Seasonal Update 2024

Quick catchup on a few things over the last few days.

The Clonmel 4 mile saw Brian Smyth put in another good performance finishing on 25:18

At the Rita & Robbie 5k in Navan Martin Kelly ran a superb 21:49 and was the M70 winner on the day.

The Goal Mile returned to Wexford hosted by Faythe Harriers on their grounds. Louise Henderson, Rory Henderson & Peter Mulvany took part while on Christmas Day Tadhg Henderson did the swim in Bray and he then joined Louise & Rory taking part in the Bray Goal Mile.

County Senior Cross Country

Mr Oil Senior Cross Country

The final County race of 2024 took place in Enniscorthy on Sunday as the counties athletes assembled in their club colours to compete on a course marked out by the hosts Slaney Olympic. As is customary ladies were first up and 5 of our athletes took the start line. Excellent running by each showing determination with each step to finish the 5k route. Helen Wallace was our first finisher in a fine 7th place and was backed up by Catherine O'Connor 18th, Ilze Bedrite 19th, Helen Sinnott 20th & Siobhan Doyle 24th place. Well done ladies.

After the ladies race was completed the men gathered at their start line as the wind picked up a bit to add to the challenge.

Two club athletes dug deep and put in energy sapping efforts to compete the 10k route. Tony Harpur 38th & Conor McAogain 48th in his first outing in club colours, well done men.

Another job well done to Tadhg Henderson & Helen Sinnott as County Competition secretaries, thanks to our officials Mary Gaynor, Senan O'Reilly, Louise Henderson and Martin Kelly and thanks to John & Sharron Dier for their support for all our athletes. Another smoothly run event by Wexford Athletics Officials with thanks also to host club Slaney Olympic.

There is one more cross country race which takes place on 26th January 2025.

National Novice Cross Country & Uneven Age / Waterford Half / Christmas Cracker

National Novice Cross Country & Uneven Age

Tramore hosted the National event on the well known Tramore Racecourse. A muddy loop on a mild day and good weather for the time of year with some nice climbs to test the leg strength. The club had 2 members in action today. Helen Wallace was our 1st lady to ever run National Novice and Fiachra Mehigan was only our 2nd underage boy to qualify for National.

Fiachra was running in U15 age category in a hugely competitive field. He ran his own race and settled into a good pace finishing 103rd in a large field of 138 athletes. A very creditable result for this young man.

Helen was 1st Wexford lady home finishing 93rd in a field of 120 ladies, no mean feat and a run to be proud of for the unassuming athlete who just gets on with the job in hand.

A huge round of applause for you both, great to see athletes performing well and seeing training work.

Also we had Padraig Kelly as part of the large crew of minions who ensure large events like this can take place. Padraig can always be found volunteering at these big race events, well done.

Waterford AC Half Marathon.

The final race of the year for so many as they grow their collection of different woolly hats. An excellently organised event by Waterford Athletic Club who have now settled on a scenic and fair route after a few changes over the years. The section on the Greenway takes athletes away from any traffic and tracks the river as the latter stages of the race hit the legs

Well done to our crew of 8 who completed the distance

  • Brian Smyth 1:33:06

  • Tadhg Henderson 1:42:58

  • Eamonn Foley 1:41:47

  • Jesse Kielthy 1:45:46

  • Paul Harpur 1:53:42

  • Ger Mulhall 2:11:16

  • Enda O'Sullivan 2:23:57

  • Jamie Jordan 2:32:35

The Christmas Cracker

Slaney Olympic held their Christmas Cracker event on Sunday. A unique and fun event where runners are told to put away their tracking devices, watches and phones and just run and everyone gets a prize.

They tell everyone the race distance on registration which this year was 4.71km and you have to predict your time. Winner is not the first over the line but instead the person whose prediction is closest to their actual time.

John Dier was only 18 seconds out and Bridie McGuire 23 seconds out which is good going when unable to track your progress

Well done to you both.

Kilmore Winter League / parkrun

Kilmore AC Winter League

A super series of underage races organised by Kilmore AC took place over the last number of weeks.

Our own Fiachra Mehigan had some great runs finishing 2nd in today's race which helped him to 3rd place overall.

Fiachra appears to love the longer races that pop up and is regularly seen finishing high in the results of the Racecourse Parkrun. Keep up the good work Fiachra, well done.

parkrun

Brian Reilly completed the Monaghan Parkrun.

Jamie Jordan completed the Avondale Forest Parkrun.

