Members Announcements

Tallaght track remains closed for training on Saturday 10th March.

The Annual Club Dinner and Awards Ceremony is fast approaching. It is the social highlight of the year and not to be missed by anybody. The venue preparations are already underway and quite a few of our multi-talented athletes have chosen to be part of the growing annual musical performance under the guidance of Master of Ceremonies Owen McLoughlin. (Contact Owen for the next rehersal)

Whether you are new to the club or a battle hardened racer it is a great chance to meet up casually outside the pressure of training! The date is set for Saturday 13^th January 2018 for dinner at 7:30pm. Same as last year, we are delighted to have Grange Golf Club as our venue. A delicious three course dinner is lined up at still only €25.00 per person, including wine.(Let me know about any dietary requirements) . Dress code is smart casual.

Everybody, either in the club or associated in any way are very welcome. Come on your own or bring the other half! Please rsvp asap to secure a place.  Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., text me at 086-8306310, Whatsapp or FB messenger me!

Look forward to seeing the whole club there.

Denis Daly

Notice of Club AGM, Monday 11th December 2017

Dear All

This is a reminder to let you know that this year's Club Annual General Meeting is on Monday 11th December at 8.00 pm in the Clubhouse.  All positions on the Management Committee are open for nomination. The Management consists of the following positions:
 
1.      Finance Manager
2.      Administration Manager
3.      Coaching Manager
4.      Public Relations Manager
5.      Development Manager
6.      Events Manager
7.      President

If you want to nominate anyone for these posts or put a motion to the AGM, please E-mail Derek Bain at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Thursday 7th December. A copy of the Club's Constitution is in the Members part of the Club website. If you want a copy please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you want to have a say in the running of the Club please come along.

Thanks for your support

Peter J. Claffey
Club President

At the Clonliffe Harriers Christmas Cracker 5k today Sue Ryan was 1st W40. As the 2017 incoming women's captain, she is placing the bar high for the year!

Happy Christmas from all at Rathfarnham WSAF AC. Please note that the annual St. Stephen's day Mince Pie Run starts from the Clubhouse at Main Street, Rathfarnham at 10.00. Shake off the Christmas turkey and win the 'last to the top' perpetual plaque.

On Tuesday 27th December the changing rooms at Nutgrove Park will be available for use for those who want to train at 18.30.

A reminder that the Clubs Annual Dinner and Awards cermony is on Friday 20th January 2017 in the Grange Golf Club at 8.00. Please let Denis Daly  know if you want to reserve a place.

The annual AGM will be held on Monday12th December 2016 at 8.00pm. The meeting will take place in the Clubhouse. Please forward any motions, nominations etc. to me (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by the 2nd December 2016.

Members please note that the Tallaght Track will not be available for training on Saturday 7th May due to another booking. The 9am session in Bushy Park will take place as usual.

Members please note that from 5th March until 18th June training at the Tallaght track will be from 11am -12pm to accommodate the Special Olympics group who will be training at 10am during this period. From 25th June we will revert to our normal slot of 10am - 11am for the rest of the year.

The annual St. Stephen's Day club mince pie run will take place this Saturday December 26th, starting at 10am from Rathfarnham Village and following the traditional route up to the Killakee lookout point. Last year's trophy winner Terry Clarke will be back to defend his title, and winners and losers alike are invited to join the festivities in the clubhouse afterwards.

Participants in last year's Mince Pie Run.

Please note that there will be no access to the clubhouse in Rathfarnham village from this Wednesday 12th August for a period of one week due to maintenance work.

At last Tuesday's training in Nutgrove Park some of our promising members had the opportunity to model this year's Rathfarnham 5k Run tee shirt, which has recently come in. Please register for the 5k run on our race website at the link across so as to collect one of these coveted items. Some further pictures of the tee shirt and images of those training on our Nutgrove Park training track, are in the Gallery and by clicking the picture below. Thanks to John McCabe for spearheading the upgrading of our running track at Nuitgrove and Mark Ryan for getting the tee shirts.

Please note that the Rathfarnham clubhouse will be out of action for a week from this Wednesday 29th July as it is being painted.

A Juvenile Open Night will be held on Wed 21st January from 6.30pm to 8pm in the clubhouse. There are some changes to the renewal process and membership conditions for juvenile athletes in 2015 and it is important that all parents/guardians attend. There will be no training that night. The renewal process should only take approximately 20 minutes for each parent/guardian. Please click here for further information. We look forward to meeting you on the night.

