Great Island Athletics

07/06/2026

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗧𝗨 💚🤍

Charlie added a second 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 & 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 of the season, taking Bronze in the Under 12 Boys Pentathlon after a strong series of performances across five demanding events 🥉

Combined Events are one of athletics’ greatest tests, requiring athletes to sprint, jump, throw and run, often over the course of a long day. To see Charlie continue to develop across such a broad range of disciplines is hugely encouraging.

The day also brought success at the other end of the age spectrum, with Head Coach Trevor claiming O40 Gold and finishing 2nd overall in the Masters 3,000m 🥇

From young athletes embracing the challenge of multi-events to experienced competitors still testing themselves on the track, it was another positive day in Green & White and a reminder that athletics truly is a sport for life. 🌳

05/06/2026

📰

Congratulations to our girls who enjoyed a very successful afternoon at Open Sports Day, bringing home seven medals across sprint, distance and relay competitions.

🥇🥈 Cuileann – Sprint & Distance
🥇 Ala – Sprint
🥈 Sarah – Sprint
🥈🥉 Kate – Sprint & Distance
🥈 Ala, Sarah, Ivy & Guest – Relay

Beyond the medals, it was encouraging to see athletes making the most of suitable opportunities to sample competition for the first time, while others continued to build confidence and experience ahead of higher level competition later in the season.

Whether taking those first steps into competition or building towards deeper levels of the sport, every athlete contributed positively to a lovely afternoon of athletics, teamwork and learning in Ballinspittle. ✅

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04/06/2026

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One of the many overlooked benefits of sport, and athletics in particular, is the life lessons learned along the way.

Recently, one of our young athletes found himself throwing almost two metres below his usual level in the Shot Putt. He mentioned to his coach that he felt one of the shots being used in the competition was heavier than the other.

Initially, the focus was placed on finding the answer internally. But after another below par throw, the athlete calmly raised the concern again and was encouraged to speak with the officials.

On checking, the judges discovered he was absolutely correct. Some athletes had been throwing the standard 2kg shot, while others were unknowingly using a 2.72kg shot, more than 35% heavier than the correct weight for that age group.

This isn’t about blame. Human error happens.

The real lesson is that the athlete trusted his judgement, remained respectful, and had the confidence to speak up when something didn’t feel right.

Athletics teaches far more than running, jumping and throwing. It helps young people develop confidence, resilience and the ability to think for themselves when it matters.

Keep it calm. Keep it respectful. But never be afraid to speak up.

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04/06/2026

👣

Some of our youngest members took their first steps into athletics competition on Monday at Courcey AC Open Sports Day in Ballinspittle.

For many, it was a first opportunity to experience the excitement, nerves and fun that come with pulling on a club vest and taking part in a sporting event. As always, Courceys Athletic Club provided a warm and welcoming environment, making it the perfect introduction to athletics for newcomers and beginners alike.

A special thank you to the parents who place their trust in us to help guide their children on that journey. Allowing young girls and boys to test themselves through competition, embrace new challenges and discover what they are capable of is a valuable part of growing up.

Most importantly, they got to enjoy an afternoon of running, jumping and throwing with friends, creating memories that we hope will stay with them for many years to come.

Well done to every young athlete who took part.

🌳

📸 Adam Sheehan

02/06/2026

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Lots to celebrate. Lots more to come. 💚🤍

01/06/2026

What a day in Ballinspittle, where 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 represented the club with distinction.

Plenty of effort, plenty of smiles, lots of good sporting behaviour and a sack full of medals along the way.

Our hosts and great friends at Courcey AC only just edged us out for the Overall Trophy, reflecting both the quality and depth of performances from those in the Green & White.

Thank you to every athlete, parent, volunteer and supporter who joined us. To see such a large turnout cheering on a small army of Cobh athletes was a proud moment for everyone involved.

A wonderful day of running, jumping, throwing and making memories together. 💚🤍

𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘣 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘈𝘥𝘢𝘮
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31/05/2026

A rare Sunday free of competition for many of our members, which meant a trip to Carrignafoy Community College for the weekly Cobh junior parkrun.

This fantastic run, walk and wheel event for 4–14 year olds continues to provide a brilliant opportunity for children to be active, build confidence and enjoy being part of a welcoming community.

There were plenty of Great Island Athletics members in action this morning, both on the course and among the volunteer team.

Congratulations to Alfie, Conor and Maisie, all of whom recorded new personal bests, while Charlie, Maksymilian, Pippa and Liam also produced strong performances.

A sincere thank you to the volunteers who make this event possible every week. Their time and commitment help create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone involved.

New faces are always welcome, whether you’d like to run, walk, wheel or pull on a hi-vis vest and lend a hand.



Cobh junior parkrun | Carrignafoy Community College

🌳🏃🏾‍♂️

30/05/2026

𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 – 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩!

More than 6,000 children descended on MTU this week for the biggest one-day athletics meeting in Europe, taking part in an event that has been a cornerstone of Cork sporting life for over a century.

Among them were many members and friends of Great Island Athletics, proudly representing their schools and combining with classmates, many of whom we have the privilege of supporting through our county wide schools athletics programme.

Being selected to represent your school at Cork City Sports is an achievement in itself. Long after the results are forgotten, the experience of competing on such a stage, in front of thousands of spectators, at an event with such a rich history, is something these young athletes will carry with them for years to come.

Highlights from our members included:

🏅🥉 Charlie (BSRAC) – 1st in Heat, 1st in Semi-Final, County Finalist & Relay Bronze
🥇🥈 Ian (BSRAC) – Relay Gold & 2nd in Heat
🥇🥈 Alfie (BSRAC) – Relay Gold & 2nd in Heat
🥇 Conor (Scoil Ioasef Naofa) - 1st in Heat & 5th in Semi-Final
🥈🥉Cillian (BSRAC) – 2nd in Heat & Relay Bronze
🥈 Ala (BSRAC) - 2nd in Heat
🥉 Sarah (Walterstown) – 3rd in Heat
🥉 Bobby (BSRAC) – Relay Bronze
🥉 Szymon (BSRAC) - Relay Bronze

Beyond the individual performances, it was another fantastic day for our friends across the many local schools we engage with regularly.

A special well done to all those who represented .ie and

A sincere thank you to the school staff who accompanied and encouraged the children throughout the day, and to the huge team of volunteers whose efforts continue to make Cork City Sports such a memorable experience for generation after generation of young athletes.

💚🤍

📸 .ocpics

29/05/2026

What a week!

A first birthday celebration to mark twelve memorable months as a fully affiliated Athletics Ireland club.

That was quickly followed by some outstanding performances from many of our members and friends at yesterday’s Cork City Sports.

There’s plenty more footage to come, but here’s a small snapshot from another special week in the Green & White.



📸 .pics1 | .ocpics

26/05/2026

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝.

One year officially part of Irish athletics.

A milestone that means a great deal to our club, not simply because of what has been achieved, but because of the journey it took to get here. Building something new is never easy, and many of the best things in community sport are earned slowly through persistence, belief and people willing to keep showing up.

Over the last twelve months, we have watched children discover athletics for the first time, friendships form, confidence grow and the Green & White establish itself proudly within the sporting life of Great Island and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who backed the vision, supported the club and helped us continue moving forward.

A lovely piece from Athletics Ireland reflecting on our first year as an affiliated club.

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Twelve months ago, Great Island Athletics began with a simple idea: create a safe, welcoming and inclusive place where people of all ages and abilities could experience athletics and feel part of something meaningful. One year on, that vision has continued to gather momentum, with the club now appro...