A cross country workshop for parents, coaches and athletes aged 13 and older will take place in Swinford, Co. Mayo this Sunday, October 12th at 12 noon.

Date: Sunday October 12th
Time: 12 noon - 3pm
Venue: Swinford Community Centre
Contact: Athletics Ireland RDO, Paul, 0872693675, paulmcnamara@athleticsireland.ie

The session will address the following topics:
Introducing cross country to the young athlete
Cross country and the athletics year
Preparing for cross country
Variety in training
Practical training session

Please click here to view attached flyer.

Athletics Ireland is pleased to announce Level 2 courses in Dublin and Cork & Kerry.

Level 2 is open to those who have completed a level 1 coaching course and have 1 years experience coaching at level 1.

Venue: Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin

Weekend 1: 18th and 19th of October

Weekend 2: 29th and 30th of November

Time: 9.30am till 5 pm both days.

Cost: €120

Coaches must attend both weekends.

Venue: Cork, CIT & Kerry, Castleisland

Weekend 1: 7th November 6pm – 10pm & 8th November 9.30am – 5pm (Castleisland, Co Kerry)

Weekend 2: 6th December 6pm – 10pm & 7th December 9.30am – 5pm (C.I.T, Co Cork)

Cost: €120

Coaches must attend both weekends.

The cost of the course also covers the resource “Fundamentals of track and field” by Gerry Carr

If you require further information please contact

Cork & Kerry - Director of Development, Jacqui Freyne, Email: Jacqui@athleticsireland.ie, Telephone 087 262 9950

Dublin - Regional Development Officer, Ryan Montgomery Email: Ryan@athleticsireland.ie, Telephone: 087 263 1441

Download application form here.

Return completed applications to:

Level 2 Coaching Course
Athletics Ireland,
19 Northwood Court,
Northwood Business Campus,
Santry,
Dublin 9

National Marathon Entry Form - National cross country venues - European Athletics appointments - Leevale coaching

Please note – The Marathon Championship of Ireland will be held in conjunction with the Lifestyle Sports addidas Dublin City Marathon on 27th October 2008. If you are entered in the Marathon and wish to declare for the national championships please fill out the attached Individual or Team Declaration form at no extra fee and return to the AAI Office or present at the AAI desk in the RDS on registration day… .
Marathon Entry Form

Cross country championships
Please note the following…

The venue for the Inter County and Juvenile Even age Championships of Ireland is Tramore Racecourse, Waterford and the Novice and Uneven age Championships will be held in Ballyhaise, Cavan. (subject to final course inspection)

European Athletics Appointments

While Pierce O’Callaghan acted as Deputy Chief Judge at the Beijing Olympics, two other Irish officials were involved with the European Athletics Association at their events during the track and field season.

Such was the excellence of their contributions that they have now been invited to officiate at EAA events next season.

AAI President Liam Hennessy will act as Chairman of the Jury of Appeal at the European Cup Combined Events First League in Zaragosa/ESP 27-28 June 2009.

John Cronin will sit on the Jury of Appeal at the SPAR European Athletics Team Championships in Leiria/POR 20-21 June 2009.

He has also been invited to act as ITO/ATO (International / Area Technical Official) at the European Athletics Junior Championships in Novi-Sad/SRB 23-26 July 2009.

Athletics Ireland congratulates both on their appointments.

Leevale Multi Events Coaching

In an attempt to fill the void in the track and field calendar for young athletes Leevale AC will host three multievent development days. These will take place on Saturday mornings at the CIT track between October and December. The purpose of these development days is to introduce young athletes to a range of athletic events. On each day the athletes will be coached in two of the selected events, one field and one track event on each day. The athletes will then compete in the coached event for points and at the end of the three training sessions they will be given their points total. These development days are open to all athletes from all clubs. Everyone is welcome.

A timetable of events will be posted on the Leevale website in advance.

DATES:

* CIT Track 11th October 11:00am – 2:00pm
* CIT Track 8th November 11:00am – 2:00pm
* CIT Track 6th December 11:00am – 2:00pm

EVENTS:

* Sprint
* Long Jump
* High Jump
* Javelin
* Middle Distance
* Sprint Hurdles
* Relays

AGE GROUPS:

* U10 – U16

A nominal fee of €2 will be charged for each day to cover the rent of the track.

Accommodation information

Saturday 15th November 2008

If you would like to book accommodation in either the Crowne Plaza Hotel or the Holiday Inn next door, we have been advised by the hotel that the best rates are available by booking online using the following links.

www.cpdublin.crowneplaza.com

www.holidayinn.com

David Campbell and Andrew Ledwith in good form Updated

David Campbell did his fastest running in the last quarter of the Great North Mile and closed fast on the two leaders, passing Olympic steeplechase champion Kipruto on the line, but failing by a stride to catch winner Mo Farah.

