Ballymore AC News

The penultimate leg of the Cloyne Commons 4km Challenge took place in less than ideal conditions in East Cork on Sunday February 22nd. However, the wet weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the seven Ballymore Cobh athletes who toed the line for an event which attracted 195 entrants.

First junior home was Thomas Krawczyk (15.23) who is maintaining a fine level of form this season. Thomas was joined on the podium by his hard working and fiercely committed club mate Paudie Kearney (15.41). Cementing a brilliant display from our juvenile boys was Cormac Ronanye (15.42) who finished fourth in the junior field.

Tom O’Riordan (17.20) has been an ever present throughout this series and while always a great source of encouragement for our younger athletes, he always manages to remain consistent with his own running.

Maggie Sillett (18.31) is another upholding a high level of form on the junior circuit and her ability to settle in amongst her new club mates has been as impressive as her early season times.

Mairead Kearney (18.35) and Kevin Jones (18.41) contributed with there normal level of dependability and considering both are very important members of our Fit4Life program, they too do a great job in balancing their own training with the time they dedicate to mentoring other members.

Making it a true family affair for the Kearney’s was Brendan (18.49) with a solid run to build on as he moves through the spring.

Capping a splendid debut in the black and amber was the hugely enthusiastic Emily Sheridan (24.52) and we can expect to see plenty more from this youngster as she continues her development.

Meanwhile, to the western end of the county for a testing 10 mile event went Barry Breen (1.09.33). Running strongly on a challenging course to finish eleventh in the overall field of the Mealagh Valley event was a brilliant preparation for the upcoming Great Island 10.

Our second GloHealth Fit4Life program, in conjunction with Cork Local Sports Partnership, has seen a huge level of interest from new and returning joggers and runners.

Weekly training sessions have seen large crowds gather on The Track on Tuesday’s evenings and Saturday mornings. For lots of those taking part, running 5km could have maybe seemed unrealistic before joining Ballymore Cobh AC. With the help of a simple six week training plan and the guidance and encouragement of many of the clubs more experienced members, our Fit4Lifers are now set to complete this most memorable of journeys next weekend.

Graduates from our first Fit4Life program are now regularly joining our weekend runs and also participating in the many events on the local road race scene. Other are maintaining their fitness levels by continuing the good habits they formed during their time with the club.

All told, Ballymore Cobh AC are proud of the role we play in promoting a more healthy and active lifestyle throughout the community and invite people of all ages and abilities to join us as we continue to assist more and more people to fulfil their potential.