St. Coca's Athletic Club
Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Archives 2019 January to March
Dunboyne 10K - 31st March 2019
Well done to Deirdre Ryan Phelan, Bernard Ó'Faoláin and Aidan Maher who ran the Dunboyne 10K this morning.
SIAB Schools Cross Country International - 23rd March 2019
Great day for the McNerneys, Reidys, St. Cocas & Maynooth Post Primary as Aoife McNerney and Orla Reidy represent Ireland in their international vests today at the home nations schools international cross country event.
Both girls had exceptional runs today. Aoife McNerney was part of the junior girls who finished 4th team and Orla Reidy part of the intermediate team who finished 3rd team home.
Pictured with Gerry Robinson who is part of St Cocas and Maynooth education campus.
Congratulations girls from everyone associated with the club and your school.
St. Patrick's Weekend - Mullingar Half and Portlaoise 5K - 17th March 2019
Congrats to Gráinne Butler, Fiona King and Niamh Dowling on completing the Aon Mullingar Half Marathon this afternoon, and despite facing wintry showers towards the end, Niamh Dowling achieved a new PB.
And in the Streets of Portlaoise 5K, Bernard Ó'Faoláin enjoyed a nice course to set a cracking time of 20:52.
Have a great St. Patrick's Weekend all.
Bohermeen Half Marathon - 10th March 2019
Some very wintry conditions today faced the St Coca's Runners who took on the Bohermeen Half Marathon. Well done all. Thanks to Bohermeen AC for the photos.
All Ireland Schools Cross Country Championships, Clongowes Wood College - 9th March 2019
The Irish Life All Ireland schools cross country took place in nearby Clongowes Wood College today. Whether it was the home turf advantage or the inspiration from International Women's day yesterday but all 7 girls ran inspired races.
In the girls junior race Maynooth PP were led by Aoife McNerney who ran the race of her life to take 6th place and secure an international call up for the upcoming schools international. Not far behind was Sadhbh Buckely who finished top 15 and Niamh McDonald 28th. Cliodhna O'Toole running for Dunboyne Community College was also in the top half. Both schools had performed well at Leinster and we waited patiently for team results to be announced. A win for Maynooth was greeted by huge cheers, Dunboyne 6th. A super result for the girls who are all first years.
Orla Reidy was the lone club runner in the Intermediate girls race. It took off at pace and Orla was sitting in the top 15 with a lap to go. She dug in deep and closed in to finish 10th. Another call up to the international cross country on the relay team.
In the senior girls race the crowd were given a display of dominant front running like never before. Dubliner Sarah Healy (a European gold medalist from last summer) with a gun to tape victory. In the race behind Aoife O'Cuill (Maynooth PP) was in a big battle for 4th place and pushed to take it on the line. Aine Burke (Lucan CC) battled well to finish well in 22nd place.
Congratulations to all the girls, to coaches Michael and Larry and to the wonderful supporters who were very vocal throughout the races.
Simon Community Home Run, Phoenix Park - 9th March 2019
Well done to the St Coca's Fit4Life group led by David Walsh who took part in the Simon Community Home Run 5 Mile charity event this morning in the Phoenix Park. Everyone put in a super effort.
Orla Reidy wins Kildare AAI award for all-round athlete of the year 2018 - 4th March 2019
In recognition of her excellent and consistent performances throughout 2018, we are delighted to see Orla Reidy's efforts being recognised by receiving the Kildare AAI award for female all-round athlete of the year 2018, kindly sponsored by Maynooth/Naas/Newbridge credit union. Well done Orla.
Leinster Indoor Championships - Day 4 - 3rd March 2019
Day 4 of the Leinster Indoor Championships took place at The National Arena, Abbotstown where we had three juvenile 4x200M relay teams and Kirsten Monaghan in the high jump event. The boys under 12 team placed fourth in their final, the girls U12 team won their heat convincingly but in the cruelty of timed heats, they did not get a place in the final. The girls U14 team showed great determination to take second place in their heat and go on to win bronze in the final. Well done to all competitors and a special thanks to all the substitute team mates who stayed all through the events and supported their running mates and the club. Well done everyone and to the track coaches for all the hard work getting here.
InterVarsity Cross Country, Galway - 2nd March 2019
Paul Robinson had a good win in action for DCU yesterday at the InterVarsity cross country in Galway. Paul led the DCU team to gold medals. Paul continues to be an extraordinary ambassador for the club.
