Rescheduled Cross-Country Season

With Covid-19 causing havoc with the cross-country season, new proposed dates for County & Munster Championships have been decided upon.  These, of course, are all dependent on a move back to Level 2 restrictions.  The new proposed programme now reads: –

01 November, County Uneven Age Juveniles, Junior & Intermediate – Turnpike, Two-Mile-Borris

08 November, Munster Even Age Juveniles, Junior, U/23 & Novice – Turnpike, Two-Mile-Boris

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

22 November, County Juvenile Relays & Novice “B” – Thurles

29 November, Munster Juvenile “B”, Intermediate & Masters – Riverstick, Co. Cork

Training

The club will continue with training each Tuesday and Friday night at 7.30pm.  Pods of 15 were already in place and to their credit, all our athletes and coaches have observed all the rules and regulations, as indeed have their parents.  The health questionnaire must also be completed prior to each session and again our thanks to the parents for continuing to observe this.  Now more than ever we need to be vigilant. 

Club Lotto

Winners this week were Sinead Tynan, Frances Power, Maria Ryan. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

2020 County Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships

Newport was the venue for the start of the 2020 County Cross Country Championships on Sunday 4^th October. These championships were organised and ran following strict Covid 19 guidelines, ensuring everyone’s health and safety. The main differences were no spectators were allowed onto the course, parents and guardians had to remain in their cars and view races on livestream and there were no medal presentations at the end of the races.

Moyne AC had 49 athletes entered to compete on the day. The day itself was windy and at times wet for the athletes but ground conditions were very good overall. Moyne AC came home with 5 individual medals and eight sets of team medals!

First out were the Girls U10 running 800m. Erin Delahunty was the first Moyne girl home finishing 12^th, followed by Caoimhe Slevin 15^th, Caoimhe Doyle 17^th, Muireann Casey 19^th, Helen Renehan 21^st, Abbie Manton 24^th and Cathleen Cussen 25^th.  Erin, Caoimhe S, Caoimhe D and Muireann were 2^nd in the team event winning themselves silver medals.

Next out was the Boys U10 also running 800m. Billy Flanagan crossed the line in 10^th place earning himself an individual medal! Billy was followed home by Gerard Delaney 14^th, Michael Doyle 20^th, Dylan Delahunty 21^st and Dannan Sweeney 23^rd. Billy, Gerard, Michael, and Dylan came 3^rd in the team event winning bronze medals.

U12 girls were next to the start line to run a distance of 2,000m. Arlene Flanagan led the Moyne girls home finishing in 7^th place, Ciara Joyce was hot on her heels finishing in 8^th. Both girls won individual medals. Eleanor Doyle finished in 11^th, Ruth Phelan 12^th, Olive Spillane Leane 16^th, Laura Fogarty 18^th, Reiltín Morrissey 20^th and Leah Delahunty 26^th. Maria Doyle also took part but unfortunately did not finish the race. Arlene, Ciara, Eleanor, and Ruth finished 2^nd in the team event and Olive, Laura, Reiltín and Leah were placed 5^th in the team event.

Boys U12 also ran 2,000m. Moyne had four boys running and first home for Moyne was Noah Murphy in 16^th, followed by Jack Renehan 19^th, David Nolan 21^st and Daithí Cussen 29^th. These four boys finished 4^th in the team event.

U14 girls were up next facing a distance of 3,000m. Alana Spillane led the Moyne girls home finishing in 3^rd place, earning herself an individual medal. Alana was followed home by Dearbhla Gleeson in 13^th, Emma Delaney 15^th, Kate Delaney 16^th, Gráinne O’Loughlin 20^th, Saoirse Doran 22^nd and Ellen Nolan 23^rd. Alana, Dearbhla, Emma and Kate finished 2^nd in the team event winning silver medals.

U14 boys followed running the same distance of 3,000m. Jack Flanagan led the boys home finishing 7^th, followed by Adam Phelan 8^th, Adam Spillane Leane 10^th, Frank Doyle 11^th, Bill Cussen 12^th and Paddy Cussen 13^th. Jack, Adam, Adam, and Frank took gold medals in the team event by placing 1^st.

Mary Cussen, Moya Brennan, Aisling O’Loughlin, and Sarah Wepler competed in the Girls U16 4,000m finishing 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th respectively. Mary, Moya, and Aisling finished 2^nd in the team event.

Aaron Moore finished 3^rd in the Boys U16 4,000m, he was followed home by Micheál O’Mahony 6^th and David Doyle 7^th. These three boys were also first in the team event taking gold. Jake Bowe was 8^th, Aaron McLaughlin 10^th and Cormac Burke 12^th. These three boys placed 2^nd in the team event winning silver.

Well done to all athletes today, some of you competing competitively for the first time.  Our thanks also to the parents for your support and to all team leaders for stepping up to help, in these challenging times. 

