Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Thomas Barr third in Zurich

At the Diamond  League meeting in Zurich last Thursday evening in the 400 metres hurdles event there was another good run by Thomas Barr as he finished third just a few strides behind the second placed athlete Rasmus Magi Estonia, The race won by Kariem Hussein from Switzerland in 49.16 seconds,.Magi in second spot was timed at 49.37 and Thomas clocked 49.79. all three had been semi finalists in Beijing at the World Championships recently as were two others a Belgian and a Britain who finished 4 th and 8 th respectively. Thomas was out of contention approaching the second last hurdle but then started to motor late on as usual and finished very strongly. He competes in the Brussels Diamond League meeting this Friday Sept 11 th again against some of the world;s best, the race is timed for 7.04 pm Irish time.

Cill Barra 6 KM won by Ledingham.

 150  runners as well as many walkers competed in the Annual Cill Barra 6 Km Road Run and 3 KM Walk in Ballybeg in Waterford City on Saturday last and in a thrilling finish to the run James Ledingham West Waterford won just edging out Barry Keane Waterford AC with both being timed at 19 minutes and nine seconds, in third place was Noel Murphy of Waterford AC and he clocked 19.24. Adele Walsh St Senan's won the ladies section comfortably in 22.34, Kate Nolan was second in 23.22 and Elaine O'Donovan St Joseph's was third in 23.35. The proceeds went to the Cill BarraCentre and St Saviours FC. The organisers wish to thank the Gardai, Order of Malta Stewards,Sponsors and all who participated in a very enjoyable event in ideal conditions. 

County Convention

On Friday next September 11 th the Annual Convention of the County Athletic Board will be held in St Augustine's College in Abbeyside at 8 pm.  All clubs in County asked to have delegates present .

Ballyduff Lower Road Race

The Annual Liz Hayes Memorial Road Race over 5 miles is in Ballyduff Lower near Kilmeaden on Friday next Sept 11 th at 6.30 pm preceded by a walk at 6 pm. Entries from 5 pm in Ballyduff All proceeds going to the Ballyduff Community Centre Redevelopment Fund

Ravis in Ultra Marathon

On Saturday next Ravis Zakis West Waterford runs in the World and European Utra Marathon Championships over 100 km in Holland 

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Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country

On Tuesday September 15 th at 12.30 pm the Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country Sports for boys and girls will be at the RSC .Races over short distances for each class 1 st to 6 th. ranging from 200 metres to 800 metres Medals for first 12 home in each race and Perpetual Cups for best Schools etc Contact 087 6889330

Open Cross Country fixtures

Sunday Sept 13 th Adamstown Co Wexford 12 noon,Sunday 27 th Sept Kilmacow 1 pm The County Cross Country Championship season will begin early October the dates will be confirmed at County Convention on Friday and all clubs should have athletes in training for X country season presently.

Road Races.

Sunday  Sept 20 th 12 noon, 5 miles run and walk in aid of Waterford Hospice near Reginald's Tower,entry from 10.30 am at The Reg, Sunday October 11 th Solas Centre Run for Life 10 miles and 5 miles walk 12 noon Waterford City . Early reminder of Waterford AC Annual Half Marathon starting at WIT Sports Campus Carriganore Saturday December 5 th.. 

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

A look back at World Championships

From an Irish point of view the top performance at the World Championships in Beijing was the 5 thplacing by the defending champion Robert Heffernan in the 50 Km (31.06 miles walk). Always in contention Heffernan whose preparations were interrupted earlier on in the season due to injury which necessitated surgery twice looked at a late stage as if he would challenge for a silver or bronze medal but faded in the final few kilometres The race was won by Matej Toth Slovakia runner up in the European Championships last year in 3 hrs 40 minutes and 32 seconds Slovakia's first ever gold medal at the championships, Heffernan was timed at 3.44.17 a season's best time a minute or so behind the bronze medal winner. Other Irish performances of note were by Thomas Barr Ferrybank in making the 400 metres hurdles semi final and Mark English reaching the 800 metres semi final both ranked very highly in the world now  while the men's 4 x 400 metres relay team that included Thomas Barr in a very hot semi final set a new Irish record of 3.01.26 in finishing 8 th which placed them 13 th  overall, 2.59.80 was the last qualifying time so Ireland improving all the time and not too far away with a very small pool of athletes to choose from. Kelly Proper was always going to find it hard to get out of the heats in the 200 metres but in finishing 6 th in her heat in  23.28 was not far away from her best time this season of 23.24, to qualify for the semi final she would have had to clock 23.10.There were many memorable performances in Beijing  with the doubles scored by Usain Bolt in the 100 and 200 metres and Mo Farah in the 5000 and 10000 metres being exceptional.In the Gold Medal table Kenya and Jamaica won seven each,USA six and Great Britain four..  

Drugs References

Many references have been made in the past week to the drug controversy in the IAAF and some people have been linking it to performances at the World Championships but as mentioned previously one has to be very careful when generalising speaking about any sport or individual,you can hear remarks going the rounds like" sure their all at it " Countries that have winners regularly have been mentioned as having athletes with suspicious tests.  Here in Ireland any sport which has signed up to the Anti Doping Campaign with the Irish Sports Council can have their members tested out of competition or in competition the same applies worldwide At the moment in Ireland four athletes from different sports are under suspension for drug offences and these come from Motor Cycling, Athletics, Gaelic Football and Cycling. From these figures could someone say "sure there all at it in these sports"  If the answer is no well then we can't treat sports people or sports worldwide any differently can we. Of  course when suspensions occur they are then common knowledge and those involved are named and shamed. Only a very small minority of sports people commit drug offences this can be confirmed from Anti Doping Agencies who do thousands of tests each year with the vast majority negative.Taking drugs is to help athletes to win and therefore cheat ,just like is done in every walk of life by a minority whether it be in upper,middle or lower classes business or otherwise.

Road Race 

 On Saturday next September 5 th the Annual Cill Barra 6 km has a 6 pm  start in Ballybeg in Waterford City,  Entries are taken on totaltiming.ie online and on the evening from 5 pm at the Cill Barra Centre in Ballybeg

  

Other Road Races

Friday week.September 11 th Ballyduff Lower Co Waterford 5 miles 6.00 pm,Sunday October 11 th 10 miles Run for Life and 5 miles walk Waterford City at 12 noon.

Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country

On Tuesday September 15 th at 12.30 pm the Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country Sports for boys and girls will be at the RSC .Races over short distances for each class 1 st to 6 th. ranging from 200 metres to 800 metres Medals for first 12 home in each race and Perpetual Cups for best Schools etc Contact 087 6889330

County Convention

The County Convention is in St Augustine's College Abbeyside on Friday Sept 11 th at 8 pm. Motions and nominations to be with Co Secretary John Behan by Saturday September 5 th

Open Cross Country fixtures

Sunday Sept 13 th Adamstown Co Wexford 12 noon,Sunday 27 th Sept Kilmacow 1 pm  and it is likely the County Cross Country Championship season will begin early October the dates will be confirmed at County convention.

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Brave effort by Thomas Barr in Beijing

On Saturday last at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing Thomas Barr running from the outside lane finished third in his first round heat of the 400 metres hurdles in a time of 49.20 seconds and easily made it through to Sundays semi final with the first four in each heat automatically going through. Unlucky to be drawn in lane nine he came through strongly in the latter stages having been outpaced earlier on. In his semi final on Sunday he again was unluckily drawn in lane 9 and with just two going through to the final from each heat  it was always going to be a tough task. He did run better than Saturday again finishing strongly but again his first 200 metres were a bit off the pace and in finishing fourth in his second best ever time of 48.71 seconds he missed out 48.49 would have got him through. The problem with lane 9 is not being able to see what is going on around you in the other lanes.His next big championships will be the Olympics next year  and with a big concentration on his speed  he may compete for a final spot,his stamina is not a factor.To give some solice to Thomas was the fact that the first and second ranked athletes coming into the championships both failed to make the final

Kelly in action on Wednesday

The second Waterford athlete at the World championships in Beijing Kelly Proper will be in action this Wednesday at 12.15 pm Irish time in the first round of the 200 metres. It is likely that in the first round the first three from each heat plus the 3 fastest losers will progress to Thursdays semi final at 12.35. With Kelly qualifying under the IAAF quota system and being just outside the standard of 23.20 it would appear that to progress she will probably have to dip below 23.20 and hopefully her few weeks training in Hong Kong will have helped her to do just that. We wish her well on the World stage a place she deserves to be, the final of the event is on Friday at 2 pm. On Saturday at the very early time of 3.40 am Irish time the semi final of the men's 4 x 400 metres relay takes place and Thomas Barr is on the Irish team,the final of this event is at 1.25 pm on Sunday    

Glaxosmithkilne win by Murphy

The final race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series was held in Dungarvan on Friday last the 16 th Annual Galaxosmithkiline 5 miles and Brian Murphy Carrick on Suir won it in 26 minutes and 9 seconds,Sandis Bralitis West Waterford was second in 26.19  and Danny Smyth Ballynonty was third in 26.46, First lady home was Adele Walsh St Senan's in 31.03 .Joan Ennis Grange Fermoy was second in 31.38 and Sally Forristal St Joseph's was third in 32.00 The following were the category winners.Men M 40 Mark Rowe South O'Hanlon's, M 45 Frank Hayes East Cork, M 50 Ray Hahessy West Waterford, M 55 Walter Keane Waterford, M 60 Joe Gough West Waterford, Junior Liam Reilly do.  Ladies F 35 Mary Molloy Carrick on Suir,F 40 Maria Condon West Waterford  F 45 Catherine Clancy St Catherine's,F 50 Celia O'Regan Youghal, F 55 Kathleen Kennedy Waterford Junior Aoife Hamilton West Waterford  255 competed and the proceeds went to Irish Hospice Foundation.  Series winners Brian Murphy Carrick on Suir and Sandra Prendergast  The series was organised by West Waterford AC.

Community Games.

Two bronze medals were won by competitors from Waterford at the National Community Games finals in Athlone last week end. .Cathal Scanlon' Mahon Valley was third in the under 14 javelin and Clodagh Butler Ballyduff Upper was third in the under 14 long puck.  

Road Races coming up

Saturday September 5 th Cill Barra 6 km 6 pm Ballybeg Waterford, Friday.September 11 th Ballyduff Lower Co Waterford 5 miles 6.00 pm,Sunday October 11 th 10 miles Run for Life and 5 miles walk Waterford City at 12 noon.

Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country

On Tuesday September 15 th at12.30 pm the Waterford Primary Schools Cross Country Sports for boys and girls will be at the RSC .Races over short distances for each class 1 st to 6 th. ranging from 200 metres to 800 metres Medals for first 12 home in each race and Perpetual Cups for best Schools etc Contact 087 6889330

Deaths

Two deaths occurred last week which had strong local athletic connections. Mrs Margaret Costin, Ballycreen, Ring who died on August 19 th was wife of Jimmy Costin who together with his family including his Olympian son Jamie have a long association with Waterford athletics. The other death was that of Mr Donal Mc Kernan Cork which occurred on August 19 th father of Mary Ashe West Waterford AC  deeply involved in Waterford athletics all her life and also in Irish Schools Athletics and Internationally. Many from athletic clubs in the county attended both funerals. All involved in Waterford athletics offer their sympathy to both families.

Drugs and Sport

Lots of comments in the media in recent weeks about drugs in sport and in particular athletics with accusations being made about cover ups by the IAAF Like all accusations and suspicions they have to be treated carefully until 100 % proof is available then of course all can be named, one thing seems certain there are a small percentage of athletes on drugs as there are in many other sports  Drugs when used are used to cheat and human beings in every walk of life and from every class in Society since time began use different methods of cheating we see it regularly around us so its not solely a sport problem although with some commentators you would think it is.For sportsmen and women professional or amateur in our jurisdiction always remember that if you take a drug or substance its your responsibility and you alone will suffer the consequences with a failed test, any medication you may receive for a condition must be cleared by your doctor or contact the Irish Sports Councils Anti Doping section to see all the banned substances and the strict guidelines.  .