Kildare Intermediate and Masters Road Race - 24th February 2019
Well done all competitors this morning in Naas Rugby Club for the County Intermediate and Masters Road Races. St Coca's were represented by Fiona King, Aoife Fallon, Carmel Kelly and Leonie Foran in the Women's 3K and by Alex Wallace, Tim Richards, Gary Cahill, Martin Baten, Henry Cahill, Ruairí O'Nualain, Larry Kelly, Jonny Murray and Bernard O'Faoláin in the men's 6K. Big congrats to Alex Wallace on winning the men's 6K in a hard fought battle right to the line. St Coca's intermediate men's team took second place to a very strong Newbridge contingent.
Paul Robinson takes Silver in National Senior 3000M at Abbotstown - 17th February 2019
Skip to 27 min mark in the video to watch Paul Robinson take Silver with Stephen Travers taking Gold in the National Senior 3000M today in Abbotstown National Indoor Arena.
All Videos
Kildare Novice Road Race Championships at the Curragh - 17th February 2019
Congratulations to Áine Burke and Fiona King who came first and second this afternoon in the 3K Kildare Novice Road Race at the Curragh and to Alex Wallace and Tim Richards who came first and third in the Men's 5K. St Coca's women's team were 3rd place overall and the men's team took 1st place. Fantastic running by everyone.
Rás na hÉireann Cross Country, Oldbridge Drogheda - 17th February 2019
Some of the juvenile athletes made the short journey to the Rás na hÉireann on the Battle of the Boyne historical site, Drogheda.
Conan Lennon finished 2nd in the boys U15. Joseph Richards finished 8th with Jim Harrigan 12th.
Next up was Thomas Richards who ran a fantastic race to finish 2nd in the boys U17. Last up was Orla Reidy who matched Conan & Thomas to finish 2nd in the Girls U17.
Congratulations to all who ran and well done to Dunleer Athletic Club who have hosted the event since the inaugural Rás na hÉireann in 1970.
Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships, Santry - 13th February 2019
Huge congratulations to the all our athletes who competed in the Leinster Cross Country Finals in Santry today for their various schools.
Special mention to Aoife O’Cuill, who is the new Senior Girls Leinster Champion. Aoife led for the entire race and won comfortably in the end. Áine Burke in the same race finished an excellent 10th to qualify for the All-Ireland’s also. In the senior boys, Shane McNerney had a good race.
Orla Reidy in the Inter girls ran well to finish 9th and qualify as an individual. Kirsten Monaghan and Aine Caffrey running also, missed out on a team bronze by 3 points.
In the Inter Boys, Oisin Farrell ran well finishing in the top 20, Thomas Richards finishing a few places back.
In the Junior girls Aoife McNerney & Niamh McDonald ran excellently to secure team bronze for MPP. Cliona O Toole team silver qualified also while running for Dunboyne.
In the Junior Boys, Conan Lennon ran well with a top 20 finish.
Ruby Olivier has a good run finishing in the top 25 while Sadhbh Buckley had a top 10 result qualifying her individually for the All-Irelands which will take place in Clongowes Wood College, Clane on the 9th March. For those who don’t know, the top 15 individual finishers along with the top 3 placing teams qualify for the All-Ireland’s. It’s an amazing achievement to get to the Leinsters and an even better one to qualify for the All-Ireland’s. Well done to all.
Many thanks to Maynooth Post Primary School for the photos.
Leinster Indoor Championships Day 1 & 2 - 9th & 10th February 2019
A small number of athletes completed at Leinster indoors over the weekend with some very impressive performances.
Thomas Richards showed bravery and maturity to take a silver medal in the u16 1500m and a bronze on Sunday in the 800m with a PB in both races.
Feilim Dikcius also won a bronze medal in the u13 600m having won his heat. Brian Caffrey also making this final with a fine win also in his heat. Daniel Geraghty just missed out on the final by one place.
Emma McEnroe is also heading to the all Ireland after winning a bronze medal in the u15 walk. Maud O'Shea ran a PB in the u18 400m to make the final where she came 6th.
Akin Akintayo came 5th in the final of the 60m and his sister Tayo 6th in her final. Claire Kelly had made the semi final. Orla Flynn had a solid run in u16 60m heats.
Niamh Flynn just back after injury just missed out on qualifying for the all Ireland coming 5th in the walk. Others to impress on day 1 were Kirsten Monaghan 5th u18 1500m and Oisin Farrell 5th u17 1500m.
On day 2 Lucy O'Rorke 12th and Roisin Beggan 17th in the u12 long jump. Kate Carroll jumped a PB in the u15 high jump to finish 5th and Ruby Olivier 6th.
More brave running by Kirsten Monaghan in the 800m where she just missed out on a bronze but has qualified for the all Ireland. Sadhbh Buckley, Meadhbh Caffrey and Aoishe Gormley completed in the u14 800m. After a heroic race Sadhbh finished 5th in the final (her first Leinster championships). Aoife McNerney made the final of the u15 800m and Oisin Farrell had another strong run in his 800m as did Joseph Richards in his u14 race.
