Longford AC

*** COMPETITION ***
A reminder that to be in with a chance of winning 2 entries for the Ray Flynn 5k Night Run on 11 October; please Like, Share and/or Tag a friend.

Winner to be chosen this Wednesday evening.

Event registration is open at the link (or scan the QR code):
https://eventmaster.ie/event/r4BoCPmS9y

The evening will also include the Ray Flynn Elite Mile races and a Primary School's 1k.

Ray Flynn Elite Mile, 5k Night Run & Primary Schools 1k

Get your running shoes on for a fun and novel event on Friday 11 October to celebrate Longford’s greatest ever athlete, Ray Flynn.

Longford Athletics Club are delighted to announce an exciting evening of road running to be held on the lit-up streets of the town.

Another summer of track action has passed and Ray Flynn remains the Irish record holder for the Mile over 42 years on from that great run of 3:49.77 in Oslo.

Along with showpiece Ray Flynn Elite Men’s and Women’s Mile races, the evening will have an open entry 5k and a Primary Schools 1k. All events will take place on closed roads in the centre of Longford.

Entry is now open at the following link (or scan the QR code):
https://eventmaster.ie/event/r4BoCPmS9y

Event Order – Friday, 11 October
7.00pm: 5k Night Run.
8.00pm: Elite Women’s Mile (entry standard - sub 5:30).
8.10pm: Primary Schools 1k.
8.30pm: Elite Men’s Mile (entry standard - sub 4:40).

• Ray Flynn Elite Mile: Some of Ireland’s top milers will line up to take on the classic distance with a total prize fund available of a whopping €3000.

• Ray Flynn 5k Night Run: This chip-timed mass participation run will follow the same town centre lap as the Mile with an extra section on the flat Canal pathway. The first 300 registered entries will receive a bespoke finisher medal. A Ray Flynn 5k Night Run race t-shirt may also be purchased during online registration.

• Primary Schools 1k: Perfect for younger runners, this shorter event will take in the same town centre lap as the Mile.

*** Competition ***
Like, Share and Tag your running buddy to be in with a chance of winning a pair of entries for the Ray Flynn 5k Night Run. Winner will be chosen next Wednesday, 11 September. Get tagging!

Registration / number collection will be on the race evening from 5.30pm at the Longford Athletics Centre, St. Mel’s College, Longford N39 XP92. Car access by the Bannon Terrace entrance only.

Held in conjunction with the Longford Town Night-Time Economy initiative and with support from O'Boyle and Co., join us on 11 October to mark over four decades of Ray’s status as Ireland’s fastest-ever miler.

Cross Country Fixtures

Saturday, 28 September – Castlegar Open, Galway Racecourse.

Sunday, 29 September – Co. Longford Primary Schools, Moyne CS.

Tuesday, 1 October – Secondary Schools Open, Moyne CS.

Saturday, 12 October – Connacht Primary Schools & Connacht Senior League Leg 1, Mohill Community College.

Sunday, 13 October – Autumn Open, Abbotstown.

Sunday, 20 October – Connacht Juvenile Even Ages & Senior League Leg 2, Moyne CS.

Sunday, 3 November – Connacht Juvenile Uneven Ages & Senior League Leg 3, Co. Roscommon venue.

Sunday, 17 November – All-Ireland Even Ages / Senior / Junior, Castle Irvine Co. Fermanagh.

Sunday, 1 December – All-Ireland Uneven Ages / Novice, venue TBC.

Time to get some running in ahead of upcoming cross-country competition!

Friday evening outdoor sessions begin this week for 3rd class and older.

⏰ 6.15pm – 7.00pm

Indoor Juvenile and Little Athletics resume in the last week of September.

Any queries to [email protected]

