Looking Back - 25 Years of BLE in Cork - Chapter 7 - Aspects of The Sport

fShare

Tweet

LOOKING BACK - 25 Years of BLE in Cork

Index

Chapter 7 - Aspects of The Sport

Index

This Chapter deals with different aspects of the sport which are not covered elsewhere in this publication. These vary from road running, as epitomised in the County by the Ballycotton Series and the '10' miler, to the International track & field meet that is now the City Sports. A review of Mountain Running is included, and there will be those who will well remember the 'Multi-Eventers' that the UCC Athletic Club hosted for many a year, and at which a future Olympic decathlete first competed in one.

Download Chapter 7 - Aspects of The Sport - Introduction in PDF Format

The full list, in order, is as follows -

• Ballycotton Road Races - John Walshe

• Cork City Sports - James Kelleher

• East Cork Athletic Board - Dan McCarthy

• EVENING ECHO Mini-Marathon - Pat Walsh

• Mountain Running - Denis Hegarty

• Multi-Events at UCC - Colm Murphy

• The Team Manager - Joe O'Flynn
  

• Other Chapter 7 Photos

'56' at the City Sports; the 1993 Sports had a 56 pound for distance event on the programme - the first time the '56' was included in an International for seventy years. Pictured above, from left, are Paddy Linehan (judge), Sergei Liakhov (2nd), -Yuri Gavrilov (1st), Gerry O'Connell (3rd) & Len Braham (4th)

BALLYCOTTON ROAD RACES

by John Walshe

John Walshe, for many the ’face’ of the Ballycotton series

Download Ballycotton Road Races section in PDF Format

In the formative years of BLE, road running, as we know it today, was practically non-existent in the Cork area. In the early to mid 'seventies', a few races took place, such as the Youghal round-the-houses New Year's Eve event, plus a handful of summer races held in conjunction with festivals, at such places as Skibbereen and Ballymore.

The main fixtures for road runners were held in the early spring, when Midleton AC staged their ambitious programme of events for all age groups. St. Finbarrs also attracted the various age groups to their popular relays around The Lough. The only real distance race, however, was the 15 mile run from Cork to Cobh. This promotion often served as the National Championship at the distance, and, as a consequence, attracted some of the country's finest long distance exponents.

In August of 1977, a five mile race was held in Ballycotton, with 34 runners taking part. A ten mile event was planned for the following March, as, at that time, there was no annual race at this distance in the country. Early March was deemed a suitable date, coming at the end of the cross-country season, and before the track commenced. And so, on March 12th 1978, the Ballycotton '10' was born, when 31 runners, all Cork based, finished the ten mile distance, each receiving a certificate showing their time & position on the day. A number of trophies and plaques were presented as prizes. The entry fee was 30p per runner, and the total expenditure on the race amounted to £70.10p

Ballycotton, 1980 - Dan Kennedy, left, and Mick Joyce, relieved to be at the finish!

By 1980, the numbers had grown to over 150, which was considered a huge amount for a road race at the time. In October of that year, the first Dublin City Marathon took place - ushering in the 'running boom' in this country. Over the next few years almost every town and village had a race or 'mini-marathon' of some description. The Ballycotton race benefited from this interest and indeed, near 'mania' in road running and jogging, and, by 1984, the Ballycotton '10' had a total of 848 finishers. The five mile events, which started with just the one race, had at this stage developed into a four race Summer Series, with promotions in Balyandreen, Shanagarry, Churchtown South, as well as Ballycotton itself, with each race attracting in excess of 200 competitors.

Leaders in the 1990 Ballycotton '10'; from left, Sean Harte, John Scanlon, John Griffin and James McGee

As with all 'booms', a recession had to set in, and, towards the end of the decade, a lot of the races that had appeared on the scene fizzled out, due to lack of interest, or sponsorship, or both. Numbers in the Ballycotton '10' levelled off at around the 700 mark, still quite a sizable amount. However, in the last couple of years, figures in all the Ballycotton events have shown a dramatic increase. The Summer Series of 1992 had record fields in all four races, with an average of 250 in each. This year (1993) the Ballycotton '10' exceed all expectations, with the total of entries (1257) and finishers (1088) up 25% on the previous best. This significant increase was also reflected in the high standard, with 200 runners finishing under the one hour barrier. The race is now almost as well known in the UK as in Ireland, with up to 100 making the trip each year. It is also a huge community involvement, and a major boost to the local economy, at what is a quite time of year.

