Trim Athletic Club - Unlocking Athletic Potential In Trim
INSIDE TRIM ATHLETIC CLUB
Page 3
A Brief History
Pages 4 & 5
Trish Duffy
Page 6
Barry Clarke
Page 7
Fiona Gunapala
Page 8
Sean McKeown
Page 11
Aidan Flynn
Pages 12 & 13
Liam Foley
Pages 14/15/18/19/20
Nallys SuperValu 10 Mile Road Race
Page 21
Braveheart Run
Page 22
Moira Aston
Page 25
Pat Comey
PHOTOS: Trim Athletic
Club’s Liam Foley has enjoyed success at World and European Championships over the last three years in Italy, Turkey and the Czech Republic and will be aiming for more success at World Championships in Bulgaria next June.
Inset Rob Tobin and Moira Groome (see inside).
Unlocking Athletic Potential in Trim
Yellow Steeple Athletic Club was the forerunner
BY CONALL COLLIER
Trim Athletic Club was established in 1972 under the name of Yellow Steeple Athletic Club and in the intervening 55 years has become an important part of the sporting infrastructure locally and further afield. The club was established initially due to a renewed interest in athletics as a result of the growing popularity of Community Games.
That first meeting took place in Fay’s Geneville Hotel more than half a century ago with a name change to the current Trim Athletic Club in the early 1980s.
The members who formed the first committee were: Larry Daly, Joe Fitzsimons, Joe Carter, Paddy Hayes, Michael Farry, Sheila Quinn, Larry Tobin, Bro. Feeney, Willie Doyle and Tom Honan.
Current PRO Ciaran Tobin can remember attending that inaugural meeting with his father, Larry, who was one of the founding members while Susan Donohue, daughter of Paddy Hayes, remains involved with the club as a mentor in the Couch to 3k programmes and the Parkrun set up in Trim.
Anther member, Louise Cotter who is a daughter of Larry Daly, is an active club
member maintaining a family link over six decades.
Annually, Trim Athletic Club hosts two hugely popular and well-supported events, the 10-mile Road Race in January / February with valuable sponsorship from Nally’s SuperValu and the Braveheart 5k each June.
This year’s 10-mile event was the 11th running while the Braveheart 5k was inaugurated in 2010. The respect that Trim Athletic Club has generated over the years was evident when it was one of five clubs to attain the Athletics Ireland ‘Club Mark Certificate.’
CIARAN TOBIN
“The Athletics Ireland Club mark applauds excellence in safeguarding, coaching and club management and helps clubs understand what is required in running an athleticsclub,” said PRO Ciaran Tobin.
discountedcoaching courses and sports equipment for schoolhallsand little athletics groups. Clubs accredited to the Athletics Ireland Club Mark have demonstrated a definitecommitment to developing athletics."
Parents can be assured that their children are part of a safe club. Members can be reassured the club is well-managed and striving to offer the best in coaching and athletic experience,” he added.
2026 AGM
“Club Mark has been set up by the Athletics Association of Ireland to help make clubs safer, stronger and more successful. As a result of achieving this accreditation clubs receive benefits such as
The 2026 annual general meeting of Trim Athletic Club took place at the end of January . The following officers were elected: Chairperson - Trish Duffy; Secretary - Fiona Gunapala; TreasurerBarry Clarke; Competition Secretary - John Rowe; Registrar Don Mahon; Children's Officer Fiona Gunapala; PRO - Ciaran Tobin; Women in Sport Officer - Trish Duffy; Facility Development Leader - Aidan Flynn; Social Media -Ciaran Tobin; Website - John Rowe.
(See Photo Above)
Trim Athletic Club PRO Ciaran Tobin on stewarding duty at the 10-mile road race on Sunday 1st Febraury that attracted over 2,000 entries.
Trim woman focused on continued progress
BY: CONALL COLLIER
rim Athletic Club
Tchairperson Trish Duffy was returned to serve another term at the annual general meeting in January and is focused on maintaining progressin the drive to develop facilities at Manorlands, close to the town.
With her husband, John (Rowe), who is competition secretary and website officer, they both have key roles in the functioning of the club and Trish recalled her days as a juvenile member with fondness and the importance of the under-age structure.
The couple's children, Caoimhe and Daire also participated as juvenile members and, apart from her duties as chairperson, Trish is also an Athletics Ireland Level 2 accredited coach with a focus on jumps, sprints and hurdles.
“Going back a good few years, I was a juvenile member of the club, that’s how I started, and then many years later myself and my husband joined the club again with our children,
Caoimhe and Daire,” explained Trish.
“Caoimhe now trains with the Dublin Sprint Club, she has won a number of national under-age medals, but has had a year out with injuries and is just getting back into action now and our
son Daire is also a member of the club. I have a big interest in the hurdles as Caoimhe used to do combined events as a juvenile. I decided to do the Level 1 Coaching Course initially and then completed the Level 2 for jumps, sprints and hurdles."
“We have a wide range of members who contribute to many programmes in the club, the Social Running, The Fit4Life, the Masters Group, we encourage all our members to stay involved, the competitive athletes and the more social athletes, everyone is guaranteed a welcome in Trim AC,” added Trish.
Taking on the role of chairperson presented a slightly different set of circumstances for Trish, but she was determined to embrace the challenge.
However, when she was elected in early 2020, her first responsibility was the club's compliance with the regulations that were brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic.
“I was persuaded to take on the role of chairperson in 2020 and was duly elected at an annual general meeting, but then everything just closed down,” she recalled.
“Fortunately, we got through that and I suppose by 2021 it was more or less back to normality and club activities got going again. The Athletics Ireland Regional Development
Officers (RDOs) were very helpful on a number of fronts also and that’s something that all clubs can avail of, not just Trim AC.
“There was an Athletics Ireland Women in Sport network at the time, Forerunners was the official title and it was an excellent programme in relation to mentoring club officials and I was determined to make a contribution in my role. I was able to share what I learned with other club members, male and female, so it was a win-win for everyone as far as I was concerned,” she stated.
Six years down the road, since taking on the role of chairperson, Trish now has a firm focus on what have been lengthy and ongoing aspirations by club members to develop a home for Trim AC.
With plans submitted to Meath County Council for an ambitious project at the Manorlands site, and with funding also on the table, there is a tremendous opportunity and a responsibility to enhance the image of the club by putting solid foundations in place for the future.
Trim Athletic Club chairperson Trish Duffy
Again, Trish takes up the story.
“We have a development committee and we visited various other clubs to gauge what they have and what we might achieve with our plans, we visited Carlow, Longford, Shercock and locally Fr Murphy AC in Athboy and Cushinstown AC."
“We are also familiar with the facilities at Claremont Stadium in Navan, but it was a worthwhile piece of research with guys like Ciaran (Tobin), Pat (Comey) and Aidan (Flynn) all involved.
“Sometimes it can be a bit demanding, but then you see the children and it’s vital to try to keep them involved in sport, especially girls. They have to enjoy it, any sport would be better than no sport. When I was a juvenile we trained in the Porchfields, we had
nowhere else and nothing much has changed."
“We go to Claremont Stadium regularly and it’s great to have that option, but to have our own base close to the town would be a tremendous asset and would certainly help to grow the club."
“We are getting closer now with planning permission sought for the Manorlands site and to have an indoor facility, especially for the juveniles, is long overdue."
“We have received support locally from clubs and the schools, but also from many clubs outside Trim."
“Hopefully, we will get the green light from the planners and Trim Athletic Club will eventually end its homeless years,” she concluded.
Anita Corrigan (Ardán Collective) and Kevin Comiskey (Bellinter House Hotel) with Trim Athletic Club officials Aidan Flynn (10-Mile Road Race Director), Pat Comey and club chair Trish Duffy announcing details of support for the annual road race.
