Return to Juvenile Training

Our thanks to our juveniles, coaches, and parents on a successful return to training last week.  This training is solely devoted to the upcoming cross-country season and it is great to see the number of athletes who have committed to competing with the club.  All athletes have now been accommodated into pods and we hope they will make an effort to attend as much as possible over the next couple of weeks as the first event, the even age championships, take place on Sunday, October 4, in Newport. 

Covid-19 Procedures

With Covid-19 still very much with us this is a timely reminder for all club members, be they either juvenile or senior.  Each time you are using the facility, either individually or as a group, you are reminded to fil out our health questionnaire and forward to our Covid Officer, Mark Dunne.  The link to this form can be found on any of our What’s App group forums. 

Club Lotto

Winners this week include Kate Harrison, John & Ester Hogan & Eileen Wall. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Fixtures

04 October, County Even Age Juveniles & Novice – Newport

11 October, County Uneven Age Juveniles & Intermediate – Turnpike, Two-Mile-Borris

18 October, Munster Even Age Juveniles, U/23 & Novice – Turnpike, Two-Mile-Boris

25 October, County Juvenile Relays, U/23 & Masters – Thurles

01 November, County Senior & Junior – Clonmel (TBC)

08 November, Munster Uneven Age Juveniles, Junior & Senior – Clarecastle, Co. Clare

15 November, County Juvenile “B” & Novice “B” – Galbally

29 November, Munster Juvenile “B”, Intermediate & Masters – Cork (Venue TBC)

National Masters Track & Field Championships

Three athletes and three gold medals – what could be a better return.  This was the result from our three participants in the National Masters Track & Field Championships in Dublin at the weekend.  First into action was Sinead Tynan who was competing in the W50 High Jump.  Starting with a clearance of 1m15, she then cleared 1m20 on her first attempt and followed that up with another first-time clearance at 1m25.  The 1m30 proved elusive but Sinead had done enough to secure the gold medal.  Both Ber Spillane and Ned Dwyer were on track together with Ber in the W35 400mts and Ned in the M55 35lb Weight for Distance.  Ber ran a very strong and controlled race to clinch the gold medal in a new pb of 67.74secs.  Ned had four attempts in his competition with his first throw of 6m80 proving to be his furthest one.  He followed up with 6m75, 6m78 and 6m.49 – very consistent throwing, and this was enough to see him win the club’s third gold medal of the day.  Congratulations to all three athletes on their magnificent achievements. 

National Junior Track & Field Championships

Leona Maher, Katie Bergin and Jack Hickey were our representatives at the National Junior Track & Field Championships in Santry on Saturday last and against strong opposition all three gave excellent performances.  Leona Maher, still only 15, and in her first national finals at this level, competed in the 100mts finishing 7^th in her heat in 13.90secs and followed this up with yet another 7^th place in her heat of the 400mts, her first time running at this distance, with a time of 68secs.  Katie is no stranger to this type of competition but each competition brings its own rewards and Saturday was no exception with a terrific performance in the 400mts where she finished fourth in her heat in 62.9secs, thus earning her a place in the final.  In the Final she finished 7^th with a new pb of 60.56secs and this just being her fourth run over 400mts.  4^th was also the place she occupied in Heat 2 of the 100mts where she clocked a time of 13.07.  Last to compete, but by no means least, was Jack Hickey who took part in Heat 5 of the 200mts, such was the number of competitors.  He was unlucky in that the rain came at the wrong time and their heat was run on a wet and slippy track but he none the less finished fourth in his heat with a time of 24.20secs.  All three athletes are to be commended on their performances which rounds out the season for them.  A well-earned break is now on the cards for these young dedicated athletes. 

Return to Training

Whilst our older athletes have returned to training, the club are now in the process of arranging for your younger athletes to re-commence.  With all the restrictions in place due to Covid-19 this is not a simple process and the club are working through a plan for resumption.  Parents will be kept informed of these plans and it is hoped that the first groups can be accommodated this week.  

Covid-19 Procedures

With Covid-19 still very much with us this is a timely reminder for all club members, be they either juvenile or senior.  Each time you are using the facility, either individually or as a group, you are reminded to fil out our health questionnaire and forward to our Covid Officer, Mark Dunne.  The link to this form can be found on any of our What’s App group forums. 

Club Lotto

Winners this week include Alana Spillane, Moyne and Pat Duggan, Piercetown. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

National Senior Track & Field Championships

The club was represented in the National Senior Track & Field Championships by Katie Bergin.  Katie, despite still being in the Junior ranks, competed in two events the 200mts and 400mts and did not let the occasion of competing in these prestigious championships get to her with two great performances.  In the 400mts she competed in Heat 2 to finish in 5^th place with a new pb of 61.53.  In the 200mts Katie was selected to run in Heat 1 and again ran a great race to come home in 5^th place and another pb of 26.16.  Indeed, such was the quality in her heat that the National Champion and National bronze medallist qualified from her heat.  Congratulations Katie on two excellent results. 

