo athlete of the day was Anna Reddin in the girls under 19 5000m race. Right from the gun she ran a positive race and took the lead. She held that lead until the last of the three laps where she got a stitch and had to drop out. Other good days will come along for what is a talented athlete. The Sligo AC men’s novice team also gave everything with Spanish import Alberto Sanceze leading the team home in 5th place. Dermot McDermott ran his best ever cross country race in 11th place. Tommy Kelly led the North Sligo team home in 19th place. However the folly of having two senior clubs in the county was again exemplified when the results showed that if Kelly was running for Sligo athletic club they would have finished in 2nd place instead of the 8th place overall. This is a debate for another day however and should not cloud a generally good day for Sligo athletics. On a busy weekend Sligo AC were also in Nenagh on Saturday for the Athletics Ireland national junior championships indoors. The cross-country race on Sunday obviously affected the participation levels in these championships. Sligo AC middle distance star Tommy Casey lined out in the 1500m and as they lined up I would have put my house on the All Ireland schools champion to win gold. However as racehorse Kato Star proved at much the same time across the water in Kempton Park there is no such thing as a certainty in racing either the four legged or two-legged version. The slow pace did not suit Tommy and he was caught for speed in the last 200mts and had to settle for a silver medal.
Another busy weekend awaits us next weekend. On Saturday the AAI games will be held in Nenagh while on the same day the big international cross country race will be held in Antrim. Mary Cullen who won the ladies race last year is in South Africa training so will be absent. Sligo AC will however be represented by Eimear O’Brien. In the men’s race the North Sligo colours will be worn by Tommy Carroll who returns from his training base in London. On Sunday the AAI masters indoor championships take place in Nenagh and again Sligo will be well represented.

Sligo AC: News Update

2011-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Sligo AC Indoor Little Athletics (5yrs upwards)
Places are now full for Monday nights at 6pm. In the interest of safety and management we have had to close our registration for this session while indoors. Any club members or parents who would be interested in lending a helping hand would be most welcome. Just come along and make yourself known to any of the coaches.
Transition Year Students Any Sligo AC transition year students or friends who would like to help at underage training at Sligo IT on Monday night at 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 would be most welcome. Just come along on a Monday night and make yourself known to any of our coaches.

Sligo AC Update: Novice Cross Country Championships

2011-01-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all Sligo Athletes who participated in the Cross Country Championships which were held in Tullamore, Co.Offaly over the weekend. The Women of County Sligo did us pround with a 3rd place team finish in the Senior Womens event. The mens Sligo AC Team finished 6th in the National Novice Cross Country in Tullamore yesterday with some top class performances by a number of athletes; Alberto Sanchez finishing in 5th and Dermot McDermott having a great run to finish 11th. The other team members were Killian O'Connor, Mel Casserly, Seamus Somers, Rory Connor and Paul Deering (pictured).
Sligo AC's best hope for an individual medal, Eimear O Brien, was agonisingly caught for the bronze medal position in the Womens individual race but had the consolation of leading the County team to third place along with Roseanne Mitchell of Sligo AC as they combined with Ashling Van Rensburg and Amy McCool of North Sligo to beat off some well fancied teams.
In the Junior races Sligo AC's Leo Doherty and Jack Connor competed in the under 11 1500mm with Leo finishing in an impressive 8th place and Jack running strongly to finish in the top half of the field. Darren Kilcawley finished 22nd ahead of clubmate Dylan Carty in the Boys U-15 3500m. Sharon Hodgins (pictured) of Sligo AC had a fine race finishing 9th in the girls under 19 National Cross Country. Well done to all athletes who competed from all at the club.

Sligo Athletic Club News: AGM & Training

2011-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our members, now's the time to get back into training after all the Christmas excesses; lets hope we all fulfill our personal goals and achieve plenty of PB's!
Good luck to all our athletes who are competing in the underage and National Novice Cross Country Championships this weekend. With strong teams entered in a variety of categories we should see some notable results!
Sligo Athletic Club AGM takes place in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel on Thursday 27th January 2011 at 8.30 pm. Club Registration for any juveniles/seniors/masters athletes that have as of yet failed to register for 2011 will be held prior to meeting at 7.30 pm. It is vitally important that as many members as possible show up on the night as the elected board values all its members imput. Remember it's your club so your involvement and ideas matter.
The Agenda is as follows;
(i) Minutes
(ii) Chairman’s Report
(iii) Secretary’s Report
(iv) Treasurers Report
(v) Election of Officers for 2011
(vi) Any Other Business
Indoor Athletics: Athletics resumes on Monday 17th January in Sligo I.T at 6pm. This class caters for juveniles aged 5yrs & upwards. Outdoor athletics also takes place on Tuesdays and Thursday for Juveniles of an older age. For more details please contact Club Officials at sligoac@gmail.com

