ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS HAILED A RUNAWAY SUCCESS

ST Joseph’s Athletic Club celebrated its 50th anniversary recently in the Rhu Glenn Hotel with a double celebration.

The club was established in 1968 with the late John Gaule as its first chairman.

In their very first season they captured the Novice, Junior and Intermediate County titles, while on a national level they began to compete in race walking.

Past and present members of the club came together to celebrate its 50th anniversary despite the adverse weather conditions putting plans in jeopardy.

A club spokesperson said that all those who had been due to attend on the night had managed to make their way to the Rhu Glenn for what was a special night of celebrations.

On the night there were several awards handed out.

Trudy Power who has represented Ireland at international level in the past received the Hall of Fame award while Bob Sanders received the Person of the Year award. It was particularly fitting that Bob received the award this year as not only is he club president but he has also been a member of the club for the past 50 years.

Pole vaulter Shane Power who represents Ireland at international level received the Senior male Athlete of the Year award while the Senior female Athlete of the Year award went to Sophie Becker who represents Ireland at international level in the 200 metres.

Junior female Athlete of the Year was presented to Grace Glennon who participates in cross country running as well as track and field. Juvenile Athlete award was presented to Ciara Mulally while Evan O’Toole received the Junior male Athlete of the Year. Patrick Brookle and Anita Barry received the male and female fastest marathon awards respectively, the first time these awards were introduced while the Masters Cross Country and Road Race award went to Anne Watkins.

The Track and Field Masters award went to Verena Fenlon.

Johnny Mackey who was national race walker champion in 1974 was joined on the night by former team mates Frank Greally, Ray Flynn and Jackey McGower.

Bob Saunders, Johnny Mackey, who walked for Ireland at National and international events; Mary Breen, one of the oldest juvenile members of the club who still competes at masters; Johnny Grennan, 1968 club member and Pat Power.

Reunion of Kilkenny champions 1989, the Senior Men’s team that won gold medals at the Kilkenny BLE Cross Country Championships. Front, from left: Larry Lacey, Seamus Power and Michael Power. Back: David, Jack and Tom Duggan.

Keelan Byrne, Megan Doyle and Sarah Foley, Glenmore.

Evan O’Toole, junior male athlete of the year and Pat Power, club chairman at the St Joseph’s Athletic Club 50th anniversary dinner dance in the Rhu Glen.

Shane Power, senior male athlete of the year and Pat Power, club chairman.

Statia Gahan, Kilbrahan, and Tony and Mary Cullen, Maudlins.

Pat Power, club chairman and Grace Glennan, female juvenile athlete of the year.