Sunday, December 25, 2011

Goal Mile Run in Fairyhouse

Lovely run in Fairyhouse this morning with an out 1/2 mile and back route on the ambulance road within the perimeter of the race track. Strong headwind for the first half made for pushing too hard on the return with the wind. Wish I hadn't eaten breakfast before the run :)
Special thanks to Declan Fahy and Co for getting out there on Christmas morning to make it all happen.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Goal Mile Christmas Day Fairyhouse Racecourse from 10-11am

There will be a Goal Mile run on in Fairyhouse Racecourse organised by Meath Local Sports Partnership this Christmas Day between 10 and 11am.

Please support this local event for a very worthy cause. If you collected money last year for the club goal mile which had to be cancelled due weather please bring it along with you to Fairyhouse this Christmas Day.

Hope to see loads from the club down there.

Happy Christmas

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Only training for fit4life group at 7:30 and a trial for U14 Boys for Leinster

All as the title says.

For everyone else Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year from all the committee in Ratoath Athletic Club.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Meath Cross Country Juvenile Relays Report

Ratoath had a great turnout at today's Cross Country Relays with 9 teams of 4 turning out to compete. 2 U10 girls teams, 1 u10 boys, 1 U12 Girls team, 2 U12 Boys Teams, 2 U14 boys and 1 U16 boys Team.
All the runners gave it all they had and did themselves and Ratoath AC proud.
We had 4 teams medaling, one of our U10 Girls teams and our U16 boys winning Bronze, our U10 boys team claimed Silver and 4 very strong runs from one of our under 14 boys teams winning Gold.
Well done to all the competitors and to Dunboyne AC for a very well organised event with the juvenile races starting just after 12 and all races finished by 1:10pm.

Meath Cross Country in Dunboyne Sun 18th Dec

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&q=53.415514,-6.456444%20%28Dunboyne%20Road,%20Meath,%20Ireland%29

Above is a link to the entrance to the cross country course Well signposted from entrances into Dunboyne on the Clonee road out of Dunboyne.
Quickest route from Ratoath is via Fairyhouse Rd 1st exit at the 1st roundabout 1st exit at the 2nd roundabout towards Clonee then exit for Dunboyne at the 3rd roundabout and the course is on the left beside Clonee Sawmills.
Course looks flat and fast but with quite long grass with a narrow bridge that has to be crossed twice in the Senior Race.

Should be a great day for the Racing.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Operation Transformation is coming to Meath…

And is looking for YOU!


Meath Local Sports Partnership and the ISC have linked up with RTE’s Operation Transformation Programme to transform the masses.

Why not join us on Saturday 14th January 2012 at Trim Castle at 12pm. The walk will follow the 3.7km Trim Slí na Sláinte route.

We welcome all ages and abilities along on the day and particularly would like to see families getting involved. The event is ideal for beginners to come out and give it a go. Why not make a day of it and remember no matter what age you are it is never too late to start exercising.

Slí na Sláinte, means "Path to Health", so get your New Year’s Resolution moving on the right path by starting your own “physical activity transformation”!

Click on the title above for a link to the MLSP website

Monday, December 12, 2011

All Ireland results

All Ireland 11 Dec - Curragh

Deirdre Healy    12th Girls u 15 / Leinster Team 2nd

Aine O Connor    52nd girls u 13 / Meath Team 1st

Alex Hunter    68th boys u 13

Philip Marron    63rd boys u 15


Congratulations to all our athletes who competed in the All Ireland cross country even age championships yesterday at the Curragh. Aine O Connor was a member of the Meath team that won the all Ireland inter county title while Deirdre Healy won silver with Leinster in the team provincial championship.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

200m race night Review

Great effort put in by everyone at tonight's race night. The bitter wind and rain showers did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of our young athletes. We'll hopefully get some photos up from the night soon. Thank you to all the parents and coaches who helped out on the night.

Monday, December 5, 2011

200m Races for U9,U10,U11,U12,U13,U15,U18

We are going to have 200m sprint race night, tomorrow Tues 6th Dec. First race starts at 7:10 but be there early to warm up properly. Please ensure all athletes have warm layers, coats, hats and gloves as they'll be only running 1 race and then watching the rest.

The U9's can meet at the gym before jogging to the track to run their races then they will return to the gym to Graduate from the Little Athletics.
Helpers will be required from the parents, please turn up at 6:45 to get a job :)

This event is to both give the athletes a chance to run a fast 200m as they have been practicing, so as to get a pb (personal best) for the distance. Also we'll be using the races to help us pick teams for the cross country relays on Sunday 18th Dec.
Note this is the final night for the Little Athletics for this year but not for the outdoor athletes.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Club Gear Contact

With considerable thanks from all the committee Eileen Doherty has volunteered to become our club gear contact. We have a link to an order form which you will be able to print out and give to Eileen with payment for clubwear. Last orders for this year will be on the 5th Dec and for 2012 orders will be made on the 15th of each month and any order not in and payed for prior to the 15th will have to wait until the bulk order is put in on the 15th of the following month with no exceptions. This is to reduce the level of admin on Eileen. To try gear out for size Vinny has his shop open in Ratoath GAA on Sat Mornings between 10 and 12.
Eileen can be contacted on 63eileend@gmail.com and 0872887217. Please let your friends and club-mates know about this info so that they can get their order in on time. Thank you for your support.