Sligo Athletic Club: News Update

2010-12-17T03:01:00.000-08:00

Mystery Turkey trot in Calry is cancelled due to the worsening weather conditions and icy conditions which would prove too hazardous to ask athletes to run .We hope to reschedule in the early New Year as a Trolley dash.
Sligo AC''s Annual Club Run over 2 miles takes place at 12 noon on St Stephens Day in Hazelwood. If athletes want a longer run come earlier but we encourage all to join the group for a casual jog at 12 noon .This is also an opportunity to fill your registration for 2011 and , if possible get a few euro for sponsorship. The club registration at 30 euro is one of the lowest in the Country and most of it goes to Athletics Ireland for membership and Insurance. Thus the club also needs some sponsorship to survive and prosper. The Club had over 260 registered members in 2010 and we assisted both young athletes and Seniors with entry to Connacht and National events along with a small contribution to travel to these events. Thus by joining the Club you help ensure the future for our young Athletes. See you on Stephens morning and have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Don't run over 100 miles a week during the festive Season! Finally best of luck to our Competitors in National Cross Country next Sunday.
The following Indoor Competitions takes place in the New Year. Please let any club Coach know if you wish to be entered and note closing Dates. Sat 15 Jan 2011: Junior Indoors closes 7 Jan. Sun 16th Jan AAI Indoors closes 7th jan. Sat 22th Jan Combined Events Senior/Junior/Masters closes 14th Jan. Sun 23rd Jan Masters Indoor closes 14 Jan. All above in Nenagh. Sat 19th and Sun 20th February Senior Indoors in Belfast closes 23rd January.
Fit4Life top 16 athletes from the Autumn series are as follows. Well done to all!
1. Clarke, Corina
2. Beatty, Hubert
3. Sweeney, Trevor
4. Parkinson, Tony
5. Janyst, Pawel
6. Sullivan, James
7. Mcglone, Kevin
8. Hosey, Lorraine
9. Kennedy, Linda
10. Teape, Bernadine
11. Martin, Louise
12. Whelan, John
13. Deering, Keenan
14. Gilroy, John
15. Keane, Ronan
16. Filan, Finbar

Sligo AC Athletics Update

2010-12-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

Fit4Life: Race 5. On a day when many of the participants found it almost as difficult to negotiate a safe route to the start of the 2 mile run in Hazelwood as to do the run itself, a field of 43 eventually took to the line in what proved an enjoyable days sport. Two youngsters led the field home with Keenan Deering holding off Riona Connor for first with a slightly older trio of Bernie Flynn, Barbara Curran and Linda Kennedy filling third to fifth. Seamus Somers with 10 mins 46 secs was fastest home while Roseanne Mitchell was fastest woman in 13 mins 12 secs. Top ten finishers of Race 5 as follows;
1st. deering, keenan 14.50
2nd. connor, riona 15.57
3rd. flynn, bernie 15.12
4th. curran, barbara 16.51
5th. kennedy, linda 16.04
6th. henry, monica 15.41
7th. gilroy, john 14.54
8th. sweeney, trevor 13.28
9th. clarke, corina 14.49
10th. whelan, enda 14.00
Next Saturday at 12 noon the final leg of the League takes place over the same 2 mile circuit.
Presentation of prizes will be in the Southern Hotel at 6pm with light refreshments and the top 15 finishers overall will receive a prize.All are welcome as well as friends and partners.
Glasses missing from Race Course, Cleveragh on Saturday 4th December at approx 1pm. If anyone mistakingly picked them up please contact club officials at sligoac@gmail.com

