Munster Juvenile Relays
This weekend couldn’t have been busier for our juvenile athletes, and they kicked off with fantastic performances at the Munster Relay Championships in Nenagh. This competition is an incredibly high standard, with huge entry lists, and our athletes did themselves and the club proud! The sportsmanship, effort and level of support for their club mates was great to see!
Bright and early on Saturday morning our u10 girls team (Aoibheann Doyle, Grace Cantwell, Daisy Lyons, Beibhinn Maher, Orla Campion, Rachel Butler) took to the track, running a fantastic 4x100m in a time of 1.10.64 to finish third in their heat. While this wasn’t quite enough to make the final in the tough competition, it was a great run and a big PB for this group of girls, well done!
Following the girls, the u10 boys took to the track (Tom Esmonde, Tom O’Shea, Noah RYan, Aaron Hanrahan, Luke Kelly, Tomás Shanahan). Running in the third heat, the boys finished second and with a time of 1.07.41 qualified for the final. They improved on this performance in a highly competitive final to produce a time of 1.07.31, in a brilliant 4th place.
Next up was the u14 girls (Abbie Delaney, Caoimhe Slevin, Isabelle Murphy, Helen Renehan, Faye Murphy, Saoirse Joyce), who had the longer distance of 4x200m. These girls ran in the first heat and in a tightly run race came home in first place in a time of 2.06.57. The girls had an anxious wait as the other four heats ran, and unfortunately on this occasion did not make the final, but finished in 8th position overall.
During the afternoon session, our youngest athletes took to the track for their first experience of Munster competitions in their 4x100m relays. The u9 girls team (Caoimhe Quinlan, Bronagh Cornally, Molly Dempsey, Ashling Costigan, Harriet Ely, Éilís Shanahan) were in the first heat and with less than .3 of a second between 2nd and 4th, finished in a time of 1. 17.25, in third place, and 8th overall. Our boys u9 (Rían Ely, Eoin O’Shea, Jack Drennan, James Delaney, Glenn Phelan, Senan Dunne) finished third in heat 2 of their event with a time of 1.15.08, finishing 10th overall. This was a great experience for both of these young teams and we will see plenty more of them as they compete in their county and Munster championships in the coming months.
At the other end of the age groups competing today, our u17 girls team of Niamh Cleere, Dearbhla Gleeson, Emma Delaney, Eleanor Doyle, Kate Delaney and Aisling O’Reilly ran in the first of two 4x200m heats. The girls broke two minutes to finish in a time of 1.59.23. This time was less than half a second away from a final place, and the girls finished 5th overall.
The final group to run today from the club were the u11 girls (Meadhbh Hall, Annie Ely, Orlaith Costigan, Lily Murphy, Ella Mai Drennan and Aoibheann Doyle). After an incredible year last year at 4x100m, these girls were competing for the first time at the longer 4x200m distance. In the first of seven heats, they set the bar high, winning in a time of 2.16.79. After a nervous wait, this was the fastest qualifying time and they had a place in the final! In the final, the girls left it all on the track, and after four super legs, Lily stormed over the line in first place in a time of 2.15.67, earning the girls their first Munster title.
Couch to 5k/ Fit for Life Final.
On Thursday the 29th of February after 8 weeks of training we reached our final night of our Couch to 5k Fit 4 Life Development Programme for 2024.
After a night and a day of preparation we were ready to welcome our dedicated Couch to 5k athletes for their final hurdle of the programme. As the athletes began to arrive there was a sense of tension, nervousness, and anxiousness in the air. But after all their hard work I knew, they were going to get through it. Numbers were collected and the group gathered outside the shed. As we were about to begin our two laps walk a short shower began to fall. But thankfully it blew off to open up to a fresh spring night.
Once the warmups were complete it was time to make our way to the start line. The gun was fired by club president John Flynn and the athletes were off on their twelve and a half laps, led out by the pacers John Renehan, Edel Delaney, Sinead McLaughlin, Triona Murphy and Dylan McLaughlin. As the athletes made their way past the “finish line” for the first time that sense of nervousness lifted, and it was time to showcase all the hard work that was put in throughout the 8 weeks. As the athletes went by they were cheered on by a number of our juvenile members who made supportive banners to keep the athletes going. With the kind support of club members, family and a number of Bon Jovi, Queen, and Bruce Springsteen classics the laps started to pass by.