Leinster and Dublin U13-U15 Squad Sessions

This is an exciting development from Athletics Ireland for all Under 13 and Under 15 (born 1999,98,97) AAI Registered Athletes in Dublin and Leinster which is open to any young person in this age group and is to help young athletes develop an overall feeling for athletics. Starting 10th Dec from 9:30-12:15 Bart Rogers development officer says "we believe it is important to give athletes the knowledge needed to compete in all events and we hope some of these athletes may undertake multi-events as the way forward in athletics under Kieran Stout who is the Multi-events Coordinator." Details of the Dates and Times below. If you need further info please contact Bart Tel;0872696577
E mail: bart@athleticsireland.ie



AAI Regional Development Squad u13-u15
Overall Structure:
For all AAI registered club/school athletes u13 (1999)-u15 (1997) in 2011 ages
- Day 1 (Testing Day & Guest Speaker)
- Day 2 (Speed & Throws)
- Day 3 (Jumps & Endurance/Walks)
- Day 4 (Speed, Throws, Jumps, Endurance)
- Day 5 (Testing Day & Guest Speaker)

Dates:
- Saturday December 10th Morton Stadium, Santry
- Saturday February 4th Morton Stadium, Santry
- Saturday March 3rd Morton Stadium, Santry
- Saturday March 31st Morton Stadium, Santry
- Saturday April 21st Morton Stadium, Santry

Daily Timetable 1:
- 9.30am Registration
- 10am Introduction Talk (Plan for all 5 sessions, introduction of coaches)
- 10.15am Dynamic Warm Up
- 10.45am Start of testing (Standing LJ, 30m sprint, Med Ball Overhead, 800m Test, Vertical Jump, Med Ball Chest Pass, Sit & Reach)
- 12.00-12.15pm Guest Speaker
- 12.15pm Finish

Daily Timetable 2:
- 9.30am Registration
- 10am Dynamic Warm Up
- 10.30am (Group A- Speed and Group B- Throws)
- 11.15am (Group B- Speed and Group A- Throws)
- 12.00-12.15pm Finish

Daily Timetable 3:
- 9.30am Registration
- 10am Dynamic Warm Up
- 10.30am (Group A- Jumps and Group B- Endurance)
- 11.15am (Group B- Jumps and Group A- Endurance)
- 12.00-12.15pm Finish

Daily Timetable 4:
- 9.30am Registration
- 10am Dynamic Warm Up
- 10.30am (Group A- Jumps, Group B- Endurance, Group C- Throws, Group D- Speed)
- 12.00-12.15pm Finish

Daily Timetable 5:
- 9.30am Registration
- 10am Introduction Talk (Plan for all 5 sessions, introduction of coaches)
- 10.15am Dynamic Warm Up
- 10.45am Start of testing (As per day 1)
- 12.00 Guest Speaker
- 12.15pm Finish

Coaching:
- There will be an experienced Head Coach for each event with support from some assistant coaches and personal coaches. Personal coaches and any coaches in Leinster & Dublin coaching young athletes aged u13-u15 are very welcome to attend all sessions and sit in and ask questions etc.

Entry Guidelines:
- Open to all AAI registered club/school athletes aged u13 (1999)-u15 (1997) in 2011 ages, NO younger!!!

Application Process:
- Simply come along on the day and pay €5 per session

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Extra Training for Cross Country Relays Friday 7:15pm

We'll be having an extra training session for Cross country relays this Friday 7:15 at the track. Note only for the Athletes interested and available to run on Sun 18th Dec. Distances are 250m for U10 and U12 and 500m for U14 and U16. Note U9's can run in the U10 teams etc and so it would be great to have loads of teams there just for the experience of running a short cross country race. Teamer texts will go out shortly. There is no €2 required for this session.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Fundraiser at Fairyhouse Cookery School

A great time was had last night at Fairyhouse Cookery school where Billy and Co. demonstrated the making of a wonderful warming sweet potato and coconut soup, crostini and toppings, an Asian beef and vegetable casserole, and a coffee tiramisu. We got to sample everything and they were delicious.
Special thanks to all our sponsors:

Supervalue, Ratoath sponsored beef, chicken and salmon ingredients for the cookery demonstration.

Spot prizes for raffle sponsored by
Ratoath Barbers
Collage Hair Group 018254469
National Aquatic Centre 016464300
Stacks Pharmacy 018254111
Ratoath Personal Fitness/ GC Fitness 0851164537
Ratoath Sports Injury Centre 018241891
Fairyhouse Cookery School
La Bucca

Please return the compliment and support these local businesses.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Gear Collection Tonight 15th Dec from 6:30 in Hall

Dates for your Diary


Dates for your diary.
1 We are having a small in-house competition for our outdoors athletes on the Tues 6Th of Dec. We will be running 200m races for U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U15 and U18(includes U16,17,18) girls and boys.  They have been practicing 200m repeats and are all getting fitter and faster in training which is great to see.
Training will continue on the following week Dec 13th because…

2 On Sun 18th Dec the Meath County Inter Club Juvenile Relays take place in Dunboyne  and we would love to have a great turn out from the club. The leg distances are not long 250m for the U10 and U12 and 500m for the U14 and U16. All well achievable for our young athletes. To assist in their preparation we were going to have extra days training on some Friday (not Thursday) evenings  (time may vary depending on coaches availability) for those athletes willing and available to be part of a 4 person team. You will be advised via Teamer Text of the date and Time at latest Thursday evening before. This session will include the warm up some speed interval running and practicing working with the batons. There is no €2 charge as will have been paid on Tuesday. NOTE Tuesday main training day. Info will also be posted on this site

Monday, November 14, 2011

Juvenile Results from the Day 2 Leinster Cross Country

Well Done to our runners in Day 2 of the Leinster Cross Country
with Aine O'Connor 19th girls u 13 with the Meath team 1st
Deirdre Healy 5th girls u 15 Meath Team 5th
Alex Hunter 19th boys u 13 & Meath team 1st
Ciaran McCarthy 24th Boys u 15 Meath team 4th
Philip Marron 28th Boys u 15 Meath team 4th
Click for full list of Juvenile Results

MLSP Sports Conference, Mind over Matter...the Road to Success. Thurs 8th Nov. Details Below

Link to Meath Local Sports Partnership

Meath 2012 race list published

Meath Athletics have put an initial list of AAI 2012 races on their website. The full list is here

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Meath Awards Night 2011


Congratulations to all the winners at Last Sunday's Meath Awards Dinner specially Ratoath's Winners, Deirdre Healy, Eamon Wallace and Colm Keogh.
Reports from the night say it was a great event for everyone attending letting these young, and not so young, athletes know how much they are appreciated by the County's Athletics Community.
A special Well Done to all the organisers from the Meath County Board and the Staff at the Old Darnley Hotel.