National Junior Track & Field Championships

These championships take place next Saturday, September 5, in Santry in Dublin and it is great to see the club having four representatives.  Jack Hickey competes in the 200mts, Rachel Butler in the 400mts, Katie Bergin in the 100mts and 400mts and Leona Maher our youngest competitor at 15 years of age in the 100mts and 400mts.  The 400mts is a new challenge for these athletes and one that they will relish as the competition will surely bring out the best that they have to offer.  We wish them all the very best of luck. 

National Masters Track & Field Championships

Santry is the venue on Sunday next September 6, for these championships with three of our athletes donning the green and gold to represent the club at the event.  Ned Dwyer competes in the Weight for Distance, Ber Spillane in the 400mts and Sinead Tynan in the High Jump.  All three have been consistent performers for the club at national level and Sunday should be no exception.  We wish them all the very best. 

Cross Country Season

A meeting of Tipperary Athletics Board last week spoke at length about the upcoming cross-country season.  Everyone is keen for this to go ahead but it can only happen if the position of County Covid Officer for Cross Country is filled.  If there is anyone in the club who would be interested in filling this position please let our Secretary, Kate Harrison, know as soon as possible.  The go ahead for these Championships is also dependent on the guidelines from Athletics Ireland which have yet to be published.  With the above in mind, now is a good time for all our novice and senior athletes to get in some preparation as October 4 has been provisionally fixed for the County Novice and Even Age Juvenile events. 

Covid-19 Procedures

With Covid-19 still very much with us this is a timely reminder for all club members, be they either juvenile or senior.  Each time you are using the facility, either individually or as a group, you are reminded to fil out our health questionnaire and forward to our Covid Officer, Mark Dunne.  The link to this form can be found on any of our What’s App group forums. 

Club Lotto

The club lotto has resumed, following a break due to the Covid-19 outbreak.  The club has extended out each member’s contribution to take account of this break and we are thankful to everyone who has contributed to the lotto thus far.   Winners this week include Mark Hayden, Cooleeney, John & Ester Hogan, Moyneard and Berrie Stapleton, Kylemakill. 

2020_Results

What a great day of competition at this year’s Moyne AC Summer Games.  The attempt on the first sub-four minute mile on Tipperary soil fell just agonisingly short with Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC just .39 of a second away from achieving the target with Nadia Power, Dublin City Harriers AC just .20 of a second away from breaking the 2.05 barrier in the 800mts.  While most of the talk in the lead up to the games was in relation to these two evens there was some cracking races with Molly Scott and Marcus Lawlor both of St. Laurence O’Toole, Sarah Quinn, St. Colman’s South Mayo AC, Sophie Becker, St. Joseph’s AC and Sharlene Mawdsley, Newport AC to the fore in the sprints. 

All the stops had been pulled out to get a top-class field in the mile and 800mts and to their credit the athletes and coaches responded.  Throughout the day showers of rain had fell but the gods seem to be in favour as the sun began to appear before the two main races on the programme.  While this was a major boost to the plans, a rising wind with some strong gusts blew up making it extremely difficult conditions for the athletes.  But rise to the occasion they all did as first the ladies and then the men took to the track and provided those in attendance and to the hundreds tuned in on-line to two terrific races.  In the ladies 800mts Sinead Denny, Dundrum South Dublin, having just recovered from her own race did a perfect pacemaker’s job for the first lap bringing the field through in 29/30 secs for the first 200 and reaching the end of the first lap in 63secs.  The record was on and with Nadia Power, Dublin City Harriers hitting the front she forced the pace along down the back straight where the wind was the strongest.  Never wavering from her task she hit the 600mts mark just shy of 1.40 and it was all to race for over the final 400mts where with the vocal support of the spectators she pushed hard again to cross the line in 2.05.10 just shy of going under the mark by 200’s of a second.   Behind Nadia, Iseult O’Donnell, Raheny Shamrocks, Katie Kirk, University of Ulster, Jordanstown AC and Aimee Hayde, Newport broke clear of the chasing pack and it was all to run for over the final 100mts where Katie finished the stronger to claim the second spot in 2.06.51 with Iseult third in 2.07.17.  Despite not breaking the 2.05 mark, Nadia set a new track record for the 800mts and indeed Katie was also under the old mark of 2.06.67. 