The early races in the Ballycotton area were organised with the help of Midleton AC, along with the Cork County Board, and also, of course, the local juvenile club, which was in existence for a few years. In 1981, Ballycotton Running Promotions was formed, which is probably the only club of its kind in the country, dealing solely with the organisation of races. Their efficiency and expertise have played a significant role in the development of road racing, not alone in their own area, but in the country as a whole, where the Ballycotton races are now taken as the yardstick for many other promotions.

 Top

CORK CITY SPORTS

by James Kelleher

The Cork City Sports replaced the old and renowned Cork Drapers Sports which had lapsed for financial reasons. The City Sports gradually forged ahead to become the leading sports meeting in the country. The inauguration of the meeting was largely due to the work of John 0. Jagoe. John was a former Inter-Varsity champion and was of course a well known city businessman who became the first president of the organizing committee.

The Army was represented on the Committee from the start and its contribution - in particular that of the Southern Command, has been very important over the years. UCC too has a representation on the Committee and the College has played a big part in the promotion of the sports through the years. An American involvement in the sports was established in 1951 when the American vice-consul in Cork, Nick Lakas, presented a solid silver cup - the American Trophy - which has been presented annually to the outstanding athlete of the meeting.

The very first Cork City Sports was held on July 26th, 1949. The UCC sports complex at the Mardyke was the venue - as it still is today. The admission at these first sports was 1/6 for adults and 1/- for children - 7.5p and 5p for those of the present generation. Among the highlights was the presence of an Army Band and the organizing Committee added to the fun with an aerial fireworks display. The prizes were presented by Doctor Tom O'Higgins. There was but the one championship event - national - and that was the 120 yards hurdles. This was won by Gerry Murray of UCC, afterwards, himself, a Chairman of the Committee.

Over the years the fixture has been graced by all great athletes and cyclists this country has produced as well, of course, by many outstanding athletes from abroad.

In 1960 women's events were included for the first time and in 1963 women's athletics in the south received a tremendous boost when the Irish Olympian, Maeve Kyle, competed.

A review over the past twenty five years would start with the 1969 sports - this was truly an outstanding meeting. A very strong American squad were present which included Olympic and International athletes Mel Pender, Charlie Greene, Neil Steinhauer, John Carter, Dalton Le Blanc and Ken Moore thrilled those that came to the Mardyke to witness world class athletes in action. There were shot putts in excess of sixty feet and high jumps of over six and a half.

There was a crowd in excess of ten thousand that Tuesday evening to witness these Champions and perhaps the top performance was that of Charlie Greene who clocked 9.6 for the 100 yards - equivalent to 10.4/10.5 for the 100 metres. Yet even for Charlie there was a mild surprise in the final. He had difficulty with the starting at the Sports and in the final he was left in the blocks. With the other sprinters heading for the tape he walked down the straight commenting that the starter was 'too fast for him!'

All the top 'home' athletes made the journey to Cork for this Tuesday evening spectacular; Fanahan McSweeney turned in many a fine performance and won twelve sprints - from the 100 yards to the quarter - in his City Sports career. Margaret Murphy too had many a fine win and won the American Trophy for the best athlete of the 'meet' in 1971.

In 1974 John Hartnett of Grange clocked a superb 3:56.3 for the mile. This surely would equate to a sub-3:50 mile on any artificial surface. Back in 1974 the present track was still only a dream and John's record was run on grass. Another to excell on that grass surface was Colm Cronin who triple jump in excess of fifty feet - the furthest ever on a non 'artificial surface'.

Four years after that superb mile run of John Hartnett the Sports moved from the Mardyke as a new track was then being laid down. The City Sports in 1978 were held in Pairc Ui Caoimh. Among the visitors was future Olympic Champion and World record holder - Steve Ovett.

Cycling events at the sports ceased with the short re-location to Piarc Ui Caoimh. In that particular sphere Frank O'Sullivan of Fermoy was truly the king of the two wheeled vehicle. Frank won the American Trophy on no less than four occasions - 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960.

It was back to the Mardyke the following year and the new track was officially opened when the Cork City Sports were run off. UCC took on an Irish University combination and a BLE President's selection in a keenly contested competition. There was an open mile and again Steve Ovett among others thrilled the crowd with a great race.