Meath Awards 2011

National Medal Winners who were awarded plaques: All underage athletes who won medals at National Championships were presented with plaques noting their achievement:


Sarah Clarke Na Fianna AC
Amy Clarke Na Fianna AC
Zoe Mohan Cushinstown AC
Eva O’Donovan Navan AC

Ciaran Morgan Bohermeen AC
Rian Kealy Dunshaughlin AC
Alan Monaghan Bohermeen AC
Eoin Smyth Tara AC
Shane Hanly St. Brigid’s AC

Sinead Reynolds Cushinstown AC
Shannon Sheehy Cushinstown AC
Elizabeth Moreland Cushinstown AC
Rose Finnegan Bohermeen AC

Nathan Grant Trim AC
Shane Joyce Cushinstown AC
Jordan Leech Cushinstown AC
Keith Marks Cushinstown AC
Darragh Costigan Dunboyne AC

Niamh Hetherington Dunshaughlin AC
Deirdre Healy Ratoath AC
Andrew Coscoran Star of the Sea AC
Brian McGrath   Bohermeen AC

Kelly Brady Bohermeen AC
Ewen McCabe Navan AC
Karen Blaney Navan AC
Matthew Connolly St. Andrew’s AC

Oisin Foley Dunshaughlin AC
Michael Hanlon Dunboyne AC
John Sweeney St. Andrew’s AC
Rob Tully Star of the Sea AC

Eamon Wallace Ratoath AC
Christopher Higgins Na Fianna AC
Jamie Murtagh         St. Andrew’s AC
Caimin Dunne Dunboyne AC


Shane Aston Trim AC
James McCabe Dunboyne AC
Alison Daly Na Fianna AC
Shauna Moran Dunshaughlin AC
Shauna Moore Dunshaughlin AC



Cross Country & Road Awards:

U11-13 Girls Eva O’Donovan Navan AC
Boys Alan Monaghan Bohermeen

U14-16 Girls  Deirdre Healy Ratoath AC
Boys Andrew Coscoran Star of the Sea AC


U17-19 Girls Rachel Neary Na Fianna AC
Boys Thomas Moran Dunshaughlin AC

Junior Ladies Shauna Moore Dunshaughlin AC
Men Luke Forde Dunboyne AC



Senior Ladies Sara Louise Treacy Moynalvey-Kilcloone AC
Men Rory McDonnell Dunboyne AC


Masters Ladies Mary Watters Navan AC
  Men Tommy Maher Dunshaughlin AC


Track & Field Awards:

U11-13 Track Girls Shannon Sheehy Cushinstown AC
Boys Shane Hanley St. Brigid’s AC )
Jack Hilliard Bohermeen AC ) Joint Winners

Field Girls Zoe Mohan Cushinstown AC
Boys Ciaran Morgan Bohermeen AC

U14-16 Track Girls Rose Finnegan Bohermeen AC
Boys Aaron Kealy Dunshaughlin AC

Field Girls Elizabeth Moreland Cushinstown AC
Boys Garrett Kelly St. Andrew’s AC


U17-19 Track Girls Alison Daly Na Fianna AC
Boys Eamon Wallace Ratoath AC

Field Girls Niamh Lister Navan AC
Boys Shane Aston Trim AC

Junior Track Ladies Shauna Moran Dunshaughlin AC
Men Conor Doran Cushinstown AC    )
Rob Tully Star of the Sea AC ) Joint Winners

Junior FieldLadies Grainne Miggin Fr. Murphy AC
Men Conal Campion St. Andrew’s AC

Senior Track Ladies Sharon Monaghan Fr. Murphy AC
Men         Darragh Rennicks Bohermeen AC


Senior Field Ladies Michelle Pilkington Dunboyne AC
Men Kourosh Foroughi Star of the Sea AC )
Padraig White Dunboyne AC       ) Joint Winners

Masters Track Ladies Moira Peppard Trim AC
Men   Colm Keogh Ratoath AC

Masters Field Ladies Moira Aston Trim AC
Men Paddy Hanily Fr. Murphy AC

National / World Records / Championship Best Performance: none

Participated at a Major International Championship: 

Sara Louise Treacy: European U23 Cross Country Championships at Albufeira, Portugal 12th December 2010 & European U23 Track & Field Championships at Ostrava, Czech Republic 14-17 July 2011.

Padraig White: European Team Championships at Izmir, Turkey 18-19 June 2011.

Michael Doyle: World University Games at Shenzhen, China 12-23 August 2011.

Kourosh Foroughi: European Team Championships at Izmir, Turkey 18-19 June 2011, European U23 Track & Field Championships at Ostrava, Czech Republic 14-17 July 2011 & World University Games at Shenzhen, China 12-23 August 2011.