In the US Andrew Ledwith had an excellent first race of the season to finish second in the Paul Short meet; David McCarthy dipped under 24 minutes for 12th place in Notre Dame; and Conor Dooney made his debut for Yale.

Martin Fagan was in good company when finishing sixth in the Great North Run this morning with some well known names behind him. His time was a creditable 62.20.

Great North Run
Men
1, T Kebede (Ethiopia) 59minutes 45seconds
2, G Gebremariam (Ethiopian) 60:29
3, A Abdirahman (USA) 61:33
4, L Kibet (Kenya) 61:34
5, J-L Barrios (Mexico) 61:48
6, M Fagan (Ireland) 62:20
7, F Limo (Kenya) 63:11
8, J-M Martinez (Spain) 63:31
9, R Silva (Portugal) 63:33
10, R Ribas (Portugal) 63:35
24 Vinny Mulvey 66:09
31 Brian McMahon 68:16

Donegal Masters Cross Country

Tiger Invitational Auburn University
152 Carragher, Alvy McNeese State 19:35
167 Casey, Aisling McNeese State 20:04
176 Monteith, Lyndsey McNeese State 20:31

Bupa Great North Mile - Men
1 MO FARAH GBR 4:13
2 DAVID CAMPBELL IRE 4:13
3 BRIMIN KIPRUTO KEN 4:13
4 VYACHESLAV SHABOUNIN RUS 4:14

PAUL SHORT 1 COLLEGE MEN BROWN 8K
2 Andrew Ledwith, Sr 23:43 Iona
50 Daire Bermingham, Jr 24:43 Stony Brook
80 Jamie McCarthy, Jr 24:58 Coastal Carolina

PAUL SHORT 2 COLLEGE WOMEN BROWN 6K
129 Joyce Curtin, So 22:31 Coastal Carolina

Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic Louisville,KY
17 O’Brien, Eimear SR Western KY Univ. 17:54

Notre Dame Cross Country Invitational - MENS BLUE
12 David McCarthy Providence College SO 23:58
27 Richie Yeates Providence College SR 24:17

Notre Dame Cross Country Invitational - WOMEN BLUE
56 Laura Huet Stony BrookK University JR 17:35
73 Breffini Twohig Providence College JR 17:45

Murray Keating Invitational University of Maine Orono
8k
28 Dooney, Conor Yale 25:51

Tiger Invitational Auburn University
8k
24 Rooney, David McNeese State 23:44
56 Neil, Jordan McNeese State 24:26
86 Dyer, Michael McNeese State 25:01

Debra Ireland Jingle Bells 5k run 14th December

Finn Valley invitational primary schools cross country
THe numbers were bigger than ever the weather was fine and organisation was first class . I am talking about the 10th annual Finn Valley invitational primary schools cross country held friday . Yes close to 700 children enjoyed their day out and competed with great fervour underlining what is an excellent event . THey came from Carndonagh in the north ,Annagry in the WEst and Killybegs in the South and there was the usual welcome mix of East Donegal schools .Studying results you note that Leanne Kelly , Tooban beat her cousin Arlene Crossan ,Lurgybrack;that Jade O donnell ,Annagry stayed out in front of Tara Kate Harley Scvoil Mhuire, Letterkenny;That Conor Morrison Gael Scoil ,Letterkenny fought off the challenge of Jonathan Carlin,Lifford ;That Pat Loughrey Scoil Iosagain won and led his team to victory under 9.And so it was one of those most enjoyable days that will build and build in popularity and support as there are a vast number of schools out there that simply ignore the opportunity to participate hard to understand in this day and age .
Results

Athletics Ireland Development & Coaching Teams have compiled a comprehensive calendar of events for September 2008 to March 2009.

This calendar includes all Coach Education dates, Regional Squad Dates, National Squad Dates, Local Sports Partnership events, where available, such as Child Ethics Workshops, and any other coaching or development dates of interest to Athletics Ireland members.

Every attempt has been made to compile as accurate and comprehensive a calendar as possible. Please bear in mind that events can be changed at late notice so please contact the relevant individual, as identified in the calendar, before submitting applications or travelling to venues. Please contact Athletics Ireland Director of Development, Jacqui Freyne (Stokes), at development@athleticsireland.ie for additions or amendments.

Please download a copy of the calendar to your desktop or print off a copy for easy reference.

