Week ending Saturday 22nd September
Fighting finish by Paddy Kelly at World Masters T&F
Having qualified from the 800m heats the evening before, Paddy Kelly lined out in the semi finals on Monday evening last week (10th Sept) where he came right into form at the perfect time to run a season’s best time of 2:00.93 but was unlucky to miss a place in the final by a very narrow margin. Making the semi final was a great result for Paddy and he can be very proud of his performance competing for the first time at World level.
Sean McMullin has won medals at every World and European Masters T&F Championships for several years now, but injury robbed him of his best in the 5k track walk and 10k road walk, so it was a disappointing Championship by his very high standards. Sean knows you have to be in tip-top shape at this level and wisely opted not to compete in the 20k road walk last Friday morning and to concentrate on recovering from his injury instead.
Lough Sheelin Challenge
On a fine autumn morning ideal for long-distance running, the Lough Sheelin Challenge last Sunday attracted 127 entrants for the 16 mile race around Lough Sheelin, passing through three Counties on the way, Cavan, Longford and Westmeath. Clearly up for the challenge was Nollaig McEntegart who finished fourteenth overall in an excellent 1:53:43 and easily winning his master category. Geraldine Walsh also won her master category and PJ Ballesty took part also and enjoyed the race.
St. Brigid’s AC, the host Club, also provided a 10k race where Enda Seery was very happy with his finish time of 42:13, which placed him fifth of the 72 finishers, with Des Walsh also taking part in the 10k race.
Help needed for Westmeath Schools Cross Country
We expect a good number of our juvenile athletes will be competing in the Westmeath Schools Cross Country next Wednesday (26th Sept) in Belvedere. The secondary schools start at 11am, followed by the national schools at 12 noon. We know it’s a week day, but we’re appealing to Club members and friends to help out with parking, stewarding, assembly, finish line etc, so if you can spare a few hours, please be there before 10am; it will be over by 2pm at the latest.
Mullingar cross country machine ready to roll this Sunday
This Sunday the Club makes the short journey to Greenanstown, near Stamullen, Co. Meath for the annual Star of the Sea AC cross country meeting, which has marked the opening cross country fixture for the Club for many years. There is a big programme of races, including junior, senior and master men and women, plus juvenile races for boys and girls from under 9 years up to under 17 years. This is an ideal fixture for newcomers, especially all those who have been training at the Club recently. As it’s an open event, anyone can run, even if not a member of a Club, so younger brothers and sisters of Club members are very welcome to run. The underage distances are shorter than in Leinster, so ideal for the first race of the season. Admission is €3 for juveniles and €5 for adults
The juvenile programme starts at 11am and the junior, senior, master programme starts at 1pm. An early start to be on time for the early races is necessary so you should leave at 8.30am to be sure. As in previous years, we expect many will make their own way to Meath but anyone needing a lift should tell Club officials at training this week. It will be the first cross country race for several of our newcomers and they are encouraged to wear a Club singlet, which they can buy at training. Athletes please bring a packed lunch, water or sports drink and a change of clothing, depending on the weather and parents should bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
New Fit4Life Group starting next week
Next Monday evening, the new Fit4Life programme begins at 7pm at the Club grounds and runs for 12 weeks at a cost of €40 per person. Fit4Life is an Athletics Ireland programme for all runners, whether a complete beginner or a regular jogger/runner. The programme helps newcomers to achieve improved levels of fitness and wellness within the Club structure in a fun, sociable environment. Fit4Life is for all abilities. Participants will be grouped by ability for training sessions, allowing runners and walkers to train at an appropriate level. There is progression from walking to jogging to running and no previous experience is needed. Check the Club’s website www.mullingarharriers.com or e-mail info@mullingarharriers.com for further details.
For the latest results, news and details of all upcoming fixtures check the Club’s website at www.mullingarharriers.com.
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