Fintan Walsh's weekly blog

Plaque unveiled in memory of Percy Kirwan.

On Thursday evening  last a very pleasant ceremony took place in
Kilmacthomas in the presence of public representatives, members of the
late Percy Kirwan's family, members of Waterford's Athletic Clubs and
of the general public from around the Kilmacthomas area. A plaque was
unveiled in memory of the legendary Percy Kirwan outside the Kirwan
premises in Main Street by County Mayor Billy Kyne and 95 years old
Danny Kirwan son of the late Percy. Afterwards inside in Kirwan's an
exhibition of the trophies and major medals Percy won were on display.
Tributes were paid to the great exploits of the International athlete
of the early 20 th century, British. Irish and Papal Games Champion
and Olympic Judge by County Mayor Billy Kyne who also mentioned the
many other great sportsmen and women Waterford has produced right up
to the present day. Danny Kirwan gave a detailed account of the life
and times of his father and of how he would travel to fixtures around
the country coming back home in the early hours of the following day
etc  and touched on the fact that he had never competed in the
Olympics which was more than likely a political decision as he would
have had to compete for Great Britain as he had won their championship
in 1912. Pat Flynn from the soccer fraternity in the area said that
Percy was a founder member of Kilmacthomas soccer club  and spoke of
the major impact Percy had made in many ways for the good of the local
community and of many sports right up to his death. Local historian
Sean Murphy then spoke of the many trips Percy made to many Olympic
Games covering the many prominent people he met and the historic
places he visited and again mentioned his contribution  to the
locality. Fintan Walsh PRO Waterford Athletic Board spoke of the
athletic scene in Ireland at the time Percy was competing and of the
two rival associations in existence the GAA and IAAA both which ran
Irish Championships from 1885 until 1922. They worked together for
some time but then tensions emerged, Percy at first competed in the
GAA Championships from 1907 to 1910 and then the IAAA Championships in
1910,1911 and 1912 and when he went to the IAAA he was banned from the
GAA.  Fintan said that the performances of Percy in his day were well
up to top International standards and there was no doubt that he was
very much influenced by Peter O'Connor Olympic Triple jump Champion
and World Long Jump Champion who was to become a friend for life. He
said wherever athletics was discussed whether it be locally,nationally
or internationally the name of Percy Kirwan would never be forgotten
and that when he retired from competition he then devoted his life to
many sports and to serving people. MC for the evening was Tom Hickey
and when the official proceedings concluded there were many memories
of Percy shared among the gathering on a very enjoyable and memorable
occasion.

Great Paralympic results

Irish sprinter Jason Smyth (City of Derry AC) set the Olympic Stadium
alight in London, on Saturday last winning the 100m (T13) gold in a
new Paralympic World Record time of 10.46. Smyth blasted from the
blocks and was never headed as he drove ferociously to a sensational
victory.It was two world records in two days for the City of Derry AC
athlete as he broke the 10.54 mark he set in the qualifying heats on
Friday, 31st of August. Smyth is not finished yet as he also runs in
the T13 200m in which he is the reigning Olympic Champion. The heats
for the 200m begin on Thursday, 6th of September.On a momentous night
for team Ireland, Michael McKillop (St Malachy’s AC) romped to victory
in the 800m (T37) in a stunning new world record time of 1.57.22.
Australian’s Brad Scott was the early leader as he set a fast pace
from the gun, with McKillop running comfortable in second place. As
both athletes approached the bell (58.14), McKillop seized his
opportunity and bolted into the lead.From there, the victory was never
in doubt as he began to motor down the back straight. McKillop crossed
the line to claim the gold medal and set a new world record of
1.57.22, a sensational performance. Smyth competed at the all Ireland
Championships in Santry earlier this year where he finished second in
the 100 metres final behind Paul Hession.

Gensyme 5 Miles

Three hundred competed in the Annual Gensyme 5 Miles Road Race on the
outskirts of the city on Friday last in aid of MS Ireland.
Frank Quinlan Waterford AC was the easy winner from Martin Kirwan
Waterford Triathlon Club and Peter Duggan St Joseph's was third.
Corina Walsh West Waterford won the ladies section from Clare Annan
Carrick on Suir and Una Ui Mhuirrithe Waterford AC was third. The race
was started by Eileen Nolan from MS Ireland

September Fixtures

Sunday next 9th Munster Half Marathon Championships, Blarney Co Cork,
( see Munster Athletics Website). Wednesday 19th
Munster Schools Combined Events RSC Waterford,  Sat 29th Aviva
All-Ireland Schools Combined Events Santry, Sunday 30 th Kilmacow Open
Cross Country.

County Wexford Sports

Macamores AC Open Sports in Realt Na Mara GAA Field Ballygarrett, Co
Wexford on Sunday next September 9 th races and field events for boys
and girls under 8, 10,12,14,16 Relays u 10,12,14 plus senior men and
women1500 Metres first event at 1 pm. The venue is on the Courtown to
Kilmuckridge Road outside Gorey.

Adamstown Open Cross Country

On Sunday week September 16th the Annual Open Cross Country meeting
will be in Adamstown Co Wexford at 12 noon Races for boys and girls u
9,10,11,13,15, 17 junior and senior men and women. Contact number 086
8327374

County Convention

The Annual County Athletic Convention will be in De La Salle College
Waterford at 8 pm on Monday September 17 th. Nominations and motions
to be with County Secretary Pat McGovern by Monday September 10 th.

 Assistant Coach Course

Saturday September 15th 2012. 10am-5pm.Price is €60.00. Contact: Colin
Byrne colinbyrne@athleticsireland.ie or 087-0632326 for further
details .Location – The Watershed Sports Complex, Loughboy, Kilkenny
City.

Waterford Course

.September 13th – High Jump + Hurdles Workshop – Waterford 6.30
–8.30pm Open to all Coaches and athletes over 12.
Venue: The RSC, Cork Road, Waterford. Cost: €5 per Athlete/Coach