St. Brigid's Athletic Club

St.Brigid’s Athletic Club On Track For The Next 50

Chairman Of The Board Page 5

A Man With A Vision For Unity Page 7

Belief In Role Of The Community Page 9

Loads of Enthusiasm for New Role Page 12

Delighted With Coaching Courses Page 15 Ben Brunton - Nurtured in Ballinacree Page 16

Picture: Club officials Ger Heery (left), Michael Heery, Frank Smith and Sandra Mulvey at the track in Ballinacree.

St. Brigid’s AC Focused On The Future

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50

BY CONALL COLLIER

More than half a century after it was established, St Brigid’s Athletic Club continues to be an integral part of Ballinacree and the wider north Meath community.

Established in November 1970 to fill a void in Meath athletics, the founding members included men with vision like Michael Heery, Joe Moynagh, Ned Reilly and Jack Guirke, an uncle of local TD Johnny Guirke who has provided enormous help and support for the club in recent years.

The formation in 1970 brought the local athletes together under the St Brigid’s AC umbrella whereas previously they would have competed with other clubs throughout the Royal County.

The inaugural committee comprised: chairman – Michael Heery; secretary – Patsy Coyle and treasurer – Jack Guirke. The first competition in which St Brigid’s AC was represented was at the Meath Novice Championships in Athboy where a six-man team achieved a fifth place finish.

Before Christmas 1970 the first medal was won when Pat Hussey was successful at a u16 race in Beauparc and on the same day

Michael Gilsenan won the Meath Junior Cross-Country title with a runner-up finish for the club in the team category.

Michael Farrelly had the distinction of winning a u-16 All-Ireland medal, the first national success for the club.

Twelve months on and St Brigid’s hosted the 1971 Meath Novice Cross-Country Championships and boasted the first three across the line with Michael Farrelly finishing ahead of Patsy Coyle and Michael Clarke.

The emerging talent delivered a Senior Cross-Country title, a Five-Mile Road Championship and a County Youths title.

Successful athletes included Michael Heery, Michael Farrelly, Patsy Coyle, Michael Clarke, Michael Gilsenan, Pat Hussey, Richard Colgan and Richard Balfe. The females atheletes were also prominent with Rosemary Gilsenan winning a Leinster Senior medal while Bernadette Treacy won a National Community Games title at

Mosney, the traditional home of the Community Games for many years.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

International recognition was achieved in 1972 when Michael Farrelly was selected on the Irish team for a race in Belgium.

St Brigid’s won the 1976 Meath Novice and Junior Cross Country with Pat Plunkett, Joe

Plunkett, Seamus Smith, Terry Dolan, Bernard Smith, Frank Smith, Tony Brady and Gerry Doherty comprising the teams. St. Brigid’s Athletic Club members Marese Cullen and Ann Tuite, won a number of national titles and represented Ireland at the international CSIT Championships.

A group of St Brigids AC officials, senior and under-age athletes from 1970 displaying some silverware early successes (from left): back - Benny Gilsenan, Michael Heery, Michael Gilsenan, Seamus Smith, Joe Plunkett, Fr Alo Connaughton, Patsy Coyle (RIP), Bernard Smith, Pat Plunkett, Jack Guirke (RIP), Michael Clarke, Michael Treacy (RIP); front - Sean Treacy, Gerry Doherty, Bernadett Treacy, George Plunkett, Joan Carroll, Michael Farrelly and Sean Gibney.

Terry Dolan finished second in the 1984 AllIreland Intermediate Cross Country and under-age members were also prominent in the club colours – Michael Smyth, Leo McEnroe, John, Ray, and Majella Ferrelly, Owen, Paul and Alan Gilsenan, Barry and Ciaran Culen and Clare McCabe.

St Brigid’s was also well represented in the Dublin City Marathon, first run in 1980 as the RTE Radio 2 Dublin City Marathon –Frank and Bernard Smith, Pat and George Plunkett, Michael Farrelly, Andy Geraghty, Sean Treacy, Pat Hussey and Fergus Smith were the initial competitors from the club.

George Plunkett won the Leinster Intermediate Cross Country in 1989. At juvenile level, won the u-11 All-Ireland Cross Country title, Karen Corcoran won the u-10 All-Ireland 60m title.

In the 1990s, the club won Division Two of the National Track and Field League – Beny, Martin and Brendan Briody, Michael, Gerard and Martin Heery, Karen and Noreen Monaghan, Olivia Dobson, Geraldine Dolan, Edel Lynch and Martin Bergin.

Gerard Heery won the All-Ireland Senior Cross Country along with 1,500-metre and 5,000-metre track titles.

Paddy Gilsenan was the first club athlete to win an Athletics Ireland national title, taking gold in the boys' u-10 cross-country championships. Elaine Plunkett was third in the national u-15 800m. Current chairman Gerard Heery won the Leinster senior 5,000m track title in 2002 and represented Ireland in the European Mountain Running Championships.