Rob Tobin was on the Irish team for the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Meduno region of Val Tramuntino, Northern Italy in 2025. Rob was the second Irish finisher which secured the team silver in the Long Distance race. The course distance was 34km and there was 1830m of elevation gain on the route.
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Monitoring the finances is a crucial role
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Chartered Accountant Barry Clarke has the task of monitoring the finances of Trim Athletic Club in his role as treasurer, a position to which he was returned at the January annual general meeting.
Apart from his involvement with Trim AC and his exploits on and off the pitch with Longwood GAA club over many years, Barry has also completed some 35 marathons and a wide array of road races including the Trim 10-mile Road Race on Sunday 1st February.
Barry tackled the Dublin Marathon for the first time in 2007 and has completed nine of the capital city marathons along with London, Berlin, Rotterdam and others and he also trains a running group in Longwood three times a week, the group caters for a wide range of ages and abilities.
“On the GAA front, I won an intermediate hurling championship with Longwood in 1995 and was involved in the development of facilities at the club some 25 years ago,” he explained.
“For a development to succeed you need great people behind it and I was lucky to work alongside great people at that time, George Stagg, Pat Doherty, Anthony Ennis and PJ Stenson and many others in what was an ambitious project at that time.
“After I finished playing hurling and football, I started running with Trim Athletic Club and before too long I was invited to join the committee, I suppose that’s how most people end up on committees."
“I always maintained my involvement with Longwood as well, organising the annual 10k and 5k road races which are due to return in October 2026."
“On the pitch, along with my former teammates Aaron Ennis, Eamon Murray and Mick Noone, we helped to guide Longwood senior hurlers to silverware in 2024, some 88 years after their previous victory in 1936. but not as a player, so I was kept busy on all fronts,” he added.
For any club that embarks on a project to develop facilities, there will be a big demand to meet deadlines and resolve any queries that may arise, especially at the planning stage, as Barry outlined.
“This development project (see page nine) at the Manorlands site is on the drawing board and there is more demand on my time, but that’s to be expected,” he said.
“The development project has been ongoing now for a number of years. We have looked at different projects that might fit the Manorlands site and at this stage we have agreement on a building and some outdoor facilities."
“I have been involved in the grant application process, but this was mainly handled by Niall Feeney and Aidan Flynn. The fundraising is important and what has provided the foundations in that respect is the annual 10-mile road race, this year it sold out in 25 minutes with 2,250 registered, the success of the race is testament to the professionalism of the Race Committee of Andy Lindsey, Enda Markey and myself."
“While we have stepped down from the 2026 event committee, I believe we have left a template behind us to be proud of and the 10-Mile Road Race will continue to grow and be successful."
“The development for the Manorlands sitre is one project that’s ongoing, but there are the annual events like the 10-Mile, the Braveheart 5k, we also had a walkathon a few months ago that kick- started our fundraising efforts."
“There are great people on the committee and Pat Comey is just one that I would mention, Don Mahon, Sean McKeon John Rowe, Aidan Flynn, Anne and Ciaran Tobin are others, but everyone on the committee plays their part under the watchful eye of our astute chair Trish Duffy."
“I have to stress that it’s an overall combined effort from everyone to get this done and for the grant application, we brought in external consultants, there is a cost to that, but that’s the way to go for the Large Infrastructure Grants.The club was approved for an amount in excess of €1,000,000 and all that is subject to strict conditions. We have planning permission for phase one, that’s basically to secure the site and get ready for phase two. That application is currently with Meath County Council."
“With all planning applications, it’s just a matter of letting the process run to completion and dealing with queries as they arise, but I would hope we can get started in the first half of 2026."
Barry concluded by saying “For Trim Athletic Club to have a home of its own some 50 years after it was formed (1972) is something that we have to achieve and it will be a huge benefit locally, not just for Trim, but for the surrounding areas of the town also,”
Trim Athletic Club treasurer Barry Clarke
Maintaining strong family tradition in athletics
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Steeped in all things athletics would be an apt description for Trim Athletic Club secretary Fiona Gunapala who was returned to serve a second term in that role at the annual general meeting in January of this year.
Fiona is a daughter of the late Robbie Byrne, who was a founding member of Navan Athletic Club in 1973 and the subsequent development of Claremont Stadium, a venue that was officially opened in 1981 and now boasts a superb eight-lane 400-metre track.
The contribution of the late Mr Byrne was recognised by Meath Athletics Co Board in 2008 when he was selected as the inaugural Honorary President.
Against that background, it would be reasonable to suggest that athletics was a major topic in the Byrne household, “the only sport that was discussed in our house when I was growing up was athletics,” said Fiona who competed with success at under-age level in 200m and 4 x 100m relay events.
“I started running when I was seven years old and medalled at under-age national championships in the 200m and the 4 x 100m relay. Off the track, I also served as Meath Athletics Co Board secretary, but a family illness, understandably, curtailed my activities,” she added.
Fast forward to the present day and, apart from her role as Trim AC secretary, Fiona also has the role of Children’s Officer for Meath Athletics Co Board, and late last year had the delight involved with the birth of her first grandson, Milo.
However, Trim Athletic Club also requires a certain amount of attention and it’s a role that Fiona relishes. She also highlighted the positive contribution that all committee members make towards the overall running of the club.
“As a fairly new club member, I found Trim Athletic Club to be very welcoming
and friendly, with training for all abilities. The club has a good structure which is hugely important, and it is also vital as there is so much going on at any one time,” she added.
A major project for Trim AC members this year is to start work on the development of the Manorlands site as a permanent home for the club with a decision awaited on a planning application.
“As secretary, I would be expected to implement good governance within the club and high on the agenda at the moment is the development project at Manorlands, when that’s completed, having our own facilities will continue to transform the club,” suggested Fiona.
“From an organisational perspective, it will remove the necessity for travelling outside Trim to organise juvenile training, that will be a game-changer for everyone involved with the club.
“It’s very important that the children from Trim have their own dedicated facility, where indoor training can nurture athletes, and also to cater for the adults in various categories.
“Apart from the competitive athletes at adult level, we have a Fit4Life programme that’s geared towards more social running, Sean McKeown is the Fit4Life Leader and he does an amazing job. This is a very busy time for the club, apart from the usual items and both the 10-Mile Road Race and the
Braveheart 5k, there is that eagerly awaited development at the Manorlands site in the town."
“Obviously, of prime importance are the proposed new facilities and a permanent home for Trim AC, there is a specific Development Committee for the project, they are dedicated and well organised and hopefully that will be completed in the near future,” she concluded.
Trim Athletic Club secretary Fiona Gunapala
Simonstown Gaels Man a Fit4life Trim AC Leader
BY CONALL COLLIER
Trim Athletic Club Fit4Life Leader and Navan native Sean McKeown describes himself as a Simonstown man and to back up that claim he can highlight the fact that he won a Meath GAA Junior B FC title in 1987.
That was an important milestone for what was then a small club based in north Navan, Simonstown Gaels, which at the time of its formation some 20 years earlier was a little-known name within Meath GAA circles.
"It’s a good while ago since that final, but I’m a Simonstown man and would have played football with Simonstown Gaels, we won the first Championship in the club’s history in 1987, it was a Junior B FC final against Duleek,” he recalled before the chat turned to Trim Athletic Club.
Sean is the Fit4Life Leader and is also an accredited coach with Trim AC, but attributes his introduction to athletics to a group of Kiltale women about a decade ago.
“I’m a member of Trim AC for about 10 years now, but it was an unusual kind of introduction,” he revealed. "I drive buses and taxis and had bookings to bring a group, Kiltale Ladies On The Run, to the Phoenix Park (Dublin) and other places and I decided to go for a walk while I was waiting for them to complete whatever runs they were doing at the time.
“Fiona Diskin, Dessie McGann’s daughter, was involved in the Kiltale group with her husband Pat, and as Dessie competed in the Olympic Games for Ireland in1972, she would have great enthusiasm for the running as well."