Juvenile training will start back after the Christmas break next Monday 12th January at 6.30pm at the usual venue. For further information or enquiries on juvenile membership please contact Jackie Kingston at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The annual Rathfarnham mince pie run will be held on Friday December 26th, starting from the Clubhouse in Rathfarnham Village at 10am. There will be tea and coffee in the clubhouse after the run and the mince pie trophy will be presented to the winner. Feel free to bring along any leftover Christmas goodies.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Juvenile training sessions will resume after the summer recess on Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th September from 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Meet at the clubhouse on Main Street in Rathfarnham Village. For further information or enquiries on juvenile membership contact Jackie Sullivan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from Rathfarnham WSAF Athletic Club. Why not join us for the Mince Pie run on St. Stephen's Day. Meet at the Clubhouse at 10.00 and have have a go at winnig the last great trophy of the year.

Well done to athletes who won achievement awards at the Annual Club Dinner at the Grange Golf Club last night. The highlight of the night was Sean Hehir winning the Club Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row. He was presented with the Tom O'Driscoll Trophy by Flor O'Driscoll. To recognise the achievements of Sean and Caitriona Jennings in achieving Irish senior vests to compete in Major Championships this year, they were presented with Honorary Life Memberships of the Club. Caitriona ran in the Marathon at the London Olympics in August, while Sean ran in the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest last weekend. National, Leinster and Dublin Championship Medals were also presented. The senior mens team of  Barry Minnock, Sean Hehir and Brian Furey were presented with their National and Dublin Marathon Team and Individual Medals. The men's squad were very successful in 2012 after already winning the National 10k Road and Road Relays Team titles. Some pictures of last night's presentations are in the Gallery.

Caitriona and Sean with Life Members Awards

This Sunday looks like being one of the  biggest days racing for Rathfarnham athletes according to Club Captain Barry Minnock.On Sunday Sean Hehir competes for Ireland in the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest. Sean has being running very consistantly all year on the roads and cross country, never finishing outside the top 3. He has done the Club proud. Sean is the second person from the Club to feature at a major championships this year, following Caitriona Jennings run in the London Olympic marathon.

Also on Sunday we  have two teams in the National Novice Cross Country Championships in Adamstown Co. Wexford. After Paul Stephenson's wins in the Dublin Novice and Intermediate Championships and the team's win in the Dublin Intermediate CC Championships, hopes are high that more All Ireland medals will be won on Sunday.

The best of luck to all. Details on both events are on the AAI website.

Attention all Members

The Club Annual General Meeting will be on Wednesday 28th November at 8.30pm in the Clubhouse, Main Street Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

All management positions are up for re-election. Please send your nominations to Derek together with any motions you may wish to put to the meeting.

The outgoing management team would like all members to attend and contribute to the meeting on any topic of your choice.

The Club was featured in today's Irish Independent FIT Magazine. A copy of the article is attached for those who did not see it.

With a gang  of us going to London to cheer on Caitriona in tomorrow's Olympic Marathon, the publicity is showing the Club up in a great way. Some recent articles in the Lucan Gazette and the Southside People are attached.

At last night's training in Bushy Park we launched this years Rathfarnham 5k Run with our ladies athletes and with the energie gym people who are sponsoring this years run. We also welcomed Caitriona Jennings who is to run for Ireland in this year's Ladies Marathon in the London Olympics. This years 5k race is on Sunday 23rd Sept. 2012 and online entries are now open on this site. Pictures taken by our very own Shane O'Neill, of those involved in the launch are in the Gallery.

This months Irish Runner Magazine have a few articles about Club athletes. One covers our great National Road Relays win for the Senior Mens Team, Caitriona Jennings' selection for the Olympics Ladies Marathon, an athlete profile on Caitriona. Also in last Thursday's Irish Independent Fit Magazine, Sean Hehir was covered for his win in last weeks Docklands 5k. Copies of the articles are attached.

Well done to Kevin Bolger an employee at Intel whose training and volunteering exploits on behalf of the Club, over the past year ensured he earned a big cheque for the Club from his employer in their Matching Grant Programme 2012. Under this Program Intel donates $10 for every hour to the employee's Club for their volunteer work on behalf of the Club. Club President Zoe Melling received a cheque for $3,500 from Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan and managing director of Intel Ireland Eamon Synnott at Intel yesterday. Kevin is sadly in Boston at the minute and he is greatly missed.