Eamonn Fitzsimons and Anna Edgeworth ran the 78 miles from coast to coast along Hadrian's Wall in England. John

McEntaggart competed in the Barcelona Ironman Triathlon.

Club members have also taken part in the Wicklow Way Relay, through the Wicklow mountains and finishing in Shillelagh.

Martin Briody and Joe Usher have taken part in adventure races such as the Sea to Summit Challenge in Mayo. Mike Ginnell completed the Burren marathon and Karen Crean won the Leinster masters' indoor 800m.

In 2008, Pat Plunkett was the driving force behind the purchase of four acres of land adjacent to St Brigid’s GAA club which has since been developed and it was officially opened in 2022.

The next phase of development is in the pipeline.

The current committee is: chairpersonGerard Heery; vice-chair - Frank Smith; secretary - Ann Lynch; treasurer - Mary Heery-Flood; PRO - Brendan Briody; Children's Officers' - Martin Briody and Mary Heery-Flood.

From Cross Country King to Chairman of the Board

By Conall Collier

St Brigid’s AC chairman Ger

Heery was a dominant force in Meath athletics for over a decade winning the Senior Cross County title on nine occasions between 1991 and 2007. He had the distinction of winning the last title under the auspices of NACA and the first under the AAI umbrella.

In all he can point to five Meath NACA and four Meath AAI titles, a unique achievement for a man who doesn’t actively seek the limelight.

He does, however, carry on a family tradition and remains an integral part of the fabric of a club that his father (Michael) was involved with from the outset.

This November St Brigid’s Athletic Club, Ballinacree will clock up 54 years and there are ambitious plans for the future.

“I have been chairman now for nine years and I’m really looking forward to making it a decade if I get the nod at the next annual meeting,” he commented with lots of enthusiasm for the role.

“I started running with the club when I was about seven years old along with my brothers and sisters.”

“When I started, all I had to concentrate on was my own running, my own performance, but when you get involved on a committee that brings a different set of demands.”

“Athletics now is more than just about the elite athletes and competitions, it’s also about fitness and health and well being of the individual.”

“We would have had two sections in the past, senior and junior or under-age, but now there is a huge social aspect to running although the competitive element

is there for whoever wants to take it more seriously.”

“We have lots of members who are not solely interested in the competitive aspect, they join initially to get fit or to improve fitness and their children are also brought along,” he added.

INCREASING DEMANDS ON ALL CLUBS NOW

With the now ever increasing demands on all clubs, St Brigid’s Athletic Club has developed an excellent relationship with the GAA club, also St Brigid’s, with adjacent facilities proving beneficial to each as membership increases.

“We would have close to 200 members across all categories and that’s an impressive number for a rural club,” stated the chairman.

“With more members, there are more demands and at the moment we have 16 qualified coaches in the club.”

“While Ballinacree is a rural area, we cater for enthusiasts from Meath, Westmeath and Cavan and we would have members from places like Virginia and Killikere.”

“There are neighbouring clubs in Cavan and Westmeath so anyone interested in any forma of athletics is well catered for.”

“ We have successful inter-club competitions, Innyvale AC (Kilnaleck) in Cavan and North Westmeath AC (Castlepollard area) and then in Meath we have Kells AC, Moynalty AC and Fr Murphy AC.”

“Those competitions are always a great occasion and beneficial for each club.

“We can now cater for all categories at adult and under-age levels, sprinters, long jump, javelin, middle distance and long distance, but that wouldn’t be possible without the facilities.”

“Once you have the facilities people will get involved and will stay involved, even if only as a social runner,” he added.

VARIOUS WAYS TO MEASURE SUCCESS

According to the chairman, there are various ways to measure success apart from the traditional one of silverware while the challenge for children is different now in comparison to when he was a juvenile athlete.

“Success can be measured in two ways, the traditional way of winning titles, either individual or team events, but social membership for fitness and health as I mentioned previously is also a gauge,” he explained.

“There is the ABC (agility, balance and coordination) aspect to coaching now. By that

I mean that children have to be taught those things now whereas when I was growing up I would have learned those basics in general play, running and climbing trees, jumping, throwing, but now they have to be taught.”

A LEARNING PROCESS

“Athletics is great as a learning process for children, the first competition they have is with themselves and they can measure their own progress quite easily.”

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We cater for enthusiasts from Meath, Westmeath and Cavan and we would have members from places like Virginia and Killikere

“It’s also good for the adults and we had 16 members in the last Dublin City Marathon, some of them came from the social group.”

“There is great encouragement for everyone and there is a level for everyone, a level that a person will be comfortable with starting out.”

“Our annual Oldcastle 5K is very popular and this year we had close to 200 starters, it’s

suitable for the competitive athlete and the social runner.”

“There were a number of runners from the club, Paul Flood was second in the M60, Aoife Burns and Eimear McGovern were in top 10 overall. Breege Reilly was fourth in F50.”

“I suppose a benefit from the Covid back in 2020 was the requirement for registration for activities and that’s something that we have retained in the sense that anyone who wants to use the facilities must register after an initial try-out period.

