In the results section of the printed version of TIO90 it is stated that GEN got 100 points for organising the inter-club competition at Ballinastoe. This is not in fact the case: there was a discrapancy in the scores (GEN scored 101 points on the D course, not 1 point) and so won the competition based solely on their performance. Apologies to GEN for this misapprehension, and congratulations! - Ed.
The organisers of the Shamrock O-Ringen and Irish Championships have a very big task ahead of them on the weekend of June 25-27. A small number of dedicated people running three events in less than 48 hours, including an Irish Champs and a chasing start is a lot of work, and they need your help.
At last year's World Cup lots of orienteers from clubs all over the country helped with the many jobs to be done: starts, finishes, results etc. This year you are being asked to help at the Shamrock weekend in west Cork/Kerry.
A number of the CorkO regulars are unavailable this year for various reasons and Bob Pinker needs help. IOC planner Justin May and Controller Trina Cleary from 3ROC want the event to be a success too and they're inviting you all to get involved: maybe to help on one day, maybe more - whatever you can manage. We've all got great enjoyment from orienteering: now is our chance to put something back into the country's premier event.
The Shamrock O-Ringen on Friday evening 25th June at Gugan Barra; the Irish Champs and Shamrock Day 2 and an IOF Elite race at Crohan Mountain (scene of last year's World Cup) on Saturday 26th and a chasing start Shamrock Day 3 at Inchigeela on Sunday 27th.
Bob's phone number is 026-47119. Or try to organise a group from your club to take on a task together.
"Wicklow Way Walks" is a guide to compliment the EastWest "Wicklow Way Map Guide" and details 26 circular walks based on the Wicklow Way. Many of the areas visited will be familiar to walkers, orienteers and mountain runners: Marlay Park, Three Rock, Tibradden, Raven's Rock, Glencree, Djouce, Ballinastoe, Trooperstown, Glendalough and so on, but many will be new terrain. The walks are categorised as family, ramble or hill walk and are well described both verbally and with Barry's excellent maps. The whole thing is very well done and well illustrated both with colour photos, maps and 3-D images of the areas. For anyone interested in circular walks in the area it's an excellent idea.
The Miner's Way and Historical Trail map guide adopts a similar format to describe the 118 km waymarked trail. The local detail of flora, fauna and geology is thorough and again the guide is very professionally produced.
Wicklow Way Walks costs £4.50 and is available from bookshops, outdoor shops and local shops along the Wicklow Way, or from EastWest Mapping, Ballyredmond, Clonegal, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford (Ph/fax 054-77835; web site http://homepage.tinet.ie/~eastwest).
"I'm writing again in response to some discussion about my last piece titled TONI TALKS. As I understand this caused some offence in certain quarters. This was not intended and I would like to clarify some issues about the Sports Council Grants. Last year was the first year in which I was eligible to apply for this and was also the first year in which it became a very structured system. As such it was more or less new to all involved. In an effort to get these grants out as quickly as possible the forms were issued and were due to be returned in a very short space of time. Frank Ryan received these forms only a couple of days before I spoke to him about these. He in turn forwarded them to Justin, who was acting as team manager at the World Cups. Unfortunately the Irish team in general were in a bit of a muddle as we were at the World Cups in Ireland and England in the time span where the forms had to be filled out and returned. Thus we were not very focused on them and we completed them in more haste than we would have wished - personally I was a bit annoyed that I had to do this in such a way with no information in front of me or anything else - however this was purely because of the way the timing worked out and not due to any individual's failing. The system that is up and running now is an excellent one with few, if any, flaws - the timing of this cannot obviously be done to suit all and this year the forms were distributed earlier in the year at the Irish 2 day and we had a little more time to fill them out in the comfort of our own homes. Last year's applications turned out very well for me in the end as most of you will be aware and this is not only due to my own performances but also due to the time and effort put in by Frank and others in setting up the criteria, distributing the forms, completing the forms and then returning them to the Irish Sports Council in a short space of time. This work was difficult I am sure considering the bad feeling about the rushed nature. Once again please accept my apologies if what I wrote was taken as a personal slight to anyone it was not meant as such and was written for a squad newsletter in a rushed and thoughtless manner." - Toni O'Donovan
Editor's note: The article in TIO89 to which Toni refers was published without her knowledge, though I had checked with Tom Callery who published it in the electronic Irish Squad bulletin. I must apologise to Toni for obliging her to apologise to anyone offended by such an innocuous article.