Coaching Manager Adam Jones with a happy Zoe Melling with the cheque at training in Bushy Park yesterday

Congratulations to Caitriona Jennings who has been selected by the AAI to represent Ireland in this year's London Olympics in the Ladies marathon. This is a wonderful honour for caitriona after she ran 2.36.11 in the Rotterdam Marathon in April. This selection is subject to the Olympic Council's approval but Caitriona has crossed the first hurdle which makes it a very proud day for the Club. A short note is on the AAI website.

Caitriona in action in the Phoenix Park recently

Welcome back to training in Bushy Park this evening. It was great to see big squads out in all categories. Some pictures of all your great efforts are in the Gallery. Well done.

Please note that training for seniors, masters and Juveniles (16-18) returns to Bushy Park this Tuesday at 18.30 sharp. Intervals start at this time, so be warmed up for 18.30.

Club members can listen to a weekly Dublin Athletics round up each Tuesday at 19.00 on radio at 103.2 fm. The show is hosted by Dave Hooper and will cover last weeks Graded Meeting on this weeks show. Listen in and you might get a mention.

Best of luck to everyone competing over the weekend, which is shaping up to be an eventful one for Rathfarnham athletes. In a welcome return to the club Caitriona Jennings will be aiming for a marathon PB in Rotterdam on Sunday, and she will have good company with Shane O’Neill, Turlough Conway, Gerry Doyle and Joe Casey joining her on the line at 9.30am Irish time. Conditions are looking good for the day, with a temperate 10 degrees forecast. Later on Sunday the road championship season kicks off with the National 10k in the Phoenix Park, and the club will be represented by strong teams in all categories. The programme starts with Junior races from 11.15am, with the main race scheduled for 1.30pm. At 7.30am Adrian Tucker will provide a warm-up for the day with a solo effort over the four legs of the inaugural 39k Wicklow Glacier Lakes mountain run.

Caitriona winning the National Half Marathon in 2009. Photo: Kieran Carlin

Please note that training will take place this Tuesday 10th April in Nutgrove Park at 18.30. Thursday's PE session will transfer to Bushy Park at 18.30 from this Thursday 12th April. Meet at Children's Playground. The location for Tuesday's week's session will be agreed at this Tuesday's session. Check with coaches.

Sean Hehir is now getting the recognition for the great year he had in 2011.  Firstly he wins the Dublin County athletic achievement award, at the Leinster Athletics Awards cermony last Saturday, which he received at a function in the Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow. Full details and a picture were in last Thursdays Irish Independent Athletic column. Last night he picked up the Clare Athletics Association overall award for outstanding achievement in athletics. Well done Sean.

Sean with proud dad Sean Senior

Well done to all you hardy Club runners who braved the Mince Pie Run to the top this balmy St. Stephen's Day morning at 10.00. This run takes you from the Clubhouse past the Yellow House, up Edmondstown road, up through Rockbrook and beyond, right turn at the narrow bridge, up past Cruagh wood to finish at the top of the road beside the carpark on Kilakee Road. The downword jog takes you down Kilakee Road onto Stocking Lane (no one braved it to Tallaght this time), onto Scholarstown Road, and back to the Clubhouse via Edmonstown Road. The early charge up to Rockbrook saw Derek Bain, Rory O'Hanlon and Brendan Hogan take the lead. This leading group were soon reeled in by Brian Crinion, Gearoid O'Connor and closely followed by Paul Fleming. Brian and Gearoid took it on from Cruagh with Brian just a few steps ahead. Gearoid was not to be beaten and made it to the top in first place with a last-second burst. After this lot came Liam Griffin, John Hynes, Philip Wright, Maria Dolan, Vanessa Sallier, Helen French, PJ Claffey, Zoe Melling, Laura Flynn and Ann French who took the perpetual trophy. Well done to all. Pictures in the Gallery.

The Gym Session is on this Thursday 22nd Dec. Meet in Clubhouse at 18.30, followed by hill session. Pace run on Saturday 24th Dec. at 9.00 and 10.00 in Bushy Park. Meet at Children's playground. On Monday St. Stephens day, 26th Dec we have our usual Mince Pie run at 10.00 from Clubhouse. For Tuesday 27th Dec. for those who are around, the usual Interval sesssion will take place in Nutgrove Park at 18.30. For those who are off on Tuesday next, we can meet for the Interval session in Bushy Park at 9.00. Meet at Children's playground.