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

World Athletic Championships in Beijing with two Waterford athletes involved

From Saturday next August 22 nd to Sunday August 30 th the World Athletic Championships are in Beijing and two athletes from Ferrybank AC are on the Irish team Thomas Barr in the 400 metres hurdles and the 4 x 400 metres relay and Kelly Proper is in the 200 metres,the Irish team has a total of 16 athletes, 12 competing in individual events plus the relay squad. Thomas Barr easily had the qualifying standard required and with a new quota  system this year announced by the IAAF Kelly Proper made the team  but was very close to the standard of 23.20 seconds with her 23.24 time and she was a very popular choice by all involved in Irish athletics. The heats of the 400 metres hurdles are on Day 1,the semi finals on Day 2 and the final on Day 4  so assuming Thomas progresses he will have a very busy few days with top class races each day. The 200 metres for Kelly is even more difficult with heats on Day 5,semi finals Day 6 and final on Day 7 The men's 4 x 400 metres relay has semi finals on the second last day and final on the the last Day August 30 th. The Irish team have been in Hong Kong for the past ten days or so.

Thomas aiming for final place

A place in the final of the 400 metres hurdles is Thomas Barr's goal, a  famous Waterford female athlete in the same event Susan Smith in 1997 at these championships made the final finishing 7 th, there are 42 entered in the event. Thomas has reached two major championship finals the European Junior in 2011 and European under 23 in 2013 and was a semi finalist in last years European Senior Championships. He is currently ranked 11 th in the world, his Irish record of 48.65  is a very respectable time but depending on the number of qualifiers in heats and semi finals he may have to run faster to progress even in the heats. Of the 42 entered 10 have better times this season than Thomas with five of these times between 48.09 and 48.35  and the other five range from 48.44 to 48.62 not too much better than Thomas.Leading on 48.09 is Bershawn Jackson USA followed by Johnny Dutch USA on 48.13 whom Thomas beat in London and a Kenyan Nicholas Bett has a time of 48.29 and he could be the dark horse, five of the athletes in the top ten have in their time run below 48 seconds. Included in the field are three world champions, two Olympic silver medallists and two Olympic bronze medallists so no easy passage for anyone. We wish Thomas all the best and in  top form he can make a bold bid to gain a place in the final and the same applies to all the other athletes who like Thomas too need be at their very best that's what makes sport so unpredictable at times. The World Championships were introduced in 1983 and have been held every two yeas since. Ireland has won 4 gold and 2 silver medals the first gold in 1983 by Eamon Coghlan in the 5000 metres and the last one in 2013 by Robert Heffernan in the 50 km walk  and of course Ireland has had an Olympic champion in the 400 metres hurdles the late Bob Tisdall who won the title in 1932. Of the Irish competing it would seem Thomas Barr, Mark English in the 800 metres and Robert Heffernan in the walk are our best prospects.  Next week we will preview Kelly's event and note 12 noon in our time is 7 pm in Beijing time and so on.

Community Games National finals

On Saturday and Sunday next the National Community Games athletic finals are in Athlone and we wish all involved with the Waterford County team every success. the fixture gets under way both days at 9 am and full timetable is on Community Games Website

World bronze for Joe

In Lyon in France on Friday last Joe Gough West Waterford lined out in the final of the 1500 metres over 60 at the World Masters Track and Field Championships and  came up once again with an outstanding performance in his second choice event at the Championships. On Wednesday last he had won his semi final thus qualifying for the final where he  faced 15 other athletes from all over the World. With 200 metres to go he was in 8 th position but put in a storming finish to take the bronze medal in a time of 4 minutes 38.34 seconds,the race was won by Daniel Gonzales from Spain in 4.36.00 with Batista Medeiros Brazil second in 4.36.73. both one year younger than Joe. Having won the 800 metres title on Sunday week it was a marvellous championships for Joe adding the bronze medal in the 1500 metres His time in the 1500 metres easily beat the Irish record in this age group by 13 seconds. 

Glaxosmithkline 5 Miles in Dungarvan

On Friday next August 21 st at 7 pm the last race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series is in Dungarvan. Its the 16 th  Annual Glaxosmithkline 5 miles and entries will be taken at the Dungarvan United Football Club Pavillion  from 6 pm.

County Convention

Above is coming up on Friday September 11 th in St Augustine's College Abbeyside at pm. If any clubs have motions,nominations for Agenda please have them with co secretary John Behan by Saturday  September 8 th.

Transfers

Clubs are reminded of the upcoming deadline for transfers which is September 1 st All signed forms must be with Co Secretary by August 24 th, next transfer date is then April 1 st 2016 

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Kelly's double and Thomas Barr's five in a row

Once again Waterford was very much to the fore at the GloHealth National Senior Championships in Santry Stadium last week end as athletes from Ferrybank AC won three titles and also came up with some other very good results in very windy conditions which saw the sprint athletes run into a strong headwind both days. Not for the first time at these Championship Kelly Proper starred as she won both the 100 and 200 metres in very impressive fashion, On Saturday she won her semi final of the 100 in 12.14 seconds and then on Sunday won the final in 11.75 seconds by a clear cut margin.she also won this title in 2013.Later on Sunday she had an equally impressive win in 23.81 seconds in the 200 metres making it four of these titles in a row and six in all. Thomas Barr bound for the World Championships later this month had an effortless win in the 400 metres hurdles in a good time of 49.68 considering the conditions and so made it five titles on the trot.  Ferrybank's Niall Tuohy who won his semi final of the 800 metres on Saturday and James Ledingham West Waterford who finished second in his both ran well in Sundays very competitive and tactical final. Tuohy in particular was with the big two Mark English and Declan Murray until close home but eventually finished 3 rd in 1.51.50 ,English won in 1.50 .94, Ledingham was 5 th in 1. 53.14 In the high jump Sorcha Murphy Ferrybank was joint second with 1.65 metres. and Andrew Connick also from Ferrybank got through to the 1500 metres final but was unplaced and Cara Kennedy do was unplaced in the hammer competition an event she won for the past four years.. Making it a great week end for Waterford Barry Keane from Waterford AC ran a terrific race in the junior 3000 metres championship to finish second in a very close finish. He was beaten by inches by Luke Dorgan Leevale who was timed at 8 minutes 44.70 seconds and Barry's time was 8.44.91  Not very long at the sport Barry has made giant strides in the past year or so winning the junior mile recently at the Morton Games 

Joe Gough wins World Master's title

In Lyon in France last week end the legendary and very competitive Joe Gough West Waterford AC competed in the over 60 800 metres at the World Master's Track and Field Championships and once again showed his tremendous appetite and discipline for his sport to win the Gold medal with three winning displays over four days. First up on Thursday were the heats and he won his heat in 2 minutes 19.06 second,then on Friday it was his semi final and again he finished first in 2.20 despite being spiked twice during the event but luckily his injuries were minor. Then in a very competitive final on Sunday he beat all and in the process posted his fastest time of the week end 2.15.90  Last year he won the World Masters Indoors and also the European Indoors so his amazing career in Masters continues and he trains diligently daily. He is not finished in Lyon as he lines out in the semi final of the 1500 metres on Wednesday  and the final is on Friday. So in the space of a month Waterford has two World Athletic Champions from both sides of the age spectrum, 23 years old Thomas Barr World University Games Senior Champion and Joe Gough World Master's over 60 800 metres champions both shining examples to all athletes young and old..

