We hear from John Meade…

Q. Where are you from?

Rugadh agus tógadh mé i gCorcaigh, privileged to be born and raised on Leeside.

Q. How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?

I started running with the Barr’s at the end of 2009, having taken up running earlier that year in the Dubai heat.

Q. What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?

At the moment, I’m focusing on anything from 5 km to half marathon, very specific!

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you?

Sunday long run starting early at The Marina is pretty nailed down. I do a lot of daily running and sessions in Glanmire na laethanta seo.

New cycleways and walking paths down there have been transformative from a running perspective.

I like to race frequently, so I do one session a week, usually longer repeats, KMs or miles at just faster than 5 km / 4 mile race pace. Plenty of S&C then in between the tunes.

Q. Do you have a specific goal for the season?

My goal this season is to keep running. Not snapping or causing rupture to any major anatomical structures. My goal is to work hard consistently and then hopefully get stronger and faster, even as I get older.

My goals are more horizontal, than vertical. I’d prefer to keep running through the years, than go all chips in trying to chase a single, short-term running goal. As runners, we’re lucky in Cork to have such a selection of local races to pick from, and I’ll race plenty of these. We’re spoiled really.

Q. What is your favourite athletics event?

I love the International Cork City Sports, is aoibhinn liom é an tráthnóna sin. To get such close proximity with some of the best track and field athletes in the world is something else. Leaning over the trackside fence as the action explodes is nothing short of awesome. Ahead of this summer’s Paris Olympics, Cork City Sports could be even special than ever.

Q. What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?

Nuair a thosaigh mé ag rith, I was lucky to fall in on Sunday long runs from St. Lukes with Cathal O’Connell and the gang. I learned so much sharing the miles with (King) Cathal, and those are precious memories.

Talking sparkly bling, I suppose being part of a gold medal team at the World Masters Mountain Running Championship in Clonmel in 2022 was a big day for me.

Q. Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members?

‘Little by little, a little becomes a lot’. Be consistent and improvements will come. Ask others for feedback and advice. There are so many training choices and variations out there, including non-running options. Something different works best for all of us. Discover how to make your own Goldilocks porridge.

Q. Any other comments?

Any of us who are training and running are privileged, we should always remember that. Getting to head off to a race is a gift, enjoy it every time. It’s great to be part of the running community here in Cork. There’s more to why we run than just putting one foot in front of the other, agus buíochas mór le Dia for that!

Thank you John🌟

If you would like to share your story with fellow St.Finbarr’s A.C. members feel free to fill out this quick questionnaire:

Member Spotlight – Share Your Story

Our “Meet the” series continues this week with Meet the Treasurer – Pat Murphy!

1.Where were you born?
Born in Greenmount in Cork

2.How long have you been a club member?
I joined St Finbarr’s at the start of 2019.

3.What was it that attracted you to join St Finbarr’s?
I’m not sure if I was attracted to join St Finbarr’s but if you know Dan Kennedy you know that he has persuasive powers.

I used to meet Dan whilst running in the ‘Farm’ and he suggested I should stop running the junk miles and join the Barrs and get some structured training. I haven’t looked back since.

4.What is the best part of being a club member?
Being of a more senior vintage I was a bit apprehensive about joining the club and wasn’t sure how I would fit in, but the club and the members welcomed me as one of their own.

That is the one special thing about this club, everybody is so friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. The club accommodates all abilities and there is a place in it for everyone.

Together with having the three most experienced and knowledgeable coaches in Dan, Eamonn and Marion, ably assisted by Pat and Graham makes for a great club.

5.Who is you’re your athletics idol/hero?
Not sure if I would call them idols but I always enjoyed watching Lasse Viren, a long-distance runner from Finland who ran in the 70’s and was double Olympic champion over 5,000 and 10,000m and would give the current generation of Africans and a certain Norwegian a run for their money over 5,000 and 10,000m. The competition between Coe and Ovett over the years at 800 and 1500m was also a great watch.

6.What is your favourite athletics event?
Since joining the Barrs I have given most if not all race types a try. I have run in roads and XC Championship races, but my preferred event would be the 800 and 1500m track events.

7.What club achievement are you most proud of?
I cast my mind back to a Cross Country race in Dungourney I think in 2021.It was like something you would see at a Grand National all lined up behind the start line. That day there were 56 Barrs athletes participating, and it was great to be part of that field. Not sure what we won on the day but the pride of being part of this club that day sits in my memory.