County Cups & Trophies 2011:

The Heffernan Cup: Girls U9 Team:  Na Fianna AC

Na Fianna Cup: Boys U9 Team :  Dunboyne AC

Na Fianna Cup: Girls U11 Team: Na Fianna AC

Rod and Gun Perpetual Cup: Boys U12 team:  St. Brigids AC

D. O’Brien Cup: Girls U14 Team: Dunboyne AC

The Dan Bagnall Cup: Novice Men:  Dunboyne AC

The Betty & Frank McDonnell Cup: Intermediate Team: Dunboyne AC

The St. Brigid’s Cup: 5 Mile Road Championships Men :  Bohermeen AC

The Mattie McGrath Memorial Trophy: 3k Track Team (men): Dunboyne AC

The Joe Kenny Cup: 3k Track Team (ladies): Dunshaughlin AC

Bank of Ireland Trophy: Senior Ladies:

The Regan Mc Entee Cup: Senior Ladies: Dunshaughlin AC

The Larry Daly Cup: Senior Men Team:  Bohermeen AC


The Meath 13 Race League Series:

Junior Men 1st Conor Daniel Trim AC

Senior Ladies 1st Chantelle Farrelly Tara AC


Senior Men 1st Neville Reilly Dunboyne AC
2nd Robert Caffery St. Brigid’s AC
3rd Ciaran O’Dwyer Dunshaughlin AC

Masters ladies:W40 1st Imelda Clarke Na Fianna AC
2nd Linda Fahy Dunshaughlin AC
3rd Ursula Byrne Dunshaughlin AC

W45 1st Ann Hunter Dunshaughlin AC
2nd Maureen Getty St. Brigid’s AC
3rd Margaret Neary Na Fianna AC

W50 1st Linda Gunning Bohermeen AC


W60 1st Rose Healy Fr. Murphy AC



Masters Men M40 1st Don Mahon Trim AC
2nd Dermot Farrelly Bohermeen AC
3rd John Clarke Na Fianna AC

M45 1st David O’Connell Bohermeen AC
2nd Aidan Swan Dunshaughlin AC
3rd Derek Hunter Dunshaughlin AC

M50 1st Paddy Mangan Dunshaughlin AC
2nd Benny Byrne Dunshaughlin AC
3rd Declan Byrne South O’Hanlon AC


M60 1st Michael Hegarty South O’Hanlon AC


Overall Winners of the League:
Ladies: Imelda Clarke Na Fianna AC
Men: Neville Reilly Dunboyne AC


Complimentary Ticket for the Awards Night to those that completed 13of 13 races:
Philip Cogavin Fr. Murphy AC
Luke Mulligan Dunshaughlin AC


Meath Secondary Schools T&F Championships 2011: 

Best Girl’s School : The Fagan Cup: Scoil Mhuire, Trim

Best Boy’s School : Presented by Meath AAI : St. Peter’s College, Dunboyne

Best Club at the Cross Country Championships 2010: 

Juvenile Club: Na Fianna AC

Senior Club: Dunshaughlin AC


Best Club at the T&F Championships 2011: 

Bob Heffernan Shield Juvenile Club:  Cushinstown AC

Christy Kelly Shield Senior Club:     Dunboyne AC


Inter Club Track & Field League 2011: Division A 1st Na Fianna AC 630pts 2nd Bohermeen AC 588pts 3rd Dunboyne AC 552pts Division B 1st Star of the Sea AC 310pts 2nd Dunshaughlin AC 286pts 3rd Navan AC 266pts

Congratulations to Our runners in Day 1 of the Leinster Cross Country 30th Oct 2011

Congratulations to Áine O'Connor, Phillip Marron and Alex Hunter who competed in this years Leinster Cross Country Day1. In very large fields of runners Áine came 19th out 89 out of her age group in the U14 Girls over 3000m, Phillip came 19th and Alex 40th out of 77 again over 3000m in the U14 Boys. Very good running by them all.www.athleticsleinster.org/ for full lists of results.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Marathon Monday

Congratulations to Rory 3:05, Eimear 3:40, Karen 3:41, and Richie 3:53 on excellent running in this years Dublin City Marathon.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Code of Ethics workshop in Ratoath Community Centre 14th November

Below is a link to the Meath Local Sports Partnership website with details of a code of ethics in Sport workshop being held in Ratoath.
I would highly recommend anyone thinking of helping out in the club, who have not already done one, to get on this course. They also book out very quickly. Once done it is valid for helping out in all juvenile sports.
Thank you

Details here

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Club Wear Available to View and Order Tues 18th and 25th OctRatoath College from 18:15-19:45

New Club Wear will be available to try on and Order from 18th Oct and 25th Oct at Ratoath College from 6:15pm -745pm. A=Adult Price size greater than 13-14yrs C= Childs Price and Sizes
Rain Jacket(Pullover 1/2 zip or Fleece Full Zip) with Crest A&C €30
Hoodie With Crest C=€22 A=€22
Polo Shirt with Crest A&C = €15
Tee Shirt with Crest A&C= €10
Track Suit Pants A&C=€20
Beanie Hat with Crest A&C=€6
Gear Bag A&C €22
If anyone would like their initials/name extra €2/ item
If anyone is available on these Tues Nights to help with the Admin please contact Siobheal on 0868540550
Please note orders will only be taken with payment.

Recycle Days in Navan Sat 22nd and 23rd Oct in aid of Claremont Stadium Club


Monday, October 10, 2011

Meath Cross Country Day 2 9th Oct 2011

On a wet and windy in Na Fianna's GAA grounds the hardy cross country runners ran their hearts out with the top 12 in each race getting picked for the county teams in the Leinster Cross Country Events. The Ratoath competitors ran really well with their placings shown below and Well Done to them all.