The UK Cup is a series of 10 races held before the international season gets underway during the summer. It aims to bring the top British competitors together for quality races. Qualification for the British Champs is tied in with the series as is participation in the selection races. It also fosters links with the junior elite as they run the short races with the seniors. A runners' best six results are counted with a World Cup type points system in operation.
This year in a determined attempt to raise performance levels and gain important race experience, members of the Irish senior squad are competing in more UK events than ever before. The season got underway on Cannock Chase, north of Birmingham, with UK Cup races 1 and 2. The terrain was fast, a mixture of plantation and deciduous forest with patches of open where heather reduced runnability slightly. Characteristic of this area, the rounded spurs and re-entrants did not pose a serious test technically but accuracy was vital due to high running speeds.
Saturday 6th of March saw a short race run in snowscaped woodland which meant later runners had an obvious trail to follow. Nevertheless small errors were severely punished and the results were quite well spread. Last starter Jamie Stevenson (due to his no.1 finish in the UK Cup last year) came through to win well, 30 seconds ahead of the second placed Richard Wren. Richard is in fine form this year as recent results have proved. Best of the Irish, narrowly, was John Feehan in 9th, 1.32 down. James Logue, another runner in great shape, was 2 seconds further down and Marcus Pinker 16th was the third Irish finisher. In the women's' race Kim Buckley, also last years overall winner, won ahead of fellow international Lorna Eades. Una Creagh ran cleanly to gain 5th spot with Nuala Higgins 17th. On terrain that is very familiar to the British runners these were encouraging results.
Sunday brought slightly warmer weather and an exciting new experience for many-Mass start loop orienteering. This promised to be fast and frantic similar to 1st leg relay races but more intense and more crowded! Standing on the start line there was a tremendous atmosphere as nearly 100 men, and 2 minutes later 60 women, stood eager to get underway. The adrenaline concentrations rocketed! The starters' whistle unleashed the runners and the forest was seen to tremble under the onslaught. Runners shared three common controls before splitting into two courses. The women's courses differed substantially thus precluding the kind of head to head situation seen in the men's race. This was composed of two first half options and two second half options allowing four permutations (say AX, AY, BX, BY). Any slip meant contact was lost and the high speed groups stayed ahead. James and Colm Rothery ran well, on different combinations to finish 4th and 7th, 20 seconds and 1.20 down on Jamie who notched up another victory. Una was unlucky to be on a different combination to some of the quicker women but still finished 4th top of her group. Nuala improved to get 15th and LVO'S Jane Schultz (formerly Wilson,) was 34th - good to see Jane in the elite category now. The race certainly proved popular with the athletes and will no doubt be retained as part of the series. An ideal start to the racing season and a first indication of form in what is an important year.
Countries that have recently enjoyed new found success in World Championship orienteering have done so on the back of good spectator support at these events. Britain, Switzerland & Denmark have all consolidated their position in the top league of orienteering nations with medal success backed by much vociferous support at World Championships.
Usually World Champs. are held in relatively obscure (& expensive) countries compared to the normal travelling haunts of the Irish Orienteer, but not so this year when it will be on very much 'home' terrain in Scotland (just expensive! - Ed). Scotland is home to Una May's 1996 British Championship success. She follows two successful qualifications to WOC A finals in 1995 & 1997 - the only Irish person ever to have done that on her own running merit vs. the rest of the world - with the hope that she can repeat that success in 1999 & hopefully produce her best ever WOC performance.
