Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 June, 2014
WEST WATERFORD AC
17
GER WYLEY SPORTS/SKINS SUMMER SERIES 2014
19th Annual Seamie and Breda Skehan sponsored Touraneena 5K ON the busy West Waterford AC yearly road running calendar of events, the Touraneena 5k is one that most supported events year in year out. Organised by a dedicated group of local members of the Touraneena Racquetball club the event once again really lived up to its very high standard last Friday night. Indeed, it was almost a record turnout of runners with 203 finishers recorded, this was only bettered once and that was in 2011 when we had 209 finishers, so a deserving 2nd largest turnout ever for the event which is just rewards for the sponsors and organisers in Touraneena. Speaking of sponsors all involved would like to sincerely thank Seamie and Breda Skehan who came on board this year and kindly sponsored the event. The weather played an important part also as conditions were ideal for the walkers and runners who took part. The organisers of this event in Touraneena once again left no stone unturned in their efforts with the course well marked and arrowed and the village itself was looking supreme as is always the case. Special mention here to Linda Skehan and Laurence McCarthy for their ongoing organisation of the race along with a great band of helpers too numerous to metion. A sincere thank you to all those involved with the catering, a fabulous spread was provided for all and each year we look forward so much to that treat of Strawberries and Ice cream. Thanks to the Community Centre for providing the use of the centre for the entries, race presentation and, of course, for the food post race; thanks to all the stewards and Garda at the various junctions and at the start and finish of the race and thanks also to our own crew on van duty and those for looking after the entries and results, efficient as ever. Once again the Civil Defence were on duty and our thanks especially to Michael Power of Power Fencing who again this year sponsored the civil defence ambulance. Thanks to Seamie Skehan who presented the winners with their prizes and was on hand to present the various winners with their prizes and to our master of ceremonies Marie Power who did a splendid job on the mike. Finally, our thanks to Ger Wyley sports and SKINS for sponsoring the series once again this year. DAVID RYAN MAKES AMENDS FOR LAST YEAR It was an ideal evening for the race Friday, absolutely perfect in fact. The 19th Annual running of the event got under way at
Seamie Skehan presents race winner David Ryan with his prize at the Seamie and Breda Skehan sponsored 19th Annual Touraneena 5k. 8 sharp and from the starters gun Clonmel’s David Ryan who finished 2nd in the event last year raced into the lead on the down hill section, going through the village and passing the 1k mark David clocked a time of 3.20, by this mark it could be said the race was at his mercy as he was some 60 metres clear of the chasers. David’s next kilometre split was clocked at 3.30, he recorded a split of 3.15 for the 3rd and the Clonmel man was flying at this stage drawing further away from the filed behind. He was driving hard up the incline as he approached the finish in the Village and crossed the chip timing matt in 16.08 to claim a great win and making up somewhat for his 2nd placing in the race in 2013 when he recorded a time of 16.22. A deserving winner it has to be said and a popular one at that too. David has had a great affair with this race and its interesting to look at his times over the past few years in 2011 he ran a time of 17.15 in 2012 he finished 5th in 16.50 and last year 2nd in 16.22 and, of course, his fastest time and best finishing place was this year so a big congratulations to David on his win and his improvement over the years with dedication and hard work paying off. There was a great battle for the runner up position between Kevin Kenneally and Tom Bennett with only 3 seconds separating the two at the line, on this occasion it took a personal best time of 16.45 from Kevin to squeeze out Tom who had to settle for 3rd with a time of 16.48. Well done to both boys on a great spirited battle. The 0/40 category victory went to Peter Duggan St. Josephs AC 17.37 Peter also won this category in 2013 and was just 8 seconds slower than his time last year, Waterford’s Jim Baldwin took the over 45 category in 18.02 and Derek Nolan Clonmel AC was the easy winner of the over 50 category with a very fast 17.51.