Everyone worked together to get through it. It was such a credit to the group and really summed up what the past few weeks have all been about. From day 1 this group has really clicked and has been so supportive of one another throughout every single session.I would like to thank the coaches who helped run the programme Triona Murphy, Martin Flynn, John Renehan, Edel Delaney, Sinead McLaughlin and Aaron McLaughlin. Thanks to Eileen and Kathleen for the teas, coffee and to Naiomi’s café for the food. To Billy Loughnane and Martin Flynn for the wonderful photos and videos, thank you both. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who took part in the programme. Your participation, hard work and dedication was much appreciated and admired. You were all a great group to be involved with and I hope we can continue together over the next few months and into the future. See you on the track again very soon. Triona and Dylan.
Volunteers in Sport Award
Congratulations to Paddy Doyle on receiving The Volunteers in Sport Award in The Crown Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown on Thursday last, well deserved recognition for his commitment to athletics over the years. Paddy is the second member of the club to receive this award, John Flynn being the other some years back.
Munster 4 Mile Road Championships 2024.
The Munster 4 Mile Road Championships took place on Sunday in Dundrum. A fast and flat two lap circuit awaited the athletes. On a crisp spring morning it was a perfect morning to race. Moyne AC were represented by three athletes. In the ladies competition Sharon Cantwell and Angela Fogarty represented the green and gold.
Patrick Bowe was the sole representative in the men’s race. Full results to follow.
Unfortunately Brian Carroll and Dylan McLaughlin were not able to make it to the start line as a result of injuries picked up during the week.
Tipperary Championships
The Tipperary Juvenile Indoor Championships took place this Sunday, with 70 Moyne athletes entered in 140 events, it was a busy day for all involved. With athletes all the way from u9 to junior, the club was well represented across all ages and disciplines. Each and every athlete who toed the line put in a huge effort and we are incredibly proud of them for representing the club. Thanks also to all the parents and coaches who made it possible for our athletes to compete so successfully, Moyne A.C. were also very well represented amongst the volunteers, and we appreciate your generosity with your time.
Entries for the Tipperary championships were huge and the standard was very high. Despite this, our athletes showed their class, with PB’s, numerous medals and outstanding team performances evident on the day. Well done to everyone who took part, and we look forward to seeing what’s to come for this great group of Moyne AC athletes. A full race report will follow when detailed results become available.
Orla Healy, Anglesey 10k Wales.
Orla Healy continued her fine form on the road today taking part in the Anglesey 10k in Wales. On a hilly course Orla finished in a great time of 42:04 to finish 3rd lady overall. Orla made sure she was in the green and gold as she had to jersey posted over to Wales to make sure Moyne AC were represented. Well done Orla.
Tipperary AI Athlete of the Year Awards 2023.
On Saturday night next The Tipperary Athlete of the Year Awards 2023 Ceremony will take place in The Horse & Jockey Hotel at 7pm, this annual event celebrates the achievements of our county athletes from juvenile to senior and master. Moyne Athletic Club will be well represented at this event Katie Bergin picking up the Tipperary Senior Female Athlete of The Year, Ber Spillane, Master Female Athlete of the Year. Other winners include Sharlene Mawdsley, Newport AC, International Athlete of the Year Award and American based Sean Mockler Senior Male athlete of the Year.
Munster u9 - u11 and Walk Championships
The Munster u9 to u11 and walk championships take place next weekend and the club has over 20 athletes entered to take part. After their great experience this weekend, we look forward to seeing their performances at the Munster level and we wish them all the best of luck.
Training Times
Reminder that training for juvenile athletes on Tuesdays and Fridays will be at the earlier time of 7pm, starting this Tuesday, March 5th.
Featured Image: Couch to 5k / Fit 4 Life Final Night.
Back row L to R. Kevin Joyce, John Renehan, Orlaith Maher, Martin Kiely, Eileen Hackett, Noelle Dempsey, Anita Esmonde, Mary Costigan, Tom O Dwyer, Elaine Foley, Patricia Lee, Mindy Doyle, Christina O Loughlin, Norma Walsh, David Doyle, Louise Cunningham, James Casey, Eamonn Cornally.
Front row L - R. Sinead McLaughlin, Fiona Kelly, Éilis Doyle, Martina Ryan, Joanna Ryan, Eibhlis Purcell, Teresa Everard, Dominic Everard, Paddy Ryan, Triona Murphy, Dylan McLaughlin.