8.What personal achievement in your time at St. Finbarr’s are you most proud of?
Personally, I have been lucky enough to have had a little success across the various disciplines, which is down to the great coaching we receive, but my highlight to date would be winning of the 800 and 1500m double at the Masters National Track and Field Championship on a baking hot day in Tullamore in 2022.

9.What is your goal as Treasurer for 2024?
As I have just taken over this role from my mentor Michael Murphy my first task will be to make sure the books balance at the end of the year!

As St Finbarr’s is the club with the largest membership of Senior and Masters’ athletes in the County it would be great to see these numbers grow even more and that those who join will have the same fantastic experience that I have had since I joined. I am looking forward to our club having another successful year across all the running disciplines and seeing as many members as possible giving the races a go.

10.Who is your ‘’one to watch’’ for 2024?
There are so many fantastic athletes in our club both male and female and in the different categories of Seniors and Master that it would be difficult to pick one, so I will pick two.

My Male picks are Sean Twohig and Barry Twohig. Both have been in great form recently on the roads and the mountains and will carry that form into the rest of the year.

My Female picks would be Louisa Browne and Anita Locke who like the lads will be ones to watch out for in 2024.

There are also the many other athletes who may not necessarily finish on the podium but who give of their best at training during the week and who should also be commended and recognised for their efforts running in the Barrs singlet.

Thank you Pat 🌟

If you would like to share your story with fellow St.Finbarr’s A.C. members feel free to fill out this quick questionnaire:

Member Spotlight – Share Your Story

Q. Where are you from?

I’m from the US: I grew up in Goleta, California, a small town on the coast, but most recently I had been living in Boston, Massachusetts.

Q. How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?

I joined Finbarr’s in 2017 when my husband, Lance, and I moved to Cork the first time. I was a member for the year I lived here and rejoined when I moved back to Cork in June 2023.

Q. What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?

I’m focused on the 5k at the moment, and also plan to do some track racing, with a focus on the 800, this outdoor season.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?

Rest Mon, easy run Tues, track speed Wed evenings, easy run Thur, tempo track on Fri, ParkRun Saturday, and longer run Sunday; on my easy runs, I throw in a few 30 second strides; I also make sure to get some hills into some of my slower or long runs. I also do strength training twice a week and a lot of mobility and PT type exercises throughout the week. And I have been taking time to regularly do some form of mental training.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?

Pretty similar to a regular training week but without as much speed work, and I cut back on what I’m doing for strength work. So I would maybe do half the workout on Wed, and not as fast as I would on a regular week. I also make sure to do 3-5 30 second strides in all my runs to remind my body what running fast feels like and keep my legs snappy.

Q. Do you have a specific goal for the season?

I’m on a quest to break 20 minutes in the 5k, after years focusing on longer distances like the marathon. My current PR is 21:10, set last August. I’d be thrilled to reach my goal this year. I’d also love to PR in the 800, which I started running a few years ago. I’ve run a 2:53 and know I’ve got more speed in me.

Q. What is your favourite athletics event?

My favorite events currently are the ones I’m training for, the 5k and 800. They are both interesting challenges mentally and physically. And I love racing and training for events that are short enough that I can race them frequently. I love racing, so focusing on these shorter events gives me the opportunity to do that more often.

Q. What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?

I actually have two: the first time I finished the Boston Marathon, in the 2018 storm year. I will never forget turning onto the finishing stretch on Boylston Street and the incredible crowds. Running the 90km Comrades Marathon in under 10 hours last year is also a huge highlight for me. The course is really hilly and it’s such a long way to run, and also it’s just a magical event. That event will always hold a special place in my heart.

Q. Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

Run your easy runs easy and run your speed workouts at the prescribed speed. It’s important to remember what the day’s training is supposed to be about and stick with it. I remind myself: training is training, racing is racing.
Also, spend some time on mental preparation: belief in your abilities is an important part of reaching your goals.

Q. Any other comments ?

I’ll add that I enjoy the support of Finbarr’s and am thankful for all the people who work to keep the club running so well. It’s truly a pleasure to show up in all weather on track nights and have such a terrific crew to train with and excellent coaches to run the workouts. And being a part of Finbarr’s at races is always great fun.