The stage was set now for the attempt on the first sub four-minute mile on Tipperary soil and here great credit is due to all the athletes who made this their goal with ten starters including the two pacemakers Gary Campbell and Paul Robinson.  Gary took on the responsibility of leading them through the first 800mts and was right on the mark bringing them through 400mts in 59 secs and 600mts in 1.30 before ceding to Paul Robinson who then took up the mantle keeping the pace strong as only Sean Tobin and Andrew Coscoran kept with the pace as the rest of the field were strung out behind.  The wind on the back straight had the athletes pushing hard but reaching 1,200mts in 2.59 the attempt was still very much alive.  With his effort done Paul left the way for Sean and Andrew to power home over the final 400mts with Andrew overtaking Sean on the top of the back straight to keep the pace strong.  With just over 150mts to go Sean made his break and heading down the finishing straight with the shouts of encouragement ringing in his ears he made every stride count, but the clock thought otherwise stopping at 4.00.38.  What an agonising way to finish just 400’s of a second away from dipping under that magical four-minute mark. 

What can you say to athletes when you know they effort they have put in to peaking for an event only to fall agonisingly short? 

The day began with a senior men 3k event where Liam Harris, Togher AC and Sean Doyle, North Cork AC battled it out in the final straight which saw Liam take the victory in 8.33.53 from Sean in second on 8.34.28.  Brian Conroy, Clane AC came through the field of 16 to take third spot in 8.50.33.  This was followed by the Boys U/17 800mts where Jack Fenlon, St. Abban’s took the honours in a time of 2.05.30 followed by Sean Hayes, Nenagh Olympic in 2.06.15 with Luke Duffy, Tullamore Harriers taking third in 2.08.43. 

The Senior Ladies 800mts “B” race consisted of three heats with two of those taking place early in the programme and the third one headlining before the main 800mts race.  In total 18 athletes toed the line in this event with Fiona Kehoe, Kilmore AC coming out on top, but only by 700’s of a second from Ellie O’Toole, Newbridge AC.  Both pushed hard for the line with Fiona getting the nod with a time of 2.13.55 with Elie timed at 2.13.62.  Tipperary and Nenagh Olympic AC athlete Aoife Delargy came through to take the third spot in 2.15.32.

The men’s “B” mile was also split into two heats and the 18 strong field certainly gave it their all with Jonny Whan, Clonliffe Harriers AC taking the victory in a time of 4.15.22 followed by Joe Warner, St. Mary’s AC in Clare in second 4.17.69 with Daniel Stone, Clonliffe Harriers AC/Dublin Track Club taking third in 4.21.93. 

Heat 4 of the Senior Ladies 100mts saw sprinting at its best with just a hairs breath between Molly Scott, St. Laurence O’Toole and Sinead Quinn, St. Colman’s South Mayo AC.  The electronic timing came into its own in this event with Molly just about shading it running 11.86 to 11.87 recorded for Sarah.  Lucy Sleeman, Leevale AC with a time of 12.48 came through the rest of the field of 16 to claim the third spot.  Marcus Lawlor, St. Laurence O’Toole powered down the track in the fifth and final heat of the Men’s 100mts, but he had to be at his best to hold off the challenge mounted by Paul Costello, Emeralds AC.  Marcus took the win in a time of 10.79 with Paul running 10.83 while Rob McDonnell, Galway City Harriers came through to take the third spot with a time of 10.90

Sarah Quinn, St. Colman’s, South Mayo AC was involved in yet another titanic battle, this time in the Senior Ladies 200mts against Sophie Becker, St. Joseph’s AC but the win came her way this time as she dipped on the line to take the victory in 24.55 to Sophie’s 24.56.  The photo finish camera was certainly called upon this time.  Sarah McCarthy, Mid Sutton finished third in 25.20.  Marcus Lawlor completed the double with a great win in the Men’s 200ms.  His strength and power saw him clear of the field to record victory in 21.44.  Second place went to Aaron Keane, Tullamore Harriers in 22.21 followed by Dion Marcus, An Riocht AC in 22.67. 

Three heats in the Girls U/17 200mts saw 12 girls take to the start line with Lucy Sleeman, Leevale AC showing a clean pair of heels to them all to finish first overall in 25.86.  She was followed by Grace Rooney, Youghal AC in 26.63 while Ciara O’Mahoney, Leevale AC took the third spot in 27.20.  The Boys U/17 200mts came down to one heat with Tom McCutcheon, Nenagh Olympic winning in 24.19 from Brendan O’Donoghue, Leevale in 24.55 and James Sage, Nenagh Olympic in 25.32.  The final races over 200mts involved the junior ladies and men where Aisling Kelly, Taghmon AC and Dylan Roberts, Bandon AC were the winners with times of 25.98 and 23.29 respectively.  Kellie Bester, Carrick on Suir and Katie Bergin, Moyne finished second and third in 26.24 and 26.25 while Jack Hickey, Moyne and Sean Mahony, Lios Tuathaill AC were second and third in the men’s event in 23.54 and 23.92. 