2020 County Novice Cross Country Championships

Novice Men – Pakie Bowe, John Renehan, David Russell, Shane Kenny, Jody Sweeney, Stephen Flanagan, Brian Carroll

Novice Ladies – Sharon Cantwell, Sinead Tynan, Aisling Maher, Bernadette Spillane

While it would normally be the ladies who would have the bigger numbers competing it was the turn of the men on Sunday as 7 men and 4 ladies took part in the County Novice Cross Country Championships.  The ladies were the first away and with a field of 19 athletes it was always going to be a tough task for all involved.  With a red-hot pace being set at the front, it took its toll on the athletes and while Sharon Cantwell pushed to the head of the field from the off, the relentless pace out front eventually took its toll but credit to Sharon as she continued her push throughout the race to finish 5^th overall.   Having the race of her life was Sinead Tynan who started very conservatably but as the race progressed moved steadily through the field to finish 6^th with Aisling Maher running strongly throughout to finish 8^th and Bernadette Spillane having a very steady run to finish 11^th.  The girls combined brilliantly to finish second team and the silver medals. 

The might of 42 men faced the starter in the Novice Men’s event over 6k with club debutant Shane Kenny moving to the front from the off.  While he tried to break the field by his fast start, the quality behind gradually reeled him in and though keeping his strong pace going throughout he was eventually joined by Stephen Flanagan.  Both athletes worked off each other and at the finish Stephen was 7^th with Shane in 8^th.  Jody Sweeney and another debutant at this level David Russell traded places during the race with Jody finishing 24^th and David 25^th.  Brian Carroll, Pakie Bowe and John Renehan, another first timer, all settled into the pace of the race and fed off each with Brian coming through for 26^th, Pakie 29^th and John 30^th.  The men were very much in the hunt for bronze team medals but in the end had to settle for fourth place. 

Well done to all the athletes for the commitment on Sunday and with the County “B” not far off, these performances will give them a boost ahead of this championship.

County Uneven Age Juvenile & Intermediate Cross-Country Championships

Turnpike, Two-Mile-Borris is the setting on Sunday next for the County Uneven Age Juvenile and Intermediate Cross-Country Championships.  All athletes who are competing in this event must give their names to competition secretary, Geraldine Hickey by Tuesday night next, 6^th October to ensure that they are entered by the closing date of 7^th.  We hope that those athletes who are attending training and who did so well in Sunday’s competition will once again don the green and gold.  The emphasis has always been on club teams and hopefully we can fill as many teams as possible for this competition. 

Munster Even Age Juveniles, U/23 & Novice Cross Country Championships

The club will be returning to the Turnpike on Sunday 18^th October for the Munster Even Age Juveniles, U/23 & Novice Cross Country.  Entries close this coming Friday 9^th October.  Please contact Geraldine with your entry.  Athletes should note that anyone contemplating running the National Juvenile or Novice must compete in the Munster Championships – the top fifteen athletes will go forward. 

Club Lotto

Winners this week were Tom & Mary Ryan, Eileen Curtin, Alanna Spillane, and Thomas Flynn. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

Fixtures

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 & Novice “B” – Thurles

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

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

15 November, County Juvenile “B” U/23 & Masters – Galbally

29 November, Munster Juvenile “B”, Intermediate & Masters – Cork AAI County Grounds

The club wishes the following athletes the very best of luck as they take part in the County Even Age Juvenile & Novice Cross Country Championships in Newport on Sunday.

Girls U/10 – Team Leader – Sharon Cantwell

Cathleen Cussen, Caoimhe Slevin, Caoimhe Doyle, Helen Renehan, Erin Delahunty, Muireann Casey, Abbie Manton

Boys U/10 – Team Leader – Jody Sweeney

Billy Flanagan, Gerard Delaney, Michael Doyle, Dylan Delahunty, Dannan Sweeney, Sean Cahill

Girls U/12 – Team Leader – Michelle Percy

Maria Doyle, Reiltin Morrissey, Laura Fogarty, Ciara Joyce, Ruth Phelan, Eleanor Doyle, Arlene Flanagan, Leah Delahunty, Olive Spillane-Leane

Boys U/12 – Team Leader – John Flynn

David Nolan, Jack Renehan, Noah Murphy, Dáithí Cussen

Girls U/14 – Team Leader – Joanne Phelan

Kate Delaney, Dearbhla Gleeson, Alana Spillane, Emma Delaney, Saoirse Doran, Ellen Nolan, Grainne O’Loughlin

 Boys U/14 – Team Leader – Stephen Flanagan

Adam Phelan, Paddy Cussen, Jack Flanagan, Bill Cussen, Adam Spillane-Leane, Frank Doyle