Provisional results from Day 2 of Meath cross country juvenile championships
Meath Cross Country Un-Even Ages  9 Oct 2011 Baconstown, Enfield
Tom Kilgannon   2nd  Boys u 9
Ciaran Mc Carthy   3rd Boys u 15
Philip Marron   5th Boys u 15
Aine O Connor   6th  girls u 13
Conor Duncan   10th Boys u 17
Sinead McCarthy   15th girls u 9
Fergal Kilgannon   25th Boys u 11
Tomas Brady   30th Boys u 11
Alex Hunter   7th Boys u 13
Evan Donnelly   15th Boys u 13

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Meath Local Sports Partnership eZine

New eZine published by MLSP. Link to activities and courses run by the sports partnership below.

www.meathsports.ie/fileadmin/documents2/MLSP_E_Bulletin_Sept_2011.pdf

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Cross Country in Ballinacree Oldcastle Sunday 2nd Oct

5 hardy souls ventured out to Ballinacree yesterday, Tomás Brady, Áine O'Connor, Alex Hunter, Phillip Marron, and Peter Kilgannon and they all performed very well. Tomás in the U12's with very little cross country training kept a steady pace for his 2000m and finished very well. Áine was 5th in the U14's and qualified for the Meath Team with a fine strong run. Phillip, Alex and Peter combined with a team of only 3 to win the bronze medal in the Team Under 14 competition with Phillip running excellently to finish in 5th, Alex a very strong 10th and Peter in 14th(?) with both Phillip and Alex qualifying for the Meath team. Peter a natural sprinter dug deep to bring in the points for the team.
The weather was perfect for running and Thanks to St. Bridget's AC for a very well run and challenging event.

Thank you to everyone who gave to our Church Gate collection last Saturday/Sunday

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Free barefoot running clinic

There's a free barefoot/minimalist running clinic being held in five locations around the country in October. The Dublin one will be on the 14th at 8pm in ALSSA.
Registration is required, experience isn't. I'll be there myself.

More info here

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Dublin Half Marathon

I had been looking forward to this race for months. Although I had also done the 8k (5mile) and 16k (10mile) races in the previous two months in the same park, I wasn't used to those distances. The HM distance seems to be (currently) where it's at for my racing, so I find pacing a bit easier.
So I did my final run of just 40mins on Thursday, but took it pretty easy. On Friday I did a bit of walking, but no gym and no running.
Saturday morning had me up at 7am to get breakfast in so it would settle in time. I had a gel about 15mins before the start and made my way to the wave 2 pen. Wave 1 was for sub 100mins, too ambitious for me yet! My PB was 1:50:04 and I was hoping for 1:48 or so, but at the last minute, I decided to aim for 1:45!!




The elites took off, and a couple of mins later wave 1 went. Then we moved up and I was chatting to the 1:50 pacers and Siobheal, who I bumped into. In no time at all we were off and the 1:50 pacers were ahead of me! In the crowd (a total of over 8,000) it was tricky for the first couple of KM, but I caught up to my target pace pretty soon and pulled away from the 1:50 crowd. I decided to try and keep my pace pretty constant and it was feeling good. We were doing two loops of Pheonix Park and as we came up the hill to Chesterfield Ave around the 8k mark I started to run low on energy so I took a gel with water. In 10mins or so I was feeling ok again so I picked up the pace.
Most of the race went fine and I stuck to my pace but at about the 15k mark my right hamstring started to complain (an intermittent issue). It was so bad that I had to take a walk break for a bit and took in some water. Just then, a woman I had been talking to earlier was passing and told me to "get back running" - in a friendly way. I started running again and couldn't keep the pace I had been at, but ran as hard as I could. With the final hill I slowed a bit (as most of us did) and put on a spurt for the final 600m or so. Crossing the line I was limping, but very happy with my 1:45:30 time, woohoo!
I got my goodie bag, water and bananas and chatted to a couple of people before walking back to the car. I would normally have jogged, but I couldn't.
A well organized race and we got lucky with ideal racing conditions on the day.
Looking forward to the Dublin Marathon now!


Eoin

Monday, September 19, 2011

Star of the Sea AC Annual Cross Country Meeting

Greenanstown, Stamullen, Co. Meath
September 25th
Note: Venue will be signposted from Duleek to Julianstown road and from Stamullen village.
Juvenile programme commences at 11am
GIRLS                                                 BOYS
RACE 1: U9 500M                             RACE 2: U9 500M
RACE 3: U10 800M                           RACE 4: U10 800M
RACE 5: U11 1500M                         RACE 6: U11 1500M
RACE 7: U12 2,000M                        RACE 8: U12 2,000M
RACE 9: U13 2,500M                        RACE 10: U13 2,500M
RACE 11: U14 3,000M                      RACE 12: U14 3,000M
RACE 13: U15 3,500M                      RACE 14: U15 3,500M
RACE 15: U17 4,000M                      RACE 16: U17 5,000M

Junior, senior and masters programme commences at 12:45pm
Womens: Junior, senior and masters (M1, M2, M3) 4,000m
Mens: Junior, senior and masters (M1, M2, M3) 6,000m
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for junior, senior and masters races on the day –
NO REGISTRATION AFTER 12.30PM.

3 per team for all juvenile races
Junior and senior teams can contain any combination of junior and senior atheletes – 3 per team.
Masters teams can contain any combination of atheletes of M1, M2 and M3 – 3 per team.
Junior races are under 20 years of age.
All ages as at 31st December 2011
Prizes for 1st 6 Juveniles and 1st 3 teams
Cash prizes for 1st 3 junior, senior and masters.
Prizes for 1st 3 masters in M1, M2, M3.
Masters ladies - over 35 and Masters men - over 40.
Team managers to hand in score cards within 10mins of finish of each race.
Sean Higgins Memorial Perpetual Trophy presented to the winner of the boys U17 race.
Star of the Sea A.C. Shield presented to the best juvenile club.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Paula Dunne 041 9835745 or
Brendan Meade 087-2533113
Or Email: starofthesea.athleticclub@gmail.com
Or check us on facebook: Star Of The Sea Athletic Club

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Navan Track and Field Roundup

We had 12 athletes competing today in the Navan Open Sports on a very pleasant September afternoon.