With four heats in the Ladies 400mts it was the fourth and final heat that came to the fore with Sharlene Mawdsley, Newport winning convincingly in 56.31 from Niamh Malone, Monaghan Phoenix in 58.10 followed by Caoimhe Cronin, Le Cheile Ac in 58.27.  In the men’s event Rob McDonnell, Galway City Harriers AC had a great victory in 48.94 followed by Cathal Locke, Dooneen AC in 49.08 and John Fagan, Clonliffe Harriers third in 50.23.  In the master’s Men 400mts Kevin Lynch, Lios Tuathaill AC got the better of John Whiriskey, South Galway AC with tie of 54.27 and 56.18 respectively. 

The senior ladies 4 x 100mts relay came down to three teams with Leevale taking the honours in 51.25 followed by Carrick on Suir in 51.84 and Moyne third in 52.88. 

The programme couldn’t be complete without the results from the Weight for Distance.  The ladies’ event was won by Genevieve Rowland, Templemore with a massive throw of 6.13 which appears to be a new national masters record for the 26lb, yet to be confirmed.  Second place went to Naomi Morrissey, Moyne AC with a throw of 5.31 with Siobhan Hennessy, Templemore third on 5.10.  John O’Dwyer, Templemore won the men’s 56lb event with a throw of 7.25 followed by Sean Mockler, Moycarkey-Coolcroo who threw 6.82 with Ned Dwyer, Moyne AC, in third place with a throw of 5.07. 

A sincere thanks to all the athletes and coaches for their support for this year’s event.  With such top-class action this has certainly put the club on the national map.  Thankfully, despite all the restrictions in place, the event ran like clockwork and it was heartening to hear the positive feedback during and after the event.  The live streaming worked a treat and our thanks to Star Systems for their workmanship which at one time had 800 viewers online and again the comments were most positive.  Amongst the notable people in attendance were Rob Heffernan, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catriona McKiernan and for such a small club in a small rural area this was very much an honour for the club.   To Chris Regan, our starter, Jim Ryan our timer and both John Moore and Feidhlim Kelly on commentary a sincere thanks.  To all our stewards a massive thanks for all your help as it would not be possible for the club to run such an event without your efficiency whether it was at the car park, call room, entrance gates, Covid officers etc.  A final note of thanks to all our sponsors, we very much appreciate your support. 

Molly Scott

With just a couple of days to go now to the 2020 version of our Summer Games, it is all systems go for the club.  A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes by so many people in the club to bring this fixture to fruition.  A top-class field of athletes from sprinters to middle-distance will be competing throughout the approximate five hours of the games with some riveting competition on offer.  Covid 19 has played havoc with athletics and this fixture gives the athletes a chance to race and compete in what is otherwise a near blank year of competition. 

Last week’s report featured the Men’s mile and Ladies 800mts and these events are still very much in the limelight, but our top sprinters are also making their way to Moyne for the games.  Eight or ten lanes are normal for most tracks but within the confines of Moyne Sportsfield the club has developed a four-lane tartan track.  While still meeting IAAF specifications it will be something different for the sprinters with several heats in the 100m, 200m and 400m events.

St. Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club in Carlow currently has two of the top young sprinters in Ireland in their ranks – Molly Scott and Marcus Lawlor – and both are heading to Moyne on Saturday.  21 year old Molly has a best of 11.58 sec in the 100mts and has represented Ireland at the European U/23 Track & Field Championships in 2019 where she reached the final of the 100mts while she was also a member of Ireland’s 4 x 100mts relay team which won the silver medals at the U/20 world track and field championships. 

Marcus Lawler

At 25 years of age Marcus has much to live up to as his mother and coach, Patricia Amond, also represented Ireland at international competitions but he is making his own mark at national and international level.  His promising career has seen him win the bronze medal at the World University Track & Field Championships in the 200mts in 2019 and he also has a pb of 10.30 in the 100mts while finishing up in the silver medal position at last year’s National Track & Field Championships.  Marcus also represented Ireland at the 2015 European U/23 Championships reaching the final of the 200mts and it is great to see this calibre of athlete on the track in Moyne.

Sophie Becker

Sophie Becker, St. Joseph’s and Sharlene Mawdsley, Newport will battle it out in the 200mts and with little or nothing separating them in time, this should be a tremendous race and when you add in Sarah Quinn, St. Colman’s South Mayo and Sarah McCarthy, Mid Sutton into the mix there will certainly be some fireworks.  All four athletes have competed for Ireland at international competition, most recently the 2019 U/23 European Track & Field Championships.  Laura Nally, GCH and Caoimhe Cronin, Le Cheile along with Niamh Malone, Monaghan Phoenix are the pick of the 400mts while in the men’s event Brandon Arrey, Raheny Shamrocks looks to be the main threat to the other athletes.

Sharlene Mawdsley

The club are also promoting races for U/17 and Junior athletes and again some of our top young athletes including provincial champions will be on show.  Aisling Kelly, Taghmon, Jane Maher, Tullamore, Lucy Sleeman, Leevale, Louis O’Connell, Lios Tuathaill, Conor Goulding, West Limerick, Kelvin Carroll, Dooneen, Shane Buckley, Dundrum and Ava O’Connor, Tullamore Harriers are amongst the athletes on show at this level.