Fiona Gettings travelled to Gothenburg for the 25th World Masters Athletics Championship. 3rd place finish in the 8km cross country event and team gold for Ireland in the same event. No stopping Fiona.
Zoran Salopek ran a personal best in the Bord Na Mona Tullamore Harriors Half Marathon. John Scott fresh from running the Longford marathon completed the distance in 81 minutes. Michael O'Hara also had a good performance achieving a top 10 finish in his age category.
The Longford Sports Partnership Trail Run Series concluded in Newcastle Woods on Wednesday. There was a repeat one-two pairing for the third consecutive week by Rian McCaffrey and Dylan Ledwith. The remaining Longford AC competitors were Seamus Murtagh, Alexander Graham, John Farrell, Sinead Nolan, Tara Gately, Thelma Garvey, Collette Brennan, Eleanor McLoughlin, Robin Og Murphy, Julie Taitt, Sarah Taitt and Paul Newell.
We had members competing in numerous charity events over the weekend. Carmel Corr particpated in the very pink run which was held in Leopardstown Race Course. Patryk Prusak alongside his son completed a 5 kilometre run in aid of Cavan Autism Parents Support. Jacqui Mahon completed the Carrick-On-Shannon Camino walk consisting of a 34 kilometre hike.
Training continues on Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm after the summer break, meeting at the Indoor Centre. Hoping to see members out in force in preparation for upcoming events in addition to mental and physical benefits. New members welcome.

Longford Athletics Club invite applications for the position of Community Sports Hub Coordinator at the Longford Sports Hub (Indoor Athletics Centre beside St. Mel's College).
More information in the graphic.

1,200 runners approximately descended to the promised land on Sunday for the 21st edition of the Longford Marathon.
Conditions were far from ideal for running with rain and wind. Entrants had to persevere nonetheless and deal with the cards they were dealt with.
An excellent performance from John Scott in the full marathon completing the course in a time of 2:50:39. This resulted in a 5th place finish and the 1st Longford man home.
Anne Brady was the 6th lady home in a personal best time of 3:26:45. Anne was the first Longford woman past the finishing line for the 3rd consecutive year.
John Farrell also set a good time for the 26.2 mile distance.

Jacqui Mahon, Carmel Corr, Thelma Garvey and Tara Gately combined forces as 'You L.A.C. Nothing Yet!' to complete the marathon relay resulting in a top 10 finish. Well done ladies.

Barry Sheil finished in 4th place in the half marathon in a time of 76 minutes and 1st Longford man home. Enda Farrell had a strong PB run of 83 minutes for a top 10 finish. There were fine performances also from Stephen McDermott, Charlie Barone, Barry Hall, Nathan Fitzmaurice, Zoran Salopek, Seamus Murtagh, Colm Dooner, Collette Brennan and Philip Bannister - with Charlie, Barry and Nathan achieving personal bests on home turf. Ross Gannon, Enda Coffey and Juraj Karcak ran as pacers and did a great job.

Dylan Ledwith took the honours in the 5 kilometre race with an excellent time of 17:54. 4th place finish for Julie Taitt in the female category section with Julie having also competed on Saturday at the Community Games finals. Other 5k finishers were Adrian Wrobel (top 10 placing), Sarah Taitt, Eleanor McLoughlin and Marian Dennigan. Check out Adrian's race vlog at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvwQwU2t9yc

Our thanks to all involved in staging a great event with the hard-working committee rewarded with sold-out entries in all distances. Well done and many thanks to all the volunteers including club members Sean, Edel, Mick and Donal. The LONGFORD MARATHON goes from strength to strength.

Patryk Prusak travelled across the border for Sunday's Antrim coast half marathon acting as a pacer in the sub-90 minute category.

The Longford Sports Partnership Trail Run Series (Day 3) continued on Wednesday evening in Derrycassin Woods. There was a repeat one-two finish from the previous week with Rian McCaffrey and Dylan Ledwith.

Patryk Prusak and Enda Farrell were also in action on the same evening in the Castlepollard 5 kilometre road race. Both lads finished in the top 20 and 3rd place for Enda in his age category.

Well done to all our athletes doing our club and county proud this past week.

County Longford’s proud tradition in Community Games continued on Saturday at the National Finals in Carlow. Many brilliant performances on the day and congratulations to all the girls and boys for doing so well and for having qualified for All-Irelands.

The day’s highlights came minutes apart when Vilte Krasikova and Joe Rooney both won gold in the Under-10 100m. Having each placed first in their heats and semi-finals, the speedy duo lined up for their evening finals. Vilte, of Longford South, showed her class once again to sprint clear of the field to take the win in the girl’s race. Moments later it was Joe’s turn and the Mostrim speedster crossed the line first after a closely contested boys’ final.

Emma Brennan rounded off an excellent track season when winning silver in the U16 1500m and there were further medal successes for Drumlish-Ballinamuck with fourth place finishes for Emily Kane in the U10 Hurdles and Dean Mulleady in the U10 200m. Adding to their array of summer medal successes were Andrew Nolan of Lanesboro who won silver in the U14 Shot Put and Andrew Fitzpatrick of Clonguish in placing fourth in the U12 200m. Congrats to all medallists.

