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Editorial.
AGM Thursday 5th Feb.
Our AGM was held on the above date and there was a record attendance of senior and junior athletes. The general consensus was that the Club had a very good year in a number of different areas. Our athletes trained harder and achieved a much higher standard in competition. Full reports are printed in this newsletter. A New Committee was elected for the coming year and there are a number of new faces which will become familiar to you in the coming weeks and months. However there is one new position on our committee that I must draw your attention to and that is the position of Club Childrens Officer which has been filled by Mrs Mary Hannon. It is my intention to formally introduce Mary to our young athletes and parents in the coming weeks.
O'Sullivan Shines again at Nationals.
Vincent O'Sullivan continues his rich vain of form with his second National Silver cross country medal, this time the O'Sullivan road show travelled to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford where he took part in the National Intermediate cross country championships, Vinny with an exceptional string of results to his credit over the past few months finished a brilliant second to claim the silver medal.
Well done Vinny

Committee for 2004
Chairman Dermot Brennan
Hon. Secretary Gaye Enright
Hon. Treasurer Cyril Smyth
Child Officer Mary Hannon
Senior Captain Eamonn Tilley
Junior Captain
Sara Corcoran/ Niamh Saunders
Committee Members
Sean Clifford
Michael Whelan
Martin Corcoran
Paul Rice
Michael Ennis

Bray Runner Sponsor raises money for charity.
One of our generous sponsors Noel Harnett of EP Mooney, Long Mile Road, took part in the annual GOAL mile on Christmas morning and was rewarded with an excellent time of 8 minutes, Noel who has not run for quite a number of years raised much needed funds for GOAL

Training Camp in Navan 3rd and 4th of Jan.

The 3rd of January finally arrived and Bray Runners were to see four of their athletes attend a weekend of training in Navan. Athletes from all over Leinster were invited to participate, but Wicklow athletes dominated the field with approximately 35 in attendance.

For some the early start at 7.45am on Saturday morning proved difficult, namely the boys, who stood waiting at a bus stop heading south, when we were heading North! David soon informed us, he needed around five hours to wake up properly. This we discovered on Sunday morning, was true!

Arriving in Claremont Stadium at 11, after nearly three hours of travelling, we already ached all over. However this could have been something to do with our over packing. We had no idea of what lay ahead……

Within thirty minutes of our arrival Noreen had forced us all onto the track, starting her famous intense warm-up of non-stop jogging and stretching usually a minimum of 55mins. However, her kinder side was displayed and a mild version of her warm-up lasted a mere 35-40mins.

After our warm-ups, we were split into two groups. Our group spent 40 mins tripping, skipping and hopping over mini-hurdles and plastic ladders. It's aim was to introduce a bounce into our step. We then moved onto the next session, which involved various gentle throws with a medicine ball. It's aim was to warm-up shoulders, back and arm muscles for anyone who intended to throw later in the day. However it became a game of basketball as Niamh and Sarah tried to defend their favoured ball against the hands of Ellen Pierce and Mark Fylnn.

After lunch we were all asked to focus on one aspect of athletics for the next two hours. David not surprisingly chose sprints, William tackled distance running, Niamh embraced the shot putt and hammer and Sarah ventured the javelin. As David modelled his spandex leggings up and down the 100m track, Sarah had Joe Diskin on his knees (begging for enthusiasm), Niamh decided her hammer throwing days were over after nearly killing a co-athlete.

At 4pm we had a talk from a Lucozade representative on 'Planning for Success in Sport'. For Niamh and Sarah it was a wake-up call, enforcing the need for a constructive training plan. For some the day had proved too much as their heads nodded more in fatigue than in agreement, with what was being said. However they were soon to be awoken when a short heated debate took place between Noreen and the coach from Navan. When question and answers time arrived most questions were about dinner.

At 5 o'clock a coach arrived to transport athletes to the hostel in Drogheda. This was where the real fun was to begin, with 16 girls sharing one room and 14 boys sharing another. Dinner consisted of pizza and pasta ordered from the local take-away. For the first time all day, nearly everyone was quiet, except NIAMH of course, as we indulged in our food.

With stomachs satisfied we took our places for the table quiz. David's team emerged victorious but William's team tried to win some brownie points by, naming Terry Kavanagh as the person who had won the most track and field titles since 1984. Nice try guys!! Sarah's team had the right idea naming Terry the monkey from 'Friends'.