“That custom, going for a walk while waiting for the women, continued and I suppose I benefited from a bit of exercise.
“However, one weekend the Kiltale group was competing in a six-mile run in Limerick and had put in an entry in my name without telling me, I managed to complete it and that’s how I got started, I joined the local club after that,” he added.
And what exactly are the duties of a Fit4Life Leader with Trim Athletic Club was a reasonable question to pose for the Simonstown man?
“We do the ‘Couch to 3k’ and ‘3k to 5k’which are initiatives by Meath Local Sports Partnership in conjunction with a number of clubs around the county,” explained Sean.
“The‘Couch to 3k’ is suitable for complete beginners and supports them to go from walking to jogging with relative ease."
“The ‘3k to 5k’ is aimed at anyone who would like to improve running fitness and increase their pace and distance. The ‘Couch to 3k’ would be aimed at anyone who really hasn’t run in any meaningful
way before, it would be a very gentle introduction to the club and to athletics and would start off with something as simple as just walking and maybe a bit of jogging."
“We do this on a Monday night over a sixweek period and the target is that everyone will be able to tackle a 3k run, it’s an achievable goal to get people started.It’s also quite social, once everyone gets chatting it just builds its own momentum and there is no pressure on anyone either, it’s really aimed at getting started and then take it from there."
“There could be from 15 to 25 in the group and when the six weeks is complete there is usually an enthusiasm to keep going, obviously fitness levels will improve and there is a suitable category for everyone and anoption to joinTrim AC as well."
“We will facilitate whatever level is required, but the main object at the outset is to get everyone moving at a comfortable
pace. Other club members like Mark Ginnerty, Mark Boshell, Amy O’Connor assist also, but one man who deserves a very special mention is David Hawcroft who is 80 years of age. David ran in the 10mile Road Race a few weeks ago and he always encourages everyone, he consistently turns up on a Monday night and he would always make sure that no one is left behind when we get going."
“We do a warm up beforehand and then some stretching when we finish, that’s as important as completing the run. All the Fit4Life groups met up at Claremont Stadium in Navan at Christmas, but hopefully we will be in a position to host something like that at our own venue in Trim in the not too distant future when we get the Manorlands facility developed."
“To get our own permanent home for Trim AC would nearly be as important as winning that Junior B title with Simonstown Gaels back in 1987,” he concluded.
Trim Athletic Club Fit4Life Leader Sean McKeown.
Planning Permission Sought for Ambitious Project
By Conall Collier
Trim Athletic Club has submitted a planning application to Meath County Council for the second phase of the development at Manorlands to include a new clubhouse.
Permission is sought for the construction of a single and twostorey sports facility building with solar roof panels and an ancillary outdoor sports arena.
It is proposed that the outdoor facility will comprise a 200-metre, six-lane running track, a 100metre six-lane sprint track, a 500metre perimeter running and walking trial and long jump, high jump, javelin and shot put facilities with track and field lighting.
Also proposed is car parking and a set down area, bicycle parking and the erection of a secure boundary perimeter fence around the site with vehicular and pedestrian entrance gates.
The stage two development includes revisions to previously granted phase one stage of the development.
In documentation submitted
with the application, the club outlines that proposed development is part of a strategic plan to promote and increase athletic participation in Trim and its environs.
The club has an agreement with Meath County Council to develop the site. The first phase involves securing the site and preparing the grounds for outdoor activities while long-term, it is intended to have indoor and outdoor facilities.
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Sprint and Throw Winter League Focus
Three Trim Athletic Club juveniles were in action at Frayne where Fr Murphy AC hosted Flight Club, the first of a three-day Sprint and Throw Winter League.
The first Trim athlete in action was Méabh Potterton (number 31) in her first discus competition, taking fourth place with a throw of almost 10m.
In the afternoon she was in action in the u-13 Hammer where she achieved a new PB of 17.10m.
Rachel Farrell (13) was in action in the Sprints first, taking second place in her fast-paced 80m race.
She was also in the discus for the first time and her best throw was over 14m to take fifth place in the u-16 girls competition.
Cathal Potterton was in the u14 discus where he had a best throw of 17.35m. He followed it up with a great performance in his first hammer competition with a best throw of 18.40m.
Rebel Turns Royal in Trim's Red and White
By: Conall Collier
Some 25 years in the Royal County probably earns Trim Athletic Club’s Aidan Flynn, a Cork native from the Rebel County Meath status, except perhaps when the talk turns to GAA matters.
At this stage he has clocked up more then 15 years as a member of Trim AC and can include various committee roles on his CV from an initial stint as Children’s Officer to the current title of Development Committee Lead.
“I would have played a bit of hurling and football and some golf, but athletics never featured on the radar until I arrived in Trim,” explained Aidan.
“The first Braveheart race, my wife entered me, but she didn’t tell me in advance and we had a barbecue arranged for that evening."
“I thoroughly enjoyed it before the race, that was a mistake on my part, not a great idea to run around the Porchfields full of burgers and sausages."
“I ran, or at least tried to run, it really was a complete struggle, but I finished it anyway on a glorious sunny evening."
“I then started running on a casual basis, just for fitness, and I had a go at the Hill of Tara Dawn Run, it used to start at about 4am in the morning and was a charity fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin."
“I kept on running and actually tackled the Dublin Marathon, I was in bits afterwards, but I met Ciaran and Ann Tobin that they suggested that I would be welcome to join Trim AC and that was about 15 years ago."
“The biggest difference I noticed most was the fact that when you are running on your own, you think you are doing well, but it’s only when you join a club that you see the benefits and for me it was significant."
“I ran the marathon again and took an hour off my initial time, that was an amazing feat from my perspective and I really took an interest in Trim AC,” added Aidan.
The position on the committee soon followed and Aidan explained that he was
delighted to assist a club that was well-respected in the local community.
“I find that there is a great community spirit towards the club, we get tremendous assistance from the business community in Trim for our 10mile road race, that event is a huge undertaking and we get the use of facilities in the Industrial Estate and support from Steven Nally in SuperValu,” said Aidan.
“Initially, I helped out on the committee in the role of Children’s Offiicer as there was
no one to take on the role at the time. I had to complete the Child Safety Course and Garda Vetting and then make sure that Trim AC was compliant, it’s very important to meet the standards where there is an under-age section in any club."
“I maintained my involvement with the club and met various other members like Barry Clarke, the treasurer, and that got me on to the Development Committee."
“The original plan was for a joint-application for
development of the Manorlands site with Trim Celtic, but it became apparent that the proposed venue wasn’t really big enough to cater for both clubs."
“However, by that time we had begun the joint-process and we then had to undo all that work to facilitate a sole application on behalf of Trim Athletic Club and that was time-consuming."
“Raising finance for the project was of major importance and in 2024 we applied for two separate grants, it’s not a simple process, but we met the deadline, the large scale grant applications are every five years."
“We got great supports from our local politicians, and we were awarded €1.1m in December 2024. We also got a separate grant for €200,000, but we have to provide a specific amount in matching funding to get the process going."
“There was a very successful walkathon in 2025 and the 10mile road race also generates funds for the club with a maximum entry of 2,200 athletes, we also have the Braveheart and those two races are important in terms of raising funds for our ambitious development plans."
“We obtained planning permission for some initial work and to secure the site, but we then went back with plans for a building with an indoor athletics facility and we should have a decision on that in the next few months."
“I would hope that we will get started in late 2026 and move it on as rapidly as possible after that, but we will need more funding to complete the job,” he concluded.
Trim AC Development Committee Lead Aidan Flynn
World and European Titles for Liam Foley
By: Conall Collier
Hill of Down man Liam Foley has blazed a winning trail at World and European Championships over the last three years in Italy, Turkey and the Czech Republic where he set records and then beat them as he claimed gold in both the 800m and 1,500m events and also managed a 400m bronze medal.