There were a number of finalists and many other excellent results recorded by Co. Longford athletes during a long day of competition which is excellently covered at the Longford Community Games page.

Good Luck to all the young Co. Longford athletes at the Community Games National finals in Carlow on Saturday. Follow the action at the live stream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXMFJvslXGw

Best wishes also to the organisers and participants of Sunday’s sold-out LONGFORD MARATHON with runners taking on a distance ranging from 5km to 63km.

September sees the return of Inclusion Athletics at the Indoor Centre. Coaches Edel and Mark will again lead the sessions for children with autism to participate in physical activities together in a supportive environment.

The weekly Thursday sessions begin on 5 September.

Group 1: 5.15pm - 5.45pm (Ages 5-8)
Group 2: 5.45pm - 6.15pm (Ages 9-12)

Cost: €20 for 4 weeks. Limited places available. Registration / more information:
https://buytickets.at/inclusionathletics/1356341

Patryk Prusak had a strong run in the Wild Atlantic 10 miler held in Ballina resulting in a 8th place finish. Solid performances by Michael O'Hara (4th in age category) and Charlie Barone in the Kilcock Royal Canal 10 mile run.

The Longford Sports Partnership Trail Run Series (Day 2) continued on Wednesday evening last. There was a one-two finish for Longford AC (Rian McCaffrey and Dylan Ledwith). Our remaining participants on the evening were Seamus Murtagh, Sinead Nolan, Collette Brennan, Jacqui Mahon, Carmel Corr, John Farrell, Marissa Hebron, Eleanor McLoughlin, Eoghan Mulligan, Julie Taitt, Jessica Neary, Robin Og Murphy, Conor Brennan, Finn Manning, Sean McDermott and Cadhla Golden.

All roads lead to Longford next Sunday for the annual Longford Marathon with races to cater for people of all abilities.

Gold for Emma in Scotland and top-eight for Fiona at Worlds 🎉🇮🇪

Emma Brennan put in another excellent performance on Sunday to take victory in the U17 1500m Steeplechase at the Scottish Championships in Grangemouth. In a close race, she showed her strength to move clear of the field and claim top spot on the podium. Congrats to Emma who has one event left in what’s been a long, but successful, track season when she lines up in the 1500m at next weekend’s Community Games National finals.

Fiona Gettings took to the start line at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg on Saturday for the 5000m at the World Masters Championships. It was a high-quality race featuring top athletes from five different continents. Fiona gave it her all over the 12-and-a-half laps running strongly to finish in a superb eighth place. One of Longford’s most talented ever sportspeople, well done to Fiona who continues to excel.

Best of luck to Fiona Gettings and Emma Brennan who will both be representing Ireland this weekend in competition ☘️🇮🇪

Fiona travels to Sweden for the World Masters Championships in Gothenburg at which she will run in the 5000m on Saturday.

Emma is a member of the Irish Under-17 squad competing at the Scottish Championships in Grangemouth and will take to the start line in Sunday’s 1500m Steeplechase.

Interested in coaching?

An Assistant Coach one-day course will take place at the Longford Athletics Centre on Saturday 24 August.

This is open to all athletic clubs.

The course will be an introduction to coaching in the running, jumping and throwing events. More details and registration at:

https://eventmaster.ie/event/KnRbHpnHGx

Connacht Athletics

John Scott made the trip over to the Isle of Man at the weekend as he notched up another sub-3 hours marathon with 2:58 and placed seventh overall. There was a top-20 finish for Patryk Prusak at the Kells 5k on Friday evening.

The first leg of the Trail Run Series took place at the Royal Canal in Longford last Wednesday with a great turnout of over 200 participants. Thanks to all that took part or helped out. The series continues at Corlea Bog (Aug 14), Derrycassin Woods (Aug 21) and Newcastle Woods (Aug 28). Entry is open at:

https://www.njuko.net/longford_trail_series_24/select_competition

Well done to the young Co. Longford athletes that competed at the Community Games Regional finals in Athlone on Saturday and congratulations to all qualifiers towards the Nationals.

