A Great War era Hollly Bough poster

Holly Bough 2009 Edition

The 2009 Holly Bough featured an article on the BARRS headed “58 years running: The story of St. Finbarr’s A.C.”, perhaps the 3rd greatest story ever told: Sorry folks, I must defer to “The Nativity” and “A Christmas Carol”. It opened with an extract from a 1960 Cork Examiner article headed, “A Famed Cork Athletic Club” penned by a young rookie reporter named “Will O’Herlihy”. Will, or Bill would later achieve superstar status with RTE Sports and Après Match. I’ve been lucky to get a copy of the 1960 Examiner article from Jack Lynch, Barrs member emeritus. Many thanks to Jack for that article and many thanks to yours truly for rummaging through the archives to dig up the original 1952 group photo.

A Famed Cork Athletic Club
By W. O’Herlihy

IT was a warm Sunday in the summer of 1951 and the four young men who gathered after Mass outside a Cork City church were wondering just how they would spend the afternoon to best advantage. The four, John O’Connell, Dick Day, Pat Bowe and Pat Hennessy, had a strong, active leaning to sport and when one of them learned that an athletic meeting was being held that afternoon by the Rising Sun Club he remarked: “Lets run there.” They did… and won two prizes. Thus, inauspiciously, came into being, the premier club in the South of Ireland — St. Finbarrs A.C. To-day, nine years after its foundation, the club has won every honour the N.A.C.A.I. has to offer, has a big, growing membership and some of its athletes have reached the highest pinnacle of the sport in Ireland. But perhaps the best tribute one can pay to St. Finbarrs is that the club truly embodies the Olympic motto:

 “The main thing in sport is not to win but to take part. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

Throughout the country the name of St. Finbarrs is synonymous with Irish athletics yet even among their legions of supporters and admirers little is known of its foundation. To many, the achievements of the club are facts, the beginnings mystery. No story of this now famous club can be complete without placing in its proper perspective the part played by St. Finbarrs Boys Club in its growth. For, in retrospect, it was here that really begun the dream that in such a short time blossomed forth into glorious reality. And each was closely associated with the other. The boys club was formed in 1941 by the members of the Legion of Mary under the direction of Very Rev. J. M. Cashman, now P.P. of Innishannon, Co. Cork, to cater for the youths of the city’s South Parish and the club competed annually against other similar clubs in football and athletics.

But such was the constitution of this club that when the boys reached the age of 18 years they ceased to be members and had to join outside sports clubs. Some of these lads later became famous — Frank O’Farrell of West Ham and Preston and Peter Desmond, of Middlesborough, the English League sides, both of whom played for Ireland in soccer, spring immediately to mind.

Such was the position that applied in the case of the four youths who ran in that Rising Sun meeting and when Fr. Cashman saw the result of their efforts he suggested that a senior athletic club be formed. But with one big difference…  for as well as catering for outside members it was in a special way for the “graduates” of the boys clubs, providing a social as well as entertainment service to the city of Cork. In this regard at the inaugural meeting of the athletic club in the old Scout Hall in Friary Lane on October 24, 1951, a constitution was drawn up that gave to the Legion of Mary the right to nominate three members of the committee. With Fr. Cashman as President, the first officers of the club were: Chairman — John O’Connell; Vice-Chairman, Dick Day; Treasurer, Pat Bowe and Secretary Pat Hennessy. Success has come readily to St. Finbarrs A.C. and the achievements in a short ten seasons read like a fairy tale.

Champion Club

In the past eight years it has been Cork’s champion club on no fewer than six occasions and has had its name on every trophy in the county and on many a national one. In all its members have won National championships on six occasions, Munster titles 27 times and in open, novice and youth events have won 104 county titles. In fact the total number of prizes won by the club now far exceeds 1,000.

The Cork County decathlon championship trophy has rested in the club since the inception of the event in 1955, having been won by Sean Moore (thrice), Pat Naughton (twice) — these two were also the Irish champions — and Pat Hennessy (once). The Cade Cup for the champion club in the county has been won by the club five times. This year they again finished well on top of the table but were ineligible to win the trophy as a motion passed at the Convention declared that a club not holding a sports meeting could not be awarded the cup. More is the pity that such a motion should have been passed for the original intention of the donors was that it be awarded to the county’s top club — regardless of whether they do or do not hold a meeting.

Thus the list of their achievements in track, field and cross-country events grows and it can be said with truth that they have reached the topmost heights under N.A.C.A.I. Rules. The list is indeed an imposing one and the club numbers quite a few crack athletes in its membership. Inevitably one wonders: just how would they fare in international competition and contribute fully to Irish athletics? But because of the unfortunate split in Irish athletics — surely no country can afford this, least of all one of our size — such competition is denied them. And not until this ridiculous situation has ended can we get an answer.

So much in so short a time… That in brief is the story of St. Finbarrs A.C. Until the country is united in athletics, may they continue to keep the name of Cork to the forefront of Irish athletics? After that, well, who knows what the future may bring?