   

Rás Na Rinne Details

110  competed in the 23 rd Annual Mooney's Bar 6 miles Rás Na Rinne in the Ring area last Friday evening and the overall winner was Brian Murphy Carrick on Suir in 31 minutes 31 seconds,Noel Murphy Waterford was second in 32.10 and Pat Hennessy Lismore was third in 32.38.First lady home was Nollaig O'Neill Leevale in 37.14 ,Angela Mc Cann Clonmel was second in 39.07 and Mary Molloy Carrick on Suir was third in 40.18  It was another race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series The category winners were as follows Men; M 40 Peter Duggan, St Joseph's,M 45 David Kenneally, Thurles Crokes, M 50 Ray Hahessy, West Waterford, M 55 A Dwyer do. Women F 35 Órlaith Breatnach West Waterford, F 40 Siobhán McHugh, Clonmel, F 45 Libby McGinn Murphy,( ind) F 50 Ger Houlihan Carrick on Suir,Junior Órla Keane( ind) The final race in this series is on Friday August 21 st in Dungarvan,the 16 th Annual Glaxosmithkline 5 miles at 7 pm.

World Championships

The World Athletic Track and Field Championships will be in Beijing from August 22 nd to 30 th. Thomas Barr has long been selected and by the time you read these notes there is a very good chance Kelly Proper will have made it also. On the week end of August 22 nd and 23 rd the National Community Games finals are in Athlone 

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

National Senior Championships this week end

Waterford will be very well represented this week end on Saturday and Sunday at the GloHealth National Senior Track and Field Championships in Santry Stadium, A number of athletes from Ferrybank including Thomas Barr will be attempting to add to their tally of titles won -  Barr going for five 400 metres hurdles titles in a row-  Kelly Proper in the 200 metres - going for three in a row and 5 in all- she is also running in the 100 metres-she won this in 2013- and may take in the long jump as well going for 4 in a row and 9 in all, Cara Kennedy is in the hammer seeking 5 titles in a row and Jessie Barr who has been injured seeking to regain her 400 metres hurdles title to make it 4 in all she won three in a row from 2011 to 2013-she missed out on last years final due to being held up in traffic.Also competing for Ferrybank will be Niall Tuohy in the 800 metres, Neasa and Sorcha Murphy both in the high jump and Andrew Connick in 1500 and 5000 metres.For West Waterford Thomas Houlihan will be in the pole vault and James Ledingham in the 800 metres and possibly Sean Curran in the junior 3000 metres. For Waterford AC Kevin Fitzgerald is entered in the javelin and Barry Keane in the 3000 metres junior The competition begins on Saturday at 1 pm and on Sunday at 11.30 am full timetable on Athletics Ireland website. We wish all our competitors the very best

 Joe Gough at World Master's in Lyon

This week the World Masters Track and Field Championships are in Lyon in France in various age groups and a total of 8500 athletes from all over the world are competing. Included among them is Joe Gough West Waterford AC who is in action on Thursday in the heats of the 800 metres over 60, the semi final is on Friday and final on Sunday. last year Joe won the European title over the distance

Kelly misses out narrowly in Belgium

Kelly Proper finished second in a 200 metres race in Ninove in Belgium on Saturday last in a season's best time of 23.24 seconds just outside the qualifying standard of 23.20 for the world championships. A second race was held an hour later which Kelly won in 23.30 and is running this evening Tuesday again in Belgium in Oordegem we hope she makes it there.If not she has until next Sunday at the Nationals to achieve the time as entries close that night. There would still be a chance of her being selected even if she does not reach the standard under the IAAF Quota system The rules are the IAAF will select athletes from year- end- rankings list to fill the quota set for each event and Kelly is among 4 Irish athletes short listed the 200 metres quota is 56 athletes in total.

National Half Marathon

Two very well known women in Waterford athletics both won National Half Marathon titles in Dublin last Sunday. Mary Ryan Jennings took the over 60 title in 1 hr 41 minutes 47 seconds and Terri Gough West Waterford the over 70 in 2.29.08

Morris Oil 10 Km

130 competed in the Morris Oil 10 KM road race in Piltown on Friday last and Niall Sheil St Killian's Wexfor   put in a storming finish to win in a time of 32 minutes 54 seconds,  the long time leader Brian Murphy Carrick was second in 33.00 and Danny Smyth Ballynonty was third in 33.55. First lady home was Clare Annan Clonmel in 39.26 , Annaleigh Hore Kilmore Co Wexford was second in 39.52 and Kate Nolan Waterford was third in 42.02 It was the final race in the Outfield Sports Series The overall series winners were Niall Sheil and Mary Molloy Carrick on Suir.

23 rd Annual Rás Na Rinne on Friday

Another race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series the 23 rd Annual Mooney's Bar 6 miles Rás Na Rinne is in Ring Co Waterford on Friday next at 7.30 pm.Entries on the evening from 6.15 pm at Halla Poiblí Na Rinne.. 

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Barr misses out on Morton Games race

There was disappointment for Thomas Barr at the Morton Games on Friday last as he withdrew due to a hip flexor strain.Kelly Proper won her 200 metres race in 23.54 but again it was outside the world championship qualifying time of 23.20,she tries again in Belgium on Saturday next Niall Tuohy was 9 th in the 800 metres international 1.48.89  the most competitive race of the night won by another Irishman Karl Griffin in 1.47.47  and in the A 800 metres James Ledingham West Waterford was 5 th in 1.51.93 There was a great result in the junior mile as Barry Keane Waterford won it impressively in  4.20.15.with Sean Curran West Waterford 4 th in 4.21.91.