“Our membership rates are not exorbitant, €40 for adults and €30 for juveniles.”

“I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with the club, but I’m a small cog in a big wheel and everyone makes a valuable contribution,” he concluded.

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A Man With A Vision For Unity

Michael Heery spoke to Conall Collier about being one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) in 1999.

Michael Heery was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) in 1999 ending years of division between the NACA and BLE that catered for the sport previously.

There was, up to 1999, two organisations, the National Athletic and Cultural Association (NACA) and Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE).

Bringing the two together, initially on a two-year trial basis, was a huge achievement at the time for a busy farmer and dedicated community man who was also a prominent member of St Brigid’s GAA club, a husband and a father of six – Mary, Gerard, Martin, Patricia, Lorraine and Fechin.

Now, approaching his mid-80s, Michael Heery still exudes enthusiasm for all aspects of life around his native Ballinacree and wider afield with an ambition that St Brigid’s AC will continue to provide opportunities for boys and girls to develop as athletes and individuals who will contribute to society.

“If I had my life over again I don’t think I would change anything,” he said. “My parents ran a mixed farm in the shadow of the Loughcrew hills and I attended

Ballinacree National School, I was one of the last pupils there before the new school was opened.

“For many years the old building was vacant, but we eventually acquired it and it was re-opened in 1995 as Ballinacree

Community Centre, that was a proud day for me and a great example of what a community working for the common good can achieve,” he added.

1949 ALL IRELAND FINAL

Michael recalled the famous 1949 AllIreland SFC final between Meath and Cavan and the great rivalry there was at the time. It demonstrated to him how sport could enrich people’s lives and was something he never forgot.

“Ballinacree National School is less than a mile from the Cavan border and the rivalry was mighty, it was a friendly rivalry, but when Meath won, we felt that pride in our county even though we were very young,” he recalled.

SELECTED FOR RELAY TEAM

“I was selected on a Ballinacree National School relay team for a sports day in Kilnacrott in Cavan. The headmaster in Ballinacree was Patrick Connaughton, Fr Alo Connaughton's father.”

“I was one of four to make the team and on the day we had to run heats, but we won it out, got a cup and brought it back to the school.”

"It was there for years afterwards and we were all very proud of that,” he added.

Michael Heery became more involved in athletics and football. He was part of St Brigid’s GAA club and played in the team’s first championship match against Moynalty.

Progressing through the ranks, the role of National Athletic and Cultural Association (NACA) President was bestowed on the man from Ballinacree.

ONE ORGANISATION TO GOVERN WOULD BENEFIT ALL

The separate bodies governing the sport on the island of Ireland at the time –NACA and Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE) - Michael Heery felt that one Association would benefit all.

Determination and diplomacy were required and Michael Heery was the man for the job.

There were many days and nights, weeks, months travelling the roads of Ireland, talking to people, meetings followed by more meetings.

The game was played in Kells in 1963. He would be a prime mover in the formation of St Brigid’s AC some seven years later.

In the 1960s there was no athletics club locally, but Michael’s ability was noticed one day at an event in Dunboyne and he was asked to join Boardsmill AC where did well and was selected for Meath teams.

“I was with Boardsmill AC for most of the 1960s and I was treated very well,” he said.

“Although I didn’t have a car, they still collected me and brought me to races to represent the club in championships.” "Even when I was picked for county teams they would bring me.”

“I always had a great regard for those people, but Boardsmill AC went out of existence in the late 1960s so we decided to form our own club in Ballinacree,

"We called a meeting and St Brigid’s AC was formed in November 1970. That’s how it started,” he added.

Over the following years Michael got more involved in athletics, he attended Meath Athletics Co Board meetings and was proposed for chairman. Soon after was elected at provincial level.

“We eventually brought the organisations together, we put the proposal to a special congress in November 1999 and Athletics Ireland was formed,” he explained.

“I was NACA President for two years from 1997 until we merged with BLE. I spent two years as deputy president of AAI and then I did six years as president of the Association.

“It was a tough job. My two years as president of the NACA was in the lead up to the merger with BLE and it wasn't an easy time.”

A HUGE AMOUNT OF EFFORT INTO MAKING THE NEW ASSOCIATION WORK

“There were a lot of meetings and consultations just to bring our members with us and to convince them that the merger was right for athletics.“

“There was a huge amount of effort into making the new association work. People knuckled down and realised that the move was in the right direction and we all worked together. The members of the two former organisations gelled very well.”

“And none of that would have been possible without the help of my wife Brigid who was a huge support during all those years, covering for me at home,” he concluded.

Frank Smith Has Great Belief In Role Of The Community

By Conall Collier

Ballinacree man Frank Smith has a lifetime involvement with his local community having attended his local St Fiach’s National School followed by St Oliver’s Post Primary in Oldcastle and then onto Dublin.

