A day in the life of a BHAA volunteer
Web Master • May 4, 2011
A day in the life of a BHAA volunteer: Saturday 30 th April 2011
Through a long and tenuous series of connections, I was asked if I had a few hours to spare on a Saturday morning to help out at the BHAA RTE 5 mile race.
Having been a runner for a couple of years, entering races or all sorts (commercial, charity, club and, of course, BHAA). I have always seen the organisation of races from the view point of someone pinning a number to their chest. I felt I had an opportunity to see the other half of the equation and to “give something back” as it were.
I am sure you are aware, the BHAA are seen as the best value races in town. For €10 for members and €15 non members, you are guaranteed a well organised race and a good spread of tea and cake afterwards. That’s quite a reputation to be entrusted with, so it was with a touch of apprehension I found myself parked in on the RTE campus in Donnybrook.
After finding my way into the Sports and Social building, I was introduced to Jimmy and Paul and given a brief run-through of the process for registering arriving members (with surnames M through Z). No sooner had we got settled down when our first ‘customer’ arrived. “That went well”, I thought to myself, “nothing too this”. Within half an hour the place was jammed full of eager runners looking to get their number, pins, and free pair of socks (???). Someone brought coffee round, I put a sugar in but I forgot to stir it. School boy error…
Click on read more for the rest of this story
Before we knew what hit us, 90 minutes of my Saturday morning had passed in a blur of surnames. (Apologies if I had to ask you twice, being a Scotsman, I am not up to speed with the spelling of Irish surnames). With around 15 minutes to the start of the race, the job was done, and we started taking bets on when the last person would show up. Duly, at two minutes to 11, the last person was registered (in the A-L section, so not on my watch).
So, downstairs to the race. The leaders were just completing their first lap by the time we got to the finishing area (after a quick briefing upstairs). The lads were flying. Pleased to see Paul up there, and to see that eventual winner Vinny Mulvey was in my registration section (don’t know why, but I was pleased with that!).
My next task for the day was to help runners remove the barcode tag from their race number so that the effervescent Mary could keep them in order. This system was a back up to the finishers’ sheets being filled in further up the chute. I was pre-warned that this was not a pleasant task; sweat, spit and drool were a spoken of in disgusted tones. In reality, I think it was scaremongering. Everyone coming through was in great form despite being completely wrecked. So many people were completing their first race today, and the joy and energy coming off them was a real buzz.
And so, whilst there is always a winner, someone also has to come last… In the end, we did not have to wait long. A determined effort saw the last runner cross the line to round of what appeared to be another great success in the BHAA story. I could rest easy in the knowledge that I had not messed up the reputation of this fine series.
For me, this was a great way to get involved on race day. Would I have rather had my gear on running? Yes, of course, but the schedule did not allow that. However, I can say for sure that at future BHAA races, if I am not pinning a race number to my chest, I will be behind the desk handing them out to the guys who are, surnames M-Z.
Alan Thomas
From Terra “Feirme” to Terra Firma and everything in between. The Winter League prize presentation will be held at the Irish Life race on 27th May in Dunboyne. It is fitting that the prize-giving for the Winter League 2024-25 takes place in Meath, because that’s where the league began in November on Ledwith Farm in Batterstown. The townies were delighted with their day out down on the farm, complete with a real live bull and all the sights and sounds and smells of agriculture to accompany the race. Revenue pulled a race out of the bag in record time and presented us with a new race in a new venue on 1st December. Santa arrived a little early with plenty spot prizes and treats. BHAA Stalwarts Bank of Ireland were back in Tymon Park for the annual race that wakes us all up after Christmas. A little earlier than usual, the Garda Cross country race took place in Phoenix Park. As ever, a popular race on a tough cross country course. We were disappointed when the Eir race had to be cancelled. Teachers and Central Bank of Ireland hosted their races in two new locations. The Teachers, (back on the BHAA Calendar after a sabbatical) in St. Columba’s College and CBI in Jobstown Park. The Central Bank race has been nomadic for the last few years, but hopefully it has found a new home and will continue to host this very popular race for years to come. In a new venture, BHAA and AIB teamed up with the Women’s Meet & Train League to host the 2 and 4 mile races in Abbottstown in March. An unprecedented statistic from this race, there were more running the 2 mile women’s race than the men’s. Normally a no-no in BHAA races, Athletic club singlets abounded for the 2 mile race! We ended the league with another constant on the BHAA calendar. ALSAA hosted the 2 and 5 mile races on an unseasonably warm day. We thought warm weather training had started early! Kudos to all of the Race Promoters and to the BHAA volunteers who turn up week after week (and in February there were 4 races in as many weeks!); and Kudos to all of the athletes, without whom Business Houses Athletics would not happen. The BHAA committee continues to work away behind the scenes planning and arranging races. If your company would like to participate in our races, or would like to host a race, please email us at info@bhaa.ie. We have the knowledge and will help you, all you need is the enthusiasm.