Coaching & Development Calendar Autumn-Winter 2008-2009 PDF version

Coaching & Development Calendar Autumn-Winter 2008-2009 MS Excel version

The following motion was passed at the 2008 Congress

“That this Congress agrees to hold an EGM before the end of 2008 to incorporate the Athletic Association of Ireland as a Company Limited by Guarantee and to agree the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the new company”

This meeting will take place in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone on Saturday November 8th. The meeting will commence at 10.30am and finish at 4.30pm. The motions and relevant paperwork will be distributed to County Boards and Provincial Councils in the next week in line with constitutional requirements. “

Donegal Schools - Great North Run

THe 8th annual Finn Valley secondary school cross country proved to be the biggest and the best despite overnight weather conditions that did not help underfoot conditions . Close to 600 students from 27 schools in the general area competed and again the event was well received by the sports teachers many of whom commenting on the timely nature of the programme in the scheme of the academic year . Winners at individual and team level were keenly contested and if anything if underlines the gap that exists for further development at schools level throughout . Excellent gold medal performances from Kathleen Mc Ginty , St Columbas:Karl Griffin,Abbey;SArah Moore,Sacred Heart;Ruairi Finnegan ,St Eunans who led a 1234 from his school ,Emma Rice,Joe Collins Fionnuala Ross all Dungannon,Integrated;Finally yet another excellent run from Cian O Reilly ,St Pats in senior boys . Schools participating were Errigal College,Holy Cross,Dean Mc Gurk,Portora,Milford Loreto,Crana College,St Michaels,Drumragh,Castlederg High,Abbey,Sacred Heart,Integrated Dungannon,Rosses,Royal and Prior,St Eugenes,Finn Valley College ,Deele College,Colaiste Colmcille Ballyshannon,St Pats, St Eunans,Scoil Mhuire Buncrana,St Columbas. THanks are due Niall Mc Gonagle and his staff at Finn Valley and the voluntary staff that officiated Peader Mc Granaghan,Patsy Mc Ginley,Neil Martin,Noreen Martin,Ann Murphy,Deirdre Carlin ,Kieran Carlin and Patsy and Rosaleen Mc Gonagle.THe cross country programme continues at Finn Valley friday 11-15 start for primary schools .Details www.finnvalleyac.com
Results

BEKELE TO MISS Bupa GREAT NORTH MILES

Double Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele has withdrawn from the Bupa Great North Miles meeting on Tyneside on Saturday.

Bekele the first athlete to complete an Olympic 5000metres and 10000m double for 28 years with his gold medal successes in Beijing, has had little chance to train since those successes.

The Ethiopian who was due to face Eliud Kipchoge the Kenyan he defeated for the Games 5000m title in Beijing, has, since closing his track season in Brussels a month ago undertaken a whirlwind celebratory programme.

“Although we are obviously disappointed, we understand his situation of not wanting to run when not fully fit against world class opposition,” said David Hart, communications director for the meeting.

“But I’m sure we’ll see him racing again on Tyneside in the future and one day we’d love to see him compete in the Bupa Great North Run itself.”

The Kenyan pair of Asbel Kiprop and Janet Jepkosgei have pulled out of their respective mile races because of visa problems.

Offaly Sports Partnership in conjunction with Athletics Ireland Development Team have arranged public meetings in Clara and Birr to investigate the possibility of establishing athletic clubs in these communities.

If you are a parent, athlete or just someone who may have an interest in athletics and are living in either of these areas then why not come along to one of these meetings. Everybody is welcome.

For further information contact either Offaly Sports Partnership or Athletics Ireland RDO - paul@athleticsireland.ie , 0872693675.

Clara Meeting
Clara Parochial Hall
Wednesday October 1st
7:00pm

Birr Meeting
Dooleys Hotel, Birr
Thursday October 2nd
7:30pm

Indoors, Cross Country, Outdoors

European Indoor Championships 2009
Turin, Italy March 06-08

36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships 2009
Amman, Jordan 28th March

European Youth Olympic Festival 2009
Tampere, Finland July 20-26

World Youth Championships 2009
Bressanone, Italy July 8-12

European Athletics Junior Championships
Novi-Sad, Serbia 23-26 July 2009

European Athletics Under 23 Championships
Kaunus, Lithuania 16-19 July

FISU Universiade – World University Games 2009
Belgrade, Serbia July 6-11

12th IAAF World Championships In Athletics
Berlin, Germany – 15-23 August 2009

European Cross Country Championships 2009
Santry, Dublin 13th December

Entry Standards 2009

Successful Athletics Ireland Core Strength and Conditioning Workshop in Donegal Town.

On Saturday September 27th, thirty enthusiastic athletic coaches and senior athletes from all over the North West assembled in Donegal Towns Abbey Voc.Schools Gymnasium for a day long workshop on Core Strength and Conditioning.

The workshop, organised by Athletics Ireland, Regional Development Officer, Eamon Harvey was lead by internationally renowned and experienced physical fitness educator, lecturer and presenter in Strength & Conditioning, Sean Singleton.

Sean’s articles on running/track and field fitness can be read in the Irish Runner Magazine, where he is the Health & Fitness Expert. He has also written numerous articles for David Lloyd Leisure, Men’s Fitness Magazine, Men’s Health, the Saturday Telegraph and the N.C.E.F. Instructors Magazine.