Many congratulations to Lesley Tilson and Ollie O'Neill on the birth of their twin girls. We know they will put their many years of hard training to good use. A happy Christmas and New Year to all Club Members, parents, coaches and supporters and lets looking forward to a successful 2012.

Sean Hehir finished off the best year of his athletic career by winning the Club Athlete of the Year award and the Tom O'Driscoll trophy at out awards cermony in The Castle last night. Sean won the National Half Marathon title and led the Club team to Senior Gold in the race. He was also 3rd in the National 10k Senior track championships in Santry in July and again lead the Club team home to win the Gold Medal. Barry Minnock and Mark Ryan were also on these two winning teams. Other award winners last night were in the Senior Men category (Kevin Bolger, Paul Fleming, Niall Sommers, Eoin Flynn, Louis McCarthy, Brian Furey, Barry Minnock, Mark Ryan), Senior Ladies (Donna Mahon, Eilis Connery, Catherine Devitt), Masters Men (John Brennan, Pearse Coyle, Stuart McClean) and Masters Ladies (Helen Ingram). Well done to all.

Sean being presented with the Athlete of the Year Award by Coaching Manager Adam Jones last night

Sean did not let last nights partying go to his head because at Cooraclare today, he easily won the Clare Senior Cross Country Championships from Rory Chesser and Michael Shannon. Details to follow.

Please note that the AGM takes place in the Clubhouse on Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm. Any nominations and motions should be sent to Derek Bain by E-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday 25th November.  All Members are invited to attend. The Club Christmas Party and Awards Cermony takes place in The Castle, Main Street, Rathfarnham on Saturday 3rd December at 8.00. Cost approx €30. Please let Derek know by E-mail if you are going.

Best of luck to all our lads running in the Inter Counties Cross Country in Sligo on Sunday. Sean Hehir runs for Clare, Brian Furey for Galway and Michael Freeley for Mayo. Louis McCarthy and Catherine Devitt are subs on the Dublin Team. Jack McLoughlin runs in the Junior Mens race, while David Scanlon runs in the Boys Under 18 race on the Dublin team. Paul Fleming and Donna Mahon run in the Home Countries Masters Cross Country in Scotland on Saturday.

For anyone who for whatever reason isn't running this weekend, please try and come to Santry to support your teammates, and spread the word to others. This weekend be the 13th man or 5th lady on the squad which could make the difference between 1st and the minor places. Please try and play your part in this team effort.

Sean Hehir, Men's Team Captain

Note that our training venues change from next week. Tuesday's session takes place at Nutgrove Park at 18.30 and Thursday's Gym session is in the Clubhouse, Main Street, Rathfarnham at 18.30. All training sessions are set out in the Training Section.

Congratulations to John Hogan and Lorraine Nolan, valued members of the Club, on their wedding last Saturday in Limerick. Some pictures of the happy couple are in the Gallery. They are currently on a training honeymoon in the US.

Well done to Barry Minnock and Paul Mahon on the successful organisation of the Athlone 3/4 Marathon last Saturday 1st October. Details at Athlone 3/4 Marathon website.

Also on Saturday 1st Oct. we had 2 great runs in Galway. Brian Furey was 6th in the Galway Bay Half Marathon in a time of 74.26. Willie Morris was 5th in the 10k at the in 36.59. Details on the GalwayBay Half Marathon website.

Thanks to all who have entered this years Rathfarnham 5k. Online entries on this site, for just just €20 close on Friday 23rd Sept at 12.00 midnight. Your number and goody bag can be collected at the Rathfarnham Athletics Clubhouse, Main Street, Rathfarnham on either Friday 23rd Sept. 19.00 - 21.00 or on Saturday 24th Sept 12.00 - 16.00. They can also be collected on race day at the Registration desk, Terenure College, Templogue Road (opposite Bushy Park) 8.00 to 9.30. You need at least 15 mins to get to the start from the College. Some parking is available in the College but there is a lot of parking on the roads at and aroung the swimming pool exit from the College.

The Rathfarnham Athletics Clubhouse is opposite the AIB Bank in Rathfarnham Village just off Rathfarnham Road. Enter the village from the Texaco Filling Station end as traffic flow is one way. The Clubhouse is on the left side and will be well posted. You can also register for the 5k at the Clubhouse on the Friday or Saturday for the reduced rate of €25. It will be €30 in Terenure College on race day. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any other queries. Race day advice is in the attachment.