John Feehan's recent 8th placing in the Easter JK Elite class puts him in contention to be the first man to qualify for the Classic Men's final on his own merit. His commitment to every aspect of orienteering & drive for success since his junior days has been remarkable.
Eileen Loughman may make it to her 12th WOC - a record no-one is ever likely to take from her.
The men's relay team were 18th in 1993 in America. They can do better but they need our support.
What other sport allows you to spectate at a World Champs, mingle with the stars of our sport & all for free? On top of that, Scottish Orienteering promises to put on 6 days of quality summer orienteering on the very terrain the gold medallists have run on. Any more than Ireland, the weather is not guaranteed & the midges might have their say, but the countryside is superb and the options for the carefree tourist & outdoor person is endless.
Many complain that Elite Orienteering is remote from the 'everyday' Orienteer. Going to a World Champs shows it is not. Seeing the best in action is an inspiration to improvement for everyone. Squad members spend most of their free holidays & much of the personal resources supporting what is our International representation. They deserve more of our support.
Young or Old (or in between!) - if you have considered you'd like to see a World Champs, there will never be a better chance. If you don't have travelling buddies - ask around - there are probably many others like you out there.
The squad would love to see you waving the flag and the shamrock in Inverness during the first week of August. See you there. -
Tom Callery, Irish Squad Co-ordinator
The human body likes to follow a routine. One of the common triggers for people who have migraine headaches, for instance, is a change in routine. We are healthier, for example, when we eat regularly and sleep a good amount every night. Spotty sleeping and eating patterns are an invitation to illness.
The same is true when we look at our running routines. It's not that we should run the exact same workout each day, and we don't have to run each and every day to have a routine. Instead the key is consistency. Running every day one week, then only once the following week, for example, is not a very good way to increase fitness or manage weight. If you are comfortable running five days a week, try to run five days every week. Running six or four won't be a big deal, but suddenly running every day for a month or taking a couple of weeks off completely certainly could.
Of course, it's important to know that there are times when it is more important to heal an injury or recover from illness than it is to stay with your workout plan. Rest is forced upon us at times. It's also important to understand that increases in training load are fine as long as they don't come too suddenly. Your body is used to a particular status quo and it won't be happy if it is changed to suddenly.
The key is to attempt to avoid unplanned interruptions in training. Map out your training times during times of the day when interruptions are least likely to occur. Try to run with other people, too, since that will get you out the door on days when your lack of enthusiasm might tempt you to skip a workout. Perhaps the biggest thing is to simply make your training a priority. It's too important to leave to fate! (Woody Green: Runners' Niche)
Alan Gartside has taken on the managership of the VHI'99 team. The competition is being held in the Aviemore area of Scotland on the weekend of 6-7 November (note change from 16/17 October).
Alan is asking for all vets (M/W40+) to let him know before the end of June if they are available for selection. The team will be selected from those who confirm that they are available.
Responses need to include an address (postal and/or electronic) and a telephone number. The history of selection has shown that it is usually necessary to dig quite deeply into the reserves list so that everyone should consider themselves as a potential candidate.
Alan's address is 22 Ormiston Drive, Belfast BT4 3JS (e-mail alan.gartside@dedni.gov.uk).
Compasses at the ready, and that's just to find the start! Curragh-Naas Orienteering Club are again staging their summer evening series of events and Curragh West, Hollywood North and Curragh East all feature. The series of six competitions on Tuesday evenings runs from 18th May at Donadea, then Russelstown, Curragh West, Hollywood North, Curragh East and Hollywood on June 22nd. The last event will feature the usual barbecue. Start times are 6 pm to 7.30 pm. There will be three courses: A (6-7 km, medium difficulty), B (3-4 km, medium difficulty) and C (2-3 km, easy). There may also be a string course.
There will be an individual league (best 4 results to count) and the prizes will be given out at the last event, in Hollywood.
More details from 045-867183.