This workshop designed to enhance the Coaches/athletes awareness of the importance of core strength in developing athletic ability was delivered in a practical and inter active manner. As the foundation for all movement a strong and stable core/trunk can make the difference between a good athlete and a great athlete. In the workshop coaches/athletes learned what muscles made up the core, how to get the most out of them, specific exercises to strengthen the athletes core and how to incorporate core strength into the overall conditioning schedule of the athlete.

At the conclusion Eamon Harvey, complimented all the coaches/athletes for their enthusiastic involvement in the workshop, Athletics Ireland Coaching and Donegal Sports Partnership for their support and Sean Singleton for his excellent content delivery and professional skill of involving all the participants during the day.

Picture shows Sean Singleton with course participants.

National Marathon Entry Form - Results - Previews

Please note – The Marathon Championship of Ireland will be held in conjunction with the Addidas Dublin City Marathon on 27th October 2008. If you are entered in the Marathon and wish to declare for the national championships please fill out the attached Individual or Team Declaration form at no extra fee and return to the AAI Office or present at the AAI desk in the RDS on registration day… .
Marathon Entry Form

Kit Kat Schools’ Combined Events Championships 2008
Morton Stadium, Santry 27th September 2008

The performance of the day at the KitKat All-Ireland Schools’ Combined Events Championships in Santry came in the Inter Girls’ event from Joanna Mills, Ballyclare High School, who won with an outstanding 3,266 points. Joanna has been in outstanding form all year both for her school and for the Irish Schools’, setting records and winning at the highest level.
Another outstanding display came from Megan Kiely, Ursuline Waterford, in the Junior Girls’ Event when scoring 2,918 points. Eamonn Fahy, Kings’ Hospital, won the Intermediate Boys’ event with 3,535 points.
The most exciting competition of the day was in the Junior Boys’ event where Paul Byrne, Presentation Carlow, held off Conor Daly, Knockbeg College, by 18 points.

Junior Boys
1. Paul Byrne Presentation Carlow 3,087pts
2. Conor Daly Knockbeg College 3,069pts
3. Callum Graham Regent House 2,996pts

Intermediate Boys
1. Eamonn Fahy King’s Hospital 3,535pts
2. Timmy Crowe St Caimin’s Shannon 3,294pts
3. Stephen Kelly Cistercian Roscrea 3,246pts

Senior Boys
1. Niall Stanley Kinsale CS 2,905pts
2. Alan Richie Southern Region College 2,761pts
3. Naoise Leonard St Mary’s Galway 2,336pts

Junior Girls
1. Megan Kiely Ursuline Waterford 2,918pts
2. Rachel Healy Alexandra College 2,840pts
3. Katie Hyland Sacred Heart Westport 2,782pts

Intermediate Girls
1. Joanna Mills Ballyclare High school 3,266pts
2. Orla Finn Kinsale CS 2,921pts
3. Rebecca McAllister Antrim GS 2,838pts

Senior Girls
1. Fleur Brown Wilson’s Hospital School 1,655pts

Detailed Combined Events Results

US Collegiate Cross Country

After major delays due to the Hurricane season David Rooney finally got his season underway when he finished fourth in the LSU cross country at the weekend.

Other US news sees Gavin Kennedy from Waterford taking over as Assistant Coach at Iona College, maintaining the Irish link to the College following the surprise move of Mick Byrne to Wisconsin after being Head Coach at Iona for a lifetime (almost).

LSU Cross Country Invitational
Men 8k
4 Rooney, David McNeese State 25:24.9 4
11 Neil, Jordan McNeese State 26:19.8 11

Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon

Over 10,000 participated in the 27th Evening Echo Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday. Perfect conditions ensured everyone enjoyed themselves as well as raising millions for charity.

Kerry Harty made the five hour trip from her home in Newcastle county Down for the second year in a row. Last year she finished second to Niamh O’Sullivan, but made no mistake this time. She took over the lead before the two mile mark towards the end of Cork’s famous Marina and held her form well to win in 21:32 for a distance just under four miles. She was eight seconds clear of former winner Rosemary Ryan, with Siobhan O’Doherty third in 22:01. Last year’s winning time was 21:52 ahead of Harty’s 22:11.

Evening Echo Cork Womens Mini-Marathon
1 Kerry Harty (Newcastle, Co. Down) 21.32; 2 Rosemary Ryan (Bilboa) 21.40; 3 Siobhan O’Doherty (Borrisokane) 22.01; 4 Carmel McCarthy Crowley (Bandon) 22.32; 5 Rhona Lynch (Eagle) 22.45; 6 Eimear Martin (Sportsworld) 23.02; 7 Claire McCarthy (Ballinhassig) 23.19; 8 Jessamy Hastin (Australia) 23.25; 9 Niamh Roe (Eagle) 23.50; 10 Mary Sweeney (St Finbarrs) 24.04.