Diamond League

Despite the 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th ranked athletes in the World this year competing in the 400 metres hurdles in London last Saturday the race was won in a comparatively slow time of 49.02 seconds by USA Olympic and World silver medallists Michael Tinsley USA. Thomas Barr deciding to run finished 6 th in 49.85- well outside his best of 48.65- but he will have taken some comfort from his effort as the 2 nd ranked athlete in the World this year Johnny Dutch USA was behind him in 7 th place and he has times of 48.13 and 48.20 this year while Michael Stigler the 4 th ranked was just two places in front of him on 49.65 

National Master's

Several titles were won by athletes from Waterford at the National Master's Championships in Tullamore on Sunday. For Waterfiord AC Tom O' Brien won the M 45 long and high jump titles ( the latter for the 5 th successive year ),Mary Ryan Jennings won the F 60 800 metres and was second in the 400 m and 1500 m and third in the shot putt, silver medal winners were Brendan Leahy M 35 100 and 200 m  and Susan Dullaghan F 40 200 m while bronze medals went to Walter Keane M 55 800 m and John Kinsella M35 long jump and javelin. Shane Scanlon Finisk Valley won the M 40 hammer and discus, for  Tramore  Kathleen Marchlewaska was first in the F 40 long jump and discus and Shirley  Fennelly first in F 45 long jump. For West Waterford Joe Gough won a very fast 800 metres M 60. in 2.18.4 and Terri Gough won five titles F 65 and one silver medal.

Órlaith in Georgia

On Wednesday morning Órlaith O'Brien Ferrybank AC competes at the EuropeanYouths Olympic Festival in Tiblisi in Georgia in the javelin preliminary round and if she gets through the final is on Saturday afternoon.

Celtic Games

The Celtic Games under 16 and under 18 International is in Glasgow on Saturday and John Mc Grath and David Murphy are part of the management team.

Piltown10 KM

On Friday next with a 7.30 pm start the final race in the Outfield Sports Three County Challenge Series takes place in Piltown Co Kilkenny Its the Morris Oil10 Km and entries will be taken from 6.30 pm in Piltown

Great event at RSC

The Inaugural Tón Na Ghaoithe ( wind at your back) sprints meeting at the RSC in Waterford on Tuesday July 21 st was a brilliant success with a huge entry from all over the thirty two counties of very prominent athletes, five races were needed for the men's 100 metres. For Kelly Proper  Ferrybank it was night of mixed fortunes despite winning  the 100 and 200 metres. In the 100 she had a thrilling victory over Phil Healy   Bandon in a personal best time of 11.54 seconds, in the 200 metres still chasing a time of 23.20 to qualify for the World Championships she clocked 23.35 seconds winning by ten metres but with no serious challenger to push her. Other fine winning performances came from Ben Reynolds  Nth Down in the 110 metres hurdles in 13.62, Brian  Gregan Clonliffe Hrs 200 metres in 21.26  and  Jonathan Browning Ballymena 100 metres in 10.59. The other winners were men's javelin Rory Gunning Fr Murphy's  59.83. metres, high jump Barry Pender St Abban's 2.13 and women's javelin Anita White  Dundrum Sth Dublin 46.50 metres, high jump Emily Rogers St Peters 1.65 metres. Many athletes had personal bests on the night. All events were held within the wind allowance for sprints on an unusually calm night at the RSC. Sorcha Murphy Ferrybank was 2 nd in high jump, with 1.60 metres, Dion Ryan Waterford was third in the high jump with 1.88 metres In the graded 100 metres Brendan Leahy Waterford won both of his races in 11.69 and 11.70

Ballymacarbry Results

 The 20 th Annual Ballymacarbry 5 Miles Road Race ( Race 9 Ger  Wyley  Skins Series) was held on Friday last and 170 competed in the run as well as100 in the Walk The following were the results;.Men 1  Kevin  Maunsell  ( Clonmel) 26;26  2 Brian Murphy ( Carrick on Suir ) 27.07 3 Ravis Zakis ( West Waterford ) 27;12. M 40 Pat Lannon ( West Waterford ), M 45  Yev  Chizhikov do M 50 Ray Hahessy  do, M 55 Richard  Meehan  Ballynonty, Junior Jamie Mc Carthy ( Waterford ).Women  1 Maeve Fenton   ( NUI Galway)   32;20 2 Áine Roche ( Clonmel) 32.31 3 Angela  Mc Cann do 32;38. F 35 Caroline O'Donoghue ( Clonmel ) F 40 Karen Ryan (   West Waterford ) F 45 Anna Byrne( Clonmel ) F 50 Phylss Flynn ( West Waterford)  170 competed and proceeds went to Jamie Wall Fund.

Munster B Juvenile Championships

Two athletes from Finisk Valley won titles at the Munster B Juvenile Championships in Ennis on Saturday last. Caoimhe Reynolds won the under 12 high jump and was second in the shot putt and  Corey  Scanlon  won the under 10 long jump and was third in the 500 m.

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Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Two races for Thomas Barr this week end

Fresh from his World University Games victory on Friday week last in South Korea Thomas Barr is back in action this week end in Dublin and London on successive evenings in 400 metres hurdle races On Friday he competes in the Morton Games in Santry Stadium in Dublin and on Saturday he is in the Diamond League meeting in London against a world class field. In this race he may well get the chance to beat his Irish record of 48.65 seconds as to make an impact in the World Championship in Beijing in late August it would appear he may have to be capable of running close enough to 48.2 or 48.3   On Friday in Dublin Kelly Proper competes in the 200 metres again chasing a world qualifying time of 23.20 She clocked 23.36 in Lucerne last week finishing 4 th in her race and Niall Tuohy is in the 800 metres he had a good run in Heusden in an 800 metres on Saturday finishing second in 1.49.3

European Youth Olympics

Órlaith O'Brien Ferrybank AC is on the Irish team in the javelin for the European Youth Olympics in Tiblisi Georgia which takes place from July 25 th to August 1 st.