Congratulations to all club members on our great success in Ballinastoe where we managed to capture the Leinster Inter Club Trophy for the first time. Well done to all who came out to help run the event and despite the cold, wet, miserable conditions ran for the club as well. A special thank you to our juniors who earned us valuable points, they were great. Sorry to anyone I talked into going out but it was all in a good cause and the league points were a nice bonus in the end - we got double the value for our efforts. Mick Kellett did a great job planning as usual Full report in the newsletter I hope to enclose. The very handsome trophy can be inspected chez moi in the short term.
Nora Lalor Secretary G E N .
The second Setanta Rogaine will be on the weekend of July 17/18th in Co. Wicklow. The format will be a 24-hour score event for teams of two starting at 12.00 hrs on Saturday and a non-competitive 14-hour event starting at 18.00 hrs on Saturday. The competition uses the 1:50,000 O. S. sheets 56 and 62. Entries to Philip Brennan, 69 Moyville, Dublin 16 by July 9th. Clubs have entry forms.
People who did it last year said it was "memorable" and I'm sure many of them will be back for more. Well done to Setanta Orienteers, for putting this event on the fixture list and keeping it going.
Leinster is purchasing another printing finish clock for use of clubs at Leinster events. Does anyone know where the original Seiko printing finish clock went? wasn't there one for Munster and one for Connaught too?
The prize winners in the Leinster League are listed in the results section at the back of this issue.
A series of summer events will run from 29 June to 20 July.
The Leinster AGM will be on 15th June, probable location Lumville House on the edge of the Curragh, after the CNOC event. 9 pm
To be discussed and agreed:
Entry fee recommendation at entry on the day events (£4 adult, £5 non-member, £2 junior)
League courses, Provision of Black and Red courses.
Leap frog controllers, League events to be controlled by member of the club who staged the preceding league event. Plus the usual AGM stuff.
Current Leinster Chairman Andrew O'Mullane is standing down at the AGM. He was elected IOA Chairman at the IOA AGM in April.
From the provisional fixtures list it looks like there will be 14 Leinster League events next season, between October 10 th and May 7th, 6 before Christmas and 8 after. These will again include a street-O. 3ROC are down to run the Leinster Champs on April 9th and CNOC are to run the Interprovincial on Saturday October 9th, the day before the first League event and just a week after we all travel to the TIO trophy in Co. Tipperary.
Congratulations to former Convenor of Selectors Richard Kavanagh and Miriam ni Choitir of Cork O on the birth of a new orienteer, Reggie Kavanagh, on May 2nd ... and to Irish Team member Eadaoin Morrish and Peter on their recent addition ... congrats also to former prominent army orienteer Denis ("The Murph") Murphy who got married in mid May ... Adventure Racing events - Thursday 20/May there is a two person team event involving Kayaking/ Cycling/' O' very close to Dublin.; Saturday 22/May. The Five 5's. 5 km kayak(flat water, divided into two 2.5 legs), 5 km cycle, 5 control 'O', 5 mile cycle, 5 km run. All pre-entry events to car@iol.ie or phone Damien Cashin at 086:8362343. Check the web site for up to date details. www.iol.ie/~car ... There are plans for a Controllers Course in December ... Junior Training Week in Killarney from August 21-28th. Details from Frank Ryan (091-753829) ... Interested in orienteering on St. Kilda? Try a Westbound Adventures sailing holiday organised by Paul McNeill of Clyde Orienteers. See the advert in this issue ... Irish Mountain Log reports that Susan Walsh of the Ramblers Club found a pair of trousers on Prince William's Seat, of all places ... Software Paths, the computer company who sponsored the summer inter-firm series in the Dublin area for the past few years, has been taken over and will not be sponsoring the events this year. It is hoped that they can go ahead next year with a new sponsor - maybe one who will encourage participation rather than invite its own clients to take part and ban existing orienteers from running in the events. Look at how the BHAA races are run for an example of how to do it ... There is a rumour that the 2001 British Championships may be at Baronscourt, near Omagh in Co. Tyrone and at Magilligan sand dunes near Limavady ... You know the stories of the Japanese soldiers being found in the jungle years after the second world war ended, but no one had told them? Well, something similar happened at the Setanta Orienteers event at Ballinascorney on May 2nd. See how many Eastern Command Orienteers there are in the results? Didn't ECO fold up some years ago? Or is it part of the time-warp Ballinascorney experience? ... A feast or a famine: after a summer with little or no orienteering it looks like we'll have three weekends travel in a row: the NIOA Champs on September 25, the TIO Trophy in Tipperary on October 3rd and the Interprovincials in Leinster on October 9th. ... Perhaps someone could clarify whether the Leinster Champs is an open or closed Championships? Do all the Provincial Championships have the same criteria for eligibility? And isn't if funny that if a Munster club member, say, was born in Leinster, he or she could represent Leinster in the Interprovincials but isn't eligible to run in the Leinster Champs? Maybe another job for FIOA? ...