Donegal Mooathon

DOBRISKEY TO DEFEND BUPA GREAT NORTH MILE TITLE

Lisa Dobriskey is determined to round off the best year of her career by defending her Bupa Great North Mile title around the NewcastleGateshead Quaysides on October 4.

Dobriskey had a tremendous boost prior to her return to the North East with a thrilling win in New York’s Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue road mile on Sunday in a superb time of four minutes 18.6seconds.

That was the second fastest time ever achieved in the world famous race’s history when Dobriskey became the first British winner since Paula Radcliffe’s success 11 years ago.

Now the 24-year-old Kent runner who narrowly missed out on the Olympic 1500metres bronze medal last month is gearing herself up for one final big effort when coming back to the north east next week.

“I’ve got one race left in Newcastle - I’ve got the Bupa Great North Mile on October 4,” said Dobriskey after narrowly beating US Number One Shannon Rowbury with her spectacular finishing speed in the “Big Apple.”

“So I’ve got just a tiny bit more to go. But that was hard,” she added after her close confrontation with Rowbury who placed seventh in the Olympic final.

“And then I’m going to have a couple of weeks completely off, and then some easy running. It’s all quite light, really, up until Christmas.”

Dobriskey who also won 1500m at last month’s Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead, will face a much tougher field than she did a year ago headed by Kenya’s Janeth Jepkosgei.

Last year’s world 800m champion and Olympic silver medallist is flying in from her Kenya base and her presence should ensure a fast early pace to ensure she doesn’t jump the field in the closing stages.

Spectators will also have the opportunity of watching teenager Stephanie Twell who is so highly rated she is already being compared as a better talent than Radcliffe was at that age.

“Steph’s the world junior 1500m champion and then just missed out on a place in the Olympic final,” said Andy Caine the event’s Elite Athletes Manager.

“She has also just been voted European Athletics Rising Star 2008 and deserves the accolade after what has been a memorable year by anyone’s standards.”

The men’s mile will see Olympic 1500m silver medallist Asbel Kiprop in action and he will be joined by fellow Kenyan Brimin Kipruto, winner of the 3000m steeplechase title in Beijing.

Mo Farah the European 5000m runner-up two years ago after that performance in Gothenburg stepped down to shorter distance and shocked the opposition with his surprise win.

Now he is hoping for a repeat against a strong field which also includes local international Nick McCormick.

The women’s two miles features Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot who finished second in last year’s race which was over the metric equivalent distance of 3000m, while Helen Clitheroe and Emily Pidgeon head the British challenge.

Olympic 5000m and 10000m gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele and Kenyan rival Eliud Kipchoge will be joined in their two miles race by Kenyan junior Levi Matebo second behind the great Ethiopian star over 3000m at last month’s Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead

The Bupa Great North Run will be televised live on BBC ONE from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Sunday 5th October. Highlights programme on BBC TWO at 5pm.

The Liz McDonnell 5K Cross Country Run will take place on October 5th at Castletown House, Celbridge. Registration from 1PM. Race at 2.30PM.
This is the 4th running of the event and has raised an average of €5,000 each year for charity. Walk, Jog or Run on the day. All proceeds go to ARC Cancer Care.

Please find attached a race Sponsorship Card for the Liz McDonnell Run

2008. Please print this card or cards and distribute them to any friends or people you know who would like to participate. Its a great event for a great cause in memory Elizabeth who was an exceptional athlete.

Completed cards + money should be returned to the Registration tent on the day at Castletown House. Thank you most kindly for your support for this event over the years. In 2007 over 700 competitors took place.
Remember to have fun on the Run at Castletown. Life life to the full.

Each competitor will be presented with a medal. This year SWAN Plant hire are once again sponsoring all medals. Jarlath Daly has sponsored

the primary winners statues. Compete in the mens, ladies, veterans, U16 categories or just turn up for a good walk.
We very much look forward to seeing you at Castletown House on October5th.
Please spread the word.

If you have difficulty in printing the file please email me back or call
Tony McDonagh Mobile : 0868158507

Sponsorship Card

Details

The National Youths & Juniors Endurance Squad day scheduled on Sunday 28th September at Sports Centre, Dublin City University at 10.30am

* Athletes are asked to meet and the Juice Bar in the Sports Centre in the campus. Use the main entrance to the University and follow signs to the sports centre.

* Athletes are reminded to bring a packed lunch and drinks with them.

* Shower facilities are available to athletes who wish to get a run in immediately after the conclusion of the day.

* A programme has been emailed to athletes attending concluding approx 3.30 / 4.00pm

For the past month, combined event athletes from across the country have been put to the test in their bid to secure a place in the KitKat All-Ireland Schools’ Combined Events Championship which will take place on Saturday, 27th September 2008 at Morton Stadium, Santry. With the qualifying events over, the best combined eventers in Ireland will now meet at Morton Stadium, Santry, to compete in what promises to be a thrilling battle of wills among Ireland’s top schools’ athletes.

