ST. KILLIAN’SA.C.

Chairperson Anne-Marie Forde welcomed coaches, parents and committee members to the annual general meeting of St. Killian`s Athletic Club held at Crossabeg national school on Tuesday.

Before the meeting began, a minute’s silence was observed for all club members and their families who suffered any bereavements during the year, and also to the Mullen and Kinsella families who suffered a tragic loss recently.

In her address she thanked all the coaches, in particular Mick, Nicky, Paul and Pavel, for all their hard work and dedication, training on those dark nights in the local community field, cold mornings at The Raven, Curracloe, and at Crossabeg school.

She also thanked the committee members and in particular Secretary Kathryn who ensured that all the paperwork was kept up to date, to Alice and Niall who kept the accounts in order, to Therese who kept an eye on all child protection regulations, and to Anne who ensured everyone knew about the club by posting items to Facebook.

2017 was a busy year for St. Kil- lian’s. So said Secretary Kathryn who was very complimentary of Chairperson Anne-Marie. Her commitment, she said, and endless hours given to the club over the last few years is paying dividends, with a notable increase in club membership this year and international success in some competitions. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed and are very much appreciated by all involved.

Thanks were also extended to all the parents who gave a helping hand during the year and were willing when called in to assist, and all parents wishing to get involved are most welcome.

Many of the Juvenile athletes participated in the various competitions throughout the year and the club will continue to encourage entrance into these competitions.

Most notable Juvenile achievement for 2017 went once again to Jack Forde who had phenomenal success, winning gold at international level in the Schools Combines on top of his seven All-Ireland medals, not to mention his Leinster, county, schools and Community Games successes. The club is immensely proud of Jack who never fails to keep the flag flying for St. Killian’s.

Amy Forde brought home two Leinster medals this year which is a fitting reward for all her training. At Senior level, the athletes had another very successful year and in particular, Niall Sheil, who also won gold at international level. Well done Niall.

The club had a number of achievements over the course of the year, in particular the Ferrycarrig 5 road race which is an outstanding annual event with many high-profile competitors hitting the roads of Crossabeg in early January.

Pádraig Moriarty (Senior athlete) plays a major part in the success and organising of the event.

The County Wexford Masters road race was hosted by the club and the event was won by Niall Sheil. There was fantastic feedback from both spectators and athletes alike. Thanks to all who helped, whether it was making the tea and passing around refreshments, or stewarding on the course, your efforts were noted.

The Sportshall competition was run through the schools with Crossabeg’s third and fourth class boys qualifying for the All-Irelands in Athlone I.T. The primary schools marathon once again was an outstanding success with seven schools competing. A new record of 2:06:47 was set by the team from Crossabeg school.

All of these achievements have helped to increase the profile of the club and as a result we now see a considerable increase in the membership - up 25% during the year.

Details of the Juvenile and Senior members activities are constantly being posted to the Facebook page with regular updates on their successes. Anne keeps the page up to date and also has regular reports in the Crossabeg notes and in the sports pages of the People newspaper. Anne-Marie also adds notes to the page, while Niall keeps the Senior news to the fore.

Spring/summer training for Juveniles continued every Monday and Thursday from 7-8.15 p.m. at the local community field in Crossabeg. Training took place on the grass track with good use made of high jump, long jump, and throwing as well as sprinting, middle distance and long distance running.

Winter training consisted of cross-country which took place in the community field under lights until Halloween, and then a move indoors to Crossabeg school for the dark winter months. The school training has been split into two age groups which has proved very beneficial. The younger age groups train from 6.30-7.30 p.m. on Mondays only, with the older age groups training from 7.30-8.30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday.

Sincere thanks to the management and staff of the school for facilitating the club. The Senior athletes organised their own training schedules.

St. Killian’s A.C. continues to provide a social outlet for the community and it facilitates the healthy development of our athletes in a safe and fun environment.

The following officers were elected for the coming year: President, Nicky Cowman; Vice-President, Fr.Jim Finn, P.P.; Chairperson, Anne-Marie Forde; Vice-Chairman, Niall Sheil; Secretary, Kathryn Kinlough; Competitions Secretaries, Kathryn Kinlough and Anne-Marie Forde; joint Treasurers, Alice Devine and Niall Sheil; P.R.O., Anne Cowman; Children’s Officers, Therese Finan and Mick Kehoe; committee: Sharon Murphy, Marie Carley-Browne, Therese Finan, Pádraig Moriarty; coaches and relay selectors: Nicky, Mick, Paul, Pavel, Amy, and Anne-Marie.

St. Killian’s Athletic club will host the sixth running of the annual Arachas Ferrycarrig 5 road race on January 7, with the event getting under way at 12 noon from the Wexford F.C. complex at Newcastle, where the race starts and finishes. Showers and changing facilities are also available.

The race will be chip timed and as well as the hat, there will be a goodie bag. Refreshments are served afterwards. Check out all the details and how to enter on www.popupraces.ie/ events/arachas-ferrycarrig-5.

A good quality beanie hat will be available for all pre-entered runners. A full prize list is on offer including Over-40s, Over-50s, Over-60s and Over-70s . Team prize in cash with Junior category. There is also a corporate challenge trophy available for companies, organisations, schools, etc. Team of unlimited members with first two females and two males to score.