The Sports on July 3rd, 1984 received immense media attention world wide when Yuri Sedykh of the former Soviet Union broke the world record in the hammer with his opening throw. The distance was a fabulous 86.34 metres. Sergei Litvinov, the world record holder coming into the City Sports that year, and Sedykh bettered the previous world mark on no less than seven occasions but Sedykh's first round throw was the best of the competition. So there was but the one world record, even if there were seven throws in the competition better than the previous mark!

The Sports were cancelled for the first time in 1988 and again the following year. Sponsorship was no longer as easily secured as hitherto due to the economic recession.

However the City Sports did re-emerge once again in 1991 and in 1992 the competition took the form of a triangular with Ireland taking on Russia and Southern England. This new triangular proved a great success and was repeated again in 1993. This year the athletics complex at the RTC in Bishopstown were reauired to have the six long throws and history was again created when a women's hammer was on an international programne for the first time. The presence of the 56 pound weight for distance caused much excitement at the Mardyke and as a strange twist the first two positions were filled were Russians - so much for tradition!

The City Sports have by now became quite an institution in Cork. The early July 'meet' remains the premier athletics event in the country.

Top

East Cork Athletic Board

by Dan McCarthy

The inaugural meeting of the East Cork Athletic board was held at the Scout Hall, Midleton, on October 4th, 1967, where the following officers were elected: Chairman: Paddy Hartnett; Vice-Chairman: Noel Higgins; Treasurer: Jerry Russell; Secretary: Donal Duggan. It was decided to hold a cross-country league that winter, but most of the races were transferred to the road, because of the outbreak of foot and mouth! The Board's first sports meeting was held on the Cricket Ground in Midleton, and the Abernethy Trophy was won by Ballymore/Cobh, for the top overall club.

The track and field championships of 1969 was held in Youghal Greyhound Track, where Liam O'Brien, later to compete in the Olympics, won the boys under-14 880 yards. The early 'seventies' saw Fr Liam Kelleher in Midleton, where he was to coach many National medal winners. In 1971, Willie O'Mahony, Youghal AC, took the post of Treasurer, which he still holds. Other active members of the Board in the early 'seventies' were Willie Harte, John Hegarty, Michael Burke, Brendan Barry, Jim Leahy, Brendan Hurley, Sean Kennedy and Jack Dempsey.
In 1974, Midleton athletes Linda Barrett, Noreen Fleming, Mary Fleming, Gretta Hartnett, Joe Brice and Kathleen Glavin won 11 National medals between them.

The mid 'seventies' saw three new clubs, Watergrasshill, with Eamonn Ryan and Maureen O'Connell at the helm, Glounthaune, with Pat O'Shea as the driving force, and St Catherine's with Fr Finn, Dermot O'Leary and Michael Burke looking after their affairs, with the latter also holding the post of secretary with the East Cork Board.

After ten years as chairman, Paddy Hartnett handed over the seat to fellow Midleton man Phil Glavin. Joe Duggan has been involved with the Board for a number of years, in a public relations capacity.

In 1977, Mary Dempsey had the congratulations of the Board bestowed on her, for an International cross-country win, and 1978 saw Maureen O'Connell take over as secretary, a post she still holds, and fellow Watergrasshill person, Jack Higgins, became president, as Ballycotton AC became the latest club to affiliate. In 1980, Ballynoe man Dan McCarthy took over as chairman, and was responsible for putting all cups and shields back into operation, as well as organising the inaugural road race championship, held in Ballynoe, with Pat Whyte, Midleton, winning the event.

In 1981, Willie Harte became president, a post he still holds, and Fr O'Neill's affiliated, as did Carrignavar, under the guidance of Fr Liam O'Brien. In 1982, St Nicholas, Castlelyons, joined the Board, with Dick O'Brien the leading light, and the Carrigtwohill club was revived by Tim Mulcahy, Willie John Curran, and Willie Harte. St Coran's joined the Board in 1985 and were the youngest, until Glenbower AC joined the fold.
A number of other individuals who played a role in East Cork athletic activies during the 'eighties' were Noreen Murphy, Michael Finn, Tom Casey, Carmel Casey, Tom Regan, Tom Houlihan and Mossy Morrisson.