The Intermediate Girls competition is particularly competitive with Joanna Mills, Ballyclare High School, Orla Finn, Kinsale Community School, Rebecca McAllister, Antrim Grammar School, and Leinster Champion, Sarah Shovelin, Loreto Wexford, all very strong competitors. Last year’s junior champion, Joanna Mills, won the KitKat Ulster Championships with an extremely good score of 3,038 points and should be favourite to win on Saturday.

Another close contest will be the Intermediate Boys’ competition where Eamon Fahy, King’s Hospital, won the KitKat Leinster title with an impressive 3,339 points. But do not discount the Ulster challenge which is likely to come from Matthew Ramsay, Regent House, and David Reid, Larne Grammar School. In the same event will be the KitKat Munster Schools’ Champion, Keith Smith, Commeragh College and Simon Callaghan, Presentation Headford.

The Leinster pair Conor Daly, Knockbeg College, with 3,128 points and Paul Byrne, CBS Carlow, with 2,972 points had a great battle last week and expect them to be at the head of affairs again on Saturday in the Junior Boys’ event.

The Junior Girls’ event looks to be a straight battle between the Leinster schools’ champion, Rachel Healy, Alexandra College, and Megan Kiely, Ursuline Waterford, the Munster Schools’ winner.

Following Saturday’s event, the KitKat Irish Schools’ Team will be selected to contest the upcoming annual Schools’ Combined Events International which will be held in Kelvin Hall, Glasgow on 13th December 2008.

Upcoming events

Local organising committee of next weeks schools cross country @ Finn Valley ac Co Donegal pictured recently discussing details Included l to r Neil Martin ,Kieran Carlin, Sean Carlin , Bernie Alcorn , Senator Brian O Domhnaill and Patsy McGonagle . THe events now in their 10th year has secondary schools gathering on Wed Oct 1st with primary schools on friday October 3rd start time 11-15 am . Full details www.finnvalleyac.com with entry on the day

The town of Loughrea will host their traditional five mile road race next Sunday at 02:00pm. This race is one of the classic occasions on the Irish road racing calendar and is deserving of support.

Loughrea AC are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year and have made every possible effort to make sure that this year’s event is a special one. As part of their celebrations the club has organised a series of activities for the race weekend including a Chi Running Workshop with Catherina McKiernan and a special endurance seminar with a large panel of invited speakers.

2008 Loughrea AC Road Race Details:
September 28th @ 2pm sees the return of the traditional 5 mile road race, starting and finishing at Loughrea Hotel & Spa.
Entry fee €15 for Senior race, pre enter on-line now at www.runireland.ie . Entry on day before 1pm €20. No entries after this time.

The run will be preceded by a junior fun run at 1pm. Junior fun run entry fee €5. All entries for junior fun run before 12 noon.

Seminar Details:
Saturday September 27th 6pm (day before Road Race), Loughrea Hotel & Spa

The title of this seminar is “Success in Middle and Long-Distance Running”. It will be chaired by Irish Times sports columnist Ian O’Riordan and includes many distinguished guests: Catherina McKiernan, Olive Loughnane, Maria Keane, Pauline Curley, Paul Mc Namara, Robert Denmead, Eilis Dolan, Jim Hogan, Vince Regan, Canice Kennedy.

There will be a series of presentations on a running related topic followed by an open forum involving a question and answer session. As part of the club’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the seminar will be open to the public free of charge.

Chi running workshop details.
Chi running workshop will be run by catherina mckiernan in Loughrea Hotel and Spa on 27th september 10am-4pm.Limited number of places available, price 120 euros per person.

Full details of the race, the junior fun run, Chi workshop and seminar can be found on their club website at www.athleticsloughrea.com .

Any questions on either road race, seminar or Chi workshop should be directed to
Barry Beirne (Club Secretary), 086-1777736
or Darragh O’Brien (Club Chairman), 087-9004525

Pictured below is former marathon world record holder Steve Jones with members of Loughrea AC at the launch of the Loughrea road race.

Mary Cullen made a welcome return to racing on Sunday when she finished second to Shalene Flanagan in the Downtown Providence 5k road race. Injury problems kept her from competing for most of the year so far.

40 15:28 Shalane Flanagan 27 F 1 Pittsboro NC
48 15:46 Mary Cullen 26 F 17 Providence RI
51 15:52 Jane Gakunyi 29 F 28 Concord MA
52 15:53 Renee Metivier-Bailli 26 F 46 Flagstaff AZ
54 15:56 Molly Huddle 24 F 36 Providence RI
55 15:58 Carrie Messner-Vickers 31 F 45 Vail CO
56 16:02 Rebecca Donaghue 32 F NEW BALANCE BOSTON

PAVEY FACING TOUGH OVERSEAS OPPOSITION IN BUPA GREAT NORTH RUN

Jo Pavey faces an enormous task when bidding to become the first British winner of the Bupa Great North Run since Paula Radcliffe’s success five years.