Sligo AC News: Athletics update

2010-11-29T03:33:00.000-08:00

National Cross Country Championships. Despite the Arctic conditions Sligo Athletics were well represented in the various under age, Junior and Senior Races on Sunday. First into action at under 12 level was Leo Doherty, Connacht under 11 Champion , who acquitted himself well to finish in 26th place in a field of over 100 runners. From this achievement he will look forward to the under 11 Nationals in Tullamore where a top 10 place would be a realistic target. The girls under 14 race saw Caeloinn Mc Gonigle and Laura Joyce fly the flag as they finished in the top half of a quality field. Claire Conlon and Orla Mulvihill represented the club at under 16 level and again did well in the difficult underfoot conditions. Ashan Patil in 47th place was closely followed by Gavin Foyle in the under 16 boys race and while Shane Kilcawley was 4oth in the boys under 18 event. Sharon Hodgins in 12th showed huge improvement in the girls under 18 race while in the the Junior events for under 20s Anna Reddin in 9th and Tommy Casey in 11th produced the best performances of the day. Seamus Somers and Tommy Carroll were the County representatives in the Senior Mens race (won by Dublin's Joe Sweeney - pictured) and Somers did well in his first Seniors to finish 87th while Carroll had to pull out with injury. Well done to all who competed from all at the club!
National Novice Cross Country will be on the 19th December in Tullamore, Co.Offaly. Sligo AC women and mens teams athletes for the above please contact Terry Hayes in the next few days for confirmation of entry. Closing date 2nd December 2010.
‘Do a LAP for the Outdoor Gym’ at the Mitchell Curley Park, Kevinsfort on Sunday December 5th.The fundraising project committee are asking the local community to take part in walking or jogging around the park on December 5th and over the months of December and January and to pledge €1 or raise sponsorship of €1 per 1km lap. The community fundraising target is €12,000 or 12,000km.We would be delighted if you could attend on the day. The launch begins at 2.30pm with speeches and the completion of laps. Santa will be there to meet the children and complete the first lap! Local celebrities have been invited too. Pledge cards are available now from any of the committee members and at the launch on Sunday December 5th.
Regional Development Squads. Please see details at this link for upcoming Regional Development Squads - http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=16037 . Please encourage athletes in your club named on the squad list and their coaches to attend. Full details in the enclosed link.
The Connacht branch/IRFU are delighted to inform you that there will be a fitness workshop for all coaches in Sligo, Monday the 29th of November. The workshop will focus on fitness and conditioning for young players to adult beginners at strength training . This workshop will be based on the newly updated fitness and conditioning content in the Mini and foundation coaching courses. The focus of this workshop is physical activity and movement skill development. The evening will concentrate on stages 1 and 2 of the Long Term Development Pathway, Title - “Fitness for young players and adults beginners at strength training” Presenter - Antoine Mobian ( Connacht academy fitness coach) & Des Ryan (I.R.F.U. Fitness Education manager) Date – 29/11/10 Time – 7.30pm to 9pm Venue – Sligo Grammar school , Sligo Cost - €5 Registration - Coaches must register with Eamonn Molloy or Jimmy Duffy on 091 561 568

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes

2010-11-25T03:12:00.000-08:00

The first and probably the most important cross country race of the winter will take place in Derry on Sunday next. It’s the AAI inter county National Championships for senior men and women and the juvenile championships are also held in conjunction. The road to Derry from Sligo will be busy on Sunday morning as we have athletes competing in all grades. Few will forget 2009 when our senior mens team brought home bronze medals for the first time in the history of the event. The chance to equal that or even build on it probably is beyond the team this year. The absence of David Kelly unavailable due to work commitments, Emmett Dunleavy injured, Martin Conroy who is in Australia and Paddy Brennan who has flown the nest to Donegal is a huge blow. However the addition of Thomas McBride, Seamus Somers and new recruit John Hennigan is positive for the team. Tommy Carroll is a much stronger athlete than last year so it’s not all doom and gloom around our senior mens team. Last year we also celebrated a stunning victory by Mary Cullen in the senior women’s race and unfortunately injury has ruled her out of this years race but Sligo AC athlete Eimear O’Brien makes her debut in this race and does hold an outside chance of making the team for the European cross country. Another man with serious ambitions of making that team is Tommy Casey who lines out in the junior mens race with high hopes. Anna Reddin is a starter in the ladies equivalent and will harbour similar ambitions to Tommy. Sligo juvenile athletes have been in flying form in the Connaught championships and travel to Derry in confident form. The North Sligo duo of William Crowe and Cian McBride always seem to peek in All Ireland championships and I expect it will be no different on Sunday next. Sligo AC athletes Leo Doherty, Caolinn McGonagle and Sarah McGeogh are class athletes and are expected to run well. Both Sligo clubs will also have teams in some of the age groups while a number of county teams will also declare in the juvenile section. So a fascinating day lies in store on Sunday next where teams for the European championships will be announced after the event. Let’s hope that we have a Sligo representative on one team at least.
Two interesting road races with a distinctly Christmas flavour should now go into all readers diaries. The first is the Calry Athletic club “Turkey Trot” which will take place in Calry on Saturday December 18th starting from the Marian Hall Calry. The second is “The great Sligo Santa dash” which will start from Sligo southern hotel on Wednesday December 22nd at 7pm. This promises to be a great occasion with a massive Christmas party taking place after the race with music, food and craic.