We could not promote this event without giving our own club athletes an outlet to compete.  Aaron Moore, Jake Bowe, Aisling Dwyer, Katie Bergin, Aoife Dwyer, Leona Maher, Aisling O’Loughlin, Michael Aherne, Darragh Queally, Jack Hickey, Ber Spillane, Rachel Butler and our 4 x 100mts relay team will all have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best and to this end we wish them the very best of luck. 

The club had hoped that restrictions on 200 people at an outdoor gathering would have been increased to 500 which would have allowed us to have some spectators at the event, but this has not happened.  We would ask people to respect the fact that we cannot have spectators but to fill the void we are live streaming our event on the club’s Facebook page. We will be enforcing all Covid-19 guidelines and are asking for the goodwill of all the athletics community to ensure everyone is kept safe. 

Sean Tobin

Nadia Power   

The staging of our third Summer Games is set to be our most successful yet, despite all the restrictions that will be in place, due to Covid-19.  Such has been the interest from athletes that the club has had to close the entries two weeks early with all events full up.  Over 100 entries have been received for both the ladies and mens events with some top names in our sport making the trip to Moyne on Saturday 25^th July.  To meet the increasing demand of the athletes the start time has been brought forward to 3pm.  To also meet the interest from the general public and due to the restrictions on spectators, the entire event will be live streamed on our Facebook page.

The highlight of the games will undoubtedly be the Men’s Mile and Ladies 800mts and this in no way detracts from the rest of the programme which will have people on the edge of their seats, such is the calibre of athletes on show in these events.  There are over 30 entries   in each of the two main events featuring some of the best athletes that this country currently has. 

In the Ladies 800mts five of the top six in the National Indoor Track & Field Championships in February of this year are participating and these were also amongst the top four in the Outdoor Championships in the Summer of 2019.   With that level of talent on show it should be a huge race and the magic figure of 2.05 is certainly looking like it will be broken.  Nadia Power, Dublin City Harriers, the current indoor 800mts champion, Katie Kirk, University of Ulster, Jordanstown the silver medallist at the outdoor Track & Field championships when finishing just ahead of Nadia in that event, Iseult O’Donnell, Raheny Shamrocks/Dublin Track Club, (the winner last year), and Claire Mooney and Ellie Hartnett of UCD are the ones to watch while Irish record holder Rose-Ann Galligan (2.00.58 set in 2013) is also amongst the entries.  Annette Quaid, Leevale who has been a constant participant at the games and is a world class masters athlete,  is also entered as is Greta Stremikyte an Irish International Paralympian and local Tipperary athletes Aimee Hayde, Newport and Sarah Lane of Nenagh Olympic who can more than match it with the best.

Athletes competing on the track generally compete over 800mts or 1,500mts but the iconic mile event is always one that sets the heart into a flutter particularly if you have athletes who are willing and able to master the breaking of the magical four minute mile barrier.  While Tommy Moloney, Thurles Crokes became the first Tipperary man to hold this distinction, the actual breaking of the four minute mile on Tipperary soil has never been achieved and on July 25^th this could be set to change with huge interest from our top middle-distance runners in putting this to bed once and for all.  Sean Tobin of Clonmel has set this mark as his goal for the season.   He is fully aware of the calibre of athlete he is facing up against as many of those entered are already training and racing with him in the Dublin Track Club. Sean set the meet record for the track of 4.04.48 in 2018 running almost solo and his return to running following a niggling injury has seen him put in some tremendous training runs and times.  No doubting he is in flying form but he must be in tip top shape to hold off the challenge being mounted by fellow club-man Andrew Coscoran, who ran 3.56.85 indoors in Boston in January while also breaking the 14 year old record for the 1,500mts indoors in February clocking a new record of 3.41.36.  Paul Robinson, St. Cocoa’s, has a personal best of 3.54.77 while Brian Fay, Raheny Shamrocks has clocked 4.00.45.  Add in the likes of Luke McCann, Dublin City Harriers and Cillian Kirwan, Raheny Shamrocks and you have one hell of a field of milers.  Rory Chesser, Ennis Track, another athlete who has supported this programme of events each year has a 4.03 pb with Ted Collins, Nenagh Olympic running 4.05.  Shane Healy, MSB who is one of the most diligent athletes on the circuit and amongst the oldest is still capable of mixing it with the best there is on offer.  Last year he just missed out on the M50 world record and he will once again be aiming to break that target – 4.19.59 – on the night.  His form in training suggests that this is certainly within his reach and with the right favourable conditions who is to say he cannot succeed.  What a trill it would be to see this achieved on a small country track.  The bonus of €500 on offer for the first man to break the four-minute mile on Tipperary soil is certainly looking like it will find a new home on the night but it anyone’s guess as to whom that mantle will be worn by. Another tremendous race is on offer. 