By 12 all were to be in their rooms. But guess where Niamh was to be found? The boys room of course!! Noreen soon made an appearance and all returned to their respective room. Some were aching from over worked muscles others from the banister pole fights. The girls soon settled down, but noise could still be heard from the boy's room until about 3am.

On Sunday morning athletes of every level of fitness climbed out of bed, stiff and sore. There was a state of panic as the girls fought over the shower and the boys over the toilet. At 10 o'clock we returned to the track in Navan. Warm-up on Sunday was to last no joke; one hour and thirty minutes. Yes, that's right one hour and thirty long gruelling minutes. However Noreen kept it gentle baring in mind we were all stiff. Again we were asked to choose an aspect of athletics to focus on. William opted for the road run with Terry Kavanagh and co. and was the only person to return sporting muddy legs??? David decided to abandon his sprints but not his 'fashionable' leggings, which showed off his legs ever so nicely. Instead he decided to focus on 200m training with Noreen. Niamh having enjoyed the shot putt on Saturday stuck with it, with Sarah joining

After lunch we had some well-earned fun. Now indoor games are meant to be for seven-year-olds, us seventeen and eighteen-year but we got more fun from it. Team spirit was at its peak as every team tried to cheat their way to the top. But by the end Sarah and Niamh's teams were fighting NOT to be the last team.

After our thank you and goodbyes Bray Runners dragged their aching bodies to Navan town in search of our bus home and a bite to eat. The weekend was undoubtedly a great success; we had trained hard and played hard. As we returned home we each took different elements away from the weekend. For Niamh, well she brought home a bag of dirty washing and Robert's red pen. David returned home wise with knowledge, after a certain revelation by Niamh. As for Sarah and William they returned home knowing this is athletics at its best!!!! Get involved you wont regret it.
By Sarah Corcoran.
Jan 2004

Legendary Dutch athlete Fanny Blankers-Koen has died at the age of 85.

The sprinter set 20 world records in her career and became the only female athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympics, in London in 1948.
She triumphed in the 100 metres, 200m, 80m hurdles and 4x100m relay at White City and also made appearances at the 1936 and 1952 Games.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) voted her female athlete of the 20th Century.
Blankers-Koen was a 30-year-old mother of two when she enjoyed her record haul in 1948. And she came in for criticism from certain quarters for neglecting her duties at home. Others, meanwhile, dismissed her chances, saying she was too old to compete. But she set that record straight on the Wembley track. IAAF president Lamine Diack paid tribute on Sunday to Blankers-Koen and her achievements. "The whole athletics world mourns the parting of this great ambassador for our sport," he said. "Her career feats have yet to be matched, a fact which was reflected in her election in 1999 as the greatest female athlete of the 20th century.". Dutch Olympic and world judo champion Anton Geesink said Blankers-Koen would be remembered as one of the Netherlands' greatest athletes ever. Fedde Zwanenburg, director of the FBK Games, the country's largest international track and field event, said Blankers-Koen would be commemorated at this year's event.

BHAA RACES
South Dublin Council Cross Country Race Jan. 10th 2004
Paul Rice 17th in 24 min 15 sec
Martin Francis 36th 25 min 53 secs
To improve our newsletter if athletes could provide a little snippet of information eg, weather conditions,distance, approx. number of athletes competing etc it would add greatly to the report of the race.

Raheny 5 Mile Road Race
Sunday, 25 January 2004
We had a large turn out for arguably the best road race in the country. Bray Runners had no fewer than ten athletes ready to have a go at the country's best. Their were 1200 athletes lined up for this one and the atmosphere was electric. Bray Runners recorded some great performances none better than Paul Rice running for Bray for the first time finishing with a PB 27.51. Sean Clifford came 2nd in the O/55 with a excellent time of 29.12 and in the ladies event Mary Dawson running a PB of 32.03 and Eleanor Threadgold taking 3rd place in the O/40 in a time of 32.06.
Results.
Paul Rice 27.51 PB
Sean Clifford 29.12 3rd O/55
M. Francis 30.03
M Corcoran 31.00
P McCormack 31.12
Mary Dawson 32.03 PB
E Threadgold 32.06 3rd O/40
B Whelan 35.42
Liz Ryan 41.17

