Latest news with #Eimear
Irish Independent
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Drogheda ACE athletes Nugent and Cooney shine at U23 and U20 National Championships
Athletics Ace AC's Maeve Reynolds in action at the Blackrock AC's beach races last Thursday. Danny Nugent marked a major milestone in his athletic career winning bronze in the 5000m at the U23 National Championships. Last weekend top athletes from across the country made their presence felt at the U23 and U20 National Championships, with standout performances from Ace AC's Danny Nugent and Eimear Cooney, both of whom secured national medals in their respective events. Danny marked a major milestone in his athletic career by winning his first ever national medal in the 5000m at the U23 National Championships. At 19 years old, he clinched a hard fought bronze medal in an impressive time of 14.47. This result is a testament to his discipline and consistent training. Due to his relatively young age, Nugent still has a few years left to compete in this category. Danny has been an Ace AC member since he was a young child and now also trains with the Dublin Track Club. He is a perfect example of how hard work and perseverance pay off. Meanwhile, Eimear continued to build on her impressive season securing another national medal, this time, a silver in the U20 1500m. Fresh off her success at the U19 National Championships, where she claimed silver in the 3k, Eimear showcased her versatility in the shorter distance. Competing against older athletes, 17 year old Eimear made her move with 250 meters to go, when she surged into the lead. In the final 50 meters she was overtaken for gold by a late push. Despite this, she finished comfortably in second, securing an impressive silver. Eimear's performance speaks volumes about her ability to compete at the highest level, even when faced with older athletes. In other results, U19 Shea O'Donnell competed in the U20 1500m, narrowly missing out on a national medal after finishing in an agonizing fourth place. The race was decided by just hundredths of a second, with Shea giving a strong performance in a sprint finish. Racing against older athletes, Shea showed tremendous promise and he will be hoping for an even better result next week, when he competes in his own age category at the All-Ireland finals. Additionally one of the club's most successful athletes over the past few years has been Neil Culhane. Neil faced a tough field in the U23 men's 800m. After qualifying for the final finishing second to Nick Griggs earlier in the day, he raced hard but ultimately finished outside the medal positions in the final. It was still a solid performance against some of the country's top middle distance runners. In other Ace AC news, some of the younger Ace AC athletes competed in very poor condition in the annual Blackrock beach Races last Thursday with some good performances. Medals were awarded to the top six in each race. In the U10 race, Cathryn Cumming was fourth in the girls race while Ruairi Cooney was sixth in the boys U12 race, while Hannah Black, Sophie Black, Finn Murphy, Maeve Reynolds, Aidan O'Connor, Muireann Chamass and Adam Cumming all competed well. Meanwhile Ace AC's Angela Kearney and daughter Maeve Nolan successfully completed the Achill half marathon over the weekend. Overall the future looks bright for Ace AC and we can expect even more success from these young stars in the seasons to come.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I found best staycation in Ireland with private pod, our own hot tub and alpacas and deer on site
AN Irish couple say they have found the best staycation spot in the country with a private pod and their own hot tub - and there are even alpacas and deer on site. JC's Hideaway is a cosy countryside retreat tucked away on Umrycam Road in Advertisement 3 An Irish couple has revealed where the 'best staycation' spot in Ireland is Credit: Journalist Collect 3 Umry Calm Farm Stays is located 30 minutes from Derry city Credit: Journalist Collect 3 Guests have their own private pod and a hot tub Credit: Journalist Collect Located just 30 minutes from Each pod comes with a private balcony and a hot tub, making it a must-visit for couples planning a weekend break during the summer. And one content creator on She said: "We headed over to JC's Hideaway at Umry Calm Farmstay and it was absolutely amazing to say the least. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL "It was so so beautiful, and the views were something else." The couple got a fabulous pod with their own private hot tub overlooking the Irish countryside, surrounded by nothing but fields and rolling hills. After checking in, the pair got into their tub and had a few And the content creator revealed that guests are handed menus from all of the nearby Advertisement Most read in News Travel She said: "It was so quick and easy to get to, there were loads of little local takeaways as well which the owners left menus for. "And they deliver directly to your pod." I visited the Irish city that's a 'place of wonder' with cobbled streets and countless bars - we never wanted to leave What's more, this stunning spot is home to The animals come right up to your pod and you can even feed them. Advertisement Eimear said: "They were actually the cutest things ever, and there was so many of them. "They came right up to the fence and I just wanted to take them home with me." 'I will definitely be back again' Guests to JC's Hideaway can use the private hot tubs at any time and you can order all of your meals to your pod. After relaxing for the night, the couple said it was a fantastic experience and they would highly recommend. Advertisement Eimear added: "Unfortunately it was time to go home and we had to say goodbye. "But I will definitely be back again." People have taken to the comment section to share their thoughts on the spot. One person wrote: "Love it, looks so beautiful." Advertisement Another said: "Ooh I love, it's stunning."