There weren't too many sporting choices around Ballinacree in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but that wasn’t something that was exclusive to rural north Meath, it was the same in most areas away from urban centres.

The local GAA club, maybe an athletics’ club, some sporting activity related to school, that was about the sum total for young boys with even less options for young girls.

The St Brigid’s GAA club was established in 1963 and the St Brigid’s Athletic Club arrived on the scene in 1970. Both clubs would feature prominently for Frank Smith who was a good enough footballer to make the Meath VEC GAA team in 1977.

“I joined joined St Brigid’s AC around 1974, I was an enthusiastic teenager at the time and there wasn’t too many shows in town 50 years ago, a bit of Gaelic football and a bit of athletics, that was about it,” he recalled.

“Like most young lads at that time, you got involved with what was available, there also was football with St Oliver’s Post Primary in Oldcastle and I got to play for the Meath VEC team and we reached a Leinster final in 1977.

“It was difficult to stay involved with the GAA club when I went to Dublin, transport home wasn’t as easy as it is now so training was an issue whereas in the athletics you could train alone and meet up at the weekend to compete.”

RAN FIRST MARATHON IN A VERY RESPECTABLE TIME

“I was a reasonable long-distance athlete, anything from six miles and upwards and the marathon was probably the longest I achieved and I really enjoyed the running.”

“I did my first marathon in a respectable time of three hours and 14 minutes, but as I said earlier, I was an average sort of an athlete,” he added.

As the years moved on, Frank continued with the running, but also identified the importance of the volunteers who helped organise everything and that steered him in the direction of administrative duties.”

“I wanted to stay involved and as the running reduced I got more into committee work and that sort of exciting stuff,” he explained with lots of enthusiasm.

“I always felt that if everyone does a little it helps a lot and that’s why I stayed involved, initially, I helped out with fundraising, stewarding for a race, then you go to a meeting and end up with a job, I’m currently the vice-chair of the club.”

FUNDRAISING IS KIND OF EASIER AND MORE DIFFICULT AT THE SAME TIME

“Fundraising now compared to 20 or 25 years ago is different, it might sound a bit unusual but it’s kind of easier and more difficult at the same time.”

“When you organise a fundraiser now it’s easier to get the message out and people can see what the money is used for with the facilities we have now, the visibility aspect is important.”

“Initially, the GAA club provided access for training, but as sport evolved we realised that we (St Brigid’s AC) had to move with the times and we purchased land adjacent to the GAA club about 16 or 17 years ago.”

“Over that period we have managed to pay off loans and source grants and we have what I would classify as adequate facilities, but you just can’t stand still.”

“There is always something that can be improved or added that will benefit all the members and the local community.”

“You also need individuals to drive progress, we are lucky to have a chairperson of the calibre of Gerard (Heery) and indeed his predecessor, Pat Plunkett, to name just two people.”

“Pat was instrumental in the purchase of the land back in 2007 and then Gerard took the reins, but they both needed good

committees to work with and the community had to be brought on board.“”

My focus now would be more on the administration side of the club, running would be an effort to keep fit, the stewarding aspect was evident a few weeks ago for the Oldcastle 5k road race, we had close to 200 competitors and that requires a lot of organisation,” he stated

THE FUTURE OF ST. BRIGID’S AC

And what about the future of the St Brigid’s Athletic Club, the members and the local community? “My vision for St Brigid’s AC is that we would be capable of producing athletes that could compete at the Olympic Games,” said Frank.

“I made that comment to Pat Plunkett when we were doing the development during Covid, that’s a lofty ambition and it

would be a bigger challenge for a rural club than one in a more populous area of the country, that’s just a simple fact.”

“Our top athlete at the moment would be Ben Brunton, he ran two hours and 28 minutes for the Dublin Marathon there last year and achieved a 29th place finish, that was a tremendous result for him and also a great reflection on our club.”

“Aoife Burns is a very talented athlete also and she picked up medals in the 800 metres and 1,500 metres at the Meath under-17 championships this year.”

“Our strategy for development is to consolidate our position and then once we achieve that, look to the next phase, I would always try to be prudent in any decisionmaking on behalf of the club.”

“We got the timing right on what we have achieved so far in a reasonably short period of time and I’m sure we will manage the next phase in a similar manner with tremendous support from the community,” he concluded.

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Most Recent Development Opened in 2022

By Conall Collier

Some 52 years after the club was established, the official opening of the most recent development for St Brigid’s AC, Ballinacree took place in September 2022.

The 50th anniversary celebrations had to be put on hold in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

However, last month club Chairman Gerard Heery recalled what was a momentous occasion for the club and for the community in rural North Meath, an area close to both the Cavan and Westmeath county boundaries.

There was a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by club legends Michael Heery and Joe Moynagh, both men were involved in the formation of St Brigid's AC in November 1970.

The project represented an investment of close to €200,000 in valuable facilities which include a 120-metre tartan track, a long jump area, an impressive walking / training track and ancillary work.

Many of those involved in the local athletics community were in attendance along with other familiar faces and were welcomed to the new facility by Gerard Heery.