National Masters
Golden Barry.
Barry Keane as as coaching some of our junior sprinters and actively involved with training the UCD squad with Vincent O'Sullivan, Barry continues to find time for his own training. Barry won 3 Gold medals at the Masters Indoor, 800m,200m,and 60m.
Well done Barry.
Business House Athletic Association
Dublin Bus cross country
Paul Rice 21st 29.42
Martin Francis 42nd 31.31

South Dublin County Council 4 mile course in Tymon Park Jan. 10th
Paul Rice 17th 24.15
Martin Francis 36th 25.53

The Garda Cross Country in the Phoenix Park January 31st.
On a dry, but windy day in the Phoenix Park. Martin Francis, Martin COrcoran, Paul Rice, Sean Clifford, Bernard Quinn and Mary Dawson ran a testing course around the old magazine. A four mile course for men and a 2 mile course for women began with a field of 234 and a staggered start causing a bit of confusion. The confusing course led to Mary Dawson running a longer lap than she had to and finish down the field in 12th place. This was a highly respectable placing in a field of 25 runners considering the extra Mary had run.
Paul Rice had an excellent run and finished in 27th place in a time of 23.46 with Martin F finishing 43rd in a time of 24.54. Sean Clifford fought off Martin C in a time of 26.10 to finish in 74th place as well as taking the 2nd prize for his age group (this should remain a secret). Martin C finished in 89th place in a time of 26.46. Bernard Quinn consistently moved up the field finishing in 119th place in a time of 28.26

Mary Dawson 12th 14.47
Paul Rice 27th 23.46
Martin Francis 43rd 24.54
Sean Clifford 74th 26.10
Martin Corcoran 89th 26.46
Bernard Quinn 119th 28.26

Aer Lingus 5 mile Cross country Saturday Feb 14th
On an excellent spring day ,dry and cool, the Bray lads tackled a course with a high class field of runners. Over 230 runners sprinted for the first bend setting the pace for the rest of the race. Martin F was high in the order at the first lap with Martin C and Paul Mc consolidating their positions. A quick pace seen position change and Martin F from a position in the 30s on the last lap found himself come in at 41st. Martin C and Paul Mc made up place at the final stages of the race to finish 78th and 105th respectively.
National Cross Country ,Short Course. AlSAA. 7-Mar-04
The National cross country "short course" was held in ALSAA, the weather was ideal on this beautiful sunny day. This also was the second race earmarked by Club coach Eamonn for our athletes to make a real effort to attend and compete as a squad, members responded very positively and we had a senior men's squad and a senior ladies squad, there is no doubt that the standard at this level is really hot, and our athletes had to work really hard to remain in contention. We had a number of really fine performances with Vincent O'Sullivan finishing in 7th place ahead of a number of elite athletes, but this day was not about personal performances alone, it was about rekindling the competitive spirit at senior level and we certainly came up trumps, with no fewer than seven of our athletes in the mens race and three in the ladies a real plus for all concerned. A Big thanks to Eamonn Tilley for all the work he put into getting our athletes prepared for this and other events.
Results.
Men.
V. O'Sullivan 7th 12.47 Eamonn Tilley 14.20 Martin Francis 15.16 Adrian Hayes 15.24 Sean Clifford 15.55 Martin Corcoran 16.06 John O'Reilly 17.27
Ladies
Mary Dawson 16.45 Valerie Brunton 16.47 Liz Ryan 20.20

Ballycotton 10 mile.

It was a glorious day on the 7th of March 2004. Well, it was down in Cork.
In the usually quiet little Harbour village of Ballycotton there was a
motley gathering of over 2300 runners. Runners could be seen warming up all
around the village. The weather was cool but the sun gave a good bit of heat when it came out. After the warm-up runners had to be in position behind the start line at least fifteen minutes before the off. I thought I was close to
the top (near the 58 minute section) but there were hundreds ahead of me. It took 25 seconds to get to the start. The race took off slowly for the first
mile and then the crowd petered out and we all got running. The course was a good one, undulating to say the least. I got a second wind around the 6 milemark and took up the pace a tad. The crowds were a great help cheering us
all on. It was definitely needed at the last two miles, which were uphill. I
recognised a few faces from races in Dublin. It was a great day and a great
crowd. I would thoroughly recommend participating in this race next year.
Perhaps a bunch of us out of the Club will go down next year?
Time: 1'07"15'"
Place Cat: 330