Amy Doherty, Grace Mahon, Lily Murray, Sorcha Brady, Ciara Coffey, Tom Kilgannon, Kevin DatConway, Shauna Coffey, Kritsada Cooke, Fergal Kilgannon, Tomás Brady, Peter Kilgannon and Peter Doherty all did their club proud.

Tom Kilgannon with 2 Golds in the 60m and Ball Throw, older brother Peter receiving 2 Silvers in the 100m and 200m and coach Peter Doherty winning the Senior Gold in the 100m were our medalists today and a big well done to them from all of us.

A big thanks to Navan AC for successfully organising the event.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Navan Track and Field 18th Sept 2011

Hi All,
The details of the various events for the different ages are all posted below on the 31st August. For the relays we'll see who we have on the day to run and hopefully we'll get more than one team per age group entered. We'll meet at the track at 11:00am on Sunday to make our way in convoy and get there in good time. Bring a packed lunch, warm clothes/rain mack and hat to make sure everyone is good and warm at all times. These open events are good fun with plenty of races/jumping and throwing to keep everyone occupied while waiting for their turn to arrive. Please reply to the teamer texts/emails so that we have a good idea who's going to be there.
Thank you

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Tues 13th Sept General Info

Remember there are no Toilets at the Little Athletics so make sure your little ones have gonebefore they arrive at the training. We will be going inside on Tues 27th Sept.

For those Club Members who couldn't make it to the Club Championships last May and so didn't collect their club medal, Peter will have them for you this evening down at the track after training.

Last Track and Field event next Sun 18th Sep in Navan. Details below and please reply to the teamer texts when they are sent out.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Track Athletics and Fit4life still on assuming the very heavy rain holds off ;)

Little Athletics Cancelled tonight due Waterlogged Pitch behind College

Little Athletics is cancelled tonight for the Under6/7/8/9's. If some of the under 9's (Born 2003)are interested in Cross Country then they can come to the track athletics and join in.
We normally do not have access to the PE hall until Oct but we'll be making enquiries to see if we can get it a bit earlier.
Sorry to disappoint

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Navan Open Sports Sunday 18 Sept 2011 at 12:00pm

The last Track and Field event of the Season takes place Sunday 18Sep in Claremont Stadium Navan and we'd like a large contingent from Ratoath to attend. We'll be sending out a Teamer Text soon to check on availability and you can see the events below.
EVENTS
U/9 Boys & Girls (Born 2003) 60m Ball Throw
U/10 Boys & Girls (Born 2002) 80m Ball Throw
U/11 Boys & Girls (Born 2001) 80m 300m Long Jump
U/12 Boys & Girls (Born 2000) 100m High Jump Long Jump
U/13 Boys & Girls (Born 1999) 100m 600m High Jump
U/14 Boys & Girls (Born 1998) 100m 200m Shot Javelin
U/15 Boys & Girls (Born 1997) 100m 200m High Jump Long Jump
U/16 Boys & Girls (Born 1996) 100m 800m Shot Javelin Long Jump
Novelty Event for Boys and Girls Under 8

JUNIORS ( U/17, U18, U19)
Men & Women 100m 200m 1500m Long Jump Shot Javelin

SENIORS
Men & Women 100m 400m 3000m Long Jump Shot

MASTERS
Men & Women 100m 3000m Long Jump

Senior & Masters Men 3000m is a combined team event. Three to count ( at 3.30pm)
Senior & Masters Women 3000m is a combined team event. Three to count.

INTER CLUB RELAYS (at 2.00pm)
Juvenile Boys & Girls under 10-12-14-16 4 x 100m (athletes can move up one year)
Junior Mixed (Men/Women) 4x100m Senior Men and Women 4 x 100m
Relays entry €5 per team

PRIZES First three in all events

ADMISSION Adults/ Car €5 Children Free

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Meeting for Parents willing to assist in the athletics club on Wed 31st August at 9 pm in Ratoath GAA club house.

There is a meeting on tonight Wed 31st August at 9pm in the GAA bar for Parents/Guardians/Grandparents/Adult Siblings who would like to help out at the Athletics Club. We are especially looking for people to help the coaches with an aim to becoming a coach or people who are interested in helping to organise fundraising events etc. The courses run by athletics Ireland are very well organised and great fun to do, and the young athletes love the variety that athletics provides.
I will have Garda Vetting forms with me tonight to be filled out at home and I will have information regarding the vetting program for those interested.
As this is short notice if you are interested but cannot make it tonight please email on ratoathathletics@gmail.com or text 0876851261
Thank you,
Tom



Monday, August 29, 2011

Little Athletics Training U6-U9 Resumes Tues 6th Note NEW TIMES

Hi All,
Due to our numbers and to keep the training safe and fun we need to change the times of the Little Athletics.

For the Under 6's (born 2006) and Under 7's (born 2005) training will be from 6:15 to 7pm.

The training for the Under 8's (born 2004) and Under 9's (born 2003) will begin at 7:05 to 7:50.

We will need more parental support to do this. If you are going to be there watching your child and do not have to supervise a sibling please contact me on 0876851261 or ratoathathletics@gmail.com and I will get the Garda Vetting forms to you. Coaching is very rewarding and made even more so when you have plenty of support and back up so please get in contact with me.