Last Saturday's National Half Marathon successes have attracted plenty of publicity for the Club in recent days in the national press. Yesterday's Evening Herald included a piece by Lindie Naughton on Sean's great win, and this was followed by more extended articles in todays Irish Independent with Sean in full flight. Both papers' articles are attached.  The best of luck to Barry, Donna, Brian and Mark who are running for Ireland in Albania this wekend in the World Mountain Running Championships. Entries for the Rathfarnham 5k are coming in fast, so for those who intend running get your entries in without delay. For those helping on the day please let either Philip Halpin or myself know.

Also please see attached add. for 5k in Irish Independent 12th Sept. 2011

Well done to Peter O'Farrell in winning the Gaelforce West Adventure Event in Wesport on Saturday 20th August in a time of 3.34.33, leaving over 2,200 in his wake. Niall Summers was 5th in 3.42.58. Full results on Gaelforce West website. On Saturday 27th August Brian Furey was 3rd in the Warrior Run in Strandhill Sligo in a time of 56.13. Peter O'Farrell was 8th in 58.35 and Turlough Conway was 10th in 60.18 (First local home). Full details are at Warrior Festival.com. Well done to all the lads.

We had a lot of publicity in last nights Evening Herald for the Tinyrland 4 and our own Rathfarnham 5k. Article attached.

Peter, Brian and Turlough

Bernie White, a coach at Dublin Striders and regular training partner for Rathfarnham athletes, is holding a sports activity camp for kids aged from 8 to 12 years this November.  Details are as follows: Venue: Sundrive Park, Sundrive Road, Dublin 12. Dates: November 1st - 4th, 9.30am to 2pm. Cost: €60. A brochure and application form are attached below.  For further information contact Bernie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (087) 9913466.

Please note that our training schedule is updated in the training section. Both members and prospective members are welcome to join any of the sessions. We have also upgraded the Clubhouse with a new paint look and some new signs. Call in when next in the Village. This years 5k is on Sunday 25th September at 10.00. On line entries are now open and anyone going to races over the next month should get some flyers in the Clubhouse. Details across.

Click on picture for more pictures of Clubhouse.

The Docklands 8k which is being supported by the Club is fast approaching (June 21^st at 7:45 pm) and it looks like it could be fun on the night with music, bbq and beers in Grand Canal Square. We are finalising the marshall list and invite you to help out on the night. The briefing will be in the Maldron Hotel on June 21st at 7:00 pm and it is hoped to recompense members for their time. If willing to join the team please text me or email me with your number. Thanks in advance.

Owen Mc Loughlin,

E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or ring 087 2524712

Please  note that the Plyometrics session returns this Thursday, 5th May in Bushy Park at 18.30. Meet at the children's playground. This is an important aspect of conditioning training and helps keeps the dreaded injuries away. All Club athletes and those who aspire to join the Club are invited to come along.

Rathfarnham WSAF AC are this year's sponsor of the Docklands 8k Run along with Brian Crinion a long time member of the Club and his Irish Triathlon team. Owen McLoughlin willl work with Brian and myself with organising the event. The Docklands Run is an 8km run along the Liffey & IFSC with up to 2,500 entries expected.  Entries opened last week on Docklands Run and are already over 600 in the first week.  However we need Club members to help promote the Docklands Run to friends and workmates, so do take some of the flyers and posters that Brian and Owen will be giving out at training over the next few weeks for your work canteen notice board. We will also need stewards to help out on the night so put the date in your diary. For further information check out Docklands Run or email Brian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Graded Meetings begin in Santry Stadium on Wednesday, April 20th and fortnightly afterwards, dovetailing with the Irishtown Stadium. The timetable will shortly be posted on Dublin Board website (thanks to Adam).  There is a diminishing number of officials and organisers of these successful events through Dublin Athletic Board. It is expected that at least two officials from each club are present at each meet. Rathfarnham WSAF is and has been great for complying with this.  If any member (presently competing or not) could help out in any capacity, I would be very grateful if they would contact me. The commitment need only be partial. The first commitment would be to witness the set up of the event on April 20th At 5:30 pm. After this volunteers could give some partial commitment or not. There will be no pressure. Many of us have run in the graded meetings over the years and if you had some time to give it would be most appreciated.   Owen  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (087)2524712 

Please note that the Interval training session returns to Bushy Park this Tuesday 29th March at 18.30. Meet beside the childrens' playground. Other training times are in the Training Section. We hope to begin the Thursday Plymetrics session in Bushy Park in a few weeks time.