Open letter from Sligo AC's Secretary to Sligo Champion

2010-11-25T01:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Editor,
Next Sunday the National Inter Counties Cross Country takes place in Derry ,one of the biggest events on the Athletics Calendar and won last year by Sligo native Mary Cullen. I understand Michael Carney (Nth Sligo AC) sent in information about this event but whether he did or not i would have assumed the event would have received some coverage. As such I looked forward to reading my Champion this week.
Page 91 recorded Junior Soccer victory v Roscommon and contract talks with Richie Ryan reported by M.Moran. Page 92 Article by Tommy Brehony re burnout and GAA Minor Board appointment reported by Leo Gray. Pages 93 and 94 GAA Notes. Page 95 Swimming, Boxing and Martial Arts. Page 96 Badminton, Handball and Gymnastics. Page 97 Rugby. Page 98 Golf. Page 99 and 100 Soccer and Junior/ Youth Soccer. Page 101 Article re Bit O Red by M.Moran. Page 102 Match Gavin Dykes selection v Sligo Rovers reported by M.Moran. Page 103 Sligo Rovers Triumph reported by Jim Gray. Page 104 Sligo Rovers sign new players reported by M.Moran.
It gives me no pleasure to keep highlighting your poor coverage of Athletics but i feel you have a responsibility to give equal coverage to all Sports. This email is going to almost 300 Athletics associates and let them decide if they wish to read the Champion. Yours in sport, Secretary Sligo AC.

Sligo AC News Update: Fit4Life League

2010-11-22T03:02:00.000-08:00

Four highly competitive races gone and two to go in this years Autumn Fit4Life League and Corina Clarke continues to hold a commanding lead from Hubert Beatty who is just ahead of Janyst Pawel and Tony Parkinson. From previous years we all know that the final shakeup can change totally even over a single race! The final two races are over two miles in Hazelwood Forest, Calry, on Saturday 4th and 11th December starting at 12 noon.
On December 11th at 7pm the presentation of prizes to the top fifteen in the League will take place in the Southern Hotel at 7pm with some finger food and an opportunity for all club members to have a Christmas drink. Top ten athletes so far as follows;
clarke, corina 10pts
beatty, hubert 64pts
janyst, pawel 66pts
parkinson, tony 70pts
teape, bernadine 87pts
sweeney, trevor 96pts
whelan, john 102pts
hosey, lorraine 105pts
sullivan, james 109pts
martin, louise 133pts

Sligo AC News: Athletics update

2010-11-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Sligo AC Mini League
Sligo AC 9 to 12 got under way on Monday night at Sligo IT. Four teams in this category were the Rovers, Ozzies, Flyers and Gladiators. The first competition was the hurdle shuttle run with a tie at top place between the Rovers and the Ozzies with the Gladiators coming a close second.
Rovers 10 pts
Ozzies 10 pts
Gladiators 8pts
Flyers 6 pts
Next week sees the league take on speed bounce and standing long jump and this could see the tables change.
Fit4Life News
Race number 4 of this Autumns Fit4Life Series is a 2.5k race next tuesday 16th November at the same venue as last week (Cleveragh). All participating athletes have been sent an email with position and instructions by Club Secretary Terry Hayes. The time is the gap you start behind the first runner eg 5.40 means you start 5mins and 40 secs behind the first runner / walker.
The group letter is to indicate when you start. A followed by B,C etc and makes it easy to get people off at the correct time. All you need to remember is your number and group. On the right is an alphabetical list of your name , number and group to make it easy to find. At registration next tuesday just call out your number and group and pay 2 euro. please ensure that you doublecheck your number as we had to change a couple from last week due to duplications
Inter County Cross Country Championships 2010
The cross country season is now in full swing and on Sunday Nov. 28th we have the National Inter County senior championship in Derry. Few will forget that in 2009 the Sligo County team won bronze medals in the senior men's race for the first time ever. The following team has been selected for the 2010 renewal.
SEAMUS SOMERS
EMMETT DUNLEAVEY
TOMMIE KELLY
ULTAN MC NASSER
TOMMIE CARROLL
TRISTEN DRUIT
JOHN HENNIGAN
THOMAS MC BRIDE
DERMOT MC DERMOTT