Thank you,
Tom


Track Training Resumes Tues 30Aug 7pm

Hi All,
The track training resumes this Tues 30th Aug at 7pm for the U10,11,12,13's. We'll be concentrating on basic fitness and some conditioning exercises.
See you there.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Frank Duffy race in the park

I'd been building up to this since the 8k race last month, which was the first of three in the race series, preparing for the Dublin Marathon. As race day grew closer, things got busier.
My training was all going according to plan and my time trials were going really well, coming in under the goal times each time.
Two days before the race, I said I'd like to get sub-85mins, but hopefully closer to 80mins.
The day before the race (Friday) the wind was howling and it rained on and off. Not good race weather! Then on the morning of the race the skies cleared and the wind all but stopped, it was as if it had been ordered especially for us. I got to Pheonix Park at about 9:10, with the race starting at 10:00, so plenty of time. I was going to bring my water bottle but in my haste to get out the door I forgot it. As it turns out I was fine without it. I jogged over to the start area and got straight in the portaloo queue, which was massive and barely moving. An official came over and told us over a mega phone that there was 5mins to go before the start, but there was still 3 people in front of me in the queue.



By the time I got to the start line for wave 1 the race announcer said there was 5mins to go, apparently the start time got delayed for some reason - just as well.
Pretty soon we were off and the large crowd (over 6,800) were bustling through the park's narrow roads and around the corners and roundabouts. I decided not to let my pace bother me for the first 2-3k, as the crowd would be an issue. After that I started to push myself to just over a 5:00/k pace and held it there. First water station at 4k, then some uphills with S bends. The side wind on Chesterfield was a welcome relief from the heat and lack of wind in other parts and pretty soon it was on to the second lap. I felt strong and took my only gel at around the 9k mark.
Pushing up the last hill I still felt good so I kept the pace up. At the top there was about 600-700m left and I gave it everything.


I crossed the line at 1:21:23, well under my 85mins estimation and goal. Anyway, I'm delighted with the time I got and am now looking forward to the third in the race series next month, the Dublin Half Marathon...

Eoin

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Double Gold and Triple Bronze for our Masters Sprinters in the Irish Masters Track and Field Championships in Tullamore today

Welldone to Ratoath's Colm Keogh and Peter Doherty in the Masters Track and Field Championships in Tullamore today.

Colm was Gold medal winner in the 100m and 200m today in Tullamore with Peter Doherty getting the Bronze in the 100m,200m and 400m. This is a continuation of winning form for Colm who has been a stalwart competitor for Ratoath over the years. For Peter this is a great end to a year in which he decided to start back training last October (for the first time since leaving college) and has gone from strength to strength culminating today in 3 Season's Best performances.


Friday, August 19, 2011

Micky Ruben Jamaican Sprints Coach in Carlow tonight Fri Aug 19th

Brilliant night of coaches education. Micky Ruben gave a master class on the importance of the core and an excellent demonstration of exercises to strengthen all parts with special emphasis on the back.
To cap it off we had Asafa Powell and Kelsey Spencer with their physio Anthony 'Star' Geoghegan answering questions for 35 mins at the end of the evening.
Special thanks to St Laurence O'Tooles for organising this great night.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Free Nutrition Workshop for Athletes in Claremont Stadium Navan 4pm Today

Sorry for the late notice but I've just been advised about a nutrition workshop being held in Claremont Stadium today at 4pm specifically for athletics. Pre and Post race drinks and shakes, pancakes for energy and snacks for inbetween events all home-made way cheaper than the shop bought equivalents.

This workshop is held in the kitchen so that you can see how these are made and taste them there and then.

Highly recommended
View Claremont Stadium Navan in a larger map

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Tara AC 5km Fri 26th Aug 7:30pm

Great Fun Run for all the family with entry for Adults and Children. Just click on the title for the the link to the Run Ireland site.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Slane Castle 5km and 10mile Sun 21st Aug 2011 12pm

Click on the title for info.
This is Slane AC's 1st time holding this event and so please give them your support.
'The event will be part of the Slane Castle annual lady well fête ( www.ladywellfete.com ), where plenty of family entertainment will be provided on the day from music, games, food stalls etc.'

For Ratoath AC members if you are thinking of running the 10mile please contact me prior to entering for pricing info. ratoathathletics@gmail.com or 0876851261

Boyne Open Sports Sunday August 14th 2011 at 1:30pm

Open Sports Day in the Meadowview Sportsfield Drogheda. Competitions from Under 8 to Senior. Click on title for the info.

View Meadowview Sportsfield Drogheda in a larger map

Congratulations to David McCarthy Teacher in Ratoath College on breaking his PB for 800m

Click on the title for the Athletics Ireland article.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

5 miler in the park

So this was the first of three races in the DCM race series, building up to the marathon in October. I had taken Friday off from training to prepare for it, the weather wasn't looking good though.
I sat in the car eating fruit and drinking water until about 09:30 and then did a warm up run of about 1.8k to the start line, or to be specific, the portaloos! There were lots, so I didn't have to wait long :-)According to the instructions on the website, and sent out along with the bib numbers, there were three wave starts. Wave 1 for sub 40mins, wave 2 for 40-50mins and wave 3 for +50mins. As my previous 8k time was 36mins, I went into the back of wave 1. 

Anyway I set my Garmin to a "quick workout" and set it for 8km in 35mins. Then I reset it to 40mins, so I wouldn't be putting too much pressure on myself - glad I did that now.
There wasn't a starters gun, but I did notice the front runners move off rapidly, so I guessed we had started! It took about 20 secs for me to get over the line, so I started my Garmin then. The narrow roads in the Phoenix Park made it pretty congested. It took me about 1.5-2k to get past the walkers/joggers that had started in front of me, but I was able to get my pace up to 4:30-4:20min/k, which was my target really. There was one water station about the half way mark and I took a cup, but I can never get the hang of drinking from a cup while running. I managed two small gulps and dropped the rest over my legs, which actually felt good and cooled them down.
Then came the real test: Kyber Road, 1km all uphill. I focused on keeping running, slowing as needed and not looking too far ahead. I went down to about 5:30min/k, but that should have been ok along with my earlier pace overall. I tried to give encouragement to people who had to walk, and a few of them started running again. At the top of the hill, the finish line was about 200m away and I gave it all I had, although I was tired from the climb. The clock said 39:32, but my Garmin said 39:20, which would be more accurate. I was disappointed with my time, but given the crowds it couldn't be avoided really. I got a cup of water, two bananas and my goodie bag and started to breath normally again. I was cooling down pretty fast and started to feel cold in no time, so I jogged the 1.8k back to the car as a cool down run.