Thank you Cherie and the very best with the sub 20. We are all rooting for you 🌟.

If you would like to share your story with fellow St.Finbarr’s A.C. members feel free to fill out this quick questionnaire:

Member Spotlight – Share Your Story

Our “Meet The” series continues this week with our Chairperson Rebecca McEvoy.

1. Where are you from?
   Ballinhassig in Co. Cork
2. How long have you been a club member?
   I’d say I joined the Barrs around 2008/2009 after running with Belgooly AC as a juvenile.
3. What was it attracted you to join St Finbarr’s?
   Well I don’t think I ever really had any other choice! My parents met in St. Finbarr’s and are still active members today. I don’t think there was ever going to be another club for me!
4. What is the best part of being a club member?
   I love the social side and team spirit in St. Finbarr’s. I love meeting everyone at the training sessions during the week. I also love going to races and seeing so many Barrs singlets around.
5. Who is your athletics idol/hero?
   Growing up I always wanted to be Sonia O’Sullivan. I loved watching her in the Olympics and World Championships battling for medals.
   At the moment I love following Ciara Mageean and seeing how well she’s doing on the world stage.
6. What is your favourite athletics event?
   I think I probably love racing 5km the most, also like a 3km on the track though!
7. What club achievement are you most proud of?
   I think it’s amazing to see our club members compete in so many different events across such a range of distances. We got sprinters and marathons and it’s great to see our club represented in so many different disciplines and events.
   I also think our club has done a fantastic job organising hosting the Cork City 10 Miler every year. You’d be surprised by the amount of work that goes into it!!
8. What personal achievement in your time at St Finbarr’s are you most proud of? That’s a hard one too, but probably coming 5th in the National Senior Road Relays in Raheny last year with Orla Byrne and Martina Kiely.
9. What is your goal as Chairperson for 2024?
   The club is in a great place at the moment so it would be great to continue building on all the positive momentum. I would like to encourage more people to try out track races and enter more championship events.
10. Who is your “one to watch” for 2024?
    That’s a tough one, there are loads of great up and comers in the club at the moment!
    Cian Kelly is definitely one to watch, smashing PBs every weekend. It’s been great too to watch Darragh Mulcahy race on the track at nationals, I’m sure he has a great summer ahead. I think Orla Byrne is in for a great year too, so she’ll be one to watch on the women’s side.

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Thanks Rebecca, some great answers there.😃

Wishing you the very best for the year ahead as Chairperson.

Donal Murray – Men’s Club Captain 2024.

Where are you from?
I’m a Corkman from Glasheen and Ballincollig and now live in Douglas.

How long are you a club member?
I joined St Finbarr’s about 8 to 10 years ago

What was it that attracted you to join St Finbarr’s AC?
I was 7 years old when I took up boxing so running would have been a big part of that. We used to run 3 to 4 miles before training sprinting between street lights or run 6 or 7 miles on other nights.

As the years went on between the ages of 15 to to my mid 20s I struggled with addiction. Forward another 10 to 15 years through my recovery and 17.5 stone later my brother who was already in St Finbarr’s convinced me to join, and I haven’t looked back since.

What is the best part of being a club member?
The best part of been a club member is how welcoming everyone is. Seeing new members starting from scratch not knowing how to pace or run smart to being great runners performing to the best of their abilities with the advice from the coaches and more experienced runners.

Who is your athletics idol/hero?
In the club my idol would have to be Flor O’Leary. An amazing runner and very humble man with a huge amount of national records picked up over the years. I remember him coming into the track nights training with us well into his 80s.

Internationally it would have to be Kipchoge he came from nothing raised by his single mother and a tough childhood to where he is now an inspiration to the world of running.

What is your favourite athletics event?
I’ve raced track 200s, 400s, 800s. I’ve done shotput, tried my hand at javelin and I love the relay races too which have great excitement, but my favourite is marathons and Road Championship Races. A close second is Cross Country, which is a brilliant team event.

What single club achievement are you most proud of for 2023?
My personal greatest achievement would be in 2022 Cork City Marathon when I achieved a PB of 3:28. In regards the club, 2023 was hugely successful in nearly every running discipline. It really has been a fantastic year for the club overall, so it’s too difficult to pick just one achievement.

What is your goal as Men’s Club Captain for 2024?
My goal as captain is to build on the success of previous years, and try maximise the amount of people in Championship Races. There is nothing like winning a team medal or individual medal for your club and county.