Training this Thursday 6th January 2011 (meet Clubhouse at 18.30 with a hill session on Spider hill). Training on Saturday 8th (9.00 and 10.30 in Bushy Park - Kids playground - pace run etc.) and Sunday 9th January (8.00 and 9.00 from Clubhouse - long easy runs) as usual. Training next Tuesday 11th January (18.30  in Nutgrove Park - Session). Training next Thursday week 13th Jan. (18.30 in Ballinteer Community School - Gym session and easy run).

Two training sessions will be held tomorrow, at 9am and 6.30pm, meeting at the clubhouse. The sessions will consist of intervals on adjacent Spider Hill. Circuit training will resume next Thursday January 6th, venue to be confirmed.

A group training session will be held tomorrow morning in Bushy Park, meeting 9am at the children's playground. There are no exemptions for those who have overindulged during the festive season, and number of laps will be based on number of mince pies consumed to date! The facilities in Nutgrove will also be available for anyone who wishes to train there at 6.30pm.

Please note that  there will be no circuit training in Ballinteer Community School next Thursday 23rd Dec. Circuit training will commence on Thursday 6th January 2011. As numbers at this session have being falling in recent weeks, we may transfer to the Clubhouse in the new Year. We need at least 25-30 to make BCS viable, so start off the new year with getting down to circuit training, a core part of any aspiring athletes' training programme. Training as usual this Tuesday 21st Dec. in Nutgrove Park at 6.30 with local arrangements to apply to Tuesday 28th Dec. Weather permitting the annual St. Stephen's Day Mince Pie run should start from the Clubhouse at 10.00.

A navy cardigan was left behind at the Christmas party in The Castle. Please contact John McHugh if you own it. Just herd that the BHAA/Barnardos 5k road race set for this Sunday 19th Dec. in Marlay Park is posponed due to bad weather.

Happy Christmas to all Club members.

Members are advised that circuit training will resume this Thursday in Ballinteer Community School at 6.30pm as usual.

Please note that the Circuit training is cancelled tonight for Ballinteer Community School as it is closed. Training goes ahead this Saturday in Bushy Park at 9.00. Meet at Kids playground. The Jingle Bells 5k, which was set for this Saturday has been posponed to Sat. 18th December at 11.00. Check Donore Harriers website for details.

The Christmas party will take place on Saturday 11/12/2010 from 8.00pm (dinner at 8.30pm) in the Castle pub, Rathfarnham village. Please let me know as soon as possible so I can confirm numbers - partners/friends are welcome. Cost will be similar to last year (

To all club members:

As you will have already been notified by Derek, this year's AGM will be held at the Clubhouse, Rathfarnham Village, on Monday next, 29th.November. I encourage all to attend.This is a very important date in the club's calendar. Officers are elected for the coming year and the agenda is discussed in detail. Everybody has the right to have her or his views known and to partake in the elections. Rumour has it that the finance manager will buy everybody a drink in the Castle pub afterwards. I look forward to seeing you there.

Brian Rankin, President

Congratulations to John Hogan & Lorraine Nolan, and Brian Coleman & Grainne McAdam on their recent engagements. Well done to Eoin Flynn who got married in Gran Canaria last Sunday, while Turlough Conway got married recently as well. And we still have a few runners left. Best of luck to our mens CC team in the Dublin Intermediate CC Championships in Tymon Park on Sunday to follow up on their great wins in the Dublin Novice and Leinster Novice CC Championships in recent weeks. Intermediate Ladies is on at 13.00 and Mens at 13.30. Details at Dublin Athletic Board website. Anyone available, come up and give a hand around the course as we are host club.

We have 3 Club Members running for Ireland in Santry today in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country Championships in Santry. Paul Fleming was 6th in the M35 category and scored on the gold medal winning Irish team, Donna Mahon  was 2nd in F35 and won a Gold medal for the Irish team. Helen Ingram  was 5th in F55 and won a silver medal on the Irish team. Adam Jones, a long time member and supporter of the Irish Masters Athletics Federation designed and supplied the Medals for the Championships and it was great to see some of them coming back to the Club. Full details are on the Irish Masters Athletic Federation website.

