Proud day for Glenmore AC, Home of athletics in the Cooley Peninsula
Eamonn Coghlan’s visit to Bush track and Glenmore Athletic Club
Olympian and athletics World Champion Eamonn Coghlan arrived to unveil a commemorative stone marking the founding of Glenmore AC on Saturday 22nd February. Proud founders, relatives, committee, past and present mentors, members were there to greet the Irish athletics champion, all with fond memories of his wonderful achievements at world and Olympic level. It was humbling to be in the presence of a hero and equally humbling at his acknowledgement and praise for the founding fathers and the untiring work of all involved who volunteered to make Glenmore AC what it is today .Senator Eamon Coghlan was full of praise for how the club has gone from early days in Glenmore to the impressive 6 lane synthetic track behind Bush Post Primary School.
Francis O’Reilly, vice –chairperson, and honorary president, welcomed Senator Coghlan and gave a brief history of how the club came into being amidst founding members Kevin Barry, Danny Ferguson, Michael McBride (unable to be present), Vincent Savage, Owen McCann R.I.P. represented by his wife Rose McCann. On behalf of the club Irene Woods (local artist) presented him with a print of Glenmore and he was also presented with a bottle of local whisky by Vicky leahy, PRO.. The party then progressed to Glenmore AC track, Bush where Eamonn Coghlan encouraged juvenile athletes with words of wisdom on good & bad nerves and a sense of belief.
The 6 week Operationbush4formation organised by Glenmore AC Fit4Life Group and Bush Post Primary School, grande finale 3k fun run/walk took place. This programme offered a suite of 12 classes over a 6 week period; these classes included boxercise, pilates, yoga, walking/jogging, abs and toning & conditioning given by qualified instructors who, for the majority, gave feely of their time and expertise. Rose White, Chairperson Glenmore AC and Kevin Joyce, Principal Bush Post Primary School congratulated all the participants and thanked them for their dedication to the programme. We were delighted to have Olympian and world champion Eamonn Coghlan to start the run. The event was open to all Operationbush4formation participants, family, friends and club members. Club members Gavin White & Ciarain Gormley crossed the line hand in hand with Peter Fitzpatrick who also came to support the initiative. Juvenile athletes who took part in the All Ireland Development races lined the track to cheer home the participants. Light refreshments and tea was served in the canteen where Juvenile trainer Kenneth McBride, operation Bush 4mation running trainer and son of founding father, Michael McBride, thanked participants and encouraged them to continue as did hands on dietician Dara Morgan. Thanks are due to Glenmore AC and Bush School & parents association as well as all the participants, trainers, coaches, dietician, face bookers and all who made this such a successful initiative.
This was truly a memorable day for all but most especially a historic one for those who witnessed an Irish athletic champion come to witness the growth and success of a local story come good. It was a genuine tribute to the tireless work done by all, too many to mention, and the belief and sense of belonging of a small but vibrant community.