Barrs first club group, taken in 1952

Front row, the four founder members. Left to right: P. Hennessy (Hon. Sec.), R. K. Day (Vice-Chairman), Rev. Bro. J. V. Hutton (Vice President), Very Rev. J. M. Cashman (President), J. C. O’Connell (Chairman) and P. J. Bowe (Hon. Treasurer).

There are just over nine weeks to go to the start of the Cork City Marathon 2013. The current entry fees remain valid until the 31st of March. From the 1st of April you’ll have to cough up an extra €10 and an extra €20 from the 1st of May. So, don’t be an April fool. Unless you’ve got money to burn, log on and enter before Easter Monday. Athletics may be a minority sport, vying for column inches with Pigeon Racing and Darts, but for one glorious (I hope) Bank Holiday Monday in June, the tunnel is closed, traffic diverted and Athletes given free rein of the streets. The city doesn’t do that for Football, Hurling, Rugby, Soccer or any other sport that I can think of. This is indeed a privilege and one that perhaps shouldn’t be taken for granted. Whatever your plans for the day, Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, Steward or Spectator, get out there and lend your support. Ah sure forget all about Cypress boy! Stay at home and prepare for a strong run on the Banks.

Cork City Marathon 2013 Entry Fees

The Cork City Marathon is also an ideal opportunity to raise much needed funds for local charities. For no other reason than it being first through the mail box, I’ll mention the Cork Simon Community. This organisation works tirelessly throughout the year giving assistance to homeless men and women. With the current extended cold spell, you’ll appreciate just how important it is to provide and a warm bed and sustenance to the city’s homeless population. If you’d like to help by taking part in a Run, Walk or Cycle, you can get a sponsorship card, t-shirt or running vest by contacting Nini on (021) 4929410 or nini@corksimon.ie

Cork Simon Community, St Nicholas House, Cove Street, Cork
Tel: (021) 4321051  Email: fundraising@corksimon.ie

Bitterly cold, with temperatures just 2 to 6°C in an easterly wind

According to the calendar, it’s holy week, the lead up to the Easter festivities. However, somebody’s forgotten to inform the weather man. According to Met Éireann, average daytime temperatures for the end of March should be around 10°C.  Not so for the coming week. Instead of south-westerly Atlantic winds, the prevailing wind direction for Holy Week is easterly and the source of the air mass being fed in across Ireland is Siberia.  Expected daytime temperatures will at best be only 2°C to 6°C with dew-point temperatures below zero. And with blustery easterly winds, the wind-chill temperature will in fact be well below zero.

Weather forecast for Cork region from Monday 25th March 2013

Thus, we can all look forward to a bitterly cold week. It shouldn’t be necessary to issue a weather advisory, but the reality is many people pay little or no attention to weather forecasts. If you’re planning to be out and about this week, especially at night, you’ll need to wrap up well. It’s not just the air temperature; it’s the wind chill factor, which can chill you to the bone in no time. Adopt the layered principle – two to three layers, plus a high visibility vest. And wear a woolly cap and gloves. You’ll lose an awful lot of body heat by exposing your noggin, and cold fingers can quickly lose their dexterity. Above all, be sensible and keep your core body temperature up in this type of weather. If core temperature falls by as little as half a degree the body starts decreasing blood supply to the extremities, i.e. the hands and feet. At one degree you’ll start to feel faint. Remember, if you get too warm, it’s very easy to shed a layer or two, but if you haven’t budgeted for the opposite scenario, you’ll start to slow down and the more you slow the colder you get.

High-visibility vests can also double up as very effective wind breakers. Around March/April, wind strength and direction can vary unpredictably. I always carry one of these vests either on me or folded in my hand, day and night. If I start to feel cold, I’ll put it on back to front to protect my core from the navel up to the neck. Not very pretty, but very effective! Finally, always keep a five Euro note (coins are heavy) in your pocket in case you have a mishap and need to catch a bus back to base. I recently twisted an ankle near CIT and had to limp back to the Mardyke on a bitter cold evening with no cash for the bus. Be prepared for the unexpected!

Moyglass Sports & Leisure Centre (left) from Moyglass Village

Registration for this event will be at the Moyglass Sports & Leisure Centre (Google: 52.525621, -7.720664). There are parking facilities at the Centre and in the disused car park across the road. Parking is also available (one side of road only) between Moyglass village (Google: 52.524166, -7.717885) and Moyglass National School (Google: 52.527815, -7.708454).

(Open Google Maps, copy and paste above numbers into the search box and hit enter)

From Cork City to The Hawthorns (Point E) is 105km (01h:15m). Take the M8 as far as Cashel. At junction 8 (Point A), take the R692 exit to ​Cashel/​Clonmel. Take 3rd exit at the roundabout onto R692. Take the 1st exit at the next roundabout and stay on R692.

Drive 7.6km to Point B and turn left here (Signpost Moyglass)

Drive 1.6km to Point C and turn left here.

Drive 3.2km to Point D and turn left onto The Hawthorns.