 Annual Ballymacarbry Race on Friday 

On Friday next July 24 th the 20 th Annual Doocey's bar Balymacarbry 5 miles road race starts at 7.30 pm and entries will be taken at the Community Centre in Ballymacarbry from 6.30 pm. its race 9 in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series. On Friday week July 31 st the final race in the Outfield Sports Series the Morris Oil 10 km is in Piltown Co Kilkenny at 7.30 pm.

National Master's Championships

Tullamore will host the GloHealth National Masters Track and field Championships on Sunday next with many from Waterford clubs competing in various age groups men. and women,first event at 11 am 

Munster ( B ) Juvenile Championships

Ennis is the venue on Saturday next for the Munster ( B ) juvenile Track and Field Championships and they begin at  11 am.

 Schools International

Three athletes from Waterford schools were in Grangemouth Glasgow on Saturday last representing Ireland in an International match. Once again Órlaith O'Brien Ursuline Convent  rose to the occasion to win the javelin event with a throw of 46.56 metres, Diarmuid Clancy Mean Scoil San Nioclás  was 5 th in the 400 metres hurdles in 59.13 and Anne Corcoran Ursuline was 6 th in the shot putt with 11.69 metres. England won the match with Ireland second in front of and Scotland. Wales. 

Gno Na Gaoithe Athletics at RSC

This evening Tuesday at 7 pm an unusual athletic event takes place at the RSC for senior athletes. In  sprints, hurdles,j avelin and high jump  allevents will be held with the wind at the back of the competitors and many of Ireland's top senior athletes will be competing,entries are close

Clashmore details

The following are the results from the 14 th Annual Old Still Bar 5 miles road race in Clashmore on Thursday last another race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins series

Men 1 Frank Hayes (East Cork ) 28;23 2 Patrick Hennessy ( ind ) 28.52 3 John Leahy ( West Waterford ) 29.09. Category winners;M 40 Peter Duggan ( St Joseph's ) M 45 Yev Chizhikov ( West Waterford ) M 50 Ray Hahessy ( do ) M 55 Walter Keane ( Waterford ) Junior Jamie Mc Carthy do.Ladies1 Sandra Prendergast ( West Waterford ) 34.49 2 Marie Mahony ( ind ) 36;15 3 Leonora Kiely (West Waterford ) 38.07. F 35 Órna Breatnach ( West Waterford ) F 40 Catherine Kiely do, F 45 Brigid Coffey do F 50 Bernie Prendergast do Junior Ó   rnaith Keane ( ind )  90 competed

Woodstown Co Waterford Annual 5 Miles Road Race

130 competed in the Annual Alan Everett Memorial 5 miles Road Race in Woodstown on Friday last and Barry Keane Waterford AC was the very impressive winner in 26 minutes 32 seconds, Niall Sheil ( St Killians ) was second in 26;41  and Noel Murphy ( Waterford ) was third in  27;41. The following were the male category winners M 40 David Smyth ( Waterford ) M 45 Pat Bookle ( St Joseph's )  M 50 Jamesre Grant (ind ) M 55 Brendan Quinn ( Ferrybank ) M 60 Joe Gough ( West Waterford ) Junior Fiachra Mahony ( Waterford ). Jacqui Carthy ( Kilmore ) was first lady home in 30.29, Sally Forristal ( St Joseph's ) was second in 32;35 and  Elaine O'Donovan do was third in  33;31. Junior Niamh Casey ( Ferrybank) F 35 Katherine Grant ( Balance Fitness ) F 40 Susan Lanigan ( St Joseph's ) F 45 Sharon Flynn ( Waterford ) F 50 Gerladine Houlihan ( Carrick on Suir ) F 55 Kathleen Kennedy  Waterford ).proceeds went to Coast Guard.

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Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

World University Games appearance for Thomas Barr

In Gwanju South Korea this week Thomas Barr lines up in another major Championship against some of the Worlds top athletes. At the World University Games he could  have a gruelling few days of competition if he progresses to the final of the 400 metres hurdles. Depending on the number of entries received which hadn't been confirmed at time of writing it may be necessary to run heats,semi final and final on successive days. The heats are listed for Wednesday morning at 8.30 am Irish time, the semi finals on Thursday at 6.50 am and the final on Friday at 11 am.  If smaller  entries than anticipated there may be semi finals and final only on dates and times to be decoded.There is an expectation that Thomas will reach the final and challenge for a medal.

Kelly wins in Germany

On Sunday Kelly Proper had another International victory at a meeting in Rhede in Germany. She won the 200 metres race in 23.43 seconds and it was against a stiff wind.she is expected to run in the Cork City Sports this evening Tuesday as is Niall Tuohy. In the USA  Kevin Cooper had two wins in races in the Boston area last week a 5000 metres in 15 minutes 5 seconds and a two miles in 9 minutes 10 seconds.

National Junior and under 23 Championships

In Tullamore on Sunday a small number of athletes from Waterford clubs competed at the GloHealth National Junior and under 23 Championships and a number of medals were won including two gold.The winners were Phoebe Murphy Ferrybank in the 200 metres  junior in 24.53 seconds and Lisa Houlihan West Waterford in the under 23 pole vault with 2.80 metres,  Seamie Fennell West Waterford was second in the junior pole vault and  Yurig Kanass do was third , another athlete from the same club Megan O'Connor was also third in the junior pole vault and Megan  Kiely  Ferrybank  was third in the under 23  400 metres hurdles. On Sunday Phoebe Murphy was selected on the Irish team for the European Junior Championships in Eskilstuna,Sweden from July 16 th to 19 th. in the 200 metres and 4 X100  Metres relay team.

National juvenile Results

On Day 1 of the Glo HealthNational Juvenile Championshipsin Tullamore on Saturday last  the following were the Waterford results.For Ferrybank there were two silver medals won by Anne Corcoran in the shot putt under 17 and Lauren Sheils under 12 high jump and Kylie Heinen was third in the under 14 high jump. West Waterford won a silver medal with Aoife Hamilton in the steeplechase under 18 and Eoghan Flynn took the bronze medal in the under 18 javelin with a personal best throw of 54.04 metres. Waterford AC had two bronze medal winners Grace Furlong in the long jump under 18 and Cathal Scanlon in the under14 javelin.