Paul McCormack

Club H/cap 19/03/2004
Our Club handicap event was resurrected by our senior coach Eamonn Tilley. The race started on the Southern Cross and finished on Boghall Rd, was over 4.5K and was open to all seniors and juniors alike. The turn out for the event was very encouraging for the organisers with 18 athletes taking part.
The senior men's section was won by new member Kevin Doorley in a time of 16.02 although the fastest time was run by Paul Rice. The senior ladies section was won by Mary Dawson in a time of 17.48.The vets race was won by Martin Francis in a time of 16.16. First junior male was Richard Hourican in 22.55 with Niamh Saunders winning the junior ladies event in 21.31. The race overall was very keenly contested right up to the last 100meters where there were no fewer than eight athletes in contention for the win. There were medallions for the winners and a plaque for the overall winner. Afterwards there were refreshment in the Martello Hotel.
Thanks to all who contributed to a great evening especially to Daniel Tilley
(Eamonn's son) whose help we could not have done without.
Results.
Sarah Corcoran 26.46
Loraine Hourican 29.23
Sinead Fitsgerald 25.11
Jenny Ring 22.39
Richard Hourican 22.55
Niamh Saunders 21.31
Aisling Growney 25.56
Dervla Roche 25.56
Pat McCourt 20.00
Mary Dawson 17.48
Paul McCormack 17.21
Martin Corcoran 17.19
Kevin Doorley 16.02
Sean Clifford 16.43
Martin Francis 16.16
Adrian Hayes 16.29
Dave Tilley 15.41
Paul Rice 15.10

Connamara Marathon
27/03/2004
Well done to Kevin Doorley who ran a fine marathon in the increasingly popular Connamara Marathon, Kevin who has recently joined our Club has been training hard over the past few months for this race and was duly rewarded with a time of 3h 28mins. Unfortunately his training partner Cormac O'Brien also a member of the Club missed out on the race because of injury.

National Title for Sami. May 30th 2004
Sami Dowling won his first National title last week when he came 1st in the Schools 100m in Santry.
This is a very well deserved title for Sami who worked very hard in the last few months,under the watchful eye of Barry Keane
Bray Runners Win Silver MedalsTrinity Relays 28/04/2004
A Bray runners team made a little bit of history this evening when they finished in silver medal position at the prestigious Trinity Relays, held in College Park. The team coached to a high level of excellence by national veteran champ Barry Keane finihed in 2nd place in both the 4X 100 and 4x 200m ( 1min.44secs). Members of the team included Sami Dowling, David Costello, and Patrick Costello.

Wicklow Road Race Championships.Kilcoole 28/04/2004
We were out in force for this series of road races. The first race was a combined event featuringn Junior Men, Junior Ladies, Senior Ladies, and Vet. Ladies over a 5k course. The course was new this year, instead of one large loop it took the form of 3 laps. Mary Dawson ran a fine race in the senior category to finish in silver medal position, Mary was followed home by Liz Ryan who is improving with every race and Marie-Jo taking silver in the Masters was our third lady ensuring Silver team medals.
In junior race Niamh Saunders guided the junior team to Silver medals with a great run, she was followed by Dervla Roche, Aisling Growney , and Sinead Fitsgerald both making their debut for the Club.
Some of us were full of expectation for the Senior Mens' race, but again we had to settle for the Silver team medals. Vincent O'Sullivan showing great form took the gold medal and led the race from start to finish. Eamonn Tilley ( Senior coach) had to settle for 3rd spot after having a neck a neck battle with Mick Byrne from Parnell AC. Kevin Doorley was 7th followed by Micheal Dunford in 8th, Cormac O'Brien 9th and Brendan Whelan.
The Masters race saw Sean Clifford take the O/55 and lead the team of Martin Francis and Bernard Quinn to Silver medals.
Results
Senior Men
1st Vincent O'Sullivan 27.46
3rd Eamonn Tilley 29.22
7th Kevin Doorley 30.14
8th Michael Dunford 32.08
9th Cormac O'Brien 33.52


Vet Men
3rd Martin Francis 31.59 0/45

2nd Bernard Quinn 33.56 0/50

1st Sean Clifford 31.26 0/55

Senior Women
Place Name
2nd Mary Dawson 19.36
4th Liz Ryan 23.25
Masters
2nd Marie-Jo Thauvin 25.27 .