Among those who attended the official opening were AAI president John Cronin, Michael Cornyn (Meath AAI) and Johnny

Guirke TD (a nephew of founding member Jack Guirke).

"We would not be here today if it were not for the foresight of our founding members,” commented the St Brigid’s AC chairman.”

“Having missed out on celebrating our 50th anniversary due to Covid we take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of two of our founding members who are still active in the club today, Michael Heery and Joe Moynagh.”

"We would also like to remember some of our past members, Patsy Coyle our first secretary, Jack Guirke our first treasurer, Paddy Lord who provided the first dressing room for the athletic club, Marie Monaghan who served as secretary, Geraldine Dolan, an outstanding athlete, and former club coach Ronan Sheridan.”

“Also, businessman Benny Briody, who served as club treasurer, he was a man of vision and he left a lasting legacy in Ballinacree with all the employment he created," added the chairman.

Others in attendance included local woman Anne Gilsenan, formerly Tuite. She set world records for the 1,500m, the mile and 3,000m in the Masters category and also won world titles in those events.

A major step towards St Brigid's AC securing their own home was achieved in 2008 when the grounds were purchased.

"We acknowledge the work done by our then chairperson Pat Plunkett who was the

Athletics Association of Ireland President John Cronin (centre) made a special presentation to founding members of St Brigid’s AC Joe Moynagh (left) and Michael Heery at the official opening of the club’s development in 2022. Below: The Cutting of the ribbon.

driving force behind the purchase," added Ger Heery.

"It took 10 years to pay for the grounds and development to that stage. Then in 2018 we set about deciding what we were going to do next and in August 2019 a successful application was submitted for funding to the Sports Capital programme.

Ger Heery concluded by saying "We have a

lot of people to thank for their contribution to the project, such as Ballinacree Community Association for help with Leader funding, St Brigid's GAA club were very accommodating, Hughie Gilsenan, Breffni Moynagh, Ollie Fox and St Brigid's AC officers and members for all their hard work and the many local people who helped out,”

Loads of Enthusiasm For New Role

Sandra Mulvey spoke to Conall Collier about her role in St. Brigid’s Athletic Club and how she first became involved in running after hearing about “Social Running” through the school.

Westmeath woman Sandra Mulvey is an enthusiastic member of St Brigid’s AC. She helps out with the under-age coaching and training on a Wednesday night after her initial involvement came about in January 2023 through the club’s ‘social running’ programme.

Living locally, Sandra is a teacher at Gilson NS, Oldcastle, but she was never a member of an athletics club until she discovered the ‘social running’ membership that was established by St Brigid’s AC in 2023. From a GAA background, Sandra was a talented camogie player with the Ringtown club near Castlepollard in Westmeath where

her late father was a hurler and also used to train the under-age teams. “I moved into the area about a decade ago, from Westmeath, and I had no involvement with athletics in any form, but I loved running, I used to just run on my own and that was it really,” she explained.

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAULREEN GILSNEAN

“Camogie was my focus with Ringtown, my late father trained the under-age teams in the club and my mother used to run, but not with any club.”

"I’m a teacher at Gilson NS, appropriately enough following in the footsteps of Maulreen Gilsenan who taught there and was hugely involved in all sports and also with St Brigid’s.”

“When Ger (Heery) started the ‘social running’ I thought that it was exactly what would suit me, I found out about it through the school.”

AUTOPARTS

“To be honest, it’s not all about running around that track on a Monday night, but we have to make the effort and after we’ve all had a chat, the running will be tackled, but it’s in a real friendly environment and it’s not a competition,” she added.

However, Sandra also highlighted the advantages of involvement with a club and the opportunities it has provided for both herself as an individual and for the family.

“I used to run in 5k and 10k road races, but last year I did the Dublin Marathon and I got more involved with the coaching with St Brigid’s,” she stated.

“My daughter (Francesca) is involved now with the juveniles, she is six, my son (Iarla) is only five and not old enough just yet. “I always ran regularly as an individual because I would have been reluctant to join a club on the basis that I felt I wouldn’t meet the standards.”

“I can honestly say now that I was completely wrong in the way I was assessing the situation and I would urge anyone who has even the slightest interest in running, to make contact with a local club.

“At the moment I’d be classified as a helper rather than a coach, but I will be doing the **Little Leader course later this year because I feel it’s important that I give something back to the club.”

“If St Brigid’s wasn’t organising the weekly sessions for the children, from the age of six upwards, where might they be, probably at home looking at a screen or playing a computer game, we have to provide an outlet for our children now.”

“We went to a track and field league event in Navan about two months ago and there were lots of children the same age as my daughter and son, they were all running,

they all knew who was first, who was second, it wasn’t competitive and there were no medals handed out, but everyone enjoyed it.”

“It will get competitive when they get a bit older, but at the moment the children have to just enjoy the running for what it is,” she concluded.