Janette Mulvany completed the Gorey Parkrun.

Fiachra Mehigan, Brian Smyth, John Hyland, Dermot Foley, Martin Kelly, Paul Harpur, John Dier, Gareth Lloyd, Rob Mehigan, Enda O'Sullivan, David Clancy, Mary Cronin, Linda Leacy & Michael Murphy all completed the Wexford Racecourse Parkrun.

Chase the Moon 10k / Leinster Cross Country

Chase the Moon 10k

Many take some time off after running a marathon, this wasn't the case for Brian Smyth.

While spending a couple of days relaxing in London, he set his sights on a 10K around the iconic Olympic Park. He ran the 4 lap course in a time of 40:39. The race was aptly called Chase The Moon, highlighting the madness of this thought.

Leinster Cross Country.

Great running for our U15 athlete Fiachra Mehigan at the weekend at the Leinster Cross Country up in Tinahealy. Decent conditions considering the time of year. Fiachra put in a strong and brave run claiming 21st place which as part of the Wexford Team qualified for the All Irelands. A proud day for our athlete.

Keep up the good work Fiachra.

Menapians 4 mile 2024 / Franfurt Marathon / Dublin City Marathon / parkrun

Wexford 4 Mile Road Race in aid of Wexford Women's Refuge

This morning athletes gathered from near and far to take part in our 4 Mile Road race. Some were in town for the World renowned Wexford Opera Festival and joined us while here, others more local and members of our neighbouring clubs. Perfect weather conditions for running and route was complimented by all as fair and enjoyable.

On to the business end and our winner this year was DJ Dempsey from United Striders, 2nd Paul Gibbons SBR and 3rd John McGrath United Striders.

Ladies 1st was World Masters Champion Fiona Kehoe Kilmore, 2nd Niamh Murphy and 3rd Ann Marie Doyle Slaney Olympic.

U20 male was Josh Monaghan and lady Aoife Lyng United Striders.

Thank you to our sponsors without whom the event would not have been possible Gallagher Insurance, Ornella Insurance, Dulann, O'Connor Mullen Solicitors & MW Hire.

Our wonderful marshals did a fantastic job between directing traffic, encouraging athletes and feeding everyone afterwards and to Bryan on the motorbike leading the way, thank you and well done.

The Gardai were most helpful with their advice and presence at the Race so thank you and thanks to Wexford Civil Defence for their presence.

Finally thanks to the unseen roles of Race director Brian & Tadhg and the crew setting out and taking down the course cones and signs John, Padraig & Darren.

Frankfurt Marathon

Brian Smyth decided to hop on a plane and fly to Frankfurt for his next marathon and tick another off his list.

He had a super run while there of 3:30:32

Congratulations to Brian on another great run. In his own words " that's me on the right" in the photos.

Dublin City Marathon

The Holy Grail of running for a lot of athletes is the Marathon distance and today 9 of our athletes travelled to Dublin to compete in the Dublin City Marathon. It takes a huge commitment to train for a marathon so firstly well done for getting to the start line ready for action. Each athlete has their own reasons for taking on the distance, some stubbornness, some for the achievement, some fundraising and some even just for the craic but finish it they all did with the same amount of pride and joy.

Congratulations to all 9 of you and enjoy the recovery ahead.

Club results:

  • Tony Harpur 3:10:45

  • Dermot Foley 3:38:56 P.B.

  • Eamonn Foley 3:51:32

  • Paul Harpur 3:53:07

  • Ryan Ellard 4:00:13 1st

  • Enda O'Sullivan 4:50:25

  • Jamie Jordan 5:42:24

  • Janette Mulvany 5:44:14

  • Peter Mulvany 6:45:37

parkrun

Special mention this week to Brian, Enda & Ryan who completed their parkrun 5k on Saturday, before running a marathon on Sunday morning.

Helen Wallace grabbed a 5k PB in Elgin Parkrun in the UK.

Brian Smyth completed the Nidda Parkrun in Frankfurt before his marathon the following day.

At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Fiachra Mehigan, Ryan Ellard, Geoff Hoffheinz, Rob Casey, Gareth Lloyd, Rob Mehigan, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Helen Burrell, Martin Kelly, Linda Leacy, Michael Murphy, Bridie McGuire & Enda O"Sullivan all finished their 5k.

Well done to you all.

Fighting Blindness Trail Run / Cairde Conor - St. Ibar's 6K / parkrun

Glendalough Fighting Blindness Trail Run

A very scenic venue for a run as Tadhg and Louise Henderson travelled to Glendalough. The Fighting Blindness Trail Run took place passing Glendalough lake with some spectacular views as they both completed the 8 km route.