Juniors
5th William Quill 19.00


Niamh Saunders 23.05
Aisling Growney 24.51
Dervla Roche 24.52
Sinead Fitzgerald 27.18

BHAA League 5 Mile RTE Road Race 01/05/2004
Mary Dawson finished in 4th place with an excellent run in this very competitive road race in a time of32min.19secs.
Sportsworld 5 Mile Road Race 16th May 2004
Three of our athletes made the short trip to Walkinstown for the ever popular and fast Sportsworld 5 Mile Classic. Dave Tilley had a great race and was first of the Bray Runners over the line in a time of 27.44mins followed by Paul McCormack with a very respectable 33.20mins who in turn was closely followed by Mary Dawson in a time of 32.19mins.
Belfast Marathon 3rd May 2004
The long tradition of Bray Runners as a marathon running club was continued at the Belfast Marathon when Sean Clifford won the O/55 category in a super time of 3hours 1minute, also Paul Rice came over the line in a time of 2hours.48mins.15sec. Well done to both athletes for keeping the tradition of marathon running alive in Bray Runners AC. It is also worth mentioning that Sean was invited to a civic reception in the Belfast Town Hall to be presented with his prize.
International Success For Sean Clifford.
Sean Clifford finished 3rd in the O/50's 10K in Menton, France. Sunday, 30 May 2004

Womens Mini Marathon
07/06/2004
Liz Ryan continues her comeback with a fine run in the Flora Womens Mini Marathon finishing the race in a time of 47.05mins

Senior Awards Celebrations 12th June
Thanks to all who came along and supported the Senior Awards celebrations held in the home of Sean and Sally Clifford. Like the previous year the evening was a great success with over seventy members, friends and guests in attendance.
Awards Winners on the night were
Athlete of the Year Vincent O'Sullivan.
Veteran of The Year Sean Clifford
Most Improved Athlete Mary Dawson
Personality went to Eamonn Tilley
A special presentation of hand carved candle holders made by Martin Francis were presented to Sean and Sally as a gesture of appreciation for their warm welcome and hospitality to everyone on the night.

GOLD FOR LORCAN AT LEINSTERS
Sunday June 13th
Lorcan Murphy wins Gold at the Leinster Award Scheme held in St. Abban's Laois. This result qualifies Lorcan to represent our Club at National level.
Leinster Bronze Medals For Sprinters
The Leinster Track and Field took place in glorious sunshine in Tullamore. Our Clubs' top sprinters David Costello and Sami Dowling were in action, as usual competition at this level is very ken and the lads did extremely well to come away with BRONZE medals. David ran the 800 metres and finished in 3rd place in a time of 2.04secs. David was also on the Sli Cualann relay team than won the GOLD medals. Sami Dowling also finished in BRONZE medal position in the 100 metres in a time of 11.05secs. Patrick Costello had a great run in the Hurdles and finished in BRONZE position. Patrick also finished in 6th place in the High Jump.
Deepest Sympathy
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Christine Priest wife of former Chairman of Bray Runners Michael. The committee and all members of the Club extend their deepest sympathy to Michael and his family.

Leinster Juniors.
Sami Dowling finished 4th in the Leinster Junior 100m despite the starting blocks slipping as he began.
Avondale Race… July 2004..

Sli Cualann League

Venue: Parnell Park.Rathdrum…

Conditions: One of the worst to Date.Wet and windy Storm conditions.