Wexford winners in Marine Climb Race

105 competed in the 21 st Annual Marine Climb 6 miles Road Race in the Dungarvan area on Friday last another race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series. and there were Wexford winners of both the men's and women's sections. Niall Sheil St Killians led the men home in 33 minutes 56 seconds ,Brian Murphy Carrick on Suir was second in 34.34 and Ravis  Zakis West Waterford was third in 35.11. Jacqui Carthy Kilmore  was first lady home in 39.01, Sandra Prendergast was second in 43.07 and Liz  Nnyhan was third in 44.52 both West Waterford. The following were the age category winners. Men M 40 Peter  Duggan St Joseph's,M 45  Yevgeniy Chizikov, M 50 Rah Hahessy both West Waterford,M 55 Walter Keane,Junior Jamie Mc Carthy both Waterford. Women F 35 Patricia  Daly Youghal 59.30, F 40 Caitriona Kiley West Waterford, F 45 Libby Mc Ginn Murphy do, F50 Margaret Conway do 

National Juvenile Day Two and Three

Tullamore will be the venue on Saturday and Sunday next for the next two days of the GloHealth National Juvenile Track and Field Championships and they begin both days at 10 am and there will be two long days of competitions. Many athletes from Waterford clubs will be competing and full timetable is available on Athletics Ireland Website.

Rathgormack Five Miles

Another race in the Outfield sports 3 County Challenge Series the  Autopower Rathgormack 5 miles is on this Friday at 7.30 pm and entries at the venue from 6.30 pm On Thursady July 16 th the rescheduled  Clashmore 5 miles is at 8 pm another race in the Ger Wyley Sports Skins Series and the following evening  Friday July 17 th the Alan Everett Memorial 5 miles is in Woodstown at 7 pm

RSC Event 

Tuesday evening July 21 st at the RSC for senior athletes there's a Tón Na Ghaoithe  ( Wind at your back) meeting. Events include 100 m,Sprint Hurdles , two invitational 200 metres races,javelin and high jump.More details to follow or see Athletics Ireland website.

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Marathon races were very successful and enjoyable events

Almost 2000 competed in the WLR/ FM Viking Marathon,Half Marathon and Quarter Marathon in the city and Tramore areas last Saturday and crowds came out all along the route and at the finish at the RSC to cheer on the runners from all over Ireland and abroad also,'the main beneficiary will be Pieta House The two winners of the Marathon were both favourites Tom Hogan Sliabh Bhui Rovers Wexford in the men's and the holder for previous two years Pauline Curley Tullamore in the women's and both won decisively. Mary B Ryan Jennings Waterford AC five times National Marathon champion set a new Irish record in the over 60 category returning a time on 3.35.02  Many from the Waterford area competed in each race and lots of charities will benefit from their exertions. The Gardai and many voluntary organisations and volunteers helped out and overall it was a most enjoyable event and a major undertaking by the organisers..The following are the main results of each race with full results available on Precision Timing. com Marathon Men 1 Tom Hogan (Sliabh Bhui Rovers) 2.33.13  2  Paul Lynch do 2.36.05 3 Alain Mc Claren (Stade Geneve ) Switzerland 2.37.45. Women 1 Pauline   Curley ( Tullamore) holder 2.52.38 2 Sally Forristal ( St Joseph,s ) 3.14.24 3 Sandra Lynch ( Kilcoole) 3.23.34. Wheelchair Gerry Forde Blarney Half Marathon Men 1 Freddie Keron Sittuk  ( Raheny  Shamrocks ) 70.46 2 David Mansfield ( Clonliffe ) 70.53 3 Keith Russell ( Reading ) 75.17. Women 1 Ann Marie Holland ( Youghal 73.46 2 Tara Malone ( Enniskillen ) 78.24 3 Anne Dorris ( Midleton ) 79.54. Qtr Marathon Men 1 Alan O'Shea ( Bantry ) 34.06 2 Noel Murphy ( Waterford ) 36.03 3 Ruari O Donnell ( Ferrybank ) 36.39, Women 1 Sandra Fitzpatrick ( Ballyroan/Abbeyleix )  46.51 2 Janet Quinlan ( Saturday Road Runners ) 46.58 3 Melisa Murphy ( Ind ) 47.04 Locals among the category winners were as follows; Marathon M 40  Brian Murphy ( Carrick on Suir) 4th overall,  Half Marathon M 50 Martin Mc Carthy ( West Waterford ) M55 Una Ui Mhuirrithe ( Ind ) Qtr Marathon M 45 Ray Hahessy ( West Waterford )

International Results

On Thursday last Kelly Proper ran a seasons best in finishing second in a 200 metres race at a Grand Prix meeting in Stockholm. She clocked 23.24 seconds which is just outside the World Championship qualifying standard of 23.20.On Saturday she was in action in Nivelles Belgium in a 100 metres race and finished 4 th in her heat with a personal best time  of 11.57 seconds and also finished 4 th in the final with 11.59. At the same meeting Ben Kiely was third in a 400 metres hurdles in 53.16. and James Ledingham West Waterford was 8 th in an 800 metres in 1.52.5. In Manheim in Germany Phoebe Murphy was 4 th in a 100 metres B final in 12.04 seconds and in Walford near Manchester also on Saturday Niall Tuohy was  a very close 4 th in a very rough 800 metres in 1.49.49  the race was won in 1.49.05 and at the same meeting Seán Curran West Waterford ran a personal best of 3.56.57 in the 1500 metres..  In Dublin;s Phoenix Park on Saturday afternoon Brendan Quinn was 7 th in the Irish Runner Five Miles road race. in 25.01.the race was won by Mick Clohessy Raheny in 23.47. 

Munster Senior and Masters

At the Munster Championship meeting in Templemore Ferrybank had two senior winners Andrew Connick in the 5000 metres and Neasa Murphy in the high jump,Pat Kennedy won the over 55 hammer. For Waterford AC Kevin Fitzgerald was second in the senior javelin and shot putt and In the masters the following were their winners; Pascal Halley o45 long jump ,800m, high jump,400m, Martin Halley o 50 100 m,Claudia Lane Mary o 45 800m, Nicola Hayes o 35 100m, high jump and discus, PJ Guinan o45 1500m, Walter Keane o 55 3000 m,Jacinta  Power o 40 discus Johnathan Brazil o 35 javelin Suzanne Dullaghan o 40 400m, men's 4 x 100 m relay. For West Waterford in the Master's Joe Gough had a treble in the over 60 200,400 and 800 metres. the other winners were; Harry O'Brien 1500m o 50 and Brendan Moran 055 100m. for Tramore Shirley Fennelly won the 200 m,long jump and javelin o 45.  Each club won silver and bronze medals also. 

