Top category finishes for Tom, Willie and Padraig
The 36th annual Coillte 10km Road Race took place in Dundrum last Wednesday night week, the 7th July. Last year because of the Covid restrictions they had to confine the race to a virtual run, but still up to 100 signed up for the event, which had the option of a 5k or 10k run. This year the club was guided by Covid restrictions but went ahead in a real race format maintaining their unbroken sequence of 36 years.
The race, which has been held every year since 1986 over the famous two-lap circuit sold out in less than 24 hours. We had 2 men lucky enough to gain a coveted entry to the much sought after race. First home covering the 10km in 38.05 was Willie O’Donoghue taking a category win, followed 10 minutes later by new member Perry Power. Perry joined the club a mere 12 months ago and has made amazing strides competing in his first race that night crossing the finish line in a time 48.02.
BANSHA WOODS (IMRA MUNSTER)
Bansha Woods played host to the latest IMRA Munster league last Sunday morning just a short trip for us a few kilometres outside of Tipperary town.
Bansha Woods contains the site of a penal church west of Slievenamuck, Ballagh Fort the ruin of Aherlow Castle and Moor’s Rock. From this rock there are panoramic views of counties Tipperary, Cork and Limerick. Race director was clubman Robert Cunningham while Patricia Ryan wore the vest of first aid officer. On hand to help Robert was Damien Holian and Lynda Hynes and following everyone home was Willie O’Donoghue in the sweeper position.
In the junior section we had Ruairi and Ryan Cunningham flying the flag for the club, while in the senior section we had Tom Blackburn who thundered down the downhill finishing in 5th place overall and 1st in his category. He was followed by Kevin Lenihan and Ewan Cunningham in 11th and 12th positions followed quickly by Padraig Wallace, Jason Collins, Marie O Shea, Perry Power, Mary Pyke, Patricia Blackburn, Derrick Ryan and Paddy Bourke.
OUGHAVAL WOODS
Last Sunday week the purple and white vest of Mooreabbey Milers was spotted on the trails of Oughaval Woods in Laois. Oughaval Wood or Coill na Nuachabhála, meaning wood of new settlement, is over 150 hectares. The Wood is situated on a ridge of Carboniferous Limestone. It forms part of the Natural Heritage Area of Stradbally Hill.
The wood was once part of the Cosby Estate. Evidence of this is apparent in the form of old estate stonewalls that run through the property and a folly called Cobbler’s Castle. This folly was constructed during the famine on the site of a pre-Christian castle. Also of interest is a mass rock nestled within the trees. Mass was conducted there in secret during Penal times. A stone cross was erected in 1957. Member Padraig Wallace took on this one covering 8.5km finishing 8th overall and 3rd in his category.
CAHIR HALF MARATHON AND RELAY
Unfortunately there will be no Cahir Half Marathon and Relay this year due to the Covid19 restrictions. All pre-registered deferred payment participants will receive contact re: refunds shortly. On the up side the club has secured a permit to host the Mooreabbey 10 Mile on Saturday, the 28th of August 2021. Watch this space more details later.
ADULT TRAINING
Adult training is back and will continue as long as restrictions allow from 7pm to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the community field, Galbally. The framework incorporates the 15 per pod system, social distancing and for contact tracing pre-booking is essential through our online booking system for current members.
Newbies are always welcome, so should you have an interest in joining us at our training sessions please message us online and we will point your running shoes in the right direction. We are currently unable to take any new juvenile members.
COUCH TO 5K
Couch to 5k has made a welcome return on Monday nights 7pm in the community field in Galbally. If you are starting out or returning to running why not join Tricia’s Chi Running style couch to 5k classes and set yourself up for a lifetime of injury-free running. There will be a once off fee of €30 to cover AAI membership/ registration and insurance.
Due to the current climate situation all members must be registered for contact tracing. If you are interested in joining us send us a message on online and we will send you on the registration link.
JUVENILE TRAINING
We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had for the return to juvenile training in recent times. Current Government Guidelines state that children can only be trained in pods of 15 which has to include the coach. Due to this and the amount of qualified coaches available any Monday night we are unfortunately at capacity for juvenile intake currently.
Please feel free to leave us your contact details by messenger or email and once guidelines change and pod capacity can increase we will be in touch with you.