** Little Leader is the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) introductory coaching course.

Geraldine Dolan Memorial

The Geraldine Dolan Memorial is an annual event for secondary schools hosted by St Brigid's AC in memory of a talented young athlete from the club who passed away at the age of 17 years.

Geraldine attended Moylagh NS and was a student at St Oliver’s Post Primary School, Oldcastle when she passed away suddenly

The Geraldine Dolan Memorial is a hugely important event on the St Brigid’s AC calendar each year and has grown in popularity since it was introduced.

The event had over 20 secondary schools with over 700 students competing in 2023.

The age groups are broken down as follows - Minor – Under 14; Junior - Under 15; Intermediate - Under 17; Senior - Rnder 19 with race distances ranging from 1,000 metres to 2,000 metres.

Points are awarded to the first 10 individuals in each race and there is also team competitions - minor and junior girls and boys (teams of four) intermediate and senior girls and boys (teams of three).

The 2024 Geraldine Dolan Memorial will take place in Ballinacree on Tuesday 8th October.

Gerry Lord

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St. Brigid’s AC Club Members

Land Prestigious Title of Ireland's Fittest Family

The St Brigid's Athletic Club flag was flying high in December 2023 when the Stratford family from Virginia, all of who are members of the club, landed the prestigious title of Ireland's Fittest Family.

The quartet comprised parents Patrick and Yvonne and twins Daniel and Barry.

The RTE show was in its 11th season and was sponsored by leading Irish

convenience retailer Londis.

In all, some 16 families were involved at the outset, all of who were vying for the title with the Stratford family who were coached by Donncha O'Callaghan taking the title.

There was further even success for Daniel Stratford when he won the Sliabh Liag Adventure Race in Donegal in May this year.

S2024 Snapshot

t Brigid's athletes have had a packed and varied schedule this year with prominent placings and impressive wins across the calendar of events.

AARON GETTY:

Had an impressive win in the Streets of Athboy 5k Road Race in mid-August to follow up on his strong second place finish in the 3,000 metres at the AAI National Outdoor Games at Santry in July.

SINEAD LYNCH:

Won the Lilliput Adventure Race.

AOIFE BURNS:

Won medals in the Meath AAI u-17 800m and 1,500m and also was runner-up in her category at the Oldcastle 5k Road Race and fifth overall.

GERALDINE HEERY:

Won Beyond Adventure Race in Creeslough to make it two-in-a-row and took third in the Quest Kenmare.

RACHEL BURGESS:

Won the Mourne Mountain Marathon

DANIEL STRATFORD: Won the Sliabh Liag Adventure Race.

BEN BRUNTON:

Enjoyed a number of good results including victory in the Leinster Indoor 3,000m

SIOBHAN KEARNEY : Was third in the Meath Senior 100m.

MICHELLE IRVINE: Won the Meath Masters 800m.

ALLAN CLARKE:

Won the Meath 3,000m and runner-up in 1,500m

SEAN MCDAID: Won the Meath Masters 3,000m.

LAURA RIMDEIKAITE:

Had a top 20 finish in the Donadea 50k.

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Tina Delighted With Coaching Courses

Ahugely important aspect of St Brigid’s AC is the coaching and development of the under-age members and Tina McLoughlin is just one of the many enthusiastic volunteers who fills that role with the club.

From just helping out with the club’s juvenile coaching nights to taking charge of coaching sessions is the road Tina has travelled in less than 12 months after she made the decision to get more involved.

She now looks after young athletes from under-10 to under-17 on a weekly basis and has benefited from both the inaugural Athletics Little Leaders course and the more advanced Assistant-Coach course, both officially recognised by the Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI).

INTRODUCTORY COACHING COURSE

“I did the basic or introductory coaching course here in Ballinacree last September (2023) and that got me up and running on what is a very rewarding and important part of the whole athletics picture,” commented Tina.

“An official coach from Athletics Ireland delivered the one-day course, it was hugely beneficial for everyone, basically we were all beginners who wanted to get more involved.

“I suppose the idea behind coaching is to help and assist the recipients and from my perspective, I found that the information was presented in a very easy to understand manner and it was very informative.”

“It’s probably similar in other sports also, once you complete the basic course you are then eligible to move up to the next level.

“My motivation was solely to help the club, I could see what was happening every week, the club was struggling for people to coach

and the numbers were increasing, that’s a good thing, but you can’t expect the same people to keep doing more and more,” she added.

Against that background, Tina made the decision that she could certainly help out

with the growing juvenile section and it’s something that she has no regrets about.

“I enjoyed the basic level and that urged me to try the next level, Gerard (Heery) was very enthusiastic also and he urged me to go to a course that was hosted by Cushinstown Athletic Club earlier this year.“

“As part of the second course we learned more and got more information, obviously, in relation to training and preparing for competitions, some of it is fairly common sense stuff when you analyse it, but it was a great learning curve.”

NO SPECIFIC TRAINING

“When I was competing as a juvenile there wasn’t any specific training, it was just running and then you did your best on the day, but now we have all the facilities here in Ballinacree and that will be hugely important for the development of the younger athletes into the future.”