At international level, there were many athletic successes, especially with the likes of Mike Keogh, Midleton, Liam O'Brien, Midleton and Sonia O'Sullivan, Ballymore/Cobh, all of whom went on to compete at Olympic Games. Mike in 1972, Liam in 1984 and Sonia in 1992.
The divisions youngest club is Glenbower AC, formed by Fr Liam Kelleher, on his return to the region. The Board's finances have always been in balance, especially with the introduction of a special championship medal with the Fitzgerald crest on it, but the financial headache has been relieved greatly, with sponsorship received from Castlelyons Milk, who have been associated with the Board's championships since 1990.
 

Pictured from left are Tadgh Crowley, secretary Cori: County BHAA, Catherine Murphy, secretary Cork County BLE Board Dan McCarthy, chairman, East Cork Board and John Walshe for many the face of the Ballycotton Series and of course the guiding light.

Among the premier events organised under the jurisdiction of the East Cork Board is the very successful Ballycotton Roaed Running Summer Series, which attracts athletes from all over these islands, and indeed from further afield. The Ballycotton '10', in early March, has now an entry in excess of one thousand. Such is the popularity that athletes from all organizations take part, and the above picture, taken at the fourth race of the 1992 Series at Ballycotton village itself, illustrates this.

Top

THE EVENING ECHO MINI-MARATHON

By Pat Walsh

The Ladies' Mini Marathon has been one of the great success stories of the 'eighties and 'nineties for the Cork County BLE Board. It has turned out to be a great fun event, a method of raising great sums of money for charity and a prestigious race for the top runners. It has grown year after year with last year's entry exceeding 2.200 women!

The whole idea began in 1982, when Reg Hayes, then chairman of Cork County Board, and Declan Hasset, of the EVENING ECHO, among others, held a number of meetings. As a result, the inaugural event began in the autumn of 1982. The event, held annually on the last Sunday in September, has grown to the extent that it is bv far the biggest athletics event in Munster.

The very first mini-marathon was won by the late Ursula Noctor, from DCH, and she won it again last year, 1992. Regrettably, Ursula passed to her eternal reward earlier this year, having bteen sick for several months. Other winners have included Anne Keenan-Buckly, Liz Bullen, Valerie O'Mahoney and Roisin Smith. In the last few years, local marathon expert, Brid Murphy has been third on three occasions. However it is fair to say that, in this event, the real winners are those who take part, and complete the 5 mile course.

One of the great features of the race has been the huge sums of money raised for many charities, and general fund raising. Some causes state that it is their single biggest source of funding each year. Many thanks therefore is due to those who, along with competing, go to great trouble in selling lines, and gathering generously for their particular cause. I would estimate that in excess of £150,000 was collected for various causes in the 1992 event.

The principal sponsor for the annual event is of course, the EVENING ECHO which has been involved in a huge way, right from the inaugural event, and hopefully this will continue for many years yet. Not only does the ECHO contribute in monetary terms, by way of sponsorship, but also all the coverage given in the paper for the event, the facilities made available to the Board, and the help on the day. Special mention must be made of Ann Mooney. who has been writing, interviewing training groups, promoting the event for weeks before, almost every year from the start of the event.

KEANE'S JEWELLERS have every year provided their timing for the event, as well as a printout of individual times for all the competitors. In the last few years, entries and results have been handled by the use of computer facilities sponsored by APPLE CENTRE HORIZON, who have been most helpful in every way. The NANO NAGLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, in Mahon, under the guidance of teacher Dave Manning, have helped in the 'inputting' of all the entries on the computer system.
Naturally there is a tremendous amount of voluntary time and effort involved in organising a race of this magnitude; the fact that each participant will receive their position and running time means that if all details from the entries are not entered, then accurate results are impossible. Months and weeks of planning are involved, before this event each year.

The 1992 EVENING ECHO Ladies' mini-marathon; the first four finishers pictured with the Lady Mayoress, Mary Martin; from left: Brid Murphy, Ursula Noctor (RIP), Liz Bullen and Mary Sheehan.

The organising committee consists of Paddy Hickey, Blarney/Inniscarra; Pamela Buckley, St Finbarrs AC; Joan Keating, Belgooly AC; Eileen Vaughan, Blarney/Inniscarra; Mary Meagher, Blarney/Inniscarra; John Smyth, Leevale; Noreen Murphy, Carrignavar and finally Pat Walsh, Skibbereen AC - the chairman of the committee.