Liam is the youngest son of Meath GAA legend Kevin Foley and Ger Regan, has one brother, Conor, and two sisters, Emma and Cara. He has participated in a wide array of sports locally, nationally and internationally.
“The highlight for me so far is the fact that I am the fastest person in the world with Down syndrome,” stated Liam who has a number of targets for 2026.
“I hope to defend my world titles in the World Championships in Bulgaria in June this year. My European record for 800m is very close to the world record and I will try
to get the world record,” Liam added. Liam also acknowledged the help and assistance he has received from his family and clubs in both Meath and Westmeath.
“My Dad and my brother, Conor, trained with me to pace me in sprints, I train four times a week for athletics, but I also
do Artistic Swimming, badminton, basketball and table tennis every week,” he said.
Clubs that have assisted Liam include Killyon Hurling Club, Killyon Badminton Club, Trim Badminton Club, Clonard Gaelic Football Club, Special Olympics Mullingar, Special
Olympics Navan and Special Olympics Trim, Special Hands, Kells and Trim Athletic Club.
Liam was a member of the Irish badminton team at the 2015 Special Olympics (Los Angeles), but Trim Athletic Club has been his focus for almost a decade now where he started with 5k road races and quickly progressed to 10k and half marathon events.
Track events represented a new challenge for Liam, but with support from Trim AC coaches John Rowe and Trish Duffy, he developed his track skills and continued his regular distance training with club coach Mark Ginnerty.
Welcome home at Dublin Airport from Trim AC officials Pat Comey (left) and John Rowe for Liam Foley with his father, Kevin.
Louth / Meath Down Syndrome set up its Warrior Wolves in 2021 with the aim of encouraging sport participation in people with Down syndrome. Liam was an enthusiastic recruit and made a big impression.
He was selected by team leader Tessa van Heerden to compete at the Sport Union for Athletes with Down Syndrome (SUDS) European Championships in Padua, Italy in 2023. Liam duly competed in the SUDS
European Championships and claimed gold in a thrilling 1,500 metres in a time of 6:32 with a sensational last lap to edge out an Italian athlete on the line. Liam also won gold and set a new European record in the 800m (2:55.63) in what was his first international track event. He also competed in the 100m and triathlon.
Buoyed by that success, Liam returned home with two gold medals from the World Trisome Games (the
Olympics of Down syndrome sports) in Antalya, Turkey in 2024 where he produced perfectly timed performances to win both the 800m and 1,500m.
Prague in 2025 was the next target for the Eighth IAADS European Athletics Championships. Against stern opposition, Liam defended his titles and also improved on his previous performances, setting new European records in both events (1,500m – 6:01.06 and 800m – 2:45.81). He also added a
bronze medal in the 400m, achieving a personal best time of 1:14.08. When he isn’t training or competing, Liam also has a keen interest in sport and the fortunes of his local football and hurling clubs. “I like watching sport on television and going to watch Killyon in the hurling and Clonard in the football and I am also following the Meath Camogie team because my cousin, Ciara Foley, is playing for Meath,” he concluded.
Welcome home at Dublin Airport for Liam Foley from Trim AC chairperson Trish Duffy and her son Dáire.
Welcome home for Liam Foley from his cousins Niamh Foley (left), Ciara Foley and Claire O’Flaherty.
Brian Smith (620) of Fr Murphy AC and Michael O'Brien (616) of Dunshaughlin AC off and running at the Trim 10-mile road race.
Kells Athletic Club members at the 10-mile road race were Lorraine Griffin (left), Gavin Brown, Ann Marie Burke, Barbara McMullan and Mark Browne.
Duleek & District athlete Eric Devine (828), Trim athlete Darren Maher (615) and Stephen Duggan (2174) of Drogheda & District AC in action at the 10-mile road tace.
At the Trim AC 10-mile road race were Elaine Kilbane and Philip Nulty from Dunshaughlin AC and Drumree.
Nally's SuperValu 10-Mile Road Race
Oisin Martyn and Hannah Gilliland
10-Mile Road Race
The 11th Trim Athletic Club / Nally's SuperValu 10-mile Road Race which took place at the beginning of February was a huge success. The start and finish was at the Oak Tree Business Park and a maximum number of 2,250 participants tackling the loop through Dunderry and Kilbride in sunny conditions.
Oisin Martyn (nonclub) stormed home to a comfortable win in the men's category in a time of 48 minutes and 47 seconds (48:47) with Kevin Kelly (St Coca's) 50:46 in second place ahead of Patrick
McColl (Road Runners) in 50:51.
The Belfast duo of Hannah Gilliland and Dearbhla Fox (both Annadale Striders) were the first two females in 56:43 and 57:32.
TOP 10 OVERALL
MEN
1, Oisin Martyn (nonclub) 48:47; 2, Kevin Kelly (St Coca's) 50:46; 3, Patrick McColl (Road Runners) 50:51; 4, Ciaran McKenna (Star of the Sea) 52:17; 5, Alexander Wallace (St Coca's) 52.22; 6, Peter Somba (Ballyskenach) 53:20; 7, Dan Morris (Mullingar Harriers) 53:27; 8, Eoin Gallagher (Skerries AC)
53:32; 9, Jack Sinclair (Road Runners) 53:34; 10, Alan Ritchie (St Peter's) 53:40.
Trim 10-mile road race sponsor Steven Nally presented prizes to the first three home in the men's category - second-placed Kevin Kelly (left), winner Oisin Martyn and third-placed Patrick McColl.
Trim 10-mile road race sponsor Steven Nally presented prizes to the first three home in the women's category - second-placed Dearbhla Cox (left), winner Hannah Gilliland and third-placed Caitlyn Harvey.
Nally's SuperValu 10-Mile Road Race
A GOOD START: Off and running at the Trim AC 10-mile road race with the first three home well-positioned as winner Oisin Martyn (2304), runner-up Kevin Kelly (2281) and third-placed Patrick McColl (163) at the front of the action.
CATEGORY RESULTS
By: Conall Collier
Listed are the top 10 finishers in each of the Men and Women’s categories with the exception of M70 (four entries) and M80 (one entry) and the F70 (four entries)
1, Bernard Geraghty Donore Harriers 56:20; 2, John Lee Trim AC 56:43; 3, Paul O’Donnell Tara AC 59:10; 4, Ernest Asensio 59:11; 5, Patrick McEvoy St Peter’s AC 59:31; 6, Cormac Minnock Na Fianna 59:38; 7, Jim Lineen Dunboyne AC 59:53; 8, Derek Gilmartin Celbridge 60:50 9, Quinton Burke Trim AC 60:54;10, Colm Caughey Clones 62:05.
M40
1, Eoin Gallagher Skerries 53:32; 2, Noel McNally Road Runners 53:42; 3, Colin Leonard
Drogheda & District 54:29; 4, Mark Cassidy Bros Pearse 54:33; 5, Gary Montgomery Road Runners 54:34; 6, Gordy Graham non-club 54:46; 7, Thomas Kelly Newbridge 56:24; 8, Darren Reilly Dunboyne 56:33; 9, Neil McGeough Newcastle 58:07; 10, Alan Crowley Mullingar Harriers 58:22.
M45
1, Alexander Wallace St Coca’s 52:22; 2, Niall Ward Road Runners 54:15; 3, Paul Smith Drogheda & District 54:36; 4, Mick McMahon Clonliffe Harriers 56:23; 5, David Kirwan Raheny Shamrock 56:34; 6, Aidan Murphy DSD 56:40; 7, Peter Mooney Na Fianna 56:47; 8, Eric Boland Newbridge 57:36;
M55
1, Brian Gurrin Kilcoole AC 62:22; 2, Stephen Austin Road Runners 62:32; 3, Patrick Adams Road Runers 64:03; 4, Paul Donohoe Bray Runners 64:50; 5, Johnny Breen non-club 65:00; 6, Gerry Gilmartin Sligo AC 65:05; 7, Michael Nalty Kilcoole 65:16; 8, Shaun Mallon non-club 66:24; 9, Noel O’Dwyer Clonliffe Harriers 68:04; 10, Andrew Bracken non-club 68:53.