Sligo AC News Update: Hollymount 10k & Fit4Life

2010-11-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Hollymount International Road Races took place today, November 7th, in the village of Hollymount, Co. Mayo. Hollymount is situated west of Claremorris and these races have been running continously since 1967. Its always been highly recommended for both the serious and fun runner in the West of Ireland and beyond. Due to the untimely death of a respected athletics figure in the area, Mayo AC Secretary Padraic Cullina, the 8k Fit4Life was postponed but the other three events took place as planned. Sligo AC once again had a sizable contingent present & would untertake to retain the senior team trophy narrowly won from Mayo AC and GCH in 2009. The 3k Junior Boys'/Girls' Race took place at 1pm with the 3k Senior Ladies Race following soon after at 1.30pm. At 2pm the 10k Senior Men's International Race kicked off with Sligo athletes such as Emmett Dunleavy (pictured), Danny Hannon, Seamus Somers, Michael Clancy, Vincent Flannery, Paul Deering, Enda Whelan, Declan Byrne and Fintan Whelan toeing the line. Some high calibre athletes worked hard at the top with Sean Connolly finishing in 30.36 closely followed by Brian maher (30.39), with evergreen Gerry Ryan coming home third in 31.40. 4th place went to Sligoman, Emmett Dunleavy, who on his return to competition after a long injury layoff finished in a time of 32.50. A special mention goes to Fintan Whelan who recorded a personal best of 41.49 whilst Sligo AC Team A came 2nd overall with the club's Team B coming 8th out of 15 teams. Well done to all who competed. Full results to follow...

Meanwhile the 3rd race in this seasons Autumn Fit4Life took place on Tuesday 2nd November. Over 130 athletes showed up in blustery conditions to participate in the 2.5k course along Sligo's riverside. Some impressive times were recorded on this undulating course especially considering the wintery conditions. The next Fit4Life race will be vital for the competitors at the top end of the table as they try to stretch their lead from their nearest rivals. Top ten athletes in the 3rd race are as follows;

1st: hardiman, james 9.55

2nd: clarke, corina 11.58

3rd: gallagher, philip 9.03

4th: teape, bernadine 12.42

5th: mcglone, kevin 9.07

6th: hayes, aideen 14.17

7th: whelan, john 9.01

8th: curran, barbara 13.18

9th: kelly, greg 10.02

10th: pintha, cathenide 13.19

Sligo AC News update: Cross Country & Fit4Life

2010-11-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

The 3rd race (2k) in the autumn Fit4Life series takes place this evening, Tuesday 2nd November. Athletes are to meet at the green area (playground) across from Smyths Toys. Start is scheduled for 6.30pm but please register at 6pm to avoid delays. As it is a short race we will run letters A to Z as one race and then from letters AA when the first group finishes.
The second race should start at 6.45 approx so plenty of time for a good warm up. The course will start at the beginning of the walking / cycling track at Doorly Park and head in the direction of the Sports Complex for 1k, staying on the cycling path. The turn around point is 100ms past the boat house ,(where club members usually start our hill sessions/runs) and turn and come back to the start. Good luck to all who take part tonight!
The conditions last weekend in Ballina for the Connacht Cross Country under 12 to under 18, Masters and Intermediate were ideal but a stiff hill and an increase in distances meant that there was a premium on stamina for the hardy participants. As with many Sligo AC teams , the absence of some key runners deprived teams of medal chances but all who did compete qualified for the Nationals in Derry at the end of November.
Girls under 12 were first up and Ellen Mc Geough with a top 12 finish led the team to a close fourth. Leo Doherty at under 12 lifted a bronze medal and here the team exceeded all expectations to finish fourth as they were badly weakened by absentees. Caeloinn Mc Gonigle in 8th place led the under 14 girls home while Philip Hunter and Keenan Deering won team gold for the County. The under 16 girls led by Sara Mc Geough who was just edged out of bronze medal position won team gold while Gavin Foye and Thomas Delahunt at under 16 and Shane Kilcawley under 18 were the clubs top finishers. The Intermediate for women was won by Eimear O Brien while John and Fintan Whelan were well up in the mens race. The Ladies Masters led by Roseanne Mitchell and supported by Cindy Mc Carthy, Aisling Cawley and Deirdre Deering took silver medals. Rory Connor led Trevor Hunter ,Eamon Reddan, Declan Byrne, Paul Deering , Enda Whelan and Terry Hayes to a close fourth in the Masters Men. Well done to all who competed from all at the club.

