D-day for the celebration of Irish athletics is upon us, as on Sunday next, September 18th the Club will host an open cross-country meeting featuring juvenile and senior competition. 1922 saw the formation of the National Athletic and Cycling Association and also saw Ireland being admitted to the International Amateur Athletic Federation. The club, having been founded in 1948, was very steeped in this organisation having some great notable successes at County, Munster and National level and continues to do so up to the present time under the auspices of Athletics Ireland. While there has been plenty of controversy in athletics throughout its history, we cannot let the occasion pass and that is what Sunday is all about, the celebration of our magnificent sport. No matter what side of the “divide” people come from, we are all one and we celebrate this centenary as people steeped in athletics. 1955 saw the first occasion that the “Castle Field” was used for cross country competition, and we return to this venue on Sunday next, albeit with a slightly different orientation. Many of the old Gaels of athletics will readily recognise the venue and for those new to the venue, you will be shown a truly remarkable course – one that will test the fitness. The programme of events for this celebration of athletics, which gets underway at 12 noon will see Boys & Girls races at U/9 (500mts), U/11 (1,000mts), U/13 (1,500mts), U/15 (2,000Mts), U/19 (3,000mts), Senior Men & Master Men O/40, O/50, O/50 (6,000mts) and Senior Ladies & Master Ladies O/40, O/50, O/60 (3,000mts). Trophies will be awarded to the first three in each race with medals being awarded to the next 25 athletes at U/9, next 20 at U/11, next 15 at U/13 and next 10 at U/15 and U/19. For a novel team event the club are hosting a mixed team event – 2 ladies & 2 men with the result based on the athletes’ finishing places in their respective races. Admission Fee for athletes and spectators is €5 per person. No additional fee to enter your individual race. What better preparation for the forthcoming cross-country season than a run out on Sunday. We extend a Céad Míle Failte to everyone, young and old and look forward to your support on Sunday