“Maureen Gilsenan was the woman in charge when I was under-age and she would prepare us well for whatever events we were competing in”

”She did an excellent job when you look at what she had to work with in terms of facilities.”

Tina finished by saying “I can honestly say that doing the coaching courses was very rewarding from a personal point of view and I can also make more of a contribution now to the club by providing useful help and advice to the children,”

Ben Brunton's Marathon Journey Was Nurtured in Ballinacree

The GAA parish rule is relevant for Ben Brunton of St Brigid’s Athletic Club, a teacher at Virginia College. The talented athlete proudly brandishes a Cavan ‘passport’ although he is a long-time member of the Meath club and the prestigious Dublin Track Club.

The Brunton family home and St Brigid’s AC are in the same parish, but on either side of the Meath and Cavan border. Ben’s mother Breege is from Mountnugent and dad Sean hails from Oldcastle.

Road running is now the focus for Ben who completed his first Dublin City Marathon last October and he aims to improve on a 29th place (15th Irish) overall in this year’s event which is scheduled for Sunday 27th October.

Before that there will be the National Half Marathon Championship in mid-September. That will be the Charleville Half Marathon and the St Brigid’s clubman will be targeting

a top 10 finish in that event while a longterm goal could be the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

RELUCTANT TO SPECULATE

Ben was reluctant to speculate on that particular aspect of his long-distance running and for now the immediate focus is that race in Charleville followed by Dublin in October, all a long way removed for some cross country running in Ballinacree in 2010 and 2011.

His mother (Breege) is also a St Brigid’s AC member and the Virginia College teacher has three brothers, Jack is the eldest and Charlie and Ned are younger. The old chestnut, the dual player, could have applied to Ben until last year as he combined his love of Gaelic football with his equally strong passion for athletics.

He proudly cites the achievement by his GAA club, Mountnugent, in making it to a 2023 Cavan FL semi-final where defeat, after a replay, was the only item on the menu against a talented Denn side.

“I’m concentrating solely on athletics now, but up until last year I played Gaelic football as well with Mountnugent,” he explained.

“The club has struggled a bit for numbers at adult level for the past few years due to emigration, but has some good young players coming through at under-16 and minor and I have maintained my GAA interest as I coach the under-14 Virginia College team.”

“I also had a bit of success when I was studying at St Oliver’s Post Primary in Oldcastle, I was on the team that won a North Leinster u-16 Post Primary title about eight years ago and we went on to with the Leinster title as well”

LAST YEAR I DECIDED TO CONCENTRATE ON ATHLETICS

“Initially, athletics was really only for maintaining fitness for Gaelic football during the winter, but I really enjoyed it and last year I decided to concentrate on athletics,” he added.

The fact that Ben now trains on a regular basis with the Dublin Track Club is an indication of the potential that the Cavan man has for long-distance running after his early career that was nurtured at St Brigid’s AC and was solely focused on cross country.

Ben Further expalined “I have been running with St Brigid’s since I was under10, the club is in the same parish, but I just happen to live on the Cavan side of the border although that’s not an issue in relation to athletics.”

“Traditionally, a Wednesday night was always for athletics and Ballinacree is only about five minutes up the road from where I live.”

“Martin Heery used to do a lot of the under-age training, it was cross country mainly, but there was always some track events at Claremont Stadium in Navan where they had the facilities for the Meath Track & Field League competitions.”

“I’ve always run with St Brigid’s and get great support from the club, Gerard Heery used to coach me as well when I started and was always very helpful, everyone at the club is always encouraging athletes and I

managed to get some coaching from Sean Tobin from Clonmel.”

“Sean is a well known athlete in his own right and he has managed a 13:30 for the 5k, it was good to get in with him, to get an assessment and some pointers about how I might improve and it was a boost also to get into the Dublin Track Club.”

“There are athletes like Brian Fay, Hugh Armstrong, Andrew Coscoran, Michelle Finn, all top calibre, to get in there is a great boost for me, but I have to build on that and find some improvement.”

“Andrew (Coscoran) is a good friend and he’s a very talented athlete competing at the

top level, you can’t get higher than the Olympic Games.”

“Training with the Dublin Track Club is a real benefit and I’d be hoping that I can get selected for an Irish team in the future, a lot will depend on how I get on at the Dublin Marathon in October, that’s the big one as far as I’m concerned.

“I’m doing well enough at the moment, but I know I have to push on and get to the next level in either the half marathon or the marathon.”

THE MARATHON ALMOST TAKES ON A LIFE OF IT’S OWN

“I’m doing more road racing now, last year I was 29th overall and 15th Irish finisher at Dublin, I was reasonably pleased with that as it was my first attempt at the marathon”

“And to illustrate the benefit of the coaching, I could see areas where I can improve and that will be my target now in a few weeks’ time”

“The marathon almost takes on a life of its own, I train each morning and in the evening six days a week, the morning run would be about 30 minutes and the evening session would be twice that at least, on a Sunday then I’d be doing up to 34 kilometres,” he added.