Dublin Marathon 2010

2010-10-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

A record number of athletes, over 13,000, turned out for the 2010 Dublin City Marathon on Monday last. With such a huge number taking part it was only reasonable to assume that a large amount of athletes from County Sligo would also be undertaking the challenge. For some it was simply their maiden voyage in the hope that they would get around the challenging distance, for other more experienced athletes the challenge was to better their previous attempts. In order to check on your own times or simply to see how a colleague or friend fared out please click here to be directed to the official marathon website. The club would like to congratulate all participants who undertook this challenge and hope that all gained the reward that they hoped and deserved with all the training that was undertaken. A specific mention goes to Sligo AC athlete Martin Conroy (pictured), who attempted his 1st marathon and finished in a very respectable time of 2:35:48. This finishing time helped the Sligo AC team move up the pecking order in the National Marathon Championships which was run in conjunction with the Dublin Marathon. Conroy was hoping to achieve a time of 2:30 minutes but suffered cramp in the latter stages of the race. Regardless he placed 43rd overall out of over 13,000 competitors thus it can be regarded as a very successful achievement.

Sligo AC News; Running Shoes

2010-10-21T04:50:00.000-07:00

We know that we are about to embark on long winter nights when we realise it’s Dublin City Marathon time again. Yes, many Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo athletes will make the annual pilgrimage to the capital city next weekend for this annual race which incorporates the A.A.I. national marathon. While a lot of people making the journey will be very experienced athletes with very little to learn, a certain percentage will be first time marathon runners. I always say that running the actual marathon is the easy bit. It’s the training for the marathon that’s the difficult part. The last six days leading into the race, however, can be very crucial. While carbo loading and hydration are very important, it is also important to keep running every day and while the volume of running would be much less than the previous weeks it’s not to stop altogether. This was brought home to me during the European Championships in Barcelona during the summer. Rob Heffernan raced the 20kms very hard and was unlucky not to win a medal; eventually finishing 4th. Three days later he was due to race the 50kms which is some five miles longer than a marathon. He trained in the days between the races. Less than 24 hours before the 50kms he went to the track and did 5 x 200 metres fast. I would advise intending marathon runners to do something similar on Sunday next. A session such as this will stimulate muscles and wake the body up for the gruelling race that lies ahead. It also gets the mind ready because running a marathon is almost as much about the state of your mind as the well being of your body. As I mentioned, this is the A.A.I national marathon and individual and team prizes are on offer. Sligo Athletic Club will have a senior team lining up at the start. Martin Conroy, who is better known as a track runner, will attempt his first marathon. Having run a 72 minute half marathon a couple of weeks ago, he will be well prepared. Seamus Somers likewise makes his marathon debut. Those two along with experienced marathon runners like Mel Casserly and Trevor Hunter will spearhead a strong team. Good luck to them and all North West athletes who take part.
The Gerry Farnon cross country races in the Phoenix Park, Dublin usually tick off the cross country season on the national stage. It was heartening then to see three young Sligo runners on the starting line last Sunday afternoon. North Sligo athlete Thomas McBride is working his way back to top class competitive action and can be happy with this outing. Tommy Casey paid the price for an ultra fast first mile but this race will bring him on a lot for the tough tests that lie ahead in the coming months. The revelation of the race was the other Sligo A.C. athlete Alberto Gomez who finished 7th overall.
Congratulations to Sligo A.C. athlete Eimear O’Brien who led home 140 women in the Sligo 5k women’s only race. This was another very successful Sligo Athletic Club promotion which was held in conjunction with Sligo Sports partnership. Finally this week, well done to all the Sligo juvenile athletes who turned out on last Saturday morning for the Sligo County A.A.I cross country championships.

Sligo AC Fit4Life: Race two

2010-10-20T01:33:00.000-07:00

Race two of the autumn fit4Life league took place yesterday evening in the Racecourse, Cleveragh. Although the weather was very unpredictable, with showers of rain and a cold wind, a large number of athletes, 139 in total, showed up to test themselves on this undulating course. As usual the entrants set off on a handicapped basis & already some athletes are showing signs of improvement from Race one of this autumns league series. Seamus Somers recorded the fastest time of the evening, finishing 10th overall at the finish. Seamus will be competing in his first Dublin Marathon next monday and on the evidence of the current shape he's in should fare particularly well. Other Sligo AC athletes such as Martin Conroy, Mel Casserly, Mark Burns, Eamonn Dunbar, Damian Kennedy, Steven Finnegan, Enda Dineen, Paul Deering, Declan Foley & Trevor Hunter are also geared up for the event thus the Club will be well represented. Good luck to all Sligo AC Athletes, both male and female, competing. Top ten results for Fit4Life Race two are as follows;
Teape,Bernadine: 1st 16.50
Clarke, Corina: 2nd 17.01
Unregistered athlete 3rd 40.00
Tivnan, Pj: 4th 20.59
Keane, Ronan: 5th 15.36
Johnson, Kimberely: 6th 18.45
Hayes, Sara: 7th 25.37
Hayes, Evelyn: 8th 25.39
Kelly, Greg: 9th 12.56
Somers, Seamus: 10th 10.21