Thanks must also be expressed on behalf of the County Board to all the volunteers from the various BLE clubs in the county, who help out on the day itself. The course is always fully manned through the entire length, and the many stewards ensure that all the runners are looked after, as they make their way through the City and suburbs. In addition there are also many 'helpers' at the finish, where upwards of eight finishing tunnels are in use. The 'Echo Mini-Marathon' has developed into one of the three largest races in the country. The amount of money collected for the various causes is tremendous. It has also proved to be a fun day for the two thousand odd women, who parade their talents around the streets of Cork!

The support of the EVENING ECHO has been instrumental in the success of this race and long may their support continue for this the biggest event in the yearly fixture list of Cork County BLE Board.

Top

MOUNTAIN RUNNING

by Denis Hegarty

Organised mountain running started in Cork in 1990, under the guidance of Gerry McGrath from Dublin. Once established in the Southern Capital it quickly developed a foothold, and now is a well established athletics variation on the local sporting scene.

It would be great if mountain races organised themselves, however this is not the case! This aspect of the sport is all about runners organising races for each other - over courses and terrain quite different from what one normally expects in athletics. With the return of Gerry to Dublin in 1991 it was left to the Eagle AC to take over the organising of these
events.

Anyone who participates in regular exercise is capable of mountain running, and many of these mountain races are aimed at people wishing to run a mountain race for the first time. However many events are also open to the more experienced mountain runners.

However mountain running can be somewhat difficult on the body, and great concentration is required on the slope upwards, but more especially on the slope downwards. Here there is a great tendency to charge down the slope which can be dangerous for the unwary. There is much skill involved in negotiating difficult terrain - whether rocky or boggy, steeply inclined, or a host of other natural barriers and difficulties, which makes this form of athletics all the more exciting and all the more different.

In Cork County, there are three races in all included on the annual programme, these are Corrin Hill, outside Fermoy, which is some three miles in distance, and has a 500 foot climb, Nagle mountain near Kilavullen, which is four miles in distance, and has a 1000 foot climb, and Musheramore, between Macroom and Millstreet, which is also four miles in distancem and is also a 1000 foot climb.

These three races were made part of a seven race Munster Championship in 1992. This was increased by one run to an eight race Championshipm in 1993, but with Musheramore being dropped from the series.

1993 also saw a special race being held in Millstreet - to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contestm and was a great successm with over 80 athletes taking part - the largest number of athletes at a Cork Mountain Race to date.

Several Cork runners have had great success at Munster and at National level. At National Championship level Brian Linehan struck gold in 1990. Pat Murphy of Eagle was a good second in 1992m and clubmate Eddie Noonan was third. Denis Hegarty - also of Eagle, won the Munster Championship the same year. So Cork is not without its share of successes in this very specialised branch of athletics.

Cork were also strongly represented in the province's success in the Inter-Provincial race on Carrantoohil in 1991, with no less than four of the top six man team being from Cork.

Top

MULTI-EVENTS AT UCC

by Catherine Murphy

The first UCC decathlon, in 1975, saw a closely fought battle, won by British & Irish University boxing champion, and occasional middle distance runner, Mick Doyle. Mick won out through high point scoring in the 400 metres and 1500 metres. The eight man field were under the supervision of Fergus O'Donovan of St Finbarr's throughout.

The UCC decathlon was the brainchild of Colman O'Keeffe. It addition to promoting the event Colman presented a shield to the Club, to be awarded to the best UCC athlete. Colman himself was a capable quarter miler, clocking sub-fifty on several occasions. Although the event was sponsored by the UCC Athletic Club, it was nonetheless open, from the very first decathlon, to anyone who was keen to 'have a go' at multi-events.

As permission was granted by the Cork County Board, the UCC decathlon carried with it the title of county championship, and the best placed Cork athlete was therefore the designated county champion.

As was only right, specialist multi-event men won the title in the following three years, 1976 to 1978, inclusively - twice by Oliver Murphy, and, in between, by Tipperary man Peadar McGing. The 1976 decathlon was won by a mere 18 points - Oliver scored: 4,564 points, to Maurice Power's 4,546 points. In fourth place was Finny Long, international steeplechaser, who vaulted over three metres, and completed the 1500 in 4:15!

Hurdling specialist, Maurice Delany had the better of exchange in 1979, before Colm Murphy won the trophy five years in succession - mainly through high point scoring in the shot, discus and javelin. On one remarkable occasion - as can only happen in a decathlon - he narrowly avoided being lapped in the 1500 metres, but then Mark Earley's 4:17.1 was quite some running.

