Below are this week's notes. Thank you for your continued support.
The Irish Life Health National Senior and Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships was held at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus on Sunday 26th November. It was an action packed, cold, dry and muddy day which kicked off with the Juveniles even age races.
First up from our club was Shauna McCarthy representing the Munster province in the U14 3000m's. It was made up of two laps of the course which took them through some nice fast terrain initially, but this was short lived as they entered the second field which contained undulating hilly section with wet and heavy mud section to negotiate. With 160 athletes competing it was a race to get a good start and fight for your position. Shauna did very well with getting a good start and fought her way through the mass of athletes to finish is a well deserved fourteenth place overall. She was third Munster team finisher and with there combined totals the Munster Province won team gold.
Cian Spillane was our only other juvenile athlete competing. Also in the U14 boys 3000m distance and also representing the Munster Province team. Cian did not manage to get a good starting position in the 158 athletes pack. He had to work hard throughout the race to claw back some positions. Cian eventually finished in forty ninth place overall. Well done to you both. You have had an exceptional cross country season and the whole of the club is very proud of you both.
Maria McCarthy lined up for the National Senior Ladies race, competing with the county team. They had 8000m to complete, which was four laps of the course. It was a fast race from the onset with some of the top athletes in Ireland competing for a place in the European team. Maria finished in twenty seventh place, third Kerry lady home. With the four person team they managed to win bronze for the County team. A great achievement. We would also like to congratulate Shona Heaslip of An Riocht AC who retained her title as National Women's Champion for the second year and has booked her place in the Irish team for the Europeans XC.
In the Senior Men's 10000m we had George McCarthy competing. Again a great turnout with close to 170 athletes competing. George ran a very strong race throughout the five lap course, which was by now well and truly cut up. He was the first home from Kerry out of three runners.
Closer to home, the annual Puck Warriors Christmas 5K & 10K road race was held on Saturday. Congratulations to Marie McKenna who won the 5K and Dermot Dineen finishing fourth in the 10K race.
BAG Packing Fundraiser:
We are having a bag packing weekend in Dunnes Stores Killarney on Friday 8th December from 6pm-8pm and Saturday 9th December from 10am-6pm. We will need plenty of volunteers for 2 hour shifts if possible. Please let us know asap what time and date you can be available to volunteer. No children allowed.
This is an important fundraiser for the club and your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Mary Kennedy, Secretary Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club.
Club Training:.
Maria's Strength, Endurance & Flexibility Exercise Classes every Tuesday starting @ 7pm at the Sports Hall in Farranfore. €5 per class
Juvenile Training is on every Thursday @ 6:30pm in Farranfore GAA grounds. Open to all registered juveniles aged 8yrs (Born 2007) and upwards. This will be in preparation for the Munster Juvenile "B" Cross Country Championships to be held in Beaufort on Sunday 3rd December. €2 per session
Secondary School/Junior / Senior training on every Thursday at 6:30pm in GAA grounds Farranfore. This is endurance training for cross country preparation. €2 club member, €4 non club member.
Athletic's Fixtures
Sunday 3rd December: Munster Juvenile "B", Junior & Intermediate Cross Country Championships, Beaufort, Kerry
Sunday 10th December: An Riocht AC, Run Rudolf Run 5K in Castleisland
Sunday 17th December: National Uneven ages, Novice WIT, Waterford
Tuesday 26th December: Our Club St. Stephen's Day 5K Road Race / Fun Run @ 12noon in Farranfore
Please contact club secretary, Mary, 085-1909509 to register for competitions in advance
See Kerry & Munster Athletics website for full fixture lists & timetable for events.
BAG Packing Fundraiser:
We are having a bag packing weekend in Dunnes Stores Killarney on Friday 8th December from 6pm-8pm and Saturday 9th December from 10am-6pm. We will need plenty of volunteers for 2 hour shifts if possible. Please let us know asap what time and date you can be available to volunteer. No children allowed.
This is an important fundraiser for the club and your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Mary Kennedy, Secretary Farranfore Maine Valley Athletic Club.
Club Training:.
Maria's Strength, Endurance & Flexibility Exercise Classes every Tuesday starting @ 7pm at the Sports Hall in Farranfore. €5 per class
Juvenile Training is on every Thursday @ 6:30pm in Farranfore GAA grounds. Open to all registered juveniles aged 8yrs (Born 2007) and upwards. This will be in preparation for the Munster Juvenile "B" Cross Country Championships to be held in Beaufort on Sunday 3rd December. €2 per session
Secondary School/Junior / Senior training on every Thursday at 6:30pm in GAA grounds Farranfore. This is endurance training for cross country preparation. €2 club member, €4 non club member.
Athletic's Fixtures
Sunday 3rd December: Munster Juvenile "B", Junior & Intermediate Cross Country Championships, Beaufort, Kerry
Sunday 10th December: An Riocht AC, Run Rudolf Run 5K in Castleisland
Sunday 17th December: National Uneven ages, Novice WIT, Waterford
Tuesday 26th December: Our Club St. Stephen's Day 5K Road Race / Fun Run @ 12noon in Farranfore
Please contact club secretary, Mary, 085-1909509 to register for competitions in advance
See Kerry & Munster Athletics website for full fixture lists & timetable for events.