The next target for Ben is the National Half Marathon Championship in mid-September and after that there will be the Dublin Marathon – both those events will give him a better perspective of where he is in terms of development and what improvements he has achieved in the past 12 months.

“I’d be hoping to get a top 10 finish in Charleville and then push on to Dublin in

October and improve on the 2:28 (two hours and 28 minutes) from last year,” he explained.

“I suppose I have to be looking at 2:26 as a target for Dublin and then see where that brings me in terms of an overall placing,” he concluded.

Every Picture Tells A Story - St. Brigid’s Athletic Club Playing A Vibrant Role in Ballinacree Life

Over the years, St. Brigid's Athletic Club has played a vibrant role in the sporting community of Ballinacree, establishing itself as a pillar of both youth and adult athletics. From their humble beginnings, the club has grown into a thriving environment where athletes of all ages can pursue their passion for athletics and competing at the highest level.

These pictures reflect the dynamic history of St. Brigid’s Athletic Club, highlighting its participation in countless local and national events, where both adults and children have showcased their talents.

The Adult section of St. Brigid’s Athletic Club has enjoyed significant success in numerous competitions, with members achieving personal bests, podium finishes, and representing their club at provincial and national championships.

Their commitment to training, teamwork, and perseverance is evident in these moments captured through the years.

The camaraderie among athletes, the shared victories, and even the challenges

overcome together tell a story of resilience and community spirit.

Equally impressive is the Children’s section of the club. From fun runs to track meets, the younger athletes of St. Brigid's Athletic Club have been nurtured in a supportive environment, fostering a love for athletics from an early age.

Many of these budding talents have gone on to excel in their disciplines, reflecting the club's dedication to cultivating the next generation of athletes.

The sense of joy, achievement, and personal growth is visible in the faces of the children as they cross finish lines, break records, and celebrate their hard-earned successes.

These pictures will pay a tribute to the countless achievements, the lifelong friendships, and the enduring legacy of St. Brigid's Athletic Club.

They capture the essence of community, sport, and the many memorable moments that have defined the club's journey over the years.

Wishing Continued Success To St. Brigid's AC

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Pictured left is Paddy Gilsenan of St.Brigids AC won a 2002 juvenile All-Ireland Cross Country title.

Pictured right is the St.Brigids Girls u-11 team that was runner up in the 2002 Meath Cross Country (from left): back - Elaine Plunkett, Sarah Connell, Niamh Plunkett; frontChloe Buckley, Kelly Allen.

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St. Brigid’s Athletic Club Looks to The Future

St. Brigid’s Athletic Club, having been a cornerstone of community sports in Ballinacree and its surrounding areas for more than five decades, provides an outlet for people to participate in athletics and has since grown into a respected and competitive club, well-known across the country for its community spirit, athletic achievement, and dedication to nurturing talent.

Today, the club looks toward a future filled with even greater success, while staying true to its mission of fostering inclusivity and athletic excellence.

From its inception, St. Brigid’s AC has been deeply rooted in the community. The club has always strived to make sports accessible to everyone. Community focus has seen the club not only nurture its athletes, but also offer opportunities for casual runners and beginners through various programs, such as social running groups, which continue to attract new members.

The club has long brought people together, helping to build a sense of camaraderie and local pride. For many young people in the region, St. Brigid's Athletic Club provides the first opportunity to experience the joys of competitive athletics, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

The club is often the focal point of many families’ lives, creating a multi-generational impact, as parents who once participated now bring their children into the fold.

Over the years, St. Brigid's Athletic Club has built a reputation for athletic success, consistently producing top-tier athletes. From local competitions to national championships, the club's athletes have brought home numerous accolades,

expansion and increasing its impact in Ballinacree and beyond. The club aims to attract more members from the local community, further develop its range of programs, and expand its reach. St. Brigid’s AC also recognizes the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of athletics, from improved training facilities to incorporating modern coaching techniques.

At the heart of St. Brigid’s Athletic Club’s future plans is the continuation of its role as a hub of community activity. The club is dedicated to maintaining its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, offering opportunities for everyone to participate, from serious competitors to those who simply want to stay active and social.

St. Brigid's Athletic Club also plays a critical role in promoting health and well-being in Ballinacree and surrounding areas, encouraging people of all ages to engage in physical activity.

The club’s social running groups are a testament to this mission, providing a platform for individuals to improve their fitness, make new friends, and integrate into the community.

reinforcing the club's status as one of the leading athletic organizations in the region. This success has not come by chance. It is the result of the club's commitment to training, development, and coaching. As St. Brigid's AC moves forward, the focus is on

In a time when many rural communities face challenges such as population decline and reduced services, St. Brigid’s AC remains a beacon of vitality.

By nurturing athletic talent and fostering a sense of belonging, the club ensures that Ballinacree and the wider region continue to thrive.