If was a good man/women that would have ventured out on a day like this, yes you guessed it (it was raining Cats and Dogs and even frogs…) to say the least.
Texts were sent to all parties concerned previous to the race. On that day some people thought that the race was going to be cancelled, (chance would be a fine thing).
We all drove down to the race on a wet Tuesday Evening hoping in our minds that we were going to do well. It came to pass that we did (the men's team stole back the Title taken from us in Kilcoole),
It was one of the best turnouts so far by our men's and Vets teams, sere determination must have supped on all parties (and well done for that I say). The conditions put an end to the staggered start by the organisers. The start time was suppose to be 7 .00 for the ladies and juniors race, and approx 7.15 men's race. But the organisers took it upon themselves to run all 2 races together. (Some people would have thought this was a great ideal, but personally I didn't think so. No consideration was taken for people whom had to travel and poor Adrianne…had only some minutes to change and rush to the start of the race, other people were caught napping only finishing there warm up, but in the end the race started approx 5 min passed 7.
The race was a closely fought, which the likes of Vincent (bray) and Mick Byrne (Rathdrum) at the front to the likes of TJ (Rathdrum) and Kevin (Bray) in the middle to, from the start to the finish. Because of the mix of all parties the start was lead out by our own Vincent O Sullivan, giving chase was a small group of people M Byrne, Kevin Dooley, and Val…with a Junior mixed in for good measure. The Juniors had only 1 lap to contend with some of the less experienced athletes had to be reminded in the middle of the race to slow down and not run off with the juniors.
This advice paid dividends at the end.
It was a hard to keep up with the blistering pace set by Mr O Sullivan with conditions under foot causing some people problems, epecially the Trees with there branches flapping in the wind. This caused some of our athletes to loose the sense of direction. (We all know who that was.)
The race was tough enough for all ages and no man/women would have been stoned for pulling out of the race, (event though some people did).
With lap one we saw the pace of Vincent catching a lot of people by surprise (10.47 first 2 mile) follow by Mick Byrne, Val…. ET.and the likes of Paul Rice in close persuit.
The final lap was won and lose by sheer determination and strength shows by all of the bray Team from the front, Vincent ding dong with M Byrne to the likes of the Battle between Kevin and TJ (coming to the final bend all parties screamed with whatever breath they had not used up in the race …Go Kevin.Go TJ.First Kevin made a spurt then TJ and the final Kevin height and power finally shone true, just edging out TJ for Forth Man Home.
Within the Club the battle between Cormac and Paul Mc looks are thought it is not over yet (this time youth got the better half of Paul)
Not forgetting all the other parties (Martin Francis. MR Mountain Man (when will he stop you just go on and on and on …Very impressed…. Sean Clifford sere determination let him to the start of the race, unfortunally having to pull out at the last moment…IF any person had the same determination and heart that this man showed at the start of this race, I take my hat of to them. Yes Bernard …you are one of these people …(the sign of victory usually comes after the race not before…. Many thanks for sharing it with me…
In relation to the race, as the coach I was very impressed with all parties concerned, firstly by turning up in such appalling conditions and secondly all parties gave the 110% worth. You can all be proud of that. No mans let the side down…
And for that I applaued you all…
Many thanks…till the next Race.

Signed
Coach….Tilley

New Boy Dunfort improves with every race
As part of the summer road race series in Waterford Michael Dunfort competed in the Butlerstown 10Km on 22/05/04. 180 runners completed the course in ideal conditions and he finished in a time of 37.52.

On Sunday 4th July he ran the Addidas 5 mile road race in the Phoenix Park. This year it was a faster course as the circuit went in a clockwise direction allowing the race down the Khyber Pass rather than
the normal grind uphill.

His time was 29.30 so needless to say Michael was delighted to record a personal best over the 5
mile distance. Editors comment. Well done Michael, the hard training on Thursdays is certainly paying dividends.

BACK TO TOPK

Secretary's Report 2003
During 2003, the Committee met formally in April and November. As in previous years, other informal meetings were held to co-ordinate events such as the Annual Social and the Novice cross-country event, hosted by Bray.

Correspondence received during the year was generally of the usual range:
Entry Forms and Fixtures from AAI
Requests for marathon sponsorship
Meetings notices and fixtures from the Wicklow Co. Branch.One significantly different piece of correspondence was from the Athletic Association of Ireland, regarding our Club obligation to appoint a 'Child Officer'. Their advice was that it was a matter to be acted on at the Club AGM.
The Club continues to be represented as often as possible at the Wicklow Co. Board meetings, held monthly.
The Secretary again thanks the Chairman for ongoing support.
Gaye Enright

Chairman's Report 2003
A lot of very positive things happened in the Club this year so much so that it is difficult to know where to start, however I think I'll start at the end and congratulate everyone concerned with our victory in the Wicklow Senior cross-country, the first in seven years. Vincent as captain set this as his goal for 2003, and with his own brilliant form and the support of all the Club we made it a reality. As we strive to become a real force in athletics, winning our domestic competitions is essential and this success is very important to Bray Runners if we are to move forward with confidence. It is essential we build on this success.

The performances of Vincent O'Sullivan through out the year have been fantastic and have been well documented in our Newsletter, and on behalf of the entire Club I would like to congratulate Vincent on a remarkable year. Full report on the seniors from our Senior captain.

An Lar was sold at a handsome profit in September 2003 and full credit for this must go to Sean Clifford and Cyril Smyth for a successful outcome. Sean put a lot of his professional time and skill into this project and on behalf of everybody in the Club we thank you for that. What we are going to do with the profits of the sale will be a task for the incoming committee. Sean / Cyril will give a full report on this later.