Great progress for all these athletes to be so competitive at Leinster level.
Irish 50K Championship, Donadea - 9th February 2019
The beautiful surrounds of Donadea Forest Park in Co. Kildare, Ireland was the venue for the 9th Annual Donadea 50KM race on the 9th of February. Donadea 50k Ultra Runner Legends, everyone home under the 5 hour cut off 🏃🏻🏃🏻💪🏼🏃🏻🏃🏻 Fair play lads tough course and mental battle doing 10 x 5K laps.
Big congratulations to St. Cocas AC ultra trail marathon 50k hero’s. Martin Baten, Johnny Murray, Aidan Maher and Bernard Ó'Faoláin. You did yourselves and the club proud today 💪🏼. Big thanks also to all the pacers and supporters for helping all our runners home well under the 5 hour cut off.
Weekend News - 4th February 2019
A busy weekend for the clubs athletes and some good performances all round.
A good crowd made their way to the neighbouring Trim 10m. A top class race and some top class running by everyone.
AAI Games
Great to see Paul Robinson making a steady return to form with a solid run in the 1500m in Abbotstown in a time of 3.45.69. Also a return to competition for Niamh Field who had two good runs in the 60m and 200m.
Husker Invitational, Lincoln, Nebraska
A top drawer finish by Kevin Kelly saw him shatter the 38 year old Drake University record for the mile. His time of 4.01.47 was almost 3 seconds inside the previous record.
All Ireland B Cross country, Dundalk IT
Eoin Richards was the lone St Cocas athlete competing in Dundalk with a 6th place finish in the u17 race.
Kildare Indoor Championships at AIT - 3rd February 2019
Another great turnout from St Cocas at the Kildare indoors in Athlone IT. Superb competition all round especially in the relays at the end of the day. Medals were won all round by all the clubs and St Cocas won their fair share of the spoils.
Girls u11 performed well in the 500m. Aoibhin Beggan and Emily Geraghty coming first and 2nd in their timed heats. Juliet Olivier, Sarah Shelly and Aine McCauley also running well.
Girls u12 was a hectic age group and Lucy O'Rorke won a bronze medal in the long jump.
The u12 girls relay proved exciting too. St Cocas having 3 teams. The event run on times the quartet of Lucy O'Rorke, Juliet Olivier, Erin Murray and Elaina O'Malley winning silver medals. The other two teams made up of Aoibhin Beggan, Lauren Nolan, Rebecca Treacy, Tara McEnroe, Katy Hayes, Sarah Shelly, Emily Geraghty and Niamh Richards all ran well with only a second between them in the end.
U12 boys and Akin Akintayo came through the heats and semis of the 60m to take a silver medal in the final. The relay again exciting with St Cocas taking bronze medals. Akin, Cormac Murray, Hugh Dowling and Cormac Buckley on this team.
Lauren Graham competing in the u13 walk finished 4th. Saoirse O'Toole having a good run in the 800m also.
The boys u13 are a competitive bunch, pushing each other along in every race. In the timed 800m Feilim Dikcius put it up to everyone else as he posted the fastest time. Not much between the others with Brian Caffrey 3rd, Daniel Geraghty 4th and Robert Lynch 5th. Finn Dowling picked up two bronze medals in the Jumps, long and high.
A superb one two for the club in the u14 girls 800m. Sadhbh Buckley getting the nod over Maedhbh Caffrey. Terrific running by the girls. The 60m was another event where the girls are pushing themselves. Tayo Akintayo winning bronze and Claire Kelly 4th and Georgia Nolan also in that final. Aoife Carroll just back from injury snatched a bronze in the high jump.
Three girls relay teams here and a brilliant GOLD medal winning performance by Tayo, Claire, Georgia and Aoishe Gormley. The other two teams also competed well. Maedhbh Cullen, Grace Maher, Hannah O'Rorke and Lauren Graham and Meadhbh Caffrey, Sadhbh Buckley, Rionnach Lennon and Grace Keogh.
Boys u14. Joseph Richards won a hard fought bronze medal in the 800m. A brave run by Cillian McCauley saw him finish 5th. Two boys u14 relay teams with silver medals for Feilim, Robert, Brian and Finn. The other team of Daniel Geraghty, Mark McDonald, Joseph Richards and Cillian McCauley performed well too.
Kate Carroll and Ruby Olivier were out of the medals in the u15 high jump but improving all the time.
Conan Lennon took a gun to tape victory in the u15 800m and Jim Harrigan 3rd.
Emma McEnroe won her first Kildare indoor walk medal with a 3rd place finish in the u17. A brace and gutsy performance by Cliona O'Toole in the 800m saw her just pipped for a bronze and finish 4th. Thomas Richards also won the u16 800m leading from the gun.