Thanks to all club members and parents who helped us on Saturday at the Athletics Centre as the clearance work on the roadside of the building continued. Great work done in raking away/picking up the stones and setting the grass seed. This will allow for additional outdoor training space for the club to use in future. Trojan work by all under the warm sunshine especially by the kids. 💪

Thanks to:
Julia, Viktoriia and Roman; Colin, Ed, Ollie, Sophie and James; Carol, Bryan, Clodagh, Conor, Patrick and Joseph; Sinead, Donnacha and Cadhla; Ania and Tabita; Carol Ann and Sarah; Sean; Enda; Barry and Michael.

Fiona Gettings took home two gold medals following success in the 1,500 and 3,000 metre races in the 123.ie National Masters Track and Field Championships held in Tullamore.

Edel Nolan successfully defended her title in the Breffni Challenge 10 kilometre race. A very strong run from the young Michael O'Hara over the same distance finishing in 7th place. Zoran Salopek, Tara Gately and Charlie Barone wrapped up the Longford AC representation for this event.

There was a 4th place finish for John Scott in the half marathon with a solid time of 84 minutes. Stephen McDermott joined John conquering the Arva hills.

Patryk Prusak took the honours in the 7 kilometre race. He followed up his run by completing the Kilbeggan 10 mile race the following day. He was accompanied by Ross Gannon on the starting line. Both lads performed well finishing in the top 30 amongst a strong field and the wet conditions.

Jacqui Mahon completed the Bóthar Na Naomh Adventure Duathlon 2024 (2.5km trail run, 20km road cycle and 5km trail run)

Eleanor McLoughlin participated in the Streets of Athboy 5 kilometre race on Friday evening.

Juraj Karcak completed an ultra marathon of 100 miles with roughly 10,000 metres of elevation in the Alps of Tirol in Austria.

Well done to all members on their accomplishments over the bank holiday weekend.

Robin Óg and Yemi claim Silver at Nationals

Well done to Robin Óg Murphy and Yemi Talabi who both achieved second place finishes at the National U20 / U23 Championships in Tullamore on Saturday.

In the U20 3000m Walk, Robin Óg took the silver medal following another strong showing in the event to close out what has been a brilliant season for her.

Yemi secured silver in the U23 100m clocking 11.95 seconds. Just 0.02 off the gold, it was another National medal for Yemi who will soon return to the US to begin her Senior year at the University of Texas.

Fiona Gettings and Team Ireland break World Record!

An Irish team including Fiona Gettings broke the W35 age category World Record for the 4 x 800m relay on Wednesday evening in Santry.

Fiona joined Michelle Cox (Newbridge AC), Eimear English (Dunboyne AC) and Laura Frey (Lagan Valley AC) on the W35 team in this novel event which saw Irish Masters women’s teams attempt a world record also at W45 and W70.

Michelle ran the opening leg before passing the baton to Fiona who completed her 800m in a quick 2:16. Fiona handed over to Eimear with Laura then taking up the running on the anchor leg going on to cross the finish line with the clock stopping at 9:16.

This excellent time was 9 seconds quicker than the previous record held by the USA since 2011. The W45 and W70 teams also set new world records. Congratulations ladies!

The 4 x 800m relay can be viewed at (from 17 mins in): https://www.youtube.com/live/DQk5em5MNag

We wish Fiona well when she returns to the track this Sunday at the National Masters Championships in Tullamore.

Saturday saw the final day of the National Juvenile Championships in Tullamore at which Emma Brennan recorded an eighth-place finish in the U17 1500m final. Sarah Connolly placed sixth in her heat of the U14 200m while Marc Gilligan was seventh in his heat of the U16 250m Hurdles.

Plenty of good experience for our young athletes at All-Irelands over recent weeks with the club track season wrapping up next weekend at the National Juniors / U23s and Masters Championships.

John Scott conquered the hills and the wind in 84 minutes along the coastline of Loop Head in the Run Kilkee half marathon resulting in a top 15 finish.

Best of luck to Fiona Gettings who will be attempting to complete a new world record as part of a relay event in 4 * 800 metres alongside her Irish Masters colleagues in the W35 category on Wednesday evening in Santry

2 weeks to go until the return of the Longford Trail Run series!

The timed 5km events will again be at a different location on the four Wednesday evenings in August. The Royal Canal loop in Longford town provides the opening setting followed by Corlea Bog, Derrycassin Woods and Newcastle Woods.