Our Annual Awards celebrations took on a unique format for 2003. We had over 80 members / guests / and friends in attendance at the home of Sean and Sally Clifford where we celebrated our 21 years a running. It was truly a memorable night and full credit to the organising committee and again we are very grateful to Sean and Sally for their generosity, warm welcome and hospitality on the night. Of course it is also worth recording the generosity of Paul Finnegan who sponsored the food and provided catering staff for the evening. Members of our junior section Sarah Corcoran, Niamh Saunders, and Ruth Brennan were the welcoming party on the night and helped enormously with the smooth running of the evening.

Our junior section continues to improve and expand, and the standards of our athletes are improving all the time. The coaching staff has increased with Sarah and Niamh completing the Intro Level successfully during the summer. Mary Hannon who came to the Club last year has joined us on the coaching side, and has been a great help at the Tuesday evening training.
The juvenile Awards also took on a different format with Karioki led by Niamh and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our junior captain will cover the junior section in more detail. However I must say that the commitment of Sarah and Niamh to our junior section has contributed enormously to the success of our juniors, and both girls should be congratulated.

The Invitation Track / Field was another success for the Club, we once again put on a very professional event and our athletes performed exceptionally well narrowly missing out on winning the Burke Cup and finishing a worthy second in the Relay.

We hosted the Wicklow Novice / Vets / and Even ages Cross Country in Presentation College and again we were praised for our organisation. We had teams in almost all age groups and a number of team/individual successes were recorded at this event, however we did not carry the success through to the Intermediate championships a forthnight later in Rathdrum where we were only able to field one team across all the age groups. This has been a problem that has plagued us for the last number of years, and perhaps something for the incoming committee to address in the year ahead.

No doubt I have forgotten something that deserves mentioning, however we have a number of reports to get through and what I have missed I hope the other reports will cover.

In conclusion I would like to thank you all for the support you have given to me personally and to the committee over the past year.

Thank you.

Dermot Brennan
Chairman.

Captain's Report 2003:

Overall I think we have had a successful year. We set ourselves the goal of reclaiming the Senior Cross Country Title, which we duly achieved. Everyone involved, including non-scoring runners did exactly what they had to do and won their own personal battles to ensure victory. The win has shifted the balance of power in senior terms in our favour and we should aim to keep it that way. Retention of the title and the addition of the road race title are realistic goals for 2004.

The club members have represented the club at all levels and age groups. In particular we are well represented at BHAA, IMRA and on the Wicklow scene. There is less emphasis on AAI and Athletics Leinster events. This is a reflection of the age-profile and interests of the senior athletes as well as our proximity to Dublin. Unfortunately this, at times, has led to strained relations with Sli Cualann. I would say that the club as a whole should do what we do best and not try to concentrate on too many different events. At the same time though I believe that many of our Veteran runners would be quite successful in Cross Country and T&F at National Level.

I cannot make group sessions but I am told that numbers are holding. In terms of recruitment, advertising and web pages are useful but the best way of recruitment is by word of mouth and every member has a responsibility to introduce potential members to the club.

There are several members of the junior section who will graduate to senior ranks in the coming years. We must ensure that they are provided with adequate training facilities and other forms of support to prevent them drifting away from the club. As an end in itself the Junior Section has been highly successful in terms of performances and enjoyment for coaches and athletes. However as a means of producing Senior Athletes it takes many years to take someone from a very young age all the way through the system to Senior.

Furthermore the rate of attrition is very high given that there are many different sports and other activities competing for the attentions of the junior athletes. We lack large numbers of serious athletes at post-Junior Cert Level. I would suggest we follow the example of DSD and formally approach the schools in the Town and provide coaching assistance. DSD have built up the best junior section in Ireland by doing this despite the fact that they have a very diverse and varied suburban catchment area.

Unfortunately, an increased workload and training load means that I have had to scale back my involvement with the club. Furthermore captaincy duties at UCD, particularly this week, take up nearly all of my free time. I would add that my commitment as UCD Captain has given me first hand experience into running a club and I have a new found respect for our own committee and the effort they put in. Particularly Dermot Brennan.