Who is your “one to watch” for 2024?
There are a few individuals like Darragh and Rodger who hadn’t much experience in any form of running when they started, but with help and guidance have become serious contenders in track events up against the best in the country. But my one to watch is Cian Kelly, who with a bit of guidance and coaching he will be another powerful addition to the club’s success.

Thanks Donal, and best of luck in your role as Men’s Captain for 2024.

Q. Where are you from?

Silversprings in Cork City. A northsider born and bred.


Q. How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?

Since 2016

Q. What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?

I can’t lie about this question. Anyone who knows me will call me out if I don’t speak the truth – half marathon!

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?

• Monday easy run 5/6k
• Tuesday rest
• Wednesday club session
• Thursday easy run 5/6k
• Friday club session
• Saturday easy run &/ or Glen river parkrun easy
• Sunday long run (10 miles) with club members,shout out to the Sunday group, a brilliant bunch who all make the long run a pleasure, the coffee and cake afterwards helps us too!

Approx 40 miles per week.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?

• Monday 5/6k easy
• Tuesday rest
• Wednesday 50% of club session
• Thursday go for a walk (6 to 8k)

• Friday 5k easy
• Saturday rest
• Sunday race (or run is more accurate for me!)

Q. Do you have a specific goal for the season?

I want to get back into the 1 hour 40’s for the half! I’ll be trying enough times!

Q. What is your favourite athletics event?

Favourite to Watch: TV is any major athletes championship.

To participate in: CPC DEN HAAG in the Netherlands. I go back every year since I ran in 2017.

Non participation Event: Stewarding at the St. Finbarr’s Cork City 10 Miler and the Musgrave Bhaa race every year.

Q. What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?

Ive had a few! Den haag is up there but after running in Malaga (did someone mention Malaga 🤔) last December 2023 that’s hard to beat.

There was such a great group from the barrs over there, the race was great but the get together all weekend made it special.

Q. Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

All the coaches are great – listen to them and no matter what your level of fitness there’s always others you can run with in the club.


Q. Any other comments?

Running has so many positives for me, the obvious ones we all know about but the people you meet and become friends with,I’ve been to a lot of races and get to visit locations around Ireland and beyond because of running. It’s great for a person’s mental wellbeing also.

Q. Where are you from?
Originally Limerick. Living in Cork.

Q. How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?
2018 I believe.

Q. What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?
Marathon ATM…

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?
Generally 40 to mid 50 miles. 5 to 6 days a week training but fluctuates really.

Q. What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?
Well for marathon tapering few weeks beforehand so very easy. Max 20 miles week of the marathon.

Q. Do you have a specific goal for the season?
Hoping to complete Connemara marathon (April). That’s the only plan at the moment. Generally do some BHAA races and a few others in between as enter longer evenings.

Q. What is your favourite athletics event?
Marathon

Q. What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?
Think has to be getting sub 3 in Dublin 2019 but lots of good memories from the Burren, Connemara and some good MCI (Marathon Club Ireland) routes.

Q. Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

Persevere…the rewards are good!

We hear from our Sprinter Rodger Condon!

Where are you from?
Living in Carrigaline for the last 10 years but originally from Onslow Gardens in the Northside.

How long have you been a St. Finbarr’s A.C. Club member?
Joined in November 2019

Played hurling & football for Na Piarsaigh before that from the age of 6.

Sprinted when I was in primary school for the City Sports but never did any athletics in between.

What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?
Indoors – 60m and 200m
Outdoors – 100m and 200m (Occasionally try a 400 if I’m feeling fit)

What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?
Hill work on Mondays – Time and distances vary but will normally be an effort less than 20 seconds at max speed.

Gym on Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturday and Sunday.
Primarily focused on explosive movement, plyometrics and core work.

Some kind of endurance based run on Wednesday which varies week to week. (Slow paced from 4-6km) This is not something most sprinters incorporate into there training but it works for me.

Track Session on Friday nights which can also vary but will always involve hitting top end speed. Off season I will do a session which focuses on fitness. (400m, 300m, 200m, 100m). During the season the sessions will be max efforts anywhere from. 60m to 220m.

What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?
Race week is always a light week where I don’t lift any weights. I focus on plyometrics based exercises.