The over 60 category went to world masters 800 meters champion Joe Gough in a time of 18.38. The junior prize was won by a very good up and coming young West Waterford athlete Liam Reilly whose time of 18.09 finishing 17th overall. Winner of the prize for first local male runner to finish this year went to Mikey Boyle. Well done to all our prize winners. MEN’S RESULTS 1st David Ryan, Clonmel AC 16.08 2nd Kevin Kenneally, West Waterford AC 16.45 3rd Tom Bennett, IND 16.48 0/40 Peter Duggan, St. Joseph’s AC 17.37 0/45 Jim Baldwin, Waterford AC 18.02 0/50 Derek Nolan, Clonmel AC 17.51 0/60 Joe Gough, West Waterford AC 18.38 Junior Liam Reilly, West Waterford AC 18.09 MARTINA O’DWYER IN SPARKLING FORM The ladies race much like the men's was won by an athlete who from the starting line pushed quite a fast pace through the village drawing clear of the field. Carrick AC’s Martina O’Dwyer claimed her 3rd win of the series having also won this years Butlerstown 4 miler and the Waterford to Tramore race last month. Martina’s winning time in Touraneena was an excellent 18.04. Sinead Mansfield who has already won 2 races in this year’s series namely the Ballinroad 5k and Ardmore 5 last week was to settle for 2nd this time out Sinead finished in a time foe 18.49. It’s shaping up to be a real interesting summer series in the ladies section already with Sinead and Martina neck and neck at this stage with 5 races completed. Clonmel’s Aine Roche took 3rd in 19.29. Aine had finished in this same position at the inaugural Ballinroad 5k the first race of the series. The category prizes saw a clean sweep for West Waterford AC athletes with the over 35 cat-
egory going to the much improving Mary Dyer with a time of 22.53. Brigid Coffey took the over 40 prize in a time of 22.55 an excellent run from Brigid, Irene Clarke ran a superb time clocking 21.32 to take the over 45 category and Josie Ui Chirrin was once again on the winners rostrum when claiming first over 50 in 23.47, the first junior was Ciara Burke with a time of 22.33.Ciara is really enjoying her running at present and it was nice to see her among the prize winners in Touraneena. The first lady local finisher was Claire Fitzpatrick 24.36, well done to all our lady runners on the night. LADIES RESULTS 1st Martina O’Dwyer, Carrick AC 18.04 2nd Sinead Mansfield, West Waterford AC 18.49 3rd Aine Roche, Clonmel AC 19.29 0/35 Mary Dyer, West Waterford AC 22.53 0/40 Brigid Coffey, West Waterford AC 22.55 0/45 Irene Clarke, West Waterford AC 21.32 0/50 Josie Ui Chuirrin, West Waterford AC 23.47 Junior Ciara Burke, IND 22.33 MARCELLA TOBIN WINS 10th ANNUAL ANN POWER MEMORIAL TROPHY The walk which was got under way at 7.30 from the community hall and was well supported once again this year with just under 80 local children and adults taking part in the event which was being held for the 10th year in memory of one of the founders of the race the late Anne Power. As with other years the event was held in the fun predict your time for the distance style which means that the walker who completed the course closet to his or her predicted time was the winner and this year this accolade went to Marcella Tobin. The second placed walker was Sean Condon and Rosin Connors was 3rd. Well done to so many of the locals who supported the walk it was great to see such a great crowd. Our thanks to young Dylan Phelan who presented the various prizes for the walk on behalf of the Power family to all the winners. Michelle now joins the list of previous winners of the walk, Mike Kearns, Valerie Power, Yvonne Sheehan, Bernie Gleeson, Conor Tobin, Ailbhe Foley, Emma Whelan and Joey Connors. Michelle Power. Our thanks to the organisers of the walk on the night. SUZANA MALIKOVA VOUCHER WINNERS The winners of the Suzana Malikova Sports Massage vouchers for the Touraneena 5k were Sandra Prendergast and Mossie Keogh. Our thanks go to Zuzana for donating these prizes to the
summer series. Suzana is available for sports Massage at the Alternative Health Clinic in Abbeyside, 0871218721 for appointment. TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO JOIN THE SERIES The deadline for entering the summer series is fast approaching. Entry to the series will close after the Dromana race which is June 20th Entry to the series is separate to the races; it costs €5 and can be paid at any of the races up to and including the Dromana race. You must do 6 races of the series and you will get a €30 voucher and you will qualify to be included in the draw to celebrate the 20th year of the series where a lucky winner will be awarded a very special prize. CELEBRATING THE 20th YEAR WITH A VERY SPECIAL PRIZE With it being a very special year this year in the Ger Wyley Sports/SKINS summer series, It’s the 20th year of the event, and to mark the occasion the club will have a very special prize on offer at the end of the series for a lucky participant, The prize will be raffled among all runners who join the series and run 6 of the 11 races. This draw will take place on the final night the GSK 5. If your not in you can’t win and it’s worth winning.?? NEXT RACE IN SERIES 13th ANNUAL OLD STILL BAR CLASHMORE 5 Next race in the series is the Old Still Bar Clashmore 5 on Friday, June 13th at 8 pm. The 6th race of the series. Please note this year we are back to usual traditional race course this year after having to change due to road repairs 2013. Entries will be taken at the Old Still Bar from 7 o’clock onwards and it’s also the venue for the refreshments and prize-giving after the race. The entry fee is the only €5 this year for West Waterford AC organised events (where else would you get it) with prizes in the usual categories. Course record: Pauline Lambe, Tullamore AC 29.45 (2010). Sandis Bralitis, West Waterford AC 24 .58 (2007).
Dylan Phelan presented the trophy on behalf of the Power family to Sean Condon who finished 2nd in the 10th Annual Ann Power Memorial Walk at the Touraneena 5k last Friday evening.
First local Lady home at the Seamie and Breda Skehan sponsored 19th Annual Touraneena 5k Claire Fitzpatrick is presented with her prize by sponsor Seamie Skehan.
First local man home at the Seamie and Breda Skehan sponsored 19th Annual Touraneena 5k Mikey Boyle who is presented with his prize by sponsor Shamie Skehan.
Eddie and Ray run Tullaroan half CLUB members were in action last Saturday in Co. Kilkenny at the Tullaroan half marathon, well done to Ray Burke on his 18th placing in the race with a time of 1.42.01 and likewise to Eddie Doran who finished 42nd with a time of 1.55.22.Eddie is well on his way with his quest to have a medal from races in all 32 counties of Ireland, we will keep you posted on his progress.
Overall Ladies winner at the Seamie and Breda Skehan sponsored 19th Annual Touraneena 5k Martina O'Dwyer is presented with her prize by sponsor Seamie Skehan.