Along the way, John Sheehan, of Bandon, got his first taste multi-events, John later of course went on to become an international decathleten and was indeed a regular at the UCC event as indeed was Liam O'Brien, of Midleton, who was quite an all rounder, in the years before concentrating on the steeplechase, and middle distance running generally.

The UCC decathlon attracted competitors from all over Ireland, and others, to grace the event on a regular basis included; Frank Lonergan and Dave McMathuna of Raheny Shamrocks, LiamTierney of Nenagh, and Brendan Curtin of Crusaders, all national decathlon champions. In 1983, the contestants included future Olympic decathlete Carlos O'Connell, who placed fifth overall. John Hartnett, of Midleton, won that year with an impressive total that was helped in no small way by a 4.15 metre vault.

UCC Champions for the Colman O'Keeffe Shield

Top

Team Manager

by Joe O'Flynn

At the County Board AGM, in 1981, Joe was elected Team Manager, in succession to John Walsh. During his term, Cork teams made a few token appearances in the now defunct Inter Region track and field competition, won numerous Southern Region titles, and, as a matter of fact, won every Southern Regional or National Cross¬country or road title open to the county, except the National mens cross-country title. Maybe - as he suggests himself - he should take a more active role in that competition!

In his first season - of 1981/82 - he was fortunate to inherit a solid team from his predecessor John Walsh. In the Championships, in Waterford, the hosts going for a sixth title in a row, provided the first two individuals with John Treacy and Gerry Deegan, but Cork packed well to win the title. Cork placings that day were Tony O'Leary 5th, John Hartnett 8th, Richie Crowley 9th, Pat Whyte 12th, Liam O'Brien 19th and Billy Horgan 22nd. In the mid 'eighties', Cork had the three in a row - 1983, 1984 and 1985, but have failed to win the title since, the consequence of scholarships perhaps. Individual titles were won by Tony O'Leary, in 1984, and Richard O'Flynn, in 1985.

Although not quite as successful as their male counterparts, the women have their own list of successes. They were runners up in the National Championships in 1981, 1983, 198A, 1985, 1986, 1988 and 1989. The title was won in 1987, when Dublin were disqualified, and again in Killenaule, in 1990. Cork placings on that day were Anita Philpott 2nd, Valerie Vaughan 3rd, Joan Hough 10th and Susan Jenkins 13th. Valerie O'Mahoney provided Cork with individual titles in 1985, and in 1986.

Our Intermediate Ladies won their inaugural championships in Kilmacow, in 1987, with Valerie Vaughan the individual winner in Waterford, in 1988. Our Intermediate men won the title in 1985, 1988 and 1991, with Bryan Meade taking the individual title in Waterford 1988, and Leonard O'Regan in Dungarvan 1991.

The high standard of Junior cross-country running in the county is reflected by the following results - Junior or under 18 ladies won the title in 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991 and 1992, with individual winners in Anita Philpott, in 1985, and Sonia O'Sullivan, in 1987. The Junior men won the title in 1981, but did not win again until 1989, and, since then, have made it four in row wins, and had individual winners in Leonard O'Regan, in 1982, Mark Carroll, in 1989, where we also had John Murray 2nd, and Declan O'Callaghan 3rd, John Murray, in 1990, and Martin McCarthy, in 1991. It is interesting to note that 1981 team - Kieran Stack 2nd, Colm O'Riordan 4th, Dave Dunlea 5th, Michael Kelleher 10th, Jerry Wallace 12th and Derry Beckett 18th.

Our veteran ladies team of Brid Murphy, Marion Lyons, Rose Crockett and Pat O'Callaghan won the title in 1992, and even though our veteran men have not won the title, they did finish runners up in 1992 and 1993.

One statistic which bears mentioning is that Cork teams have won the men's Southern Region Novice title from 1981 to 1989 inclusive, and have not won it since. Soccer Managers are sacked for less!

Top

Other Chapter 7 Photos

Olympians and all-time 'greats' at the City Sports 1993; from left, Fanahan McSweeney, Joy Good Murphy, Dave Guiney, Fergus O'Donovan, Jimmy Riordan and Cashel Riordan

Middle and long distance 'greats'; from left, Dick Hodgins, Marcus O'Sullivan and Donie Walsh

Top

fShare

Tweet