The IOF's twice-yearly publication, Orienteering World, has been re-launched as a glossy magazine to promote the sport in media circles as well as inform existing orienteers about developments in the sport. The current issue has articles on orienteering in China, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Australia, Latin America, Greenland (!) and Finland. There are also pieces on the forthcoming World Championships in Scotland, the 2001 World Games in Japan, the IOF development plan, Ski-O, Trail-O and Mountain bike-O.
You can subscribe to O/World by sending a cheque for IR£9 to The Irish Orienteer.
All club members are to become members of the IOA, ... World Cup 98 in Killarney was a great success ... Coillte now want £2 million public liability insurance before issuing permits ... the IOA only met 4 times in the past year ... there are 24 clubs affiliated at the end of 1998 (what about Fermanagh?) and one associate (IOSA) "Orienteering in general is not flourishing in Ireland" - the first words of the Hon. Sec.'s report ... Positions vacant: Secretary, Environmental Officer, Junior Affairs Officer, International Officer ... Grants were awarded by the Sports Council under the High Performance Carding Scheme to Una Creagh (£3,000), Toni O'Donovan (£1200) and Marcus Pinker (£2400). It now appears that these are taxable, though ... IOA has purchased the SportIdent electronic timing system and there will be a set with each provincial association... the IOA controllers list now includes 63 names ... insurance cost IOA £2750 last year ... ten people were certified as level 1 coaches last year ... IOA income for 1998 was £17,372 with an additional £20,900 in one-off grants for things like the World Cup, coaching, etc. ... The excess of income over expenditure for last year was £976 ... Club affiliation fees fell from £6620 for 1998 to £2832 for 1999 ...
IOA Development Officer Brendan Cryan made the re-establishment of schools orienteering one of his priorities last year. An Irish Schools O-Association has been set up and the Munster Schools OA ran the first official Irish Schools Championships in Cork with about 300 attending. The plan is to hold the event in Leinster in 1999. A Connacht Schools OA has been set up and the Leinster Schools OA is on the brink of rising again.
For details of schools orienteering, contact Brendan Cryan, 21 Marian Crescent, Dublin 14 (01-4945926).
Those of you who like to get some exercise in the summer and who find mountain racing too quick or too strenuous, might like to consider the following:
the Galty Walk on 12th June - Ann Taylor, 26 Kells Road, Kilkenny
Lug Walk 19th June (limited to 200). - 1850 200 175.
Bangor Trail in Mayo on 19th June - Oliver Geraghty 098-41658.
Benbulben Challenge in Sligo on 17th July. - Michael Mulligan 071-41267.
Mourne Seven Sevens on 7th August. - Jim Brown 08-01232-647854.
Burren Walk on 28th August - Gerry O'Carroll 061-392285.
Glover Highlander in Donegal on 11th September - Alan Tees 08-01504-810834.
There's no Circuit of Imaal this year and you've missed the Comeragh Bog Trot (April 10), the Maam Turks (April 24), the Blackstairs (May 15) and the Wicklow Mountain Challenge (May 22).