On Saturday 27th August, Togher Athletics Club past and present members gathered to mark Togher AC 50th Anniversary.
The club was established on 9th July 1966. Ted Murray (RIP) put forward the idea of forming a club in Togher. Ted was the holder of Cork County Senior Cross Country Medals with Rising Sun and Meelin Clubs and a man who dedicated much of his life to club and county athletics. On Saturday, Patrick Regan, the current Vice Chairperson of Togher AC, recognised the contribution of volunteers, coaches and athletes throughout the years.
Flor Dullea, the surviving member of the first Togher AC committee, unveiled a commemoration plaque for the occasion. Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork city, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, made a presentation to Mr. John Hayes and his wife Joan, in recognition of almost 30 years of voluntary work and coaching with the club.
Athletics Ireland President, Georgina Drumm congratulated the club on its contribution to athletics and support of athletes throughout the years and in particular in the quality of the clubs coaches, which includes Steven Macklin, who is the National Junior Endurance Coach with Athletics Ireland.
Members of Togher AC, Rob and Marian Heffernan, arrived home from the Olympics in Rio on Wednesday and took time to be at the Togher AC celebration. Of course Rob’s incredible performance in Rio, coming 6th in the 50km walk – a gruelling race, took centre stage at the event. Club members were delighted to welcome Rob and Marian, his wife and coach, home after their inspirational Olympic achievement. Rob Heffernan epitomises what local clubs can do to support the early development of athletes. Rob took his first steps with Togher AC at the age of 12 and was nurtured to be the greatest. This is what Togher AC does best. Mr. Hayes, who was Rob’s first coach, made a presentation to Rob and Marian on behalf of the club.
In the beginning, Togher AC started with a few athletes and very quickly began to thrive, with large numbers of local young people getting involved. Togher AC was the first club to be awarded the Drifter Cup for the Best Junior Track and Field club in Ireland for two years in a row in 1987 and 1988. Down through the years, members of the club have competed nationally and internationally, in World and Olympic competitions.
Saturday, allowed members to reflect on the clubs past and current achievements and to celebrate athletes’ accomplishments. Past athletes got a chance to reminisce and meet with their compatriots and also to meet with current club members. Over 260 people, young and not so young, looked through archives of photographs that included images of the first cross country race in Togher in 1967 up to Rob Heffernan’s latest race in the Olympics.
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Togher AC currently has 251 registered members and caters for a wide range of abilities and age groups, with a thriving Little Athletics section (7-12 years), juvenile event group coaching (13-18 years), Fit4Life group, junior, senior & masters competitive athletes. There are various training programs prescribed by qualified coaches to cater for the needs of each level of athlete from beginners to elite.
Togher AC would like to thank Foroige who share the grounds and were involved in helping us prepare for the day and also local companies for their contributions; Supervalu, Irish Pride, Cork Meat Company, Credit Union, Right Prices Tiles and A & M Sweet Dreams Factory Baking company and Margaret and Brian Maher for the anniversary cake. Thanks to Joe and Anne Murphy who gave their time to take the photographs on the day.
The club would like to acknowledge all of the work, dedication and vision that all former committee members, coaches, volunteers, parents and athletes contributed to the club in each of its 50 years. Here’s to the next 50!
Photos on the day were kindly taken by Joe and Anne Murphy. See the full album here Google Photos Togher AC 50th