Registration is open now to book the first event or avail of the 4-race bundle:

https://www.njuko.net/longford_trail_series_24/select_competition

Longford AC offers our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Sharkey family on the death of Damien.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

A very strong performance from Barry Sheil at the Irish Runner 10 Mile held at the Phoenix Park in Dublin mastering the course in a time of 54:49 finishing in 21st place from 1,683 runners.
Nathan Fitzmaurice completed the Longford representation on the day with a solid run of 82 minutes.
Training continues as normal for our senior members. Time to get into focus for upcoming races in August.

Gold for Conor to round out great weekend 🥇🔵🟡

There was further gold medal success in the Race Walks as on Sunday Conor Brennan took first place in the U14 2km. An assured and confident display from Conor who led from start to finish. Victory completed a double to back-up the gold medal he won at the Indoors in April. Congratulations Conor.

His sister Emma was back on the Tullamore track and competed well to place fifth in the U17 3000m setting a new personal best. Conor and Emma met Ray Flynn at the event with Ray present to see his niece Rachel Keaney (Newbridge AC) win bronze in the U16 3000m.

The sprints action dominated much of the Sunday afternoon session. With some personal bests set and finals reached, there were strong performances by El’Nathan Okoh (80m), Holly Rogers (100m) and Seán Grealy (100m). Well done to all.

All-Ireland Gold for Robin Óg 🥇🔵🟡

Robin Óg Murphy was back in action today at the National Juvenile Championships. A much delayed trip back from Wales resulted in getting home to Kenagh at 3am on Sunday. With just four hours sleep, Robin Óg was up early ahead of travelling to Tullamore with her U17 3k Walk the first event on the track at 10am.

From the start, Robin Óg took the initiative in the race going straight to the front. Showing no signs of fatigue, she built up a lead in the opening laps going through 1k in 4:42. Maintaining good form and great composure, Robin Óg held her position throughout to go on and cross the finish line for first place in 14:59.

A double gold for Robin Óg on a fantastic weekend 🥇🥇

Full credit to Robin Óg on the superb progression she has shown in the event this year and her dedication to training. This with the great support of family and a particular mention to Tuam AC where Robin Óg has travelled over to regularly to train with their Race Walks group.

Congratulations Robin Óg. Enjoy the well-earned rest!

Emily jumps to superb Silver 🥈🔵🟡

There was further success in Tullamore on Saturday when Emily Oge Nnachi won a Silver medal in the U12 Long Jump held as part of the National B Championships.

A brilliant opening jump of 3.80m secured Emily the medal which was the second longest effort of the 26 entrants. Congratulations to Emily who actually almost took gold as she was only one centimetre off first place in a very close competition.

Well done also to Julie Taitt who ran strongly in the U13 600m to set the 8th fastest time overall of 32 entrants.

Relay speedsters strike for All-Ireland Gold! 🥇🔵🟡

Our U-13 4 x 100m team of Adam Mulleady, Andrew Fitzpatrick, El’Nathan Okoh and Paul Aigbogun combined to win Gold on Saturday in the National Inter-Club Relays with a brilliant performance.

The boys’ afternoon in Tullamore began with a superb new team best time set of 53.71 seconds when taking the win in their heat.

45 minutes later, it was time for the final. The weather conditions had changed for the worse as the driving rain was going to make baton changeovers tricky. Yet the team weren’t put off – the handovers were slick and the running was fast.

Paul setting out strongly from the blocks on the opening bend before handing over to El’Nathan to power down the back straight. Adam took over and ran a brilliant bend before passing on to Andrew on the anchor leg. With a lead built up, Andrew showed his speed on the home straight to ensure the win. He crossed the finish line first, the clock stopped at 54.15 and it was Gold for Longford AC!

Galway City Harriers placed second for a Connacht Athletics 1-2 with Dundalk St. Gerards in third.

Congratulations to the boys who had prepared so well for the event under the guidance of coach John. An excellent achievement to win successive National outdoor relay titles having won gold in the U12s last year.

Thanks to Fiona for the great photos as always.

Gold for Robin Óg 🥇🇮🇪

Congratulations to Robin Óg Murphy who won gold in the 3km Walk at the Schools International 4-Nations Track and Field event today in Carmarthen, Wales. A strong performance by Robin Óg, who improved her PB by 22 seconds, to take the win by over a minute with Cork’s Aoife Martin in second place.