Entries in the 100mts and 200mts sprints have exceeded the club’s expectations with again many of our Country’s top international and national athletes taking part.  Molly Scott, St Laurence O’Toole, Sarah Quinn, St. Coleman’s and Lily-Ann O’Hora, Dooneen are the top entrants in the ladies 100mts while Sophie Becker, Dublin Sprint Club, Sarah McCarthy, Mid Sutton and Sharlene Mawdsley, Newport are the top runners in the 200mts.  The ladies 400mts sees Sharlene Mawdsley double up with Niamh Malone, Monaghan Phoenix and Laura Nally Galway City Harriers in competition with each other. 

Marcus Lawlor, St. Laurence O’Toole, David Murphy, Kilkenny City Harriers and Shane Howard, Bandon lead the men’s 100mts entries with Marcus also competing in the 200mts along with Eoghan Buggy, St. Abban’s and Dion Marcos, An Riocht.  Brandon Arrey, Dublin Track Club is the leading man in the 400mts with Cathal Locke, Dooneen AC and Rob McDonnell, Galway City Harriers also entered. 

These are just a few of the athletes competing and a further profile in these events will be detailed next week.  Many of them have and continue to represent Ireland in international competitions and with hopes of competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 also on their agenda, the club are delighted with their participation on 25^th.  

Interest in the event, not just from the athletes, but from the general public when they see the quality on offer, is going to be huge.  This is amongst the first athletic meet to take place since Covid-19 interfered with all sporting fixtures and with restrictions placed on the number of spectators who can attend, the club are streaming the games live on our Facebook page.  We will be enforcing all Covid-19 guidelines and are asking for the goodwill of all the athletics community to ensure everyone is kept safe and the event runs to schedule. 

Staying Active

Despite not being able to train or socialise together due to the current coronavirus situation we can still stay active throughout this period.  Our own governing body Athletics Ireland has launched a national campaign that aims to keep people active over the coming weeks and months and will be offering free tips and advice to help you stay active while adhering to the HSE guidelines with respect to COVID-19.  Exercise helps with not only your physical health but also your mental health, and the simplicity and accessibly of running makes it the perfect form of exercise to keep you enjoying an active lifestyle.  Log on to www.athleticsireland.ie for useful links , like home circuit training, running drills to try at home, mobility programme, long jump challenge, medicine ball workout amongst others.

World Athletics has also launched a new series, Athletics@Home, designed to help people of all ages to stay fit, active and engaged and is divided into four themes: 

Athletics@Home – Kids includes activities, quizzes, online tutorials and interviews with some of the sport’s biggest stars aiming to entertain and educate while providing ideas to explore and motivation to exercise.

Athletics@Home – Active highlights several exercises, suitable for the whole family and fans of all ages, to help you stay fit and healthy at home. Look for some special guest appearances here, too.
Athletics@Home – Rewind is a nightly feature looking back at sensational athletics action from the past. It was launched last week with daily World Athletics watch parties at 9pm CET on their YouTube channel where also reliving a number of sensational finals from last year’s World Athletics Championships in Doha. 

Athletics@Home – Unwind features suggestions of athletics-related books to read, films to watch and music playlists from some of your favourite athletes. 

Log on to www.worldathletics.com for more details. 

Stay Safe-Stay at Home.  If out and about remember the 2k radius distance from your home. 

Use of Club Facilities

The club are glad to be able to keep the track open so that people can avail of the facility for walking, jogging or running in a safe environment.  However, during the week it was necessary to place a notice on the gate requesting people to keep their distance as the recommendations for social distancing were not being observed.  We must follow the HSE guidelines and we hope people will take heed. If not, we will have to take the step of closing the facility which would be a huge loss to the community. 

Lotto

The club lotto has been suspended for the moment due to the coronavirus.  We will keep you updated on its resumption. 

2020 Summer Games & June 5k

Both events are scheduled to go-ahead on Wednesday 17^th June and Monday 1^st June respectively, but should things escalate in the meantime we may be left with no option but to postpone.  We will keep you updated. 

Suspension of Club Activities

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, all club activity has ceased until March 29 at the earliest.  We would ask all members to respect this suspension.  No large groups should be training or using the club facilities. We also hope that others not involved with the club would be respectful of the facilities.  Many people use the track for outdoor activity, and we ask that everyone use their discretion.  Train alone or no more than 2-3 people in groups with a respectful distance as per the HSE guidelines.  Good hygiene when entering and leaving the facility.  Avoid using the water fountain and take away all tissues/water bottles etc.  Children appear to be the primary transmitters, so families need to stay together and avoid interaction with others. Please take care and keep everyone safe.