The 35-year-old Commonwealth 5000metres silver medallist will line up against former Great North Run champions Benita Johnson of Australia and Derartu Tulu from Ethiopia in the world’s biggest half marathon race on October 5.

But the biggest threat to prevent Pavey and the two past title holders notching up a win on the Newcastle to South Shields course is expected to come from Tulu’s teammate, Gete Wami.

Wami, the reigning World Marathon Majors overall champion last year is also a gifted performer over the shorter distance and will be eager to add another major road running award to her huge list of successes.

Pavey, well aware of the strong opposition she is likely to face, deliberately called her track season to a halt after the Olympic Games to concentrate on winning next month’s race.

The Exeter Harrier has been piling in the miles since the Olympic 10000m final, although showing she still has plenty of speed in her legs when finishing third in the addidas Women’s London five kilometres road race a fortnight ago.

“Since then I’ve been totally focused on being in the best shape possible for the Great North with plenty of long runs and I’m happy my training has been progressing well,” said Pavey, who finished a frustrated fourth two years ago.

Certainly she is a much wiser road runner since that occasion when, on her half marathon debut, she was left frustrated when after a bad spell she felt delirious with less than a mile to go and was unsure whether she would complete the race.

Pavey quickly learned from the experience and having contested several high profile international road races since then, feels she is now a much more accomplished performer.

Hungary’s Aniko Kalovics who finished third behind Kara Goucher, the American who surprisingly defeated Radcliffe 12 months ago, is also returning along with the highly experienced Worknesh Kidane of Ethiopia.

Hayley Haining and Hayley Yelling who both narrowly missed Olympic selection in the marathon and 10000m will be carrying domestic hopes alongside Pavey.

The men’s race, after the withdrawal of Olympic marathon gold medallist Sammy Wanjiru after a mix up in his racing programme, has seen the inclusion of Luke Kibet, the 2007 world champion.

Kibet will be joined by fellow Kenyan Felix Limo, holder of the world 15 kilometres world record while top American road runner Abdi Abdirahman will be aiming to prove his top notch credentials on European soil.

Dan Robinson, who pluckily took 24th place at the recent Olympic marathon in the heat and humidity of Beijing, will return to action while Jon Brown, his predecessor as British number one, also competes but now as a Canadian after switching nationality.

The Bupa Great North Run will be televised live on BBC ONE from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Sunday 5th October. Highlights programme on BBC TWO at 5pm.

Results and Fixtures

There was mixed luck for the two Irish competitors at today’s IAAF Race Walking Challenge Final in Murcia in Spain. With 33 degree temperature the going was tough for all.

Robert Heffernan finished fifth inthe men’s race in 1:26.04, but Olive Loughnane was shown the dreaded red card after 8k of her 20k race.

Both finished in seventh position in the overall rankings.

20 km Masculino / 20 km Men
1 77M ESP FRANCISCO J. FERNÁNDEZ PEL º 2 1º 1:23:14
2 84M AUS JARED TALLENT º 5 2º 1:24:02
3 74M ECU JEFFERSON PÉREZ º 3 3º 1:24:35
4 84M JPN YUKI YAMAZAKI º 16 4º 1:25:51
5 78M IRL ROBERT HEFFERNAN º 13 5º 1:26:04
6 80M NOR ERIK TYSSE º 10 6º 1:26:19
7 76M AUS LUKE ADAMS º 12 7º 1:26:46

David Campbell was in action in Shanghai where he finished sixth in the 800m. His time of 1:46.45 ranks him the fastest Irish runner this year over 800m.

1 BUNGEI, Wilfred KEN SR 1:44.63
2 CZAPIEWSKI, Pavel POL SB 44.96
3 RONO, Geoffrey KEN PB 1:45.13
4 KOECH, Justus KEN 1:45.80
5 LATHOUWERS, Robert NED 1:46.09
6 CAMPBELL, Dave IRL SB 1:46.45
7 AL-SALHI, Mohamed KSA 1:46.72

Iona Meet of Champions
Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, N.Y,
Women 6k
25 Ashling Baker SR 22:56.0 IONA

Men 8,000m
3 Ciaran O’Lionaird SO 24:46.7 U of Michigan
59 Daire Bermingham JR 25:54.8 Stony Brook University

Old Timers Classic Kereiakes Park / Bowling Green, Ky.
Women 5k
4 O’Brien, Eimear Western Kentucky 18:20

Liberty Big South Preview Liberty University
Women 5k
16 Curtin, Joyce Coastal Caro 20:26

Men 8,000m
3 McCarthy, Jamie Coastal Caro 26:19

Donegal 5k championships Team Results

WILLIAMS RETURNS TO NORTH EAST TO COMPETE IN 100M ON GATESHEAD QUAYSIDE

Former world 100metres champion Lauryn Williams is making a quick return to the North East to compete in the supporting sprint events at the Bupa Great North Miles on October 4.