M60
1, Nat Glenn Road Runners 60:08; 2, John Fitzmaurice Roscommon Harriers 64:00; 3, Sean Bailey Dunboyne AC 64:46; 4, Gordon McWilliams Kilcoole AC 66:28; 5, Joe Bannon Na Fianna 66:33; 6, Kieran Murphy non-club 66:58; 7, Matthew Glennon Coralstown Kinnegad 70:18; 8, Fran Morrison non-club
70:26; 9, Joe Brady Trim AC 71:53; 10, Paul Flood St Brigid’s AC 72:25.
M65
1, Tom Loftus Raheny Shamrock 1.17:51; 2, Paddy McGowan nonclub 1.22:43; 3, Harry Freeman non-club 1.22:49; 4, Kieran Tummon Clontarf GAA 1,25:01; 5, Peter Alford Donadea Running 1.27:09; 6, Brendan Maher Esker Running 1.29:16; 7, Michael Madigan St Andrew's AC 1.28:58; 8, Terry Pearle nonclub 1.31:20; 9, Philip Fannin non-club 1.35:54; 10, Francis Smith St Brigid’s AC 1.35:53.
M70
1, Michael Knight Bray Runners 1.16:31; 2, Ernest Hall Newcastle 1.17:54; 3, William Tracy 1.26:24; 4, Barney Flannery 1.33:48.
M80
1, David Hawcroft Trim AC 1.54:18.
WOMEN
F40
1,Kerry O’Flaherty Newcastle 60:16; 2, Nicola Black Road Runners 61:34; 3, Roseann Spence Annadale 63:21; 4, Orna Dignam non-club 63:32; 5, Louise Bailey Na Fianna 64:02; 6, Eimear McCracken Annadale 64:25; 7, Geraldine Lacey Dunshaughlin AC 65:05; 8, Jane Ann Healy-Meehan Athenry
1, Elisoa Crawford North Belfast 1.00:48; 2, Caroline Donnellan Edenderry AC 1.03:17; 3, Helan Hartnett Trim AC 1.05:55; 4, Dee O’Keeffe Bros Pearse 1.05:31; 5, Olivia Martin Bohermeen AC 1.06:57; 6, Criona Reid Mullingar Harriers 1.09:10; 7, Nessa Maguire Trim AC 1.11:10; 8, Bernie McAdam Clones 1.11:58; 9, Olive McLoughlin Trim AC1.12:13; 10, Andrea McArdle Drogheda & District 1.12:42.
F55
1, Edel Somers Dunboyne AC 1.10:39; 2, Louise Kierans Moynalty AC 1.12:31; 3, Janice Plumb North Belfast 1.13:44; 4, Deborah Kelly Bros Pearse 1.15:01; 5, Ann Carroll Ferbane AC 1.15:35; 6, Ann O’Rourke Carrick Aces 1.16:14; 7, Anita
Grimes non-club 1.16:54; 8, Nuala Dervan Rathfarnham 1.17:39; 9, Niamh Ibbotson St Andrew’s AC 1.18:05; 10, Lisa O’Neill Ratoath AC 1.18;24.
F60
1, Irene Clements Clones 1.10:10; 2, Orla Gormley Raheny Shamrock 1.14:46; 3, Ann Marie Delaney Na Fianna 1.16:23; 4, Anne Whelan Lucan Harriers 1.17:42; 5, Mary Watters Dunboyne AC 1.18:15; 6, Elizabeth Daly non-club 1.20:46; 7, Una Cherry non-club 1.23:40; 8, Phoebe Lewis non-club 1.24:28; 9, Mary Purdue-Smyth Raheny Shamrock 1.25:41; 10, Annette Kehoe DSD 1.27:36.
F65
1, Helen Leddy Moynalty AC 1.20:33; 2, Liz Arkins Lucan Harriers 1.24:37; 3, Angela Baird Carrick Aces 1.31:51; 4, Margaret Crehan non-club 1.34:47; 5, Linda Gunnin Bohermaan AC 1.36:11; 6, Bernie Kearns nonclub 1.38:14; 7, Mary Tully Moynalty AC 1.41:20; 8, Ann Keegan Brogan non-club 1.42:47; 9, Rosemary Gaine Lucan Harriers 1.47:09; 10, Ann Byrne Duleek & District 2.04:50.
F70
1, Nuala Reilly Drogheda & District 1.21:08 2, Mary Lynch Raheny Shamrock 1.21:19; 3, Anne Golden non-club 1.29:58; 4, Kathleen Brady Navan AC 1.31:01.
On duty at the finish line for the Trim AC 10-mile road race were Lil Dwyer and Nuala Smith.
Warming up for the Trim AC 10-mile road race were Duleek & District AC duo Anita Lenihan and Mary Murray who both completed in 1.35:59
Gillian Hall (1397) from Ratoath AC and Geraldine Quinn completed the 10-mile road race in 1,29:31 and 1.28:39 respectively.
Coralstown / Kinnegad Athletic Club ladies at the Trim AC 10-mile road race were Sinead Whelehan (left) who completed in 1.22:06, Mandy Goldsberry (1.23:44) and Fleur Forbes (1.31:40).
and
displaying
Trim Athletic Club in conjunction with Steven Nally / Nally’s SuperValu, Trim hosted the annual Trim 10-Mile Road Race on Sunday 1st February with the start and finish at the Eamonn Duggan Industrial Estate. This race continues to go from strength-tostrength and has become a favourite race fixture for runners of all abilities. The generous prize fund incles team prizes and course record prize and Trim AC would like to thank Nally’s SuperValu Trim, once again, for their generous support as main sponsor. The club also acknowledges Meath County Council and Bellinter House and Spa for support.
Kells AC was well represented at the Trim 10-mile road race by Tracey Corcoran (left), Aisling Moore, Jane Nugent, Paddy McMullan, Noel Corcoran, Laura Bates and Sinead Kilroy.
Trim athletes Dwayne Smith (left) and Dermot Leonard off and running in the 10mile road race where they completed in 59:43 and 58:57 respectively.
Will Nelson (left), Aidan Hand, Nigel Cassidy and Fergus Lambe from Dunleer at the Trim AC 10-mile road race.
Trim AC 10-Mile Road Race official Niall Feeney (left) with Josie O`Rourke
Steven Nally from race sponsors Nally's SuperValu,Trim along with
the 2026 42k running long sleeve race tshirt.
Run Through History at the Braveheart 5km
The 2026 Braveheart 5km Run will take place on the 12th June at the Porchfields.
Since its inception in 2010 the race, which is organised by Trim Athletic Club, has grown into one of the most popular events in the local running calendar.
The location and route of the race along the banks of the historic Boyne is a run back through history. It takes the runners among one of the finest collections of medieval monuments in Ireland.
Each year runners and their spectators remark on this memorable visual treat.
The friendly atmosphere and post-race hospitality combined with good organisation by the host club enhances the experience for participants.
”Since the first race in 2010 the popular event has enjoyed generous sponsorship from local businesses,” stated club PRO Ciaran Tobin.
“This level of participant support and commercial / community sponsorship is greatly appreciated as it enables the club to put on a top class event for runners which brings ever increasing numbers each year.
“It also helps the club provide for its younger members and contribute to the wider community through charity partnerships,” he added.
Runners can enter by logging on to : www.popupraces.ie/race/the-braveheart-5km-run-2026/
Off and running at the Porchfields for the 2016 Braveheart 5k with the competitors enjoying the sunny summer evening that is almost traditional at the hugely popular Trim Athletic Club-promoted event that was first organised in 2010.
