Thursday, January 31, 2013

Training tonight 31st Jan

Training tonight will be for the Relay Teams going to Leinster Indoors this Saturday. Track will not be in use. Gerry's Group Training will be footpath running so bring reflective gear and wear correct runners.

Clothes to wear at Competition Winter in Ireland

I received an email from a parent whose child was competing for the first time in Dunboyne this Sunday as to what their child should wear. This is a great question and my reply to her follows.


Layers are the best thing. If they have an 'under armour' type top or bottoms from other sports or a base layer top from Dunnes, Lidl, aldi, - even a light long sleeved teeshirt or thermal vest something that is tight light and long sleeved, then a short sleeved tee shirt over that then a heavier fleece or tracksuit type top then a light rain/wind proof jacket. Gloves and a hat.
For the legs you can get running type leggings with shorts over or what's easier a light pair of tracksuit bottoms anything that they can run in with freedom. Just before their race they'll take off the jacket and fleece and put on a singlet.
Bring a fresh pair of socks/slippers change of clothes to put on in the car going home just in case they get their feet wet. Towels too might be needed. :)
As a treat have some hot chocolate in a flask with some cookies or scones sandwiches to have in the car after (if very organised they can make them in the morning :) :) ) so that the experience becomes a day out with the family.

For yourself wrap up very warm gloves hat rain leggings big umbrella etc (you could bring a flask with hot coffee nothing nicer) as you'll not be running like them.
It's all about being prepared for what the Irish weather throws at us. We were very fortunate last year that the weather was good for all the competitions but nothing is guaranteed.
I hope this helps,
Best regards,
Tom

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Outside Training Cancelled tonight due Weather

Due to the recent wet weather, and the current rain, the track will not be drained enough to allow training on it tonight 29th Jan.
Thank you

Dunboyne local clubs competition 12pm Sun 3rd Feb.

For our U9(B2005), U10(B2004), U11(B2003) and U12(B2002) athletes there is a special event being held in Dunboyne AC at 12pm Sun 3rd Feb, that we are very excited about as it is a first local competition between ourselves, Dunboyne AC, Tara AC and Dunshaughlin AC.

There will be 4 events for the athletes to try a 60m Sprint, a Turbojav competition, Long jump from just before the sand for the U9-U11 and from the board for the U12's, and finally a 'middle distance' race of 300m for the U9's, 500m for the U10's and a 600m for the U11's and U12's. All athletes will be competing for points for their club.

Due to the nature of the event many of our coaches will be needed to act as officials so we'll need parents to support their young athletes, help them be aware of what is happening around them eg care crossing the track and not going into the infield where the turbo javs are being thrown. Listen carefully for their event being called, log their distances thrown or jumped and time if possible for their runs. These will be the start of your record keeping for them of their personal bests 'PB's' where they can start seeing how they are improving as the months and years go by.

NOTE This is a juvenile competition with many competing for the very first time- no arguing with officials, applaud every competitor, enjoy the experience by being prepared for the weather.

We'll be leaving from the club at 11:15 to get there in good time to get athletes registered etc.

See you there for a great afternoon of Athletics

Saturday, January 26, 2013

North, West & East Leinster Secondary Schools Cross Country Reports.

By Gerry Finnegan

The club had a number of athletes representing their schools in the Leinster Regional School cross country championships over the past week.

Pride of place goes to Alex Hunter who was the individual winner in the junior boys 2500m in the West Leinsters held in the Phoenix Park. Despite getting a bad start, Alex soon forced his way to the front and built up a comfortable lead which he held to the finish. He also had the satisfaction of leading his school to second in the team category.

After a long absence due to injury Deirdre Healy made a great return to competitive athletics in the East Leinsters where she finished a close third in the intermediate race behind Ella Fennelly and Isabelle Odlum, both of whom have recently represented Ireland.

The North Leinster region was where the majority of our athletes ran when representing Ratoath College.
 Leah Farrell and Lua Henderson were 11th and 35th respectively in the girls minor race. Aine O Connor led the junior girls team home in 6th and she was closely followed by Amber Roche (11th) and Shona Quigley (17th). The boys junior team were equally impressive with Philip Marron coming strongly through the field in the latter stages to finish 6th with Peter Kilgannon (11th) and Mark Nolan (32nd) providing great support. It was a great pity that Brian Kiernan missed the race through illness as these 4 athletes would form the basis of a talented school team. Eoin Clayton ran very strongly in the intermediate grade while Conor Duncan finished off the day finishing 18th in the senior boys. 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Meath Young Sports Award for Eamon Wallace

Congratulations to Eamon Wallace on winning the Meath young Sports Star of the year award on Friday night, which was presented to him at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim. Eamon’s sporting achievements in 2012 included winning gold in the U19  100 and 200m at the All Ireland track and field championships in July, he also had great success on the GAA field winning the Vocational Schools All Ireland B football Championship, and the Meath minor and junior football championship with Ratoath, GFC.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Cushinstown Indoor Sports Sun 27th Jan 2013


CUSHINSTOWN A.C.

 

Indoor Sports Competition


Confined to County Meath Clubs


Sunday 27th January 2013

Start Times:       10.30am – Long and High Jumps  & Shot Putt
1.00pm - Sprints

Age Group
Boys & Girls
30 metre sprint
Long Jump
High Jump
Shot Putt

Under 9

Yes
-----------------
-----------------
-----------------
Under 10
Yes
Yes
-----------------
-----------------
Under 11
Yes
Yes
-----------------
-----------------
Under 12
Yes
-----------------

Yes

Yes
Under 13
Yes
Yes
-----------------
-----------------
Under 14
60m sprint
-----------------
Yes
Yes
Under 15
60m sprint
Yes
-----------------
-----------------
Under 16
60m sprint
-----------------
Yes
Yes
Clubs must ensure that competitors are technically competent in field events for which they are entered, as lack of technique constitutes a danger to the competitor or others.
For field events only, athletes may move up one age group where there is no competition for their age group.
For field events only, athletes may move up one age group where there is no competition for their age group.