Girls U/16 – Team Leader – Catriona Cussen

Sarah Wepler, Mary Cussen, Aisling O’Loughlin, Moya Brennan

Boys U/16 – Team Leader – Damien Moore

Cormac Burke, Aaron Moore, David Doyle, Michael O’Mahony, Aaron McLoughlin, Jake Bowe

Novice Women – Team Leader – Sharon Cantwell

Aisling Maher, Sinead Tynan, Sharon Cantwell, Bernadette Spillane

Novice Men – Team Leader – John Flynn

John Renehan, Jody Sweeney, Stephen Flanagan, Liam Kelly, Patrick Bowe, David Russell, Brian Carroll, Shane Kenny

Cross Country Covid Note

As the Cross-Country season commences on Sunday, we ask all parents/guardians/athletes/officers to please note below some important information regarding the running of the Championships. All procedures below are to be strictly adhered to when attending cross country events:

1. Before setting out, all Athletes, Coaches, Parents and Guardians should have completed the “Athletics Ireland Covid 19 Screening Questionnaire” at the following link: – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-p6ohGGAcZ0IzSWuq6cnIpJQbWFGQV_m1IOR4ccaWVV1s1g/viewform?usp=pp_url
2. Upon arrival to the course, you will proceed to the car park and remain in your vehicle. There are NO spectators allowed in the field.
3. The races are being live streamed on the day. Link for parents/guardian and others to watch in their car –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSN4TfuifhA&feature=youtu.be
4. Moyne AC will appoint team leaders for each race (these will be circulated prior to the event). Each athlete will then go to their designated zone in the car park and meet their team leader.
5. The Club Team Leader will then lead their group to the infield section of the course.
6. Five minutes prior to the beginning of the race athletes will be escorted to the start line.
7. When the race is finished, athletes who have won medals will collect them from a table at the end line. All athletes are requested to leave the finish area as quickly as possible with the club leader who will escort all athletes back to the car park.
8. Each race will be chip timed to avoid gatherings at the finish line. Please note that each race will go off on time and will not wait.
9. Moyne AC encourages all travelling to please read carefully both diagrams outlining race start times and course outlines.
10. Moyne AC encourages all to please respect and follow all stewards’ directions on the day of the event and to follow all procedures set out by the Tipperary Athletics Board.
11. Full copy of all Covid Documents relating to the Even Age & Novice Cross Country Championships are at the following link and all athletes, parents and officers are asked to make themselves familiar with its content: http://tipperaryathletics.com/forms/2020/XC/Newport%20AC%20Risk%20and%20Method%20Statement.pdf

Course Map & Programme of Events

Cross Country Training

The first cross country fixture of the season takes place this coming Sunday October 4.  The Even Age Juvenile and Novice Ladies & Men’s Championships take place in Newport, organised by the local club.  The first race, Girls U/10 gets underway at 11am with the final event, Novice Men taking place at 4pm.  The programme is spaced out throughout the day to ensure safety for all athletes, parents and officials and all club members are asked to ensure that they comply with the procedures in place by Newport AC and Tipperary Athletics. Only athletes will be allowed unto the track at their designated time with all parents asked to stay in their cars for the duration of their stay at the event.  The championships will be live streamed by Robert Healy so keep an eye out on our Facebook, Instagram, and Website for all information regarding the day’s competition. 

Covid-19 Procedures

Each time you are using the facility, either individually or as a group, you are reminded to fill out our health questionnaire and forward to 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 were PJ Ryan, Moyneard, Maria Ryan, Boulabeha and Gerry Ely, Garrenroe. 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 & Novice “B” – Thurles

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

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

15 November, County Juvenile “B” U/23 & Masters – Galbally

29 November, Munster Juvenile “B”, Intermediate & Masters – Cork AAI County Grounds

Cross Country Training

Sunday, October 4, sees the start of this year’s Cross-Country season with our juvenile athletes from U/10 to U/18 and our Novice athletes taking centre stage in Newport.  With competition every weekend from then on it will be a busy time for our athletes and indeed their parents.  Things will certainly be a bit different this year with Covid-19 but hopefully we can get through at least some of the events without any further restrictions.    We urge all members to keep up to date with the rules and regulations that will be issued prior to competition 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

Winner this week was Ruth Phelan. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

European Week of Sport

As part of European Week of Sport, Athletics Ireland’s Women in Sport webinar “Developing Ireland’s Fastest Woman – The Journey with Shane McCormack” takes place on Friday next, September 25 at 6.30pm via Zoom.  Shane coaches Ireland’s fastest sprinter Phil Healy.  For anyone interested in registering for the webinar, the link is https://form.jotform.com/202534068830351

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 & Novice “B” – Thurles

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

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

15 November, County Juvenile “B” U/23 & Masters – Galbally

29 November, Munster Juvenile “B”, Intermediate & Masters – Cork AAI County Grounds

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.