Sligo AC Womens 5k Road Race & Running School workshop

2010-10-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

The Sligo Womens 5k took place on Sunday 17th October over a demanding course starting at the entrance to Mitchell Curley Park, taking in Strandhill Road , Barnasraghy Woodville and finishing in the Park itself with victory going to Sligo AC's Eimear O Brien. O'Brien lead from the off and had built up a substantial lead by the time she broke the tape at the finish, completing the course in 18.30. Sligo AC's Cindy McCarthy was next home in a time of 20.31 altough the pressure was on with North Sligo's Aishling van Rensburg following closely taking third place in a time of 20.44. 137 female athletes took part in this challenge with many following on from their continued involvement in the successful Fit4Life Series. The latest round of this series has already begun with Race 2 (2 miles) scheduled for Tues 19th Oct at 6.15pm in the Racecourse, Cleveragh. Registration , presentation and refreshments took place in St Marys Clubhouse, ballydoogan and thanks to the club for providing the facilities and also the Gardai who assisted and all the Club members who marshalled and compiled results.
A new Running School has recently opened up in Castlebar. As such they are having a free workshop in Sligo I.T.on Friday 29th of October at 7pm and would like to invite club athletes to the event. They will be looking at improving running technique so that athletes can reduce injury and improve speed in both sprint and endurance disciplines. This event is for elite and recreational athletes alike and cater for both senior and junior grades. The main presenter on the night will be Martin Mc Intyre (MSc Sports Injury (Medicine), MSc Gaelic football, BSc (Hons) Sports Science and a H. Dip Science and football). He has 10 years experience in the field and with Kerry at Seniors/ U-21 and minor levels. He also worked with the Roscommon minor team (2006-2008) and is currently working with the Roscommon senior team. The Running School are offering free Biomechanical Analysis (BMA`s) worth 175 euro. If 20/30 club members are in attendance at the workshop we would then be able to avail of free BMA`s. This maybe worth quite a bit to the club. More info can be seen at http://www.sism.ie/ and http://www.runningschool.co.uk/. Any other enquires you can call 086 8139266.

Sligo Athletic Club: Running Shoes

2010-10-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Research carried out by the E.R.S.I in 2005 showed that less than 1 in 5 women in Ireland spent the recommended 30 minutes of exercise daily. While some three quarters of women at that time did some physical activity it was done with insufficient regularity or intensity of effort to meet the minimum standard. That 2005 report stung people into action and bodies such as the Irish Sports Council have put a lot of planning and resources into the Women in Sport Initiative. The objective of the Women in Sport programme has been to raise the overall physical activity levels and to support women’s roles within sporting organisations. Sligo sports partnership have been very active in promoting the Women in Sport programme and recently over 80 cyclists completed the 40k tour of Lough Gill. Next Sunday runners get in on the act with Sligo Athletic Club promoting the women’s only 5k road race. Over 100 nubile women are expected to line out at the starting line in Ballydoogan. The race will take a route around that area. Local Sligo lady Eimear O’Brien, who has returned from her 3 year scholarship in the USA, is one of the leading contenders to lead the women home. These are awards in all categories including the walking section. Entries will be taken in St. Mary’s GAA clubhouse from 11am. People who have entered online can also collect their numbers in the same venue.
A lot of the participants in Sunday’s race will have gotten a chance to limber up in Tuesday's first leg of the Fit 4 Life road league. The venue was Mitchell Curley Park and the distance 2 miles. This autumn league will continue every two weeks and will conclude in Early December.
Over 750 primary school children recently competed in a very successful relay competition at the athletics track at Sligo I.T. Most of the schools Sligo County had teams which is very encouraging for our sport. Well done to Sligo A.A.I. County board officials who turned out to organise the event which was held in conjunction with Sligo sports partnership.
A lot of the same children turned out last Saturday for the Sligo County cross country and race walking primary schools races. Held in balmy weather conditions on a splendid cross country course in Calry, there was some great competition and some very impressive performances. The leaking teams and individuals have now qualified for the Connaught finals which will be held in the same venue.
At a very enjoyable function in Sligo Southern hotel on Saturday evening last. Sligo Athletic Club honoured all national medal winners in the 13 people in juveniles. Seniors and Masters brought home national medals in a year. This is a wonderful achievement and is testimony to the good coaches at the club. It is hoped to make this an annual event and let’s hope that we have as many or maybe more recipients in a year’s time.