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Lorcan is the golden boy as Ace AC takes Nationals by storm with medal hat-trick
The outstanding individual performances were handsomely rewarded with one brilliant gold, a silver and a bronze and there were impressive showings from other young athletes. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work that Ace AC's athletes put in, with all athletes under the age of 17 needing to qualify through the highly competitive Leinster Championships. Leading the way was Lorcàn Forde Dunne, who will be hoping to be selected in the coming days for the Ireland team for the European Youth Olympics. He delivered a thrilling performance to claim the U18 3,000m All-Ireland title. The race was split into two heats and that meant that the medallists were decided on times. Lorcàn ran the second heat, knowing exactly what he had to do to secure victory. With a determined group of five athletes breaking away early, Lorcàn picked up the pace with one lap to go and, showing strength and focus, he surged ahead in the final 400m to clinch the gold medal with a fast time of 8:36. This victory secured Lorcàn's second All-Ireland title of the year, following his Indoor 1500m win in March, and the two sensational performances solidify his position as one of Ireland's brightest young distance runners. Minutes after Lorcàn's win, Ace AC turned its focus to Eimear Cooney and she secured a national silver medal in the U19 Girls 3,000m. In a race dominated by Louth based athletes, Cooney fought bravely alongside Dearbhla Allen from the Dromiskin club St Peter's. While Dearbhla pulled away for the win, Eimear maintained a strong position, finishing in second place with a commanding performance. This latest achievement adds to Eimear's already impressive record of national podium finishes, and she continues to be one of the most consistent performers in her age group in Ireland. ADVERTISEMENT One of Ace AC's top field athletes, Jaheim Humphrey, picked up the club's other medal at the championships when he claimed a great bronze in the U17 discus competition. The Leinster champion threw a personal best of 40.19m, securing his first ever National medal. Jaheim, who is relatively new to the event, has shown incredible promise and will undoubtedly continue to rise in the ranks of Irish discus throwers. Outside of the medals, one of the standout stories of the weekend was the performance of Caoimhe Carolan, who became the first young Ace AC girl to qualify for a final at the national level apart from the club's successful group of older, established athletes. In the U13 Girls 600m Caoimhe showed incredible grit to finish just short of her personal best in a time of 1:44.82, securing 12th place in Ireland. Caoimhe has broken new ground for the club and became another role model for younger athletes aspiring to make it to the National stage. Her qualification through the Leinster Championships and her performance in the final is a huge milestone for Ace AC's future. Daniel Hanley has shown serious improvement over the last 12 months and he also represented the club at the Nationals in the U17 Boys 800m, where he ran in the second of two heats. The race was tactical, with athletes bunched together for much of the first 600m before a fast last 200. Daniel fought hard in the final stretch, gaining invaluable experience in what was a really challenging race. Meanwhile away from the National Championships, other Ace AC athletes competed well in the Irish Miler event in Santry on Saturday, with Shea O'Donnell securing a new 1500m PB of 3:53. Sholah Lawrence and Daniele Adebola also both ran very well at the competition.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
First responders celebrate 20th anniversary with Wicklow community coffee morning
Honouring two decades of the lifesaving service, while raising funds for essential equipment, the convivial event at The Pavilion saw the community of Aughrim and its surrounds chat about memories past, while looking ahead to the future of emergency care in the community. Founded in 2004 and going live in 2005, Aughrim CFR is a team of highly trained volunteers who respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, chest pain, and choking in partnership with the National Ambulance Service. Their mission is simple: to arrive within minutes and provide care until an ambulance arrives, dramatically increasing the chance of survival for patients in their community. To celebrate their 20 years of service and fund vital equipment, the team hosted the coffee morning with an ambitious but important goal of raising €6,500 to purchase two new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and three first responder kits. These additions will extend the group's lifesaving reach across the region, bringing their PAD network up to 10 and equipping responders with the tools they need to act fast in emergencies. From the early morning setup to the final raffle draw, the event ran like clockwork thanks to the dedicated CFR volunteers, supported by a host of helpers from the community. Special thanks were given to Mike and Eimear, two local residents who, though not CFR members, stepped up on the day with open hearts and helping hands. Praising all those who had a hand in the event, Aughrim CFR group coordinator Philip O'Dwyer said the event was more than just coffee and cake, but a 'resounding tribute to the strength of local volunteerism and the power of community'. 