Performance of the year, as previously, mentioned was the Wicklow Senior Cross Country which we won in fine style (although I would like to get my hands on the trophy). Highlight of the year was the magnificent awards ceremony hosted by Sean and his family. The whole event was very professionally run and everyone really enjoyed the night. Without doubt it was the most enjoyable event hoisted by the club that I have attended and it shall be remembered for a long time to come.
Vincent O'Sullivan 2003

Junior Captain Report 2003

2003 was to prove a very successful year for our juniors in a number of areas. The first big race was the 5km in Kilcoole in April. The junior girls fielded a strong team and scooped team gold. Dervla Roche had a particularly good run and was the envy of her fellow team mates. Unfortunately there was no junior boys team from Bray Runner's. However William Quill had a fine run and was in good form.

Next on the agenda for juniors in 2003 was the Wicklow Track and Field, held in Arklow. Overall this event was well attended and our athletes performed well. Daire Maguire took home gold for his 800m, Ronan Corcoran took the bronze in his 800m and as usual the Costello family returned home with a bag of medals. For David Costello and Sami Dowling, their training with Barry Keane in Belfield paid off. The boys won 1st and 2nd in the U18 100m.Well done lads! The U19 girls also came away with numerous wins, as they dominated the field in their age group. The above is just a small selection of the successes Bray had at this event. A big well done to all those who competed at this event. The Bray Track and Field in July was also a great evening. Patrick Costello deserves special recognition for his performance in the medley. Bray had dropped to 5th place but when it was his turn to run, Patrick put in a fantastic run bringing Bray up to 2nd place. Good man Patrick!!

The cross-country season of 2003 was one of the best Bray Runner's has seen in recent years. Numerous team medals were won at the first race of the season in Pres. Fine runs were had by Jenny Ring, William Quill, Stephen Broderick and Eimear Corcoran. Unfortunately one of our budding athletes Andrew McGonigle was forced to drop out due to a severe cramp. However Andrew is back inform and we look forward to seeing him compete in 2004. There was also a decent turn out in Avondale for the second race of the season. Here Aoife Roche put in an extraordinary performance leading the U10 for at least three quarters of the course and finshing in the top five. Aoife made remarkable progress in 2003, well done!!

Nine juniors were to compete at Leinster level in cross-country in 2003. On Nov. 2nd Oran Harrison, William Quill, Brian Kirwan, Daniel Collins, Jenny Ring, Niamh Saunders and Sarah Corcoran were to make the trip to Mullingar. Competing at Leinster level brought the best out in some of our athletes, in particular Oran who had a good run and showed how much potential he has. Stephen Broderick and Luke Collins made the trip to Ardee for the Leinster uneven ages. The boys did themselves and the club very proud finishing in the top fifty, no easy task at this level. Well done to everyone who availed of the opportunity to compete at Leinster level for the club and county. Cross-country season did not end for some however until the Nationals. Jenny Ring, Niamh Saunders and Sarah Corcoran once again made the trip to Mullingar. Competition was tough but they did their best and were delighted to get so far.

The junior awards night of 2003 took on a new format. Kareoke was introduced and the energetic Niamh Saunders had both parents and coaches participating. The night was a great success, thanks Niamh. Our winter league also proved a good idea, injecting some competition into the club. A training camp in Navan also took place over the Christmas. Four juniors attended and had a ball. The weekend focused on specific aspects of athletics. A number of athletes also participated in school races in 2003, including the East Leinsters and Wicklow Schools.

Overall 2003 was a very successful year for junior athletes. David Costello was in fine form all year, William Quill has never been running better and a number of potential strong teams have emerged for the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dermot Brennan and Martin Corcoran for their guidance and tireless and consistent work, for and with the juniors in 2003. Pat McCourt, Michael Whelan and Gaye Enright's continued involvement with the juniors does not go unnoticed either and is much appreciated. Mary Hannon is a new face to the juniors but is proving a big hit with our athletes, thank you. And last but by no means least Vincent. Thank you for your continued support, involvement and help with the juniors. It is by no means an easy task to train and raise 15-18year olds levels of fitness. But there is no man more capable and no man who puts up with as much grief and moaning as you do. So a big thank you from all the juniors. Thank you to all those who help in the smooth running of the junior section of the club (I'm sorry if I've forgotten anyone). As for the juniors themselves what can I say, thank you for your co-operation all year and a big well done to everyone. Without you there would be no stars! Lets hope 2004 brings just as many successes.

Junior Captain 2003 Sarah Corcoran