Congratulations to you both.

Cairde Conor / St Ibars 6k

The GAA grounds was a busy place as almost 300 people gathered to complete the 6k route. The fundraiser was in aid of the care of a young local man Conor and was well supported.

As is customary in local races Menapians AC had a presence there. Great to see our crew out supporting a great cause.

Results :

  • Eamonn Foley 26:35

  • John Dier 30:03

  • Geoff Hoffheinz 30:57

  • Gareth Lloyd 31:23

  • Helen Sinnott 35:16

  • Ann Thomas 35:22

  • Siobhan Doyke 40:11

  • Bridie McGuire 50:57

Well done everyone, a bit windy but luckily the rain held off.

parkrun

Good to see Martin Kelly return to form after his recent lay off.

At Clonmel Parkrun Brian Smyth was in action completing his 5k.

Marion Galvin was over in Riddlesdown Common for a cross country type Parkrun.

At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Peter Mulvany, Michael Murphy, Linda Leacy, Janette Mulvany, Mary Cronin, Dave Clancy, Enda O'Sullivan, Rob Mehigan, Geoff Hoffheinz, Dermot Foley, John Dier & Martin Kelly all completed their 5k.

Solas Run for Life / County Novice Cross Country / Gaelforce Howth 10k / parkrun

County Novice Cross Country

The rescheduled event took place in Coolgreany kindly hosted by Croghan Athletics Club on Sunday. The weather was kind, not too cold and no rain so athletes were happy with the conditions as they faced a 1k loop 4 times for ladies and 6 times for men. 4 club athletes showed dedication to represent the club with 2 in each race.

In the ladies race we had 2 athletes putting in good solid performances. Helen Sinnott was 4th in 23:11 and Siobhan Doyle was 6th in 23:37. Well done ladies.

In the men's race Tadhg Henderson finished 20th in 28:46 and John Dier just behind in 21st in 32:34. Well done gentlemen.

Thanks to Wexford Athletics & Croghan AC who along with Tadhg & Helen as competition secretary ensured the event ran smoothly

Solas Run for Life

Well done to our 3 members who took part in the Solas Run for Life 10k held in Waterford today. This is a huge fundraising event for the Solas Cancer Support Centre and Jesse Kielthy, Ger Mulhall & Paul Donovan all comfortably completed the 10k route around Waterford City with over 600 finishers.

Gaelforce Howth 10K

The Gaelforce Howth 10k trail run was where Ilze Bedrite spent her Sunday and she described the route as 'amazing' saying it kept her entertained all the way through. Ilze had a great run of 1hr 1 min on the tough route, congratulations Ilze

parkrun

At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Fiachra Mehigan, Eamonn Foley, Martin Kelly, Brian Smyth, Alex Parris, John Dier, Gareth Lloyd, Enda O'Sullivan, Tadhg Henderson, Rob Mehigan, Sarah Bermingham, Dave Clancy, Mary Cronin, Helen Burrell, Louise Henderson, Linda Leacy, Michael Murphy, Bridie McGuire & Dave Percival all completed the 5k course.

Fast Lane 3/4 Marathon / Mr Oil Intermediate Cross Country & Juvenile Uneven Ages / parkrun

Fast Lane 3/4 Marathon

Jamie Jordan was on the road again as she continued her journey towards the Dublin Marathon. The course was set out for 3 laps on a reasonably flat route. Jamie completed her run in 4:04:47 and sets herself up nicely for her marathon in a few weeks.

Congratulations Jamie and best of luck in Dublin.

Mr Oil Intermediate Cross Country & Uneven Age

Fantastic start for Menapians AC to the cross country season with 2 Individual and 2 team medals claimed.

Cross country kicked off 1 week later than planned due to last week's storm. The Intermediate races took place in the scenic surrounding of J.F.K. Park kindly hosted by United Striders. A well known route with good ground is the norm in JFK but Saturdays rain added a little bit of give and unseasonal warm temperatures were the order of the day. Athletes are more used to wet and sloppy with a hint of cold for these races.

In the U15 race Fiachra Mehigan ran an excellent race after his exploits in the recent Kilmore Winter League and claimed a well earned Silver Medal for his efforts.

In the ladies race there was a first taste of cross country running for Ann Thomas and first in a number of years for Helen Wallace but along with the rest of the ladies team they put in absolutely superb performances resulting in Individual Silver for Helen Wallace and overall Team Gold & Team Silver medals.