Oisin Farrell the only representative u17 won a silver medal in the 800m
All the other athletes were competing in the senior competitions. Aine Burke had a terrific win in the 800m with Kirsten Monaghan 2nd. Kirsten also winning a silver in the high jump. Maud O'Shea came 3rd in the 400m and 4th in the 200m.
Well done to everyone.
Trim 10 Mile Road Race - 3rd February 2019
A good crowd made their way to the neighbouring Trim 10m. A top class race and some top class running by everyone in wet and windy race conditions it was a tough morning out there. 🏃♀️💪🏼🏃🏻 Well done everyone.
Kevin Kelly smashes Drake school record in the Mile - 2nd February 2019
Kevin Kelly took 3rd place in a close finish and broke the Drake school record today in the Mile in a time of 4:01.47 at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational held at the Bob Devaney Sports Centre, Lincoln. The sub 4 minute mile is coming closer, well done Kevin.
3,000M Win for Kevin Kelly in Iowa - 27th January 2019
Another fine win overnight by Kevin Kelly and a 14 second pb in the 3k in Iowa City. At the Black & Gold Premier hosted by the University of Iowa, the men's 3,000 meters saw Kevin Kelly (Kilcock, Ireland) win the event in 8:14.59 for Drake University track and field team, a personal best time that ranks as the fifth-fastest in Drake University history.
Tirmoghan/Staplestown Marathon News - 26th January 2019
Congratulations to Libby and Fiona who ran the Staplestown half marathon this morning and to our Donadea 50k team (Aidan Maher, Bernard Phelan and Johnny Murray) who completed their last long training run by taking part in the Staplestown Marathon, well done everyone it’s not easy on a wet and windy morning like today 🏃♀️💪🏼🏃🏻
Training Sessions at the National Arena, Abbotstown - 25th January 2019
Tonight was the last in a series of indoor training sessions for St Coca's Athletes at the National Arena in Abbotstown in preparation for the Kildare Indoor Championships next week in Athlone. It was great to have the opportunity to train in this fantastic facility with access to all the competition equipment and everybody really enjoyed the sessions and experience. Thanks to everyone who came along and to all the coaches and parents who helped out.
West Leinster Schools Cross Country - 24th January 2019
Well done to Kirsten Monaghan 3rd (M.P.P) Eoin Richards 3rd (M.P.P) , Thomas Richards 12th (M.C.C) and Oisin Farrell 5th (Scoil Dara) in today’s West Leinster, Inter Girls & Inter boys races. All 4 qualified for the Leinsters to be held in Santry on 13th Feb.
Irish Trail Runners Sugarloaf 10K - 19th January 2019
Congratulations to all our athletes that took part in the Irish Trail Runners SugarLoaf 10k this morning, it was a fantastic event with beautiful conditions. Super shout out to our very own Alexander Wallace who came home in 1st place in a time of 46:07 with 487m of climbing.
Ireland U20 Women's Team take bronze at Celtic Cross Country Championships in Belfast - 19th January 2019
Following on from her recent success as Extra Time Sport "Sports Person of the year 2018" , a strong run by St Coca's Aoife O'Cuill yesterday helped the Athletics Ireland U20 Women's team to bronze medals in the Celtic Cross Country International, just outside Belfast. She was second team mate home behind Laura Nicholson and 9th place overall in a time of 15:45.
Aoife O'Cuill - Copyright Bob Given Photography
World Half Marathon Festival - Donadea - 12th/13th January 2019
A massive congratulations to all our runners who took part this morning in the Half Marathon Festival of Running at Donadea Forest. 🥇 Alex Wallace, Super Job winning the half marathon in an amazing time of 1hr 13mins
Kevin Kelly Wins 1000M Graduate Classic at Nebraska's Devaney Sports Center - 11th January 2019
Drake University's Kevin Kelly (St Coca's Kilcock, Ireland) took first-place to lead the track and field teams Friday night at Nebraska's Devaney Sports Center.
Kelly bested the field in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:25.45 to lead the Bulldogs on the first day of competition at the Graduate Classic.
Kelly was one of 15 top-10 finishes recorded by the Bulldogs Friday evening.
Video Clip on Twitter
Extra Time Sport - Sports Person of the Year 2018 - sponsored by Supervalu Kilcock - 1st January 2019
Congratulations to St Coca's Athlete and National Champion Aoife O'Cuill who won Extra Time Sport Sports Person of the Year 2018 sponsored by Supervalu Kilcock. Very well deserved Aoife, after a tremendous year of success on the track and in cross country. We are all delighted for you and your family, and especially nice beginning the 40th year of the club.