It was like the first day of summer with a lovely bright and dry morning for running. St Anne’s Park was the beautiful setting for the annual DCC BHAA 4 mile race on Saturday 5 th April. Over 220 participants got around the scenic course, which included the Rose Garden and the tree lined Central Avenue. The race featured the Lord Mayor’s 5 Alive participants in their distinctive green tops. Lord Mayor Cllr Emma Blain started the race and she stayed until the end, when she presented the 5 Alivers with their medals. The men’s race was won by Sean Doran in 20.54, followed by Christopher O’Reilly and Paul Fleming. Master athlete Paul was also third behind the winner Sean, at the BHAA ALSAA cross country race in early March. Laura McDonnell was also a double winner at ALSAA and again at St Anne’s, where she finished in 8 th place overall. Laura was closely followed by Sarah Mulligan in 10 th overall and Máire Nic Amhlaoibh, 2 places back. Hats off to the remarkable June Cumiskey, who won the over 75 section and BHAA is proud to acknowledge her membership of the Irish women’s W75 team, which set a new World indoor record 4x400m at Abbotstown in February 2025. Another impressive master’s winner at men’s over 65 was Tom Cuddy, who was second in the M65 category at the World Masters Athletics Marathon Championship in Bucharest, in a time of 3:01:14. The Team prizes were won by the Revenue Men’s Team and ESB Women’s Team. A novel feature of the race was the Irish and International Peace Runners. The world's largest peace torch relay was in Ireland for five days and visited schools, community groups and local Councils to inspire people of all ages to foster unity and goodwill. There was good grub afterwards and a feel good buzz of post –race satisfaction in the warm Northside. Race Director Enda Currid paid tribute to BHAA stalwarts Charlie Cronin and Hugh Reddy for setting up the start/finish and once again they were among the first to arrive and last to leave. He also noted that race results were promptly produced by Kathleen Horgan and Frank Wade, even before the quiz started. Next race is the ESB beach race at Sandymount on 14 th May.
The BHAA held its 2024 AGM in Sportsco on Monday 16 December. Charlie Cronin has stepped down as BHAA Chairman and was thanked for his many years of dedication and service. Charlie has now taken up the role of PRO (Public Relations Officer) and was wished every success in his new position. Stephen Naughton was elected BHAA Chairman for 2025. The Race of the Year 2025 was awarded to DCC for their 4 mile race in St Annes Park. The trophy was presented to Enda Currid (DCC) by Charlie Cronin, BHAA Chairman The BHAA financial accounts for 2024 were presented at the meeting. The accounts were audited by the BHAA auditors and were deemed to be a fair and reasonable representation. The BHAA and Irish Life Dublin City Marathon team continue to work closely on common matters and Eugene Coppinger from DCM gave a very interesting review of the Dublin City Marathon and the Summer Race Series in 2024. A new committee was elected for 2025, see below; - President; Jim Kelly - Chairperson; Stephen Naughton - Vice-Chairperson; Mary Rigney - Treasurer; Enda Currid - Registrar; Kathleen Horgan - Secretary; Sinead Lyons - Webmaster; Colm Murray - PRO; Charlie Cronin Committee Members; Hugh Reddy, Hugh McCann, Mary Purdue-Smyth, Diarmauid Doyle, FrankWade. Auditors; Michael Walsh, Graham Mantle.