The ladies efforts as a team team claimed the County Intermediate Cup for the first time in the clubs history and our 2nd team claimed the Team Silver medals showing dedication pays off. Huge congratulations to the ladies, a fantastic result.

  • 2nd Helen Wallace 17:40 Silver medal

  • 5th Catherine O'Connor 20:13

  • 6th Ilze Bedrite 21:54

  • 8th Helen Sinnott 24:04

  • 9th Ann Thomas 25:13

  • 10th Siobhan Doyle 27:40

After the conclusion of the ladies it was the men's turn and we had two competing Tadhg Henderson & John Dier. Both men dug deep with determined energy sapping running which saw them complete the 4 lap route

  • 27th Tadhg Henderson 40:35

  • 28th John Dier 47:09

Many thanks to United Striders Athletic Club for their efforts hosting the event and to Wexford Athletics officials ensuring a smooth timetable was completed.

Thanks also to Helen Sinnott & Tadhg Henderson who again effortlessly managed the entries and results, Siobhan Doyle as County Children's Officer and Senan O'Reilly as County P.R.O. Padraig Kelly and to our support crew of Rob Mehigan, Sharron Dier and Mary Gaynor for travelling to support our athletes.

parkrun

Parkrun celebrated its 20th birthday on Saturday. 20 years since 13 runners and 5 volunteers set out on a journey which ended up as a huge movement I running and people's health & fitness many of whom have gone on to join Athletics clubs.

Enda O'Sullivan was at Knockancree Cloughjordan Parkrun.

Ali Asghar Khoyee was at Brickfields Parkrun in Dublin.

Dermot Foley, Brian Smyth, Martin Kelly, Paul Harpur, Gareth Lloyd, Rob Mehigan Sarah Bermingham Dave Clancy, Mary Cronin, Helen Burrell & Bridie McGuire all completed the Wexford Racecourse Parkrun.

Berlin Marathon / Hardman Valentia Island / parkrun

1/10/2024

Hardman Valentia Island Triathlon

The remote and weather-beaten Valentia Island was put on the map first in 1866 when it became the European end of the first commercially successful transatlantic telegraph cable. These days with mobile internet available everywhere, the original cable building is a museum and the island packed with tourists all summer long.

The holiday season closes every year with what also happens to be the last event on the Triathlon Ireland calendar for the season, Hardman Valentia Island. Given the late September date it was always going to be a gamble with the weather gods. Though a wet and blustery weekend was forecast (much to the delight of us who had resorted to camping due to the lack of available accommodation on the island!), Saturday race-day turned out to be quite pleasant with just one or two brief showers the whole day. A bracing swim from the mainland in cold (12.5 degrees) but beautifully clear water meant we were delighted to get into transition and off on the bike.

The bike course involved a single loop around the island, climbing at first to the top of the island, where the most magnificent scenic view of the mainland, sea, Blasket Islands and Skellig Islands was unveiled, all with the backdrop of a pale blue sky with bubbling clouds on the horizon. This was then followed by a fast and furious descent culminating in the transition back at race HQ in Knightstown.

A quick change of shoes and off for the first half of the 5km run, which is straight up the same hill we had cycled up 35 minutes earlier. This was immediately followed by an equally challenging downhill run after turning back the way we came. Lovely countryside and locals and tourists alike lining the route meant for a really enjoyable and fun atmosphere to the finish line.

Post race celebrations in the hotel and local pub were followed by the real challenge for the weekend that night - surviving the gale force storm in a tent with the family!

The 50th Berlin Marathon

Club member Ollie Stack completed the 50th Anniversary of the Berlin Marathon on Sunday. A great way to see the sights of the city with his brother and be part of a new world record with 54208 finishers on a fun flat course with great support.

parkrun

At Darndale Parkrun Dublin Ali Asghar Khoyee ran his 5k.

A bit further away at Clermont Waterfront Parkrun which runs alongside the scenic Lake Hiawatha Preserve in Florida USA Ryan Ellard ran his 5k making his run possibly the furthest parkrun from home.

At Wexford Racecourse Parkrun Eamonn Foley, John Hyland, Martin Kelly, Micheál Kinsella, Fran Power, John Dier, Gareth Lloyd Brian Smyth, Enda O'Sullivan, Sarah Bermingham, Mary Cronin, Helen Burrell, Michael Murphy & Bridie McGuire all completed their 5k runs.