Standards in Long Jump will apply.

All athletes must be registered. Age as 2013


Under 11 and upwards may wear spikes.

Admission: 

Adults €3.00


Juveniles €2.00

Teas, Sandwiches, etc. available on the day.

Training on tonight 22-1-2013

Training is on tonight.
Please wrap up warm for those of you out on the track. Jackets gloves and hats..
Fit4life circuits on in the Gym hall from 7:55-9:00. 
Gerry's endurance group circuits also on in the hall 7:55-8:30

Monday, January 21, 2013

Leinster Cross Country Relays Report

The Leinster Cross Country relays were held yesterday in Ballyroan, County Laois. The weather was cold but dry and the relatively flat course was in very good condition considering the recent wet weather. We had two teams competing this year, and would have had more teams only for the change by Athletics Leinster in the age groupings from previous years.
The girls U12 team consisting of Aoife Rutheford, Rachel McPartlin, Aimee Doherty and Emma Coroner put in a great performance in the 4 x 250m event, in a packed field of 14 teams, they held on to third place for most of the race and were narrowly beaten on the line into 5th place by St. Joseph’s Ac and Naas AC. This experience will serve them well with two of the girls U12 again next year.
The result of the day for the club came in the last relay race, the boy’s u16 team of Peter Kilgannon, Philip Marron, Alex Hunter and Brian Kiernan took gold in the 4 x 500m relay, beating KCH and Mullingar Harriers into 2nd and 3rd place respectively. This was a great team effort by the lads and it is great to see their hard training and persistence paying off after finishing 4th in the same event last year. This was a great start to the year for the club and we hope to build on this in the coming months.
Thanks to all parents who travelled yesterday and congratulations to all of our athletes who competed.
Leinster Champions
Alex Hunter, Brian Kiernan, Philip Marron & Peter Kilgannon

Monday Nights 21st Jan 7:30pm Fit4Life Session Cancelled due to the Weather


Todays 7:30pm Fit4life session is cancelled due to the track being unusable.
Remember first Fit4Life Circuit training session in Ratoath College tomorrow Tues 22 Jan 8pm-9pm, be there in good time and NOTE you must be a member to participate.


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Malahide Castle (Park Run) 5K

Just a short note (plus pics) from the Malahide Castle (Park Run) 5K on Jan 12.

Firstly thanks to Michael and all the volunteers at Malahide who put on this free event - it is a very friendly and well organised event.

Despite a cold and damp morning there was a good turnout from the club. After a few short words from the race director (which included a special welcome for the Ratoath AC crew), it was time for our 11 strong group to join the other 300 plus individuals who were lining up.

This was many of the group's first outing for some time and also included a race debut for Alison Crawford, she was joined at the start by Henry Fleming, Jarleth Nally, Claire Witter, Lisa Lovett, Joy Tyrrell, Geoffrey Hayes, John Coroner, Aileen Bruton, Kate O'Driscoll & Melissa Dunne. There were great times posted by all but I am sure they will be looking to beat those times later in the year.

Our club Fit4Life runners eagerly waiting for the start

Two of our injured runners decided to volunteer!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Registration Evening Mon 7th Jan 2012 7:45-9pm.

Hi All,
I hope you all had a great Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.
Registration Night for 2013 will be this Monday night 7th Jan from 7:45-9pm in Ratoath GAA. PLEASE BRING PROOF OF DATE OF BIRTH FOR JUVENILE MEMBERS EG BIRTH CERT/PASSPORT. This is a new requirement just needs to be seen by one of the officials
Note also that there are a small number of changes to the cost of membership the details of which are on the bottom of the Renewal Form 2013 in Documents Section.

Renewing Members please fill out the RENEWAL FORM.

New Members have to fill out General Registration Form as this includes permissions for treatment and photography etc.

Little Athletics in Ratoath College Gym returns on the 15th Jan with U6 and U7 Born 2008 and 2007 at 6:15-7pm.
U8's Born 2006 from 7-7:45pm NOTE THIS NEW TIME as they would have been in from 6:15-7 last year.

Outdoor Athletics Starts back on Tues 8th Jan 
U9 born 2005 from 5:30-6:30pm
U10 and U11 Born 2004 and 2003 from 6:30-7:30pm
U12+Born 2002,2001,… from 7:30-8:30 with a future indoor session from 8:30-9pm to be scheduled in the College hall to start over the following weeks. Details to follow.

There are extra sessions on during the week for those athletes who are interested in developing for competitions.

Adult Fit4Life Sessions
Mondays 9:30-10:30am and 7:30-8:30pm
Tuesday 8:00-9:00 Future Circuit Training Session in Ratoath College to Start 22nd Jan 2013
Friday 9:30-10:30am
Sat 8am-finish. A weekly long run divided into 3 groups doing different length runs according to ability 

Note the above sessions are primarily for endurance running if you are interested in Senior or Masters Sprinting we have a strong Sprint Team led by Peter Doherty (Masters Sprinter) who would be willing to have you join up with their training. Contact Peter for details on 0878295375.

We'll continue to be in touch with details regarding competitions etc as soon as we have the confirmed details.

Looking forward to a great year of Athletics and seeing you all back with us again.