Bantry Athletic Club are hosting a 10m race on the 13th Feb over an incredibly beautiful part of West Cork in the Mealagh Valley.
Guest coach
The club had a surprise guest at a Cross Country coaching session over the Christmas break, Daniel Caulfield who is an uncle of club member Sinead Caulfield.
Daniel is currently working at the California University of Pennsylvania where he is head coach of men’s and women’s cross country and the assistant coach for men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field.
Daniel is the Irish Senior indoor record holder for the 800m (1:47.21) and won numerous awards while representing Ireland. He was twice (2001 & 2003) National Senior outdoor champion in the 800m and was among the Top 50 in the IAAF World rankings in 2001.
I’m sure having an athlete of Daniel’s caliber present will have given the athletes a big boost.
All-Ireland Cross Country
A number of club members have been selected on Cork teams for the upcoming National Unevenage Cross Country in Tullamore on the 16 Jan 2011
Moira Barrett,Laura Nicholson, Conor Calnan,Christian Buttimer, Michael Laffan,Aaron Draper, Ingrid Burns, Carina Crowley, Mari Dineen, Fiona Everard, Asling Everard, Ciara Crowley and Mark O’Sullivan
and at the same venue Ronan Duggan has been selected for the Cork Men’s novice team.
The club also has 2 teams qualified, the Girls U11 who are the Munster Champions and the Boys U11 who were second in Munster, both teams will be battling for honour’s.
Wishing all athletes the best of luck on the day.
Munster Jun & Senior Indoors
A number of Bandon A.C members made the trip to Tipperary for the Munster Junior and Senior indoor Championships earlier today.
With sub-zero temperatures and icy roads outsides most were happier than usual to arrive in Nenagh.
Well done to everyone who competed, there were 7 athletes amongst the medals with a total of 11 medals being won.
A lot of these athletes will be contesting the All-Ireland Juniors next weekend so wishing them the best of the luck in that.
Full details of Bandon results are posted here.
PRO Report : 3rd Jan
Just under 200 runners turned out for the club’s annual 5 mile road race for the Donagh Coughlan Memorial Cup on 2nd January. Last year’s race was cancelled due to poor weather conditions but it was fortunate that the inclement weather had abated this year and the day turned out to be perfect, mild and sunny. The overall winner was James McCarthy from East Cork AC. Carmel Crowley came second in the women’s race in a time of 29.31 having led for a time. She was finally beaten by Michelle Finn from Leevale AC. Kevin Wilmot was the first Bandon athlete home finishing in 9th place overall in a time of 27.15. Mark O’Sullivan and Tim Lucey followed on with times of 29.25 and 29.51. Also competing for the club were Joe O’Sullivan, Alex Galvin, Declan O’Halloran, Eddie Wilmot, Eoghan O’Leary, Liam Murphy, Donal McCarthy, Pat Mulcahy, Ronan Sheehan, Tom Sheehan, Cora Kelly, Robert Merrick, Michael Weldon, Paul Matthews and Mary Beasley. Thirty five walkers also participated. Sincere thanks to sponsors Riverview Health and Fitness Gym and also to Bandon GAA for the use of the Pavilion on the day.
Training resumes on Monday 10th January in the Grammar School. Fit 4 Life kicks off again the following night Tuesday 11th January. Cometo Kelleher’s in Bandon just before 8pm and make Fit 4 Life part of your New Year’s resolution. All abilities are catered for; you can be part of a walking, jogging or running group. The aim is to provide opportunities for people, both men and women to develop a healthier lifestyle through running and general fitness. Upcoming events include the Munster Junior and Senior Indoor Championships which will be held in Nenagh on January 9th, with the AAI Junior Indoors taking place the following weekend on January 15th. The AAI Woodies DIY Novice and Juvenile Uneven Age Cross Country Championships which were cancelled in December will now take place on 16th January in Tullamore. A number of the clubs Juvenile athletes have qualified to compete.
Road Race
Fine weather and a big turnout resulted in a well contested race today.
James McCarthy beat his East Cork clubmate Sean McGrath to to win the Donough Coughlan Memorial cup for first man. Michelle Finn from Leevale won the womens race with local athlete Carmel McCarthy finishing second.
Kevin Wilmot was the first Bandon athlete home, finishing in 9th place, while Mark O’Sullivan (29th) and Tim Lucey (33rd and 3rd O45) also finished well.
Thanks to everyone who supported the race and everyone who helped on the day.
Special thanks to the Bandon G.A.A for use of the premises and to John Walshe and Liam O’Brien for the results.
Full list of finishers is here, somephotos here with more to follow in few day or so.
Carol Singing!
Don’t forget the Carol singing on Thurs.
1.30pm outside the Bandon Credit Union building, dress warm and bring your best voice!
Training Cancelled
Due to the current condition of the roads the forecast a decision has been taken to cancel training on the 20th Dec.
This was due to have been the last session before Christmas, club will resume training on the 10th Jan.
The club would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2011.
Concert Cancelled!
Due to the extreme weather forecast and considering the safely of the participants and the audience a decision has been made to postpone the fundraising concert which was to be held tonight.
A new date with be scheduled and communicated as soon as possible.