Trim Athletic Club, like many similar clubs throughout Meath and beyond, can play a vital role in delivering increased participation in physical activity across the age spectrum
Experienced Sports Administrator an Asset to Trim Athletic Club
By: Conall Collier
Canoeing Ireland CEO Moira
Aston is an enthusiastic member of Trim Athletic Club and has experience at the top level as a sports administrator with an impressive CV that includes the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Athletics Ireland and Meath Local Sports Partnership.
“I’m on the Development Committee for the Manorlands site and when that’s completed it will provide a long-awaited permanent home for Trim Athletic Club,” Moira told the Meath Herald.
“It’s a bit of a cliché I suppose, but to have a home for the club will be a gamechanger for everyone and it will also be a major boost to Trim and the surrounding area.
“For many years we were using the field at the back of the Boyne CS and at times it just wasn’t possible to get access due to school holidays and other school activities and even when the weather wasn’t the best.
“We did the best we could, we made a long jump pit and a throwing circle, but it was always only temporary, so to have an indoor facility and outdoor as well will bring a consistency for our various schedules.
“It will also mean that we won’t be looking for a key to a field owned by someone else, it will be our own place,” she added.
Trim Athletic Club, like many similar clubs throughout Meath and beyond, can play a vital role in delivering increased participation in physical activity across the age spectrum from the under-10s to over-60s and indeed over 70s.
Moira outlined the process by which the Government tracks participation in sport and how that feeds into national policy.
“The Irish Sports Monitor is essentially an ongoing national survey commissioned by Sport Ireland that runs all year round and gathers information from adults across the country about how often they take part in sport and physical activity, what activities they’re doing, and what might be preventing them from getting involved,” she explained.
“Because it’s continuous and statistically representative, it gives Government departments solid, up-to-date evidence on participation levels and trends.
“That data feeds directly into the National Sports Policy 2018–2030, which sets clear targets, including getting regular participation levels above 50 per cent across all age groups.
“As of 2026, participation is hovering just under that mark, around 49–50 per cent.
“There is a particular focus on increasing participation among women and teenagers, and on encouraging younger children to spend less time on screens and more time being active.
“The 29 Local Sports Partnerships are key to making this happen. With strong community links and years of local knowledge, they turn national policy into practical programmes on the ground, tailored to the needs of each area,” she added.
Changing the focus back to Trim Athletic Club and the impact it could have, is something that Moira is well
There is a particular focus on increasing participation among women and teenagers, and on encouraging younger children to spend less time on screens and more time being active
aware of, especially for those who do not fit into the mould of the traditional team sports.
Athletics is an alternative that has become a big attraction.
“For Trim Athletic Club to maximise its impact locally, the Manorlands development over the next year or so will certainly see an increase in participation amongst juveniles and there is absolutely no reason why a future Olympian can’t come from Trim,” said the woman who arrived in Trim some 25 years ago from Dublin, via the USA.
“Myself and my husband Tony moved to Trim over 25 years ago and our sons Bobby and Shane joined Trim Athletic Club as juveniles, that’s how my involvement began.
“The children were never too interested in the usual field games, but the athletics seemed more popular and as myself and my husband were aware of the importance of sport, that’s the direction we went.
“I saw a notice advertising an information meeting about Trim Athletic
Club and that’s how I met Ciaran Tobin and his wife Anne, and Moira Groome, it developed from there.
“We found that it was very inclusive, we were more focused on the under-age at the beginning, but Ciaran (Tobin) got all the adults involved as well and his attitude is to try everything and enjoy it as well.
“I got involved with Meath Local Sports Partnership at the outset, I went to one of the information meetings on behalf of Trim AC and, initially, positions were available for community, sports and statutory organisations.
“Meath Co Council was facilitating the formation through the Community and Voluntary Fora that existed at the time.
“I went to work for Athletics Ireland, I heard about a vacancy when I was at a Meath Athletics Co Board meeting and I followed up on that.
“Some years later Shane (son) also went to work there, I was doing a variety of roles that included competition manager, safeguarding manager and registrations, that kind of stuff.
“I moved on and joined Canoeing Ireland, to simplify what that entails, everything on the water that moves forward, anything that moves backwards would be under the auspices of Rowing Ireland,” she concluded.
MEATH
LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
Meath Local Sports Partnership was established by Sport Ireland in 2002. It is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships in Ireland structured and managed at County level to respond to local needs and to support local sport and physical activity.
Moira Aston CEO of Canoeing Ireland is an enthusiastic member of Trim Athletic Club
Doing Trim Athletic Club Proud at National Level
Trim Athletic Club's Andrew Lynam was elected to Chair of Competition at the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) Congress in 2021.
Andrew is a member of Trim AC and is the Entry/Results Manager and IT specialist and Webmaster with Leinster Athletics.
He has devoted many years to athletics having first competed as a thrower, but he started officiating in 2008 at the Meath County Championships and in 2012 was elected to Leinster Athletics.
He was elected as Indoor Secretary in 2015 and made a huge contribution to the online entry system and Live Results
He began his involvement with National athletics in 2015 specialising in the technology element of the sport – (Photo
Finish, Results, False Start etc). In 2016 he qualified as an AAI National Technical Official and was elected onto the AAI
Competition Committee in 2018 under the leadership of John Cronin who was inaugurated as President of Athletics Ireland and handed over Chair of Competiton to Andrew, a position Andrew held until April 2025.
“As the Chair of Competition for Athletics Ireland, I oversaw all National U-20, U-23, Senior and Master Competitions across Indoor, Outdoor, Road, and Cross Country, totalling 30 days of competition per year at National Level,” explained Andrew.
“I served as Meet Director for all National Senior Level Competitions, including the successful 149th, 150th, 151st and 152nd Irish Senior Championships, the longest championships in the world.
“In my role as Meet Director, I managed the timetable, qualification, officials assignments, equipment, stats/ seeding for events, along with dealing with any issues that arise on the day.
“I was responsible for recruiting new officials to the national panel and elevated the
Autumn Open International to a Bronze Meet and then to Silver the following year.
“Additionally, I secured a Bronze Permit for the Walks Meet and achieved Challenger Meet status for the AAI Games in 2023.
“I also led the redevelopment of the Irish Track & Field League to its current two-day format,” he added.
Since last October Andrew has served as Athletics Ireland –Technical Committee Chair.
The Committee is responsible for all Training of Officials, National Stats and Purchasing of Competition / Technical Equipment, supporting both the Senior, Juvenile and other affiliated competition committees.
“I previously served as Competition Representative from 2021 – 2025 helping to secure a large capital grant along with support for various training of officials,” stated Andrew adding that the development of a permanent home for Trim Athletic Club will be a huge boost for everyone involved with the club and for the locality.
Trim AC member and Entry/Results Manager and IT specialist and webmaster with Leinster Athleltics, Andew Lynam.
Edel Best Female at UAE National Day Run
Trim Athletic Club member Edel Gaffney (pictured) was the first female home at the UAE National Day 10km at the end of November (2025) where she clocked 37 minutes and two seconds (37:02) and that also gave her 10th place overall with the winner in the men's category finishing in 32:24 (Daniel Bagley GB).
A total of 202 athletes competed with 74 women and Edel had almost three minutes to spare ahead of second-placed Stephanie Humphrey (GB) who finished in 39:45 with Canadian runner Fiona Warren in third in 42:34.
The event was split into four distances with a Half Marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a 3K with close to 800 competitors across male and female and age groups.
Edel Gaffney on the podium with second-placed Stephanie Humphrey (GB) and Canadian runner Fiona Warren who was third.
Pat Comey a Driving Force for Trim AC
Pat’s contribution to Trim AC was recognised by the Federation of Irish Sport when he was nominated as Meath’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Trim Athletic Club
stalwart Pat Comey
organised a sponsored walkathon in June 2025 that was aimed at generating momentum and awareness about the Manorlands site development by challenging members to collectively walk one million metres around what will be the club’s new home.