Red vests to the fore! Photo by Gearoid O'Laoi

A small group of hardy club members competed at the Munster Senior & Novice Road Championships braving the elements on a bitterly cold, wet and windy day in North Cork. The combined Novice and Senior races were run over a four Mile course in and around Newtownshandrum. 

In the Women’s race, club members Denise Twohig and Karina Teahan had top ten finishes in an overall field of 48 runners. Karina was also a scoring member on the Kerry team as they took the Senior title with a marginal victory over Cork.

Denise Twohig and Gill Cotter were scoring members on the Cork team as they edged out Kerry for the Novice title. With just three Women available on the day, the ladies were out of contention in the Novice race.

In the Men’s race, Alex O’Shea was first home for the BARRS finishing 15th in an overall field of 67 runners. James Philip King was a scoring member on the Cork team as they overcame Clare and Limerick to take the Senior title.

Alex O’Shea was a scoring member on the Cork team that overcame Limerick and Clare to take the Novice title. Club members Alex O’Shea, Philip James King, Martin O’Reilly and Declan Murphy were scoring members on the BARRS team as they finished runners-up to West Limerick in the Novice.

Glenn Dollard, Denis Gould and David Butler also put in strong performances in support of the team. Well done to all those who participated on the day.

The Munster Masters 4 Mile Road Championships take place on Sunday, 24-Mar-2013 at 1pm in Moyglass, Co. Tipperary. The Masters categories are Men O/35 & O/50 and Women O/35 & O/45. Please note that this is an AAI event, so participants will be required to wear the club singlet. Athletes representing Cork will receive a county singlet on the day.

Women County O/35: 12 Athletes, 4 to score
Women County O/50: 12 Athletes, 3 to score
Women Club O/35: 12 Athletes, 3 to score
Women Club O/50: 12 Athletes, 3 to score

Men County O/35: 15 Athletes, 6 to score
Men County O/50: 15 Athletes, 4 to score
Men Club O/35: 12: Athletes, 4 to score
Men Club O/50: 12: Athletes, 3 to score

Doubtless, many of you will have fond memories of the club’s last visit to Moyglass for the Munster Masters XC 2009, a veritable mud fest on a bitterly cold November’s day. Moyglass is somewhat off the beaten track, about 7 Miles due east of Cashel, and a perfect opportunity to put those Satnavs to the test.

Google Maps Coordinates: 52.524198, -7.717831

(Open Google Maps, copy and paste the numbers into the search box and hit enter)

Participating athletes must be registered (paid-up) club members for 2013. Please text or email your entries to the competition secretary [compsec@stfinbarrsac.com] as soon as possible.

The Munster Senior & Novice Road Championships of 2013 take place on Sunday 10-Mar-2013 at 1pm in Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork. Race H.Q. for the day will be the Newtownshandrum GAA Grounds. This is a 4 Mile race over a popular course previously used in the Ballyhoura 5 Mile series. Club teams can have up to 12 athletes per team with 4 to score. Please note that this is an AAI event, so participants will be required to wear the club singlet. Novice and Senior athletes representing Cork will receive a county singlet on the day.

Click here for Course details

The Novice & Senior Roads is a combined event. Novice means exactly what it says on the tin; i.e. open to athletes of all levels of ability. Last year’s Munster Senior & Novice Roads was held in Inniscarra, Co. Cork. A total of 37 club members turned up at the Ballyanly GAA grounds to collect their race numbers, the biggest turnout for an AAI event in 2012. Our Novice Ladies A & B teams came home in first and second place, while the Novice Men were runner’s up. Once again, the club is targeting this event as an opportunity for BARRS athletes to pick up some of those prized blue-ribbon medals and a chance to put all those hard training sessions to good use.

Munster Senior & Novice Roads 2012

Athletes participating in these championships must be registered (paid-up) club members for 2013. Please text or email your entries to the competition secretary [compsec@stfinbarrsac.com] as soon as possible.

Please  note that the Mardyke venue is unavailable for training on Friday 22-Feb-2013. For one week only, the regular 6pm Friday session will be held at the Bishopstown C.I.T. Track instead.

The annual St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club Awards Night takes place on Saturday the 23^rd of February, 2013 at the Plaza Hotel in Killarney. Club members, family and friends are cordially invited to attend this gala evening. If  you would like to reserve a room, please contact the Plaza Hotel directly and book in under St. Finbarr’s A.C. To get everyone in the mood for the evening ahead, there’ll be a club run on the Saturday afternoon meeting up in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel at 3pm.

Once again, the St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club Awards are kindly sponsored by John Buckley Sports, Ireland’s No.1 Running Specialists. The recipients of this year’s awards are: 

• Club Person of the Year – Trevor O’Neill
• Athlete of the Year – Cathal O’Donovan
• Most Improved Male – Allen Whitaker
• Most Improved Female – Gillian Cotter
• Performance of the Year – Cathal O’Connell (National Marathon)
• Team of the Year – BARRS O/35 Ladies – Geraldine O’Shea, Esther Murphy and Mary Sweeney (National Marathon Winners)
• Hall of Fame – Michael Dunne Snr.