Suspension of County, Munster and National Championships

Several County and National fixtures have been suspended or cancelled following the outbreak of coronavirus.  The County Juvenile to Junior Indoor Championships and County Senior and Intermediate Road Championships have all been postponed.  The Munster Half Marathon and Marathon Championships have been moved to Sunday October 4 while all three National Juvenile Indoor Championships have also been postponed and new dates proposed as follows – 26^th April (day 3 events), 2^nd May (Day 1 events) and 3^rd May (Day 2 events).  Should the Championships not go ahead on these days they will be cancelled for 2020. 

Lotto

Winner in this week’s lotto was Lilly Murphy.  Thanks to everyone who supports the club by buying tickets.  For anyone interested the results are posted on line each week on www.tipperarycommunitylotto.ie.

Moyne AC Club Shop

Our Club Shop is now available on the O’Neill’s website. This will now let members purchase club gear when they want to.   Club singlets are available for purchase by individuals and we encourage as many athletes as possible to purchase same.  The link to the on line shop is – https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/athletics/moyne-ac.html…

2020 Summer Games

Wednesday 17^th June has been confirmed as the date for the third running of our track and field games.  The programme remains the same as last year apart from including a Ladies WFD instead of the Junior Men LJ.  Interest is gathering momentum and we hope for a great spread of athletes across all disciplines.  More details on the event to follow. 

June 5k

This year the club have decided only to run a 5k event on the June Bank Holiday Monday instead of our normal Mini Marathon.  While this is a change in distance, it is generally felt that many people prefer the shorter race and it is also an achievable aim for anyone starting out jogging/running.  More details to follow.

National Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships

The national finals are coming thick and fast and on Sunday March 8^th it was the turn of our Master athletes as their championship finals took place in Athlone.  On a full day of tremendous competition, the club came home with 1 National Champion and 7 National Medals. 

While the events were spread out throughout the day, club supporters were kept on their toes early on as three of our athletes, Sinead Tynan, Ber Spillane and Naomi Morrissey, were all competing in various areas of the arena at the same time.  What a start to the day it turned out to be as all three medalled.  First off the mark was Sinead who won the bronze medal in the W50 High Jump with a leap of 1.25mts, then came Ber who raced to a new pb over 60mts when also winning a bronze medal at W35 level with a time of 9secs and finally came Naomi who produced a great throw of 7.23mts in the W40 Shot Putt, which was also a pb, to win yet another bronze medal.  Well done ladies on three great performances.

Next up on track came the 400mts events and again the athletes did not disappoint with two tremendous performances from Ber and Sinead as both won their second bronze medals of the day with Ber clocking a new pb of 1.08.10 at W35 level and Sinead 1.15.26 at W50.  Both ladies also competed over 200mts and despite the hectic schedule finished 5^th and 4^th respectively in their categories with times of 30.56secs and 34.63secs. 

While the ladies were on the track, Naomi was commencing her second competition of the day the W40 28lb Weight for Distance.  Competing against five other athletes in her category Naomi produced a great series of throws, with a best of 5.76mts, to clinch the gold medal and become the National Champion.  This just shows what dedication to training can achieve.  Indeed, of the 23 athletes competing throughout the various categories Naomi’s performance placed her second on the list.  Congratulations Naomi on a fantastic achievement. 

Following on from the ladies competition it was time for the men to show their powers and none better than Ned Dwyer who, after finishing an excellent 7^th in the M55 Shot Put with a throw of 7.80mts, took on the same opposition for the 56lb Weight for Distance but this time around he more than matched his opponents and with a best throw of 6.89mts it propelled him into second place and secured a National Silver medal for his huge efforts.  Well done Ned.  It must be said that Ned has added so much to the throws element in the club having come in this year as throws coach.  His undoubted track record and talent down through the years is of great benefit to the club and our young and not so young talented athletes can but only improve with his input.  Naomi is a product of this coaching. 

Ray Power was our final athlete in action on Sunday and his category, M55, must surely have been one of the most competitive categories on the day with heats in most of the events.  Ray came through for 4^th place in the 400mts with a time of 1.15.30 and finished 7^th in both 60mts (9.56mts) and 200mts (31.83).  Well done Ray.

The penultimate event on the day was the Ladies 4 x 200mts relay event with the team of Ber Spillane, Elaine Smyth, Edel Delaney and Sinead Tynan mixing it with the best to finish in 5^th place in a time of 2.20.18.  There will be other great days for this group of athletes. 

Our thanks to all the athletes for providing us with great performances on the day and to Martin Flynn and Ned Dwyer on their coaching skills.  Thanks also to all those who travelled to Athlone on Sunday to support the athletes which is very much appreciated by all. 