Williams winner of both the 100m and 200m in last month’s Aviva British Grand Prix at Gateshead was delighted when offered the opportunity to take part over the shorter distance on Newcastle quayside.

But the 25-year-old American whose outstanding double at the International stadium saw her named “USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week,” decided to give her final decision at the end of her track season.

That concluded last weekend at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart and manager Ray Flynn confirmed Williams will definitely be in the quayside line-up.

“She’s looking forward to what promises to a unique event and I’m sure it will be a great curtain raiser along with the mile and two mile races also in the programme before the following day’s Great North Run,” said Irishman Flynn, himself a former world class miler.

Indeed organisers are delighted to the enhancement to the schedule after having staged an entertaining programme of distance races and the Junior North Run as a prelude to the world’s biggest half marathon.

“We felt there was room and time to expand the day with two innovative sprint races and it has been well received by the athletes who I’m sure will provide some serious racing against the spectacular backdrop of the Gateshead Quayside.” said David Hart, the event’s Communications Director.

Williams, the 2005 world gold medallist and 2004 Olympic 100m silver medallist who was fourth finisher in last month’s Games will face British Number One Jeanette Kwakye in the unique clash.

Kwakye, after a superb season became the first British woman since 1984 to reach the 100m final and her time of 11.14seconds made her the UK’s third fastest-ever over the distance.

Sarah Claxton who reached the 100m hurdles final will also be in the field competing on a specially prepared all-weather track which will be laid just prior to the event.

The men’s race will feature former world junior 100m and 200m champion Christian Malcolm who was an outstanding fifth in the memorable Olympic 200m final where Jamaican Usain Bolt flew to a phenomenal world record of 19.30sec.

Semi Finals 11.20am

Finals 1.05pm (live on BBC ONE)

2009 Fixture List

We are presently preparing the Athletics Ireland 2009 Fixture List and to facilitate a comprehensive list of events we ask you to submit your 2009 Championship dates for inclusion.

Post to Bernie Dunne, AAI Office, 19 Northwood Court, Northwood Business Campus, Santry,

Dublin 9 or email: admin@athleticsireland.ie on or before 10th October 2008.

National Event Directors

Athletics Ireland is currently seeking suitable candidates to fill the positions of National Event Group Directors. These are new part-time positions and will replace the current positions of National Event Coordinators. There are five event groups

- Speed
o 100m, 200m, 400m, 110mh, 100mh, 400mh, relays

- Endurance
o 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10000m, steeplechase, marathon, cross country

- Throws
o Shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, multi-events

- Jumps
o High jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault

- Walks
o 20km, 50km

These Event Directors will be responsible for co-ordinating and managing the development of coaches in their event group. In particular, they will initially be involved in the recruitment of National Coaches with specific personal coaching expertise in the events within their group to assist in the implementation of the National Coaching Plan. The Event Directors will report to Athletics Ireland Director of Coaching.

The Event Directors will be responsible for;

- The development of the overall standard of the event in Ireland through best practise coaching structures
- Developing an annual coaching programme for the event including regional and national squad events and coaching workshops
- Developing templates for event specific coaching workshops to be implemented at club and county level
- Organising and delivering this programme in conjunction and with the support of the Director of Coaching
- Arranging for support services for the national squads
- Developing their own knowledge through attendance at national and international conferences and upgrading their own coaching qualifications
- Researching and disseminating best practise in their event.
- Identifying top coaches and best practise in nationally as well as identifying coaching talent and ex-international athletes with coaching potential
- Recruiting coaches from their event group to attend national and international coaching seminars and conferences
- Establishing targets whereby the improvement in depth in all events can be measured on an annual basis and creating incentives which enable achievement of these targets by coaches can be recognised

The ideal candidate for each event group will have an in-depth knowledge of and passion for the event and will be a suitably qualified and experienced coach for such a prestigious and demanding position. They will have strong planning, organisational and communication skills and be someone who has a track record of leadership and commitment to athletics.

The Event Directors will report directly to the Director of Coaching and will also liaise with the Coaching and Development Committee on a regular basis.

The appointments will be for a period of two years and performance against targets will be reviewed on a six-monthly basis. The newly appointed Director of Athletics will provide overall leadership to the implementation of an integrated approach to Coaching and High Performance. The Director of Coaching will provide strong support and administrative assistance to maximise the efficiency of the Event Director system.

Please send applications with a cover letter and CV (to include all relevant coaching experience) to Gary Ryan, Director of Coaching at coaching@athleticsireland.ie

The closing date for applications is September 26th.