'It was a celebration of two decades of service, commitment, and neighbourly care, and we're incredibly proud of what we've built together over the years – days like the coffee morning remind us of just how strong this community really is,' he said. 'The team was thrilled to announce that the event raised €2,997.95 through cash, Revolut, and cheque donations. Of this, €2,932.95 will now be recorded as an offline donation on the group's GoFundMe campaign, with €65 having already been logged on behalf of earlier donors. 'A standout mention to Carla Barry, a CFR responder and owner of ChoCarla's, who spearheaded much of the behind-the-scenes coordination. From sourcing supplies and spot prizes to baking a mountain of sweet treats and organising logistics, Carla's tireless commitment helped turn vision into reality. ADVERTISEMENT 'The event also saw a visit from An Garda Síochána Wicklow and Cllr Pat Kennedy, who stopped by to show support and engage with community members. 'The raffle was a huge highlight, with fantastic prizes donated by a long list of generous local businesses and individuals, including Woodenbridge Hotel Wicklow, Van Der Wel Ltd, Ballinatone Boarding Kennels, Clyde's Car Wash & Valeting Service, Glenmalure Lodge, ChoCarla's, and Paulina Hillier. 'Ingredients and supplies were donated by Select Foods, Irish Butter, Odaios, North Wicklow Eggs, Sysco, STP and Firehouse Bakery, with financial contributions from Woodfab Timber Limited, O'Toole's Lounge, Moneydurtlow Quarr, Annacurra Camogie Club and Annacurra GAA & LGFA. 'The funding is an incredible boost, and we're now within touching distance of our target. Every single euro will go directly back into the community through the purchase of essential lifesaving equipment,' he added. 'This isn't just about equipment, it's about saving lives. Having the right tools in the right place can make all the difference when someone's heart stops. With continued support, we'll get there. 'And while the bunting is down and the teapots washed, the fundraiser is far from over. The GoFundMe campaign remains open, and the group is calling on anyone who may have missed the event to donate what they can to help them reach their target. 'As the group reflects on 20 years of service, they do so with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the community behind them, Aughrim CFR looks confidently ahead to the next 20 years and beyond.' To donate to Aughrim CFR's fundraiser, visit:
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Jubilant Ace AC pair medal at All-Ireland Schools finals
Drogheda Independent Today at 06:30 It's been another strong week for athletes from Ace AC, with members delivering solid performances at both national and provincial events as well as at the BMC in UK. At the National Schools Championships, two Ace AC athletes earned bronze national medals while representing their schools. Firstly Eimear Cooney, competing for Sacred Heart Drogheda, took bronze in the Senior Girls 1500m with another fine display. Eimear completed the distance just one second behind the second-place athleted with a time of 4:36.79. Shea O'Donnell is one of the club's most consistent performers and he rarely fails to deliver results at the highest level. He was running for St Mary's DS Drogheda and also earned national bronze in the Senior Boys 1500m with a time of 4:02.23. Both Eimear and Shea will be strong favourites for national club medals later in the season. While these were schools results, both athletes train with Ace AC and continue to impress at national level. There was further success at the weekend, this time in the younger age groups at the Leinster Championships, where Caoimhe Carolan joined an illustrious group of female Ace AC athletes who have won provincial medals, claiming second place in the U13 Girls 600m. The Tullyallen-based athlete came through her heats with a strong time of 1:50 and secured the vital silver medal with a 1:44 personal best in the final. U17 athlete Chloe Cooney travelled to Loughborough in the UK on Saturday to compete in a BMC meeting and continued her strong return from injury, recording a season's best time of 2:16 in the 800m. Chloe has improved her time in each of her last three races and is clearly moving in the right direction. Elsewhere, out on the road, Danny Nugent won the Monasterboice 4-Mile Race, putting in a solid performance over the distance. Also competing in the same event were U8 Finn Murphy and U9 Millie Roche who both raced well and successfully completed the distance despite their young ages.