Community Games Finals

Ten Communities participated in the County Community Games Athletics finals at the RSC on Sunday last in very pleasant conditions.After a parade of all the Communities Edel Morrissey Chairperson of the Waterford Community Games welcomed all  and thanked all the volunteers. The games pledges were then read by Mark Hartery Tramore in English and by Murphy in Irish from CARA. The award for best turned out Community went to Ballyduff Upper and Tramore won the Best Overall community from Aglish/Ballinameela and Ballyduff Upper..

National  Championships in Tullamore

This week end sees two National Championship fixtures in Tullamore on Saturday and Sunday. Day 1 of the National Juveniles goes ahead on Saturday starting at am and going on all day until 5.30 pm . On Sunday its the national Junior and under 23 fixture and that starts at .On Both days lots of athletes from Waterford clubs will and as usual titles are expected to the county. be competing

Cork City International Sports

On Tuesday next the Annual Cork City International Sports will have top class entries from many countries and Waterford's best will be among them including Kelly Proper and Niall Tuohy.

More Fixtures

Other July fixtures; Wednesday 8 th to Tuesday 14 th World University Games in Korea,( Thomas Barr competing).  Saturday and Sunday 11 th and 12 th National Juvenile Day's 2 and 3 Tullamore, Wednesday 15 th to 19 th World Youth Championships, Colombia,Thursday 16 th too Sunday 19 th European Junior Championships Sweden 

Road Races

Friday July 10 th Outfield Sports 3 County Challenge Rathgormack 5 miles 7.30 pm Friday July 17 th Alan Everett Memorial 5 miles Woodstowmn 7 pm.    

Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

4th Annual WLR/FM Viking Marathon on Saturday

Another great days sport and enjoyment is forecast for the WLR/FM Viking races on Saturday next over the full Marathon distance; half marathon and quarter marathon starting near City Hall at 9 pm. Parts of the inner city will be covered and for the Marathon itself the runners will hit theTramore area with all finishes at RSC with lots of bands and sideshows along the route and at the RSC. Course details can be found on the Marathon website All participating are asked to obey the stewards at all times, and avoid running any more than three abreast at any time and be aware of cats eyes on roads which if covered up by too many runners spread out in front can be a problem re tripping Take water on board during the event and motorists are advised of delays around the route. A special request to those who have entered and find they are not able to compete on Saturday, please do not give your number to someone else to run as this causes havoc to those making up results, In the past men have given their numbers to women and vica versa and its not rocket science to know what that means to the result system. No entries on the day and entries closed earlier this week.

Thomas has two more fine runs

Competing in another world class 400 metres hurdles in Herakloin in Greece for Ireland in the European Team Championship League 1 on Saturday Thomas Barr finished second in 49.66 seconds just behind the winner Rasmus Magi Estonia who clocked 49.59 and   Keirium  Hassan Switzerland was third in 49.96 the winner was second in the European Championships last year.Then on Sunday Thomas ran a blinder on the Irish 4 x 400 metres relay team. Running second he took over the baton in 4 th   spot but he handed it over giving Ireland the lead and in a close finish the team were third. Ireland finished 6th of the 11 teams competing,their best performance ever in the Championships

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Limerick wins

At a meeting in Limerick on Saturday involving UL, Harvard and Yale Universities three athletes from Ferrybank competed and two won their events and the other was third.Niall Tuohy won the 400 metres in 47.88,  Órlaith O'Brien won the javelin and Phoebe Murphy was third in the 100 metres in 12.04. In Bedford on Saturday Ben Kiely finished second in his heat of the 400 metres hurdles at the under 23 English Championships in 52.64 and finished 4 th in the final on Sunday in 53.07.

Munster Senior and Masters Championships

Templemore is the venue on Sunday next for the Munster Senior and Master's Track and Field Championships and Waterford will be well represented at the fixture which gets under way at 10 am for the hammer event and walks at 11 am.

International Races

On Thursday Kelly Proper runs in Gothenburg and on Saturday in Nivelles in Belgium in 200 metres races,  and Ben Kiely also runs there in a 400 metres  hurdles. On Saturday Phoebe Murphy is in Mannheim,Germany in a 100 metres Niall Tuohy is in Manchester for an 800 metres.

National fixtures in Tullamore

On Saturday and  Sunday next two National under age fixtures are in Tullamore the Combined events for under 14 to 16 on Saturday and the National Children's Games under 9 to 11 as well as the relays in the same age groups on Sunday.Looking ahead to the next week end Tullamore is also the venue on Saturday July 4 th for Juvenile Championships day 1 and on Sunday July 5 th National Junior and under 23 championships 

 HSE Community Games Finals

On Sunday next at the RSC with an 11 am start the County Community Games Athletic Finals take place with Communities competing from all over the County.

Órlaith sets another record

Several athletes from Waterford schools competed in the Tailteann Games under 17 Inter Provincial Track and Field meeting in Morton Stadium on Friday last and Órlaith O'Brien Ursuline Convent had yet another record breaking victory in the javelin with a throw of 45.67 metres beating the old mark by over 2 metres, Aoife Hamilton Meanscoil San Nioclás was second in the steeplechase,Diarmuid Clancy do was second in the 400 metres hurdles and third placings went to Anne Corcoran Ursuline in the shot putt  Kathleen Heery do in the discus and Orla O'Connor Waterpark in the walk

Murphy wins Dromana 5.

160 competed in the Annual Dungarvan Leader Dromana 5 miles road race on Friday last from Villierstown to Cappoquin race 7 in the Ger    Wyley   Sports Skins Series. Brian Murphy Carrick on Suir won in 26 minutes 26 seconds,Danny Smyth Ballynonty Tipperary was second in 27.24  and John Leahy West Waterford was third in 28.20. First lady home was Corina Walsh in 31.43,Sandra Prendergast was second in 33.29 and Diana Chizhikova was third in 36.39  all from West Waterford