Paul, Donna and Helen

Please note that next Tuesday's training is changing to Nutgrove Park at 18.30. Pass the word around.

Last Sunday's Rathfarnham 5k got a good press from Lindie Naughton today. Her article is attached. There is also some good commentry on Boards.ie

Online entries have now closed for the Rathfarnham 5k on Sunday 26th Sept. at 10.00. You can still enter on the day up to 9.30 in Terenure College Gym for just

You have just 5 days to go to the Rathfarnham 5k. The last online entries will be posted today. If you do not get your number before the race, please collect it,  in Terenure College at the registration desk. Entries on the day finish at 9.30. It is a downhill course particularly for the first 1k. Do not get dragged along too fast by the 4.30 milers. You need your puff, because as you turn into Rathfarnham Road at the bridge the road begins to rise up to the 2k mark. As you turn into Templeogue Road the road begins to get much steeper all the way to the junction at Templeville Road at 3.5k. As you pass the Start point the road begins to go downhill for the last 1.2k. Then you can put put your foot on the trottle and race into the finish for your PB. Look at the map below to plan your racing strategy. Best of luck on race day.

Final instructions for race day

• Changing facilities, toilets and showers are available at Terenure College, Templeogue Road, Terenure on the day of the race, which is about 200m from the start. Baggage can be stored in a secure location in the Registration area. Parking is available in and around the School.
• The race starts at 10.00 am sharp. Please arrive at the start in good time and allow 15 minutes to get to the start from the School.
• Please give your full co-operation to the race stewards on the course.
• Km. markers will be clearly signed.
• Move through the finishing chutes as quickly as possible and co-operate with the stewards. Check your time on the digital clock.
• The first 800 finishers can collect their free compression top at the finish.
• Refreshments will also be available at the finish and in Terenure College afterwards.
• The full results and photos. will be posted on this website as soon as possible after the race.
• Prizes

The Rathfarnhan 5k is just 8 days away so enter here today, to run a Personal Best for the 5k and take away one of those high quality compression tops worth

Please note that from this Thursday 16th Sept. the Plyometrics Training session which was held in Bushy Park changes to an indoor PE training session in Ballinteer Community School on Broadford Avenue at 18.30.

On Friday last at a Golf Classic organised by Tallaght Athletic Club at the South Dublin Golf Club in Brittas Bay, a Club team of Ian Ingram, John McCabe, John McHugh and Brian Rankin took first prize. Well done to all. Hopefully their golfing prowess will translate to the athletic field.

Pictures taken today at Training in a sunny Bushy Park are in the Gallery Section at Link

The Tallaght AC track is available to Club members from next Saturday 5th June 2010 between 11.00 and 12.00. All members should observe the usual track ettiquete. Also let Adam Jones know for recording purposes.

Just a reminder to all Club members, if you want to run the National 10K which this year is incorporated into the Great Ireland run, which will take place on the 18th of April 2010 in the Phoenix Park. You need to fill in the attached entry form, from the AAI website and give it to Adam Jones with the entry fee before St Patricks Day 17th. March.

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With all races off this weekend due to the weather the hardy members in the Club braved the elements to get in some much needed training in Bushy Park today at 9.00. The driving snow did not deter anyone and may have an eye on the Dublin Master Cross Country next weekend. Some good pictures of the early risers are in the Gallery at this Link. Training as usual from now on Sunday (8.00 and 9.00 at the Clubhouse), Monday and Wednesday (5.30 at Clubhouse), Tuesday (6.30 at Nutgrove Park), Thursday (6.30 at Ballinteer Community School) and Saturday (9.00 and 10.00 at Bushy Park, Kids Playground). See you all there.

The Athletics Leinster Indoor Championships Day 1 is on Sunday 31st January 2010 in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. The closing date for entries for this event is Friday January 15th.

The Leinster Indoor Chanpionships Day 2 is on Saturday 27th February 2010 at the same venue. The closing date for entries is Friday February 12th.

If you are interested in competing please contact your relevant club captain.

Well done to Tony Connolly in winning the Mince Pie run on St. Stephens Day. For those who are up to it we are meeting tomorrow Tuesday at 9.00 at the children's playground, Bushy Park to do the 1k. intervals. On Wednesday we will do a 65 min. easy run from the Clubhouse. Meet at Clubhouse again at 9.00 on Thursday 31st Jan. 2009 to do the hill session (3X 8 min. intervals) on Spider Hill. On 1st. Jan some will do the 5k road race in the Phoenix Park. On Sat. 2nd. Jan. we meet again at Childrens Playground, Bushy Park to do the 1.5K Interval session.