For the week that's in it, here is nice article on Bertie Messitt, one of the founding members of the BHAA. The BHAA launched the Dublin City Marathon in 1980 and Bertie was on the Organising Committee. https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2024/1022/1476583-bertie-messett-dublin-city-marathon-1980-rome-olympics/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGI9flleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRbr5iSnxwV1pwy5_uz6ecHbKhyWuWZ4lAitRMACKe26DBOjsCPHX0czPg_aem_hhzbtSNBhF-FDmzOih7fWA
Dublin BHAA is very pleased to cooperate with the Jerry Kiernan Foundation/ Snap race to deliver the inaugural and special Snap/JKF 6K on Sunday 10 00 am in Abbotstown, Blanchardstown. It is special as it commemorates Jerry Kiernan, a Kerry athlete who ran for Dublin’s Clonliffe Harriers AC with distinction. A 1984 Olympian, Jerry won the Dublin marathon, and many track and road races including BHAA races. He was a BHAA member and supporter. After his racing career, he coached and encouraged many young and prominent Irish athletes to success. The Jerry Kiernan Foundation as a tribute to him raises funds to sponsor emerging talented athletes. This race can help boost its financial support to young athletes. Moreover it would be a positive for Irish athletics to develop this new race into an annual one. So the continuation of this race would honour to the great Jerry Kiernan help of the JKF, BHAA and Snap. Runners of all standards are encouraged to support this race scheduled with Sport Ireland Campus at Abbotstown on Sunday 8 th September 10 a.m. start. Registration is on the BHAA website. Some more details and information will follow.
The BHAA held its 2023 AGM in ESB Sportsco on Monday 4 December. Tea and coffee were available before the meeting start at 7pm. Frank Wade stepped down this year as BHAA registrar and he was thanked for his dedication and service. The new registrar Kathleen Horgan was welcomed and wished every success in her new role. The BHAA financial accounts for 2023 were presented at the meeting. The accounts were audited by the BHAA auditors and were deemed to be a fair and reasonable representation. The drop in race numbers at BHAA races in recent times is of concern and the new 2024 BHAA committee will try to address this issue in the coming months. The BHAA and the Dublin City Marathon team continue to work closely on common matters and Eugene Coppinger from DCM gave a very interesting review of the Dublin City Marathon and the Summer Race Series in 2023. A new committee was elected for 2024, see below: President; Jim Kelly Chairperson; Charlie Cronin Vice-Chairperson; Mary Rigney Treasurer; Enda Currid Registrar; Kathleen Horgan Secretary; Sinead Lyons Webmaster; Colm Murray PRO; vacant, to be addressed by 2024 committee Committee Members Hugh Reddy, John Fitzgerald, Stephen Naughton, Jim Dwyer, Marius McNicholas, Daithi O’Murchu, Hugh McCann, Mary Purdue Smyth. Auditors Michael Walsh, Graham Mantle.
Dublin BHAA is extremely grateful to Paul Richardson who, at very short notice, took on the race director’s role for the 2023 Dunboyne 5-mile road race. This race has been ever-present on the BHAA calendar for over two decades with considerable participation and enjoyment. When he learnt that Paul Gorey, the former race director, would not be available, he came forward to rescue and manage the very effective delivery of this year’s race with style and panache. Many thanks. Needless to say a big thank you also to the many BHAA volunteers who came along on that night to help – a demonstration of sport’s community and volunteer spirit.