County U/9 to Junior Indoor Track & Field Championships

These Championships take place in Nenagh Indoor Complex on Sunday next 15^th March starting at 10am.  The following athletes will be all representing the club and we wish everyone of them the very best of luck – Boys U/9 – Padraig Guilfoyle, William Morrissey, Cathal O’Reilly.  Girls U/9 – Caoimhe Doyle, Cathleen Cussen, Niamh Joyce.  Boys U/10 – Sean Cahill, Gerard Delaney, Michael Doyle. Girls U/10 – Molly Jones, Helen Renehan, Saoirse Dunne, Ellen Harrington, Kate Concagh, Grace Deegan. Boys U/11 – JP Everard, Sean Wall, Darragh Cleere, Dáithí Cussen, Jack Guilfoyle, David Nolan, Jack Renehan, Conor Stanley, Aidan Evans. Girls U/11 – Heidi Maher, Roisin O’Reilly, Ailis Concagh, Olive Spillane-Leane, Saoirse Deegan, Maria Doyle, Ciara Joyce, Niamh Gleeson, Ciara O’Dwyer. Boys U/12 – Luke Molloy.  Girls U/12 – Eleanor Doyle, Aoibhin O’Dwyer, Aisling O’Reilly, Reiltin Morrissey, Ruth Phelan. Boys U/13 – Bill Cussen.  Girls U/13 – Roisin Wall, Niamh Cleere, Dearbhla Gleeson, Sarah McGinley, Alana Spillane.  Boys U/14 – Paddy Cussen, Ciarán Murphy, Frank Doyle, Adam Spillane Leane, Adam Phelan.  Girls U/14 – Megan McGreevy, Alanna Maher.  Boys U/15 – Micheál Ahern.  Boys U/16 – Aaron McLoughlin, Jake Bowe, Darragh Queally.  Girls U/16 – Louise Hickey, Mary Cussen.  Junior Men – Jack Hickey, Paul Mooney, Tomás Cussen.  Junior Ladies – Aisling Dwyer, Leona Maher, Kate Bergin, Emma Gleeson.

Nutrition Workshop

The club are hosting a workshop on behalf of Athletics Ireland covering sports nutrition for the athlete which includes nutrition basics (hydration, protein needs, nutrient requirements), sports nutrition (pre/during/post training/athlete needs/RED-S female athlete triad), meal prepping and planning, supplements/ergogenic aids and Q&A session. 

The workshop is taking place this Saturday March 14 at 5.30pm in the club meeting room and the duration is 2.5-3 hours long.  The tutor is Evan Lynch, Dietitian & Sports Nutritionist

Lotto

Winners in this week’s lotto are John Stokes and Oliver Walsh.  Thanks to everyone who supports the club by buying tickets.  For anyone interested the results are posted on line each week on www.tipperarycommunitylotto.ie.

Couch to 5k

This event is going from strength to strength with all those taking part enjoying the benefits of running and walking.  Feel free to come to the track on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7.30pm to take part in this progressive programme.  This is a non-competitive and will suit everyone.

Moyne AC Club Shop

Our Club Shop is now available on the O’Neill’s website. This will now let members purchase club gear when they want to.   Club singlets are available for purchase by individuals and we encourage as many athletes as possible to purchase same.  The link to the on line shop is – https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/athletics/moyne-ac.html…

Training Courses

The club is always looking for parents or indeed senior athletes to get involved in coaching. The following courses are now on offer from Athletics Ireland and will be run in Clonmel – 21^st March – Assistant Coach and 28^th March – Athletics Leader.  These are one day courses and are a great way to get an introduction to the basic skills of athletics.  Entry is on-line at Athletics Ireland.  Please consider doing one of these courses and help in the club. 

2020 Summer Games

Wednesday 17^th June has been confirmed as the date for the third running of our track and field games.  The programme remains the same as last year apart from including a Ladies WFD instead of the Junior Men LJ.  Interest is gathering momentum and we hope for a great spread of athletes across all disciplines.  More details on the event to follow. 

June 5k

This year the club have decided only to run a 5k event on the June Bank Holiday Monday instead of our normal Mini Marathon.  While this is a change in distance, it is generally felt that many people prefer the shorter race and it is also an achievable aim for anyone starting out jogging/running.  More details to follow.

Fixtures:

15^th March – County U/9 to Junior Indoor Track & Field Championships – Nenagh

22^nd March – County Junior & Senior Road Championships – Fethard

28^th March – National Juvenile Indoor Track & Field Championships – Athlone – Day 1

29^th March – National Juvenile Indoor Track & Field Championships – Athlone – Day 2

29^th March – County Intermediate Road Championships – Ballyneale

04^th April – National Juvenile Indoor Track & Field Championships – Athlone – Day 3

05^th April – County Novice “B” Road Championships – Ballingarry

19^th April – County Masters Road Championships – Clonmel

26^th April – County Junior, Senior & Masters Track & Field Championships – Templemore

29^th April – County Tipperary Secondary Schools Track & Field Championships – Templemore