Happy New Year to all.

The Leinster Senior Cross Country Championships Day 3 takes place on Sunday 10th January in Kilkenny. Could any seniors who want to run contact me by the 26th December.

The Mince Pie Run for those who over do the Christmas festivities or those who just like a good hard run is upon us again.Starting from the clubhouse at 10 AM on St. Stephens Day, followed by lots of carbo loading. Hope to see you all there.

To all attending the club's annual Christmas Party,at the Castle Inn, Main St. Rathfarnham on Saturday, please try to be there at 7.45 p.m. We need to be sitting down to our meal at 8.30 at the latest. It promises to be a great night following the most successful year in the club's history!

I look forward to seeing you there.

Brian Rankin, President

To all club members:

As you will have already been notified by Zoe, this yea'rs AGM will be held at the Clubhouse, Rathfarnham Village, on Friday next, 27th.November. I encourage all to attend.This is a very important date in the club's calendar. Officers are elected for the coming year and the agenda is discussed in detail. Everybody has the right to have her or his views known and to partake in the elections. Rumour has it that the finance manager will buy everybody a drink in the Castle pub afterwards. I look forward to seeing you there.

Brian Rankin, President

Some excellent photos taken at this years Achill Half Mrathon by Helen McClelland are posted in the Gallery Section Link

The Trinity track meeting that was due to be held this evening thursday the 14th of May is cancelled due to the condition of the grass track after overnight rain.Check the BHAA. website for more information.

The Leinster Masters Road Race in being held in Gowran Co. Kilkenny on Monday the 4th of May which is next Monday .The Ladies Race starts at 2pm and it's three to score but I am not sure how many to score on the County team . Ladies please contact Helen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in running. The mens masters is off at 2.20 and it will consist of two teams (1) the 0/35 and 0/40 age group (2) the 0/45 and older age groups, but if there is not enough people to make up two teams,e verybody can run in the 0/35 team. The 0/35 and 0/40 team is four to score and the 0/45 and older group is three to score . The county team is six to score so if you are interested in running please contact asap at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Members are reminded that 2009 subs are now due. Details of current rates are listed on the membership form. Please post to me at 22 Marley Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

Many thanks,

Peter McDermott, Treasurer

Just a short note to tell everybody that the Master Mens trial for the National Road Relays scheduled for next Tuesday in Nutgrove Park at 7 O`Clock has been switched to The Castle Park in Rathfarnham village across the road from the clubhouse. We will meet in the clubhouse at 6 30 and the trial will start at 7 O`Clock.

Spring is here again and the road season starts with the National Road Relays in Raheny on the 19th of April and a week later on the 26th the National 10K road race follows, which this year is on in Navan. Both these races for the first time also feature a over 50s championship for the real masters. The over 50s races follow the same format as the over 35 races. This year we are holding trials in Nutgrove Park on Tuesday the 14th of April at 7 o'clock over distances of 3K and 1K. If anybody has a problem making this date and wishes to run the relays please call me on 087 9871749 and we can discuss another date to do a trial.

John Mc Hugh ( Masters Team Manager)

There will be a change of venue for Tuesday training from Tuesday 10^th February, we will move from Terenure College to Nutgrove Park. We will meet at the Clubhouse in Rathfarnham Village at 6.30PM and start session in Nutgrove at 6.45PM.

This change is necessary to facilitate drainage works at Terenure College. Any questions please contact Adam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 087 2523092

We have been awarded the hosting of the National Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships on Sunday 15th February by AAI. These Campionships will now take place in Tymon Park with changing and presentation facilities in Faughs GAA Club. We will have teams competing in all these races and will be hoping for success for our athletes. Arrangements have been put in place for the course but we need help from all our members not competing. If you are not racing we need your help to run these championships.We will need course marshalls on the day and also help with setting up the course. We also need all members to make sandwiches whether you are running or not. If everyone does a little there is less burden on those who always have a shoulder to the wheel. Please confirm your availability to help in some way to the following email or text to 087 2523092 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The response to request to make sambos for next Sunday has been fantastic, Thanks to all who responded so promptly.

Please bring your sambos to Faughs on Sunday and leave in hall downstairs before the races start. We will also need volunteers to make and serve the teas but no doubt there will be plenty as always.

AJ