Sunday, July 17, 2011


Picture of Meath 4X100m relay team who came 4th at the National league -Premier Division, today in Athlone. All from Ratoath. L- R Josh Byrne, Neil Finnegan, Stephen O' Brien and Peter Doherty.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Meath AAI Confined Beach Run

Meath Athletics are hosting their now Annual 5k Beach Run & BBQ on Gormanston Beach at 8pm Firday July 15th.
The proceedings get under way with the underage races over distances of 200m to 600m from u9 up to u14. It is important to note that the the event is confined to only members of Meath AAI.
Directions drive to Duleek & straight through the village . At the Drogheda to Ashbourne road turn right and then take an immediate left at Duleek graveyard - you are now on the Duleek-Julianstown road.
In Julianstown turn right for Dublin. After you pass the second Apple Green Petrol Station which is on your left then you take the slip road on the left signposted for Balbriggan, Stamullen, Gormanston. Drive on and pass the Cock & Huntsman Pubs one on either side of the road.
Entrance to the beach is via the Gormanston train station entrance about 800m the Dublin side of the Cock & Huntsman Pubs.
For anyone comming from Enfield using M4 & M50 or Dunboyne using M3 & M50 then you turn off the M50 for the M1Belfast. Keep going North till you see the City North Hotel (can't miss it - it is a eyesore on the East Meath landscape) exit about 20k from Airport. Then follow signs for Balbriggan - Gormanston Stamullen and you will then come to the Cock & Huntsman pubs. Then follow directions as before.
Phone Brendan Meade @ 087 2533113 if in trouble and he promises to keep a burger for you.

National AAI Juvenile Championships

Anther excellent performance from Deirdre Healy last weekend when she finished a close 5th in the u 15 girls 800m AAI national championships with a time of 2 mins 22 sec.
Ciaran McCarthy also did the club proud in making the national finals of the u 15 800m.
Well done to both!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Oldcastle 5k run & walk

Oldcastle 5k Run & Walk for the Marie Monaghan Memorial Cup

Hosted by St Brigid’s Athletic Club

on

Wednesday the 20th of July 2011 at 8pm in Oldcastle Co Meath
Map of race here, race starts at 8 pm and race registration is in the Naper Arms Hotel in town.

Prizes:
Senior Men & Ladies 1st Three , Junior Men & Ladies 1st Three, Masters Men & Ladies 1st Three,
O/ 40, 50, 60, plus Spot Prizes

Entries on the day 10 Euro per Individual

Refreshments Afterwards

For more information contact:
Martin 086 8564160
Pat 087 2657051
Gerard 086 2499886

Ardee and district AC Open Sports

Ardee Open Sports 2011

Boys School Field, Ardee, Co.Louth
Sunday 31st of July at 1:30pm

Check their website for the full programme of events

Thursday, July 7, 2011

South O'Hanlon 5k

Short version: It rained and rained, we ran in the rain and it rained.
Long version: Well, it was raining...The race was due to start at 8pm and I got there just after 7:30. As it was raining I got out of the car in all my running gear, rather than get any other clothes wet too. In the hall at the GAA pitch I got my number (€12 for entry) and realized that it must be getting close to start time. So I jogged about 1k from there to the start line (my warm up!) while pinning on my number.

A few hundred runners were hanging around the start area (in the rain) waiting for the start, so I did a bit of dynamic stretching and got under a tree, although I couldn't get any wetter at this stage! We were told to get ready and we all moved up, then we had to move back behind the line, then we moved up and had to move back again (getting cold now) and eventually someone shouted "GO!". I was in the middle of the pack which, on reflection, was too far back to get a good start. After a couple of minutes I was able to break through the bunch and get up to a happy pace. I started out at about 4:15min/k pace, a bit too fast for the start. I had a look at the elevation the day before and it showed two hills, the biggest about 2.6k in, so I held back to save some energy. What I didn't know was that the elevation chart had "dramatized" the hills...grrr.
Anyway I kept a good pace and tried to run near someone who was going at the same pace as myself, so I wouldn't get carried away. That worked and when I realized the hills were a bit of a "no show" I put the pace on again. Photo below is me coming in to the only water station, less than 1k to go...

My last 1k I didn't have much to spare and would have liked to have gone faster but given the conditions I was pretty much going as fast as I could. In the distance I could see the finishing line and 22:xx on the clock. I couldn't make out the seconds due to people and rain etc, but I knew I was close to breaking my PB! I pushed again and when I got about 200m to the end I saw 22:50 (or so) and I knew I wouldn't get a PB. I kept going and finished strong (in the rain!). Unofficial time 23:33, just 9 seconds slower than my PB I set a year ago. We all got handed bottles of water at the end while we handed back the timing chips. In my head I was saying, "if I had done x or y I would have been faster..." but that's for another day.
I did a 1.5k cool down jog (in the rain of course) and headed in to the hall for the post-race refreshments: tea/coffee, sandwiches, cake and sticky buns! All the goody bags had been handed out already, as many more had turned up than they were expecting, but they know who got their bag and who didn't and I was assured that one will be sent out. I didn't get to meet any club members unfortunately, but I stayed and chatted for a few mins in the hall with other runners, did some stretching and got dried off and went home. Of course it had stopped raining by this time, ha ha!
Eoin

P.S. Race results here
Official time was 23:37