Welcome to our BHAA AGM which covers 2022 following the Covid-19 Pandemic and the restricted times we lived in for 2 years. Let us remember our past colleagues who died during 2022. May they Rest In Pace Normal service was resumed in January 2022 with the staging of the Bank of Ireland cc race in Tymon Park. Our new Covid signs encouraged Social Distancing and Sanitisation! We were back in Tymon Park with Eir two weeks later – this time there was a marked change in attitude as the Covid Restrictions were eased at mid-night! And our Covid signs were redundant after 2 outings! At last we were free to race and Indoor Refreshments were available again. Everyone was delighted to be back racing and meeting old friends and foes! We completed our Spring cc races with Garda in a very windy Phoenix Park, with Central Bank in Wesley College, with Dublin Airport in ALSAA and with AIB/NUIM in ideal conditions in Maynooth College. BHAA noticed that numbers had not returned as per pre-Covid. There was still an element of fear in people mixing and getting infected by Covid. BHAA was not alone in seeing this trend. The BHAA Road Racing season began with a well-supported DCC event in St Annes Park which included a contra-flow due to the Farmers Market in the Park. This included the final race in the Lord Mayors Series in which she ran. Well done Alderman Caroline Conroy! I am not sure if she stayed for the Quiz? With the loss of the K-Club and BMS races in 2022, our summer calendar suffered. ESB Beach race was cancelled at the 11th hour due to inclement weather on the East Coast in mid-May – another sign of Global Warming???? Government Services staged their annual excellent 5-mile race in Dunboyne. Unfortunately Paul Gorey has stepped away from Race Promoting and BHAA are actively trying to recruit his successor – there is no mad rush with offers!!! DCC kept the flag flying with a well-supported 5k in Irishtown on a warm July day! Pfizer brought the curtain down on our road season with a 5k around their Grange Castle Complex. Well done to Marius McNicholas on an excellent promotion. It was comforting to hear that our Pfizer Vaccines were manufactured in this Centre. The Irish Life Dublin Marathon was staged on the last Sunday in Oct and Jim Aughney and his teams did an excellent job in attracting over 25,000 entries. Unfortunately, our Irish Life cc race in Nov could not go ahead due to Track Upgrading in Santry but we hope normal service will resume in 2023. BHAA attended the Marathon Expo in RDS at the end of Oct. We used it to promote both our and the Cork BHAA 2022/23 calendars. Two new Race Promoters intimated their desire to host BHAA races – this was music to our ears! John Sheridan and BNP Paribas promoted a new 6k cc race in Kiltipper Park on 10th Dec in snow-covered fields. SDCC refused permission to race in Dodder Valley Park but with the help of Alan Merriman (TallaghtTown AFC), we were able to re-locate to Kiltipper Park. This has the potential to become one of our Signature events! Challenges – New members, New Promoters, Park Runs, Calendar Committee members – new people are always welcome, Sinead Lyons, Colm Murray and Mary Rigney made very valuable contributions to this BHAA committee. Kathleen Horgan and Jim Dwyer made welcome comebacks to this Committee. Recently, Irish Life Sports & Social made a very generous donation to BHAA – this was a major surprise and a Big Thank You to Mary, Kathleen and Irish Life. Thank you to all BHAA members for your continued support and loyalty. Unfortunately for BHAA, Stephen Naughton is stepping away from the Committee after many years in different roles as Chairman, Secretary and Race Organiser. After a tough personal year, he has been a tremendous supporter of BHAA over 40 years. I will miss his sound advice and support but I expect to see him racing more often. Thank you, Stephen. Thank you to all the other committee members who ensure that every race maintains a high standard with their input. Frank Wade, with his relentless pursuit of perfection ensures that I cannot drop my guard or make any school-boy errors around Timing! His attention to detail is frightening but it is extremely beneficial to BHAA. The Committee covers many areas, Admin, Finance, Web, Communications, Calendar, Registration, Results, Promoters, Venues and other Stakeholders – this Committee has ensured that all these areas are covered adequately. It is great to be back to Normal and we have a reasonable BHAA Calendar prepared for 2023. If BNP Paribas can put on a race within weeks of engaging with us, there must be more brave Promoters out there? Please come forward. Your input is important. New faces and new ideas are always welcomed by BHAA. Merry Christmas and have a great, sporting 2023 Charlie Cronin Chairman 2022
Our cross-country season will be kicking off in Dodder Valley Park, Tallaght on Sat 10th December 2022 with a 6k race hosted by new race promoter, BNP Paribas.