Plenty of progress had already been made with the creation of a walking trail and members of all ages had assisted in clearing the site of stones in preparation for the 12hour (8am – 8pm) walkathon.
The Walkathon generated some €40,000 as part of the overall fundraising for the development of a home for Trim AC.
recognised by the Federation of Irish Sport when he was nominated as Meath’s 2024 recipient of the Volunteers in Sport Awards.
Pat has dedicated over 50 years to Trim Athletic Club, where he has served in numerous roles, including athlete, coach, competition official and in the important
role more recently of club development. His unwavering commitment has made him an essential figure in the club, often being the first to arrive and last to leave during competitions.
Pat is also a competitor, achieving third place in the over-75 category at the 2023
His work with local Community Games has inspired countless young athletes to take up the sport.
His efforts extend to ongoing plans for the development of the new home for the club.
Pat’s contribution to Trim AC was
Dublin Marathon. He continues to compete at county, provincial and national levels.
ABOVE: Pat Comey and a group of volunteers preparing for clearance duties at the Manorlands site
Pat Comey and Ciara McMorrow at the Manorlands site preparing for the Walkathon.
Trim Athlete Harry Purcell a Versatile Performer
Competed
BY: CONALL COLLIER
Harry Purcell had the distinction of claiming a National Senior individual title for Trim Athletic Club when, as a 17-year-old in February 2014, he took third place, at the National Senior Indoor Championships in the International Arena, Athlone.
On that occasion, more than a decade ago, Harry followed up on his national Junior 800m victory with a time of 1:53.67 earning third place behind the experienced Niall Tuohy (Ferrybank) who won in 1:52.24 and UCD's Karl Griffin taking the runner-up slot.
According to Frank Greally writing in the Irish Independent: “The tussle between Purcell and Clonliffe Harrier Kristaps Valters set the arena buzzing as the Trim teenager fought a stirring battle to claim Trim Athletic Club’s first National Senior individual medal.”
Playing minor football for Meath more than a decade ago, he has returned to club action with Trim, initially in a coaching capacity, but he also helped his hometown club to an A FL Div 2 title in 2025 and a place in the last eight of the competitive Meath Senior Football Championship. Representing his school,
Harry Purcell competed at the highest levels combining second and third level studies with Gaelic football for club and county and athletics for club and country.
AShane
s
Castleknock College, he was awarded the Lar Byrne Memorial Trophy in 2014 for Athlete of the Championships after completing a unique 800m/400m double at the AllIreland Schools Championships in Tullamore.
Harry scooped the Meath Young Sportsperson of the Year award in 2014, he was a member
of the Villanova sprint group from 2015-2019 where titles included two individual in the 400 metres and two as part of the team's 4x400-metre relay.
The Trim athlete set the AllIreland Schools record in the 800 metres in 2014 with a time of 1:49.42.
Harry Purcell scooped the 2014 Young Meath Sportsperson
of the Year award at the annual presentation night at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim in January 2015 and he was also a monthly winner in the category for overall sportsperson of the year, the first time that had happened. In 2015 he produced an excellent display to claim the men's junior 800m title.
Along with Andrew Coscoran, he competed at the European Junior Championships in Eskilstuna, Sweden ahead of a move to the USA at Villanova University where he followed in the illustrious footsteps of Irish middle distance legends Eamonn Coghlan and Marcus O'Sullivan.
He competed in the 400 metres and the 800 metres and one of his coaches was Villanova legend Eamonn Coghlan.
He holds the top times in the history of the Irish Schools Championships in both the 400 metres and the 800 metres and was part of a 4x400 metre relay team which finished sixth at the Senior European Indoor Championships in Prague.
There was success in 2016 Stateside when he won the 400m at the Big East Conference track and field meet in Geneva, Ohio.
The Big East is the premier regional outdoor collegiate athletics meeting and Purcell ran 48.11 to win in the colours of Villanova University.
He was named on the 2017 Ireland team to compete at the European u-23 Track & Field Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland in July of that year and he won the 800m final at the 2020 National Track & Field Championships at Morton Stadium. He made a big impression in 2021 when he travelled to Nice (France) to take part in the 'Objectif Tokyo' track and field meet where he finished seventh in a very competitive and high quality 800m field with the race won by 20-year-old Oliver Dustin, he clocked up 1:46.11.
a member of Trim Athletic Club’s Shane Aston was a National Decathlon Champion, Pole vaulter and Javelin specialist.
was National Indoor and Outdoor Decathlon champion and also a European silver medallist. Shane is still involved in athletics, but he is now living away from Trim.
Trim Athletic Club at Dublin City Marathon
Athletes from the club competed in the prestigious Dublin City Marathon with the men’s section led home by Kevin Prunty in 2.49:08 while Nessa Maguire topped the female ranks in 3.34:43.
TIMES (IN FINISHING ORDER)
PHOTOS
Photographs were snapped by Robert Farrell, Mairead McMorrow, Bernadette Kalmar, Caroline Buckley, Don Mahon and Mick Counsel.
Trim AC athletes: Kevin Prunty –2hours:49 minutes: 08 eight seconds; Dermot Leonard - 2:51:13; Larry Quinn - 2:59:24; Eoin Ryan3:00:14; Pat Corcoran - 3:09:27; Niall Feeney - 3:16:10; Darren Maher - 3:18:23; Andrew Linsley3:27:53; Tom Moore - 3:28:23; Shane Parkinson - 3:32:56; Nessa Maguire - 3:34:43; Steven Nally 3:35:33; Petrina Edwards - 3:36:29; Cian Lee - 3:37:01; Michael Mahon - 3:42:32; Leonie Dyar - 3:48:21; John Robinson - 3:48:50; Tony Ryan - 3:49:47; Adam Boyle - 4:04:20; Hilary Mangan - 4:12:20; Aine Whelan - 4:14:50; Rebecca Gray4:23:11; Avril Winters - 4:27:54; Monica Greene - 4:29:55; Hannah Hartnett – 4:38:15.
The photos include: Tom Moore (2674); Nessa Maguire (3298); Hilary Mangan (6221), Avril Winters (16252) and Steven Nally (1747).
Trim Athletic Club Coaching Team
BY: CIARAN TOBIN
With 24 separate Track & Field events, Trim Athletic Club’s coaching team comprises a number of Level 1 and Level 2 coaches.
These Athletics Irelandcertified coaches bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table, offering training and coaching to both adult and juvenile athletes. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, the coaches are here to help you reach new heights and achieve your athletic dreams.
LEVEL 2
Level 2 coaches specialise in specific event groups such as
sprints and hurdles, distance and walks, jumps or throws.
A Level 2 coach has typically been coaching at Level 1 for over a year and is now working with athletes who are specialising and developing in specific events.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 coaches are focused on the “learning to train” stage on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) pathway.
Coaches at this level are committed to nurturing and enhancing the fundamental skills of athletes, ensuring a strong foundation for future development.
Trim Athletic Club PRO Ciaran Tobin on duty at the 10-Mile Road Race at the beginning of February.
of Trim Athletic Club Linda Gunning (Trim A.C.) winning the Meath B.L.E. Women's Senior Championship at Dalgan Park outside Navan, a venue that was utilised
Nessa Maguire (1331) of Trim Athletic Club gets away from the start at the 10-mile road race along with Karol O Loinsigh of Bohermeen Athletic Club.
Trim Athletic Club Code of Conduct for Athletes, Coaches, Parents and Officials
Child Safeguarding Club Children’s Officer and Designated Liason Person
Trim Athletic Club is affiliated to Athletics Ireland and is committed to the safeguarding policy of AAI and its implmentation for the protection of all members.
Athletics Ireland is committed to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable adults in athletics. The welfare and protection of children and vulnerable adults in our sport is paramount.
Our safeguarding policies have been developed as required by national legislation, policy and guidelines as outlined in Children First.
The Role of a Clubs
The CCO should be a member of the Club Management Committee.
