Fitzgerald and O’Grady bring national bling home
The national indoor track and field championships were held last Saturday in Athlone. Michael Fitzgerald took to the start line of the national 400m, albeit carrying a strain, but this didn't deter Michael from putting in the performance of a lifetime. With only 2.5 seconds separating 1st and 3rd, Michael came home in 3rd place to claim the bronze medal and his first national medal with a 400m pb of 55.93.
Also out, throwing and jumping in the field events was seasoned master athlete, Larry O'Grady. Adding to his continuinag growing collection of medals, Larry competed in the weight for distance and the high jump, taking gold in both events. Larry's final event of the day was the shot put, taking home the silver medal.
TOM WALSH 10K
The Tom Walsh 10k road race and 5 mile walk took place last Sunday afternoon in Caherconlish, all in the name of raising funds for local charities. The event name was inspired by the late Tom ‘The Runner’ Walsh, a local runner from Ballyvourneen, Caherline who won over 200 races in Ireland, England and Scotland during his long racing career which spanned three decades, with athletic abundance on the running fields and tracks of Ireland and abroad during the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.
Tom, known as the Barefooted Runner, was born in July 1918 and is forever immortalised in a stone memorial in Caherline, a place that was very dear and close to his heart. Following in his running footsteps last Sunday was a whole host of club runners. 1st home was Willie O'Donoghue in 37.18 taking a category win, followed by Gerard Hanley who claimed a pb, Martina Moloney, Gerard Kervick finishing 4th in category, Tom Dillon, Marie O’Shea, Patricia Ryan who smashed her previous 10k pb by 3 minutes; Mary O'Connell, Deirdre Quish, Jason Wright, Eileen Doyle, Mary Hinchy 4th in category; Pauline Ryan, Julianne Dillon, Mary Moore and Edel Leonard.
CORRIN HILL (IMRA MUNSTER)
The wooded hill of Corrin rises from the surrounding plain to a height of 222 metres at the summit, from where there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The mound at the summit forms ‘Carn Thiernagh’ which dates back over 3,000 years to the Bronze Age. The Druid Mogh Ruith is said to be buried here. Encircling the summit are the remains of a ring fort which dates to the early Iron Age. A large stone cross was erected on the peak in 1933. One can complete the fourteen Stations of the Cross that can be found along the forest road to the summit. These represent the final events in the Passion of Christ. Gliding past these historical sites last Sunday morning were Tom Blackburn, Robert Cunningham running his impressive 200th IMRA race; Noelle O'Brien and Gerda Coyne.
COUCH TO 5K
Patricia Blackburn's ‘Couch to 5k’ will be returning on Monday, January 22nd from 7pm to 8pm in the community field in Galbally. There are two programmes that will run concurrently on Monday nights - a beginner's session and an improvers session. So if you are a beginner or improver why not join Tricia's sessions and set yourself up for a lifetime of injury-free running. Contact us online or drop into Tricia in the community field.
ADULT TRAINING
Adult training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the community field, Galbally from 7pm to 8pm. Newbies are always welcome, so should you have an interest in joining us at our training sessions, please message us online (Mooreabbey Milers AC) and we will point your running shoes in the right direction.
CLUB REGISTRATION
Registration for 2024 is now open. Adults train on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7pm in the community field in Galbally. Adults also do hill/mountain and trail training, become a registered member and get the added benefit of being included in the club's WhatsApp to keep up to date with training/races and events and avoid having to purchase a one day licence for open races (€40 per adult).
JUVENILES
Juvenile training takes place in the community field, Galbally each Monday night at 7pm with qualified coaches. For insurance purposes juveniles have to be registered with the club. Registration from their 8th birthday. €25 per juvenile. Contact us online.