Sligo AC Awards Night!

2010-10-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Athletes, parents and coaches enjoyed a social gathering on Saturday evening last at the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel to celebrate our club doing very well over the track season most especially our juvenile athletes. A special momento was presented to all National Competition medal winners in recognition of their achievements. A total of 20 national medals (5 gold; 8 Silver; 7 Bronze) were won by 13 athletes across juvenile, senior and master categories. Club Chairman Ray Flynn congratulated all of our athletes and highlighted their wonderful achievements and outstanding performances as testimony to the dedicated coaches at the club. It is hoped to make this an annual event and let’s look towards having as many – or maybe even more – recipients in a year’s time. Many thanks to Sligo Credit Union for their sponsorship towards the evening.
Juveniles
Caeloinn McGonigle; Silver – u13 600m National Indoors, Nenagh and Gold – u13 Cross Country Community Games. Stacey Kerr; Bronze – u14 100m Community Games. Dylan Carty; Silver – u15 1000m Walk National Indoors, Nenagh, Gold – u15 2000m Walk, National T& F, Tullamore & Silver - Junior Boys 1200m Walk, Schools T&F. Nicola McGoldrick; Bronze – u15 1500m Cross Country, Boyle. Annia Bednorz; Silver – Intermediate Girls Triple Jump, Schools T&F. James McGeogh; Gold – u16 1500m National T&F, Tullamore. Anna Reddin; Silver - Junior Womens 1500m National Indoors, Nenagh & Gold – u19 3000m National T&F, Tullamore. Tommy Casey; Gold – Senior Boys 1500m Schools T& F
Senior
Emmet Dunleavy; Bronze – Senior Mens 3000m Irish Indoors, Belfast & Bronze – Senior Mens 3000m Steeplechase National T&F Santry.
Masters
Kevin McGloin; Bronze – Mens 60m Masters Indoors, Nenagh & Bronze – Mens 400m Masters Indoors, Nenagh. Lucy Brennan; Silver – Womens 4000m Masters Cross Country, Boyle. Caroline Carty; Silver – Womens 100m Masters T&F, Tullamore & Silver – Womens 200m Masters T&F, Tullamore. Stephen Reynolds; Bronze – Mens Hammer Masters T& F, Tullamore.

Sligo AC News: Running Shoes

2010-10-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Robert Horman of Australia and Helen Klein of the USA are two names from the athletics world that probably don’t jump off the page at anyone in terms of being household names. However they are two very formidable people in their own right. Robert Horman holds the world best time for a marathon in the over 80 category. His time of 3hrs39min18secs would do justice to a man half his age or indeed would not disgrace anyone who attempts to run this classic distance. Similarly the 4hrs31mins42secs run by Helen Klein also an over 80 competitor would constitute a good time for any lady who would just want top go out and complete a marathon. I mention those two special people as we just have celebrated active ageing week in this country. The running boom in this country right now is populated by many people who are the wrong side of 40. Athletics is one of the few sports who actively cater for people in this age bracket. One of my favourite events that I officiate at is the AAI master track and field championships both outdoors and indoors. The enthusiasm and energy expended at those championships needs to be seen to be believed. Patrick Naughton a sprightly man who is over 75 had just finished 3rd in the 100mts last August in Tullamore. He came to me at the finishing line and proclaimed that he had just won his 200th masters medal. His time of 17.74secs would give most young fellows who play our so called national game a run for their money. Padraig Maye is a south Sligo man on the wrong side of 70 and he won the gold medal in his age category in 15.80secs. And what about John Ryan a sprightly 82year old man from Derry who ran the 200mts in an incredible 29.28secs. The many road races now taking place in our region all have generous prize structures who cater for people of all ages. I will just cling to the dream of being the first one hundred year old to complete a marathon.
The Sligo fit4life series of races which has been so successful in the last few years kicks off again soon. The Autumn races will start on Tuesday evening October 12th at 6.15pm. The first venue is the Mitchell Curley Park and is held over a distance of two miles.
Where better to kick off the cross country season that in the home of athletics in Sligo, namely Calry. This is exactly what is happening this weekend with the staging of the Sligo primary schools cross country and race walking championships. Hazelwood is the venue and the race walking will take place on the track while the cross country action will be in the adjoining fields. The action starts at 1pm on Saturday and schools are asked to get there early to collect numbers.