Safe Recruitment and Selection of Coaches and Leaders.
Garda Vetting is one of the key elements of the safe recruitment process.
We recognise and respect the invaluable work of our Club Children’s Officer and Designated Liason Persons and the varied and complex Roles and Responsibilities they fulfil. The Club Children’s Officer helps to create a child centred environment that promotes the welfare of children and young people engaged in our sporting activities. This guidance will act as a support for the CCO’s/DLP’s helping them meet their child safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
Children Officer (CCO)
The CCO should ensure that Coaches, Leaders and Parents are vetted in line with AAI
Garda Vetting Policy prior to taking on their role within the club.
Liase with Athletics Ireland and/or local sports partnership to secure Child Safeguarding Training for coaches/committee members within the first 6 months of taking up a new role.
CCO should monitor the 3 year refresh of Garda Vetting and the 4 year refresh of SG1. Understand the Athletics Ireland Code of Ethics & Child Safeguarding Guidance.
The CCO should be knowledgeable about child protection and undertake any training considered necessary i.e. Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 and 2 courses.
Encouraging the participation of parents /guardians within club activities to ensure maximum enjoyment and participation for each child.
Acts as a support to Coaches and Sports Leaders on Child Protection issues/concerns.
Be a presence at juvenile training sessions.
Ensure that children know how and whom they can report their concerns to within the club.
If there are grounds for concern about the safety or welfare of a young person you should react to the concern.
Act as the Relevant Person with responsibility for the club Child Safeguarding Statement.
Role of a Designated Liason Person (DLP)
Our Club Children Officer (CCO) is Fiona Gunapala
The Role of a Clubs Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
The DLP is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse and welfare issues to Tusla or the Gardai (Statutory Authorities). They will work with the Club Children’s Officer to act as a resource for children at committee level DLP reports any suspected cases of child neglect or abuse to a Duty Social Worker in the Tusla Child and Family Agency or An Garda Síochána.
They should also inform the National Children’s Officer / Mandated Person that a report has been submitted to the Statutory Authorities. Act as a resource for volunteers/coaches/parents who have a child protection or welfare concern.
The DLP should be knowledgeable about child protection and undertake any training considered necessary i.e. Sport Ireland Safeguarding 1 and 3 courses.
The DLP should have knowledge of the Safeguarding Guidance and relevant child protection legislation (Children First Act 2015, National Vetting Bureau Act 2012-2016) and be familiar with local support services.
In consultation with the person who raised the concern and the Club Children’s Officer, the DLP will decide if reasonable grounds for a concern exist.
The Athletics Ireland Child Safeguarding Team are available to liase with Club Children’s Officers and Designated Liason Person to help and support them. We are
committed to ensuring the implementation of safeguarding requirements and can offer guidance where required on all our policies & procedures.
Athletics Ireland Child Safeguarding Contacts
Kieron Stout – National Children’s Officer & HR Manager
If you have any concerns regarding the welfare or safety of a child in your club or community please contact the Statutory Authorities – TUSLA, Child & Family Agency tusla.ie or your local Garda 1800 666 111 to report your concerns.
Trim Athletic Club is fully committed to ensuring that young people are safeguarded in their participation in athletics in Ireland in accordance with Athletics Ireland best practice.
Early experiences of young athletes in our sport need to be positive and enjoyable, irrespective of their ability, gender, social or ethnic background.
Trim Athletic Club Picture Parade
The Trim Masters men’s team of Tom Feeley, Sean Murphy, Joe Brady, Shane Parkinson,Enda Markey, Dermot Leonard represented Meath at the recent National Championships in the Sport Ireland Campus, Abbotstown.
Trim Athletic Club’s W35 and W50 cross-country teams at the Masters Championships in Dundalk.
Trim Athletic Club member Eoin Ryan ran a great time of 2.40.39 at the Rotterdam marathon.
Club member Barry Goulding set a marathon PB of 3.08.38 in the Paris City Marathon.
Club member Emila Bloom won the under-11 girls 60-metre sprint at the Cushinstown Indoor Sports in November.
Trim Athletic Club’s Caoimhe Rowe has won medals at National Under-23 level and Universities Championships. Her main events are 400m and 400m hurdles and she is part of the Dublin Sprint Group guided by Ger O'Donnell.
Trim Athletic Club Picture Parade
Hartnett was flying the Trim AC flag at the first day of the World Half Marathon Festival at Donadea Forest in January winning the women’s race, topping her age group in the process. The latest run made it three-in-a-row victories, having won the half and the full marathon at the same festival in the past two years.
There was a great win for Denise Molloy in the overall series of the Sport Category of Adventure Race Ireland in November. She rounded off a very successful campaign at the Sea to Summit as she had a good lead in the series built up throughout the Quest events and tied the campaign up with an age group victory along the coast, trails, roads and mountains of Westport and Croagh Patrick.
Trim Athletic Club juvenile section had a training session at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown recently where everyone enjoyed a run, jump, throw session in a top class facility and familiarised themselves with the Arena.
The Trim AC women’s team claimed silver at the Meath Senior Cross Country Championships in December - Edel Gaffney and Ava Costello set a cracking pace throughout in tough conditions and the team effort was completed by the great performance of two relative newcomers to cross country racing, Eimear McGowan and Tanya Fitzpatrick.
Trim athletes at the 2018 Leinster Indoor Championships
Helen
Trim Athletic Club member Shane Parkinson completed the Valencia Marathon in December in 3.42.31 and other Trim runners taking part in Valencia were Tom Conlon 3.02.42; Olivier Rodriguez 3.02.58; Niall Feeney and Andrew Linsley.
Trim Athletic Club’s Moira Groome has won medals at National, Provincial and European levels in 60m indoors, 100m and 200m. Moira is the most consistent and successful Irish masters sprinter for the past 15 years.
Drogheda Credit Union
Drogheda Credit Union Launch
Low Rate 3.3% Green Mortgage with Legal Rebate of up to €2000* until June 2026
Drogheda Credit Union are proud to announce the launch of its new Green Mortgage, a competitive mortgage designed to support first time buyers and movers.
To celebrate the launch of the Green Mortgage product which has low rates from 3.30%* (3.35% APR)*, Drogheda Credit Union are offering a Legal Fee Rebate of up to €2000* helping to ease the costs for borrowers.
First Time Buyers Jack & Amy from Drogheda, have recently secured their mortgage through Drogheda Credit Union and shared their experience.
Q. Where did you hear that Drogheda Credit Union now did Mortgages?
“We set up a joint savings account a few years ago in Drogheda Credit Union with the intention of saving for a house deposit. When we started researching mortgage providers we realised that Drogheda Credit Union had started to offer mortgages, so we got in touch with the loans team.”
Q. Did you visit or go to any other financial institutions?
“Yes, we visited one of the main lenders but found the experience quite impersonal and that is when we contacted Drogheda Credit Union.”
Q. How was the mortgage process for you? Did you find it easy or complicated?
“With the expertise of the Drogheda Credit Union team we found the whole process extremely straight forward. Our mortgage journey was seamless thanks to the loans team.”
Q. Can you tell us about your Mortgage experience with Drogheda Credit Union?
“The experience was exceptional from start to finish. There was never a delay with processing our documentation or answering any questions we had. Every step was explained clearly to us. The loans team always made sure we fully understood everything which ensured we were never overwhelmed or stressed throughout the mortgage process.”
“When we had the mortgage drawn down, we also took out a Home Renovation Loan which allowed us to completely renovate our home. Without Drogheda Credit Union’s support, we would not have been able to complete our dream home.”
Q. After having gone through the process, what advice would you give to other people thinking about securing a mortgage with Drogheda Credit Union?
“Go in and talk to the loans team. It’s such a huge advantage that they are always there in person to take care of questions or queries. They’ll answer any questions as soon as possible and try to get you on the right path. They have so much knowledge on the mortgage process and take the worry out of the whole thing.”