With running it will be 2 easy sessions where I’m focusing on how my warmup will look on raceday and focusing on my form over longer distances. Maintaining a consistent form at a slower pace.

The most important thing for me on race week is to be fit, healthy and rested going into the race.

“The hay is in the barn” come race week as they say.

Do you have a specific goal for the season?
In 2023 I won the national title in both the 100m and 200m. The goal for 2024 would be to repeat this while improving my times.

Already in 2024 I have won the 60m national title so it has been a good start to the year.

With a 3rd child on the way in July I might switch to the marathon instead 😂🏃

What is your favourite athletics event?
Being a sprinter I love the hype around the 100m.
I also love watching the big marathons. That level of fitness is unmatched.

Any track event that involves an Irish athlete will always have me interested also.

What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?
My biggest achievement was definitely doing the national double last year. All the training throughout the year finally paid off.

My favourite running memory is back when I would run in the City Sports. Walking out in Pairc Ui Chaoimh to represent your school. I still remember the nerves kicking in as we toed the line.

Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

The first tip I would give to any of our members would be to focus on strength and conditioning as well as running. It will help with injury prevention and will prolong your running career. Get a plan from a recommended s&c coach that works for you and stick to it.

The second tip would be to attend as many of the club sessions as you can. The information you can take from the sessions you won’t find anywhere.

Any other comments ?
Just a thank you to Eamonn, Marian and Pat who show up to every track session and provide encouragement to every single member. Clubs wouldn’t run without people like that (pardon the pun).

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Thank you Rodger! Great to get an insight into the life of a sprinter!

In the spotlight with Kevin!

Where are you from?
Ballinhassig, a few miles outside Cork city, now living in Wilton.  Haven’t strayed far lol.

How long are you a Club member?
Joined in 2019, had done a few marathons at that stage, but my marathon times were going the wrong direction so needed some guidance on where I was going wrong.  Got a training plan from Liam D and took 15 mins off my marathon pb in Dublin that year.

What race distances are you focusing on at the moment?
Currently training for Lisbon Half marathon in March, and have Cork & Chicago marathons lined up for June/Oct.  Did Dungarvan 10 miler and signed up for Mallow 10 miler too
Will do a few shorter (5k/5 mile etc) races too here and there.

What does a typical training week look like for you when you don’t have a race that week?
Usually do 5 days, a mix of faster/harder and easy/recovery.  In my current plan Saturday is long run day but usually did my long run on Sundays before.
Current plan – Intervals Monday, recovery run Tues, Tempo session on Wed evening, rest day Thursday, recovery run on Friday and then long run on Saturday.  Rest day on Sundays.
Also have extra drills and some S&C work in the current plan which is something I’ve been meaning to add in for ages.

What does a typical training week look like for you when you do have a race that week?
Depends on how long the race is, if its a short one on the weekend might rest on the Friday, if its a bit longer race will take it easy an extra day or 2 leading up to it. Marathon week will get out maybe twice for a couple of short easy runs.

Do you have a specific goal for the season?
Main one is hoping to get a Boston Qualifying time in Chicago in October, which is about 5 mins under my current PB but with the extra few mins needed to actually get an entry.  Hopefully my times in other races will be creeping down in the meanwhile too.

What is your favourite athletics event?
I guess the marathon as that’s my main focus at the moment but for watching the track races are interesting for sheer explosive pace in the 100m, or seeing the tactical running in the longer events.

What is your favourite running memory or single biggest running achievement to date?
Hard to pick a single memory – finishing Cork half after a couple of years of injuries is up there, finishing first marathon in Cork 2016, taking 26 mins off Dublin marathon pb in 2022… 
Finally breaking 4 hours after a few years trying felt like a big achievement but I guess current 3:25 pb is the biggest achievement so far.

Do you have a top training tip for your fellow St. Finbarr’s A.C. members ?

Try to relax your body when running is one of the biggest things I’ve learned.  Can still run fast but try not to tense up.  Look at your running form too – I caused myself loads of problems early on because of poor form, did all my running with my knees which didn’t appreciate it, but now try to run more upright, engage my core and glutes instead and generally I’m staying injury free (knock on wood!!). You might save yourself energy and may actually go faster with a few little adjustments.

Any other comments ?
Glad I joined the club, a great crew, helpful approachable experienced coaches and a good atmosphere every week.  Membership is incredible value for money too.  Here’s to many more years to come!