Lusk AC is delighted to inform our members that work on the new all-weather facilities at the Hub, Rathmore Park will commence shortly. After many years of collaboration, works are scheduled for completion by July 2027. The project will include:
An 8-lane athletics track, long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, extended car parking, teen space, landscaping, storage and bicycle parking. Thanks to our committee, Fingal County Council, the local sports clubs and the wider community for their support and patience throughout the development of this much-needed facility.
Marathon training is now in full swing with many club members following a programme. We have plans to suit all abilities designed to achieve a range of target times. Well done to everyone who has participated in races so far this year and a big thanks to those who have volunteered at events.
Some of our club members were at Dublin Airport to welcome Rhasidat Adeleke back from the European Championships in Birmingham. Rhasidat was part of the successful Irish team and came home with a Silver medal.
The club organised a successful Man O War Round 7k race on a balmy August evening. This has now become a regular event in the race calendar.
Return to training for all juvenile groups is Tuesday 1st Sept. Please keep an eye on our Socials for locations.
The races are coming thick and fast for our club members with something on the calendar almost every day of the week during the summer months. The Irish Runner race series took place in Phoenix Park and the Irish Life Dublin race series commenced with the Fingal 10k in Swords. There was a big contingent from Lusk for the latter including an army of volunteers. That race also signals the start of training plans for many athletes who are taking on the Dublin City Marathon in October or one of the other Autumn marathons. Best of luck to all with their plans. The club held a Heavy Throws event in Lusk which was a great success. Conor McGuirk ran his final race as a juvenile with a Championship record and we now look forward to seeing his career develop in the senior ranks. A reminder to register for the Man O War Round 7k which takes place on August 13th.
A huge congratulations to the Boys’ Football Team from St Catherine’s National School on their recent victory in the FAI League Final.
After months of hard work, training, and dedication, the team travelled to the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh on Thursday 18th June, to face Scoil Aonghusa from Tallaght, in what proved to be a thrilling final. The whole school community was behind the boys every step of the way. Before they left for the match, they received a fantastic send-off from their fellow pupils and staff, who lined the school corridors to wish them the very best of luck.
From the first whistle, the match was played at a high standard, with both teams showing great skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Our boys worked tirelessly as a team, remained composed under pressure, and held onto their lead throughout the game. Their efforts were rewarded with a memorable 3–2 victory. At the final whistle, players, coaches, parents, and supporters celebrated together as the team were crowned FAI League champions. A very special thank you and congratulations to parent coach, Vicky, whose dedication, encouragement, and commitment played a huge role in helping the boys achieve this wonderful success. Well done to the entire squad on an incredible achievement.
Loughshinny Utd held their Annual funday with Mam’s v Kids games and end of season awards. Everyone had a great time with pizza, chips and ice cream as a reward for all the hard work.
Girl’s U14s Player of the Year
Kate Eksteen
Boys U14s Player of the Year
Elliott Watson
The club were delighted to hold a 24 hour relay for Charity in mid June. Multiple members completed a 5k run from the Hub in 30 minute segments throughout the 24 hours. There were some outstanding achievements during the month. Robyn Carey set a new Junior Leinster Championship record of 2:12.86 in the 800m. At the other end of the spectrum, Peter Doyle completed the 85km Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa. Congratulations to the Happy Couple, Justin and Aishling on their recent wedding. It’s time to register for our summer race, the Man O War Round. It’s a 7km route where you’ll get to experience some fabulous scenic views.
Many people reach a point in life when they realise they should be more active. The challenge is not recognising the need for exercise, but finding an activity that remains engaging year after year.
Most physical activities focus primarily on fitness. Others challenge the mind but involve little movement. Few activities develop the body, stimulate the brain and create meaningful social connections at the same time. Aikido is one of those rare exceptions.
This Japanese martial art develops balance, coordination, mobility and body awareness while simultaneously challenging practitioners to learn new movement patterns. Training takes place with partners rather than opponents, creating a supportive social environment where people help one another progress.
This combination becomes particularly valuable as we age. Maintaining physical mobility is important, but so too are mental engagement, confidence and a sense of community. Aikido brings all of these elements together in a single activity.
In many ways, learning Aikido is similar to learning a new language, except that the body becomes the instrument of communication. At first, unfamiliar movements can feel awkward and challenging. Over time, however, the body begins to organise itself more efficiently. Movements become smoother, more economical and better coordinated. Practitioners also develop greater spatial awareness, learning to understand their position in relation to other people and to move confidently and efficiently through space.
The combination of physical activity and continuous learning is particularly valuable as we age. Training challenges both body and mind, helping practitioners maintain mobility while keeping the brain actively engaged. Many students find that concentrating on movement and working with a partner provides a welcome break from everyday worries. They leave class feeling calmer, more focused and more energised than when they arrived.
The social aspect is equally important. Aikido is practised with partners, creating opportunities to meet people and build friendships. At Takemusu Aikido Society, training is followed by conversation, laughter and a strong sense of community that keeps people coming back year after year.
One of the club’s members, Eugene, joined in his fifties with no previous martial arts experience. He soon discovered a passion for training and continues to work on improving his mobility, particularly in his hips. Like many adult beginners, he found much more than exercise. He found an enjoyable challenge, a lifelong learning experience and a welcoming community.
Takemusu Aikido Society has received funding through the Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme 2026. Thanks to this support, newcomers aged 50 and over can attend one free Aikido class per week throughout Jne, July and August.
No previous martial arts experience is required, and there is no need to register in advance. If becoming more active has been on the to-do list for some time, this summer may be the perfect opportunity to start. It is never too late to learn something new, improve wellbeing and discover what the body is still capable of achieving.
More information is available from Takemusu Aikido Society at www.aiki.ie or by emailing info@aiki.ie.
Swords Boxing Club is celebrating an extraordinary achievement after six of its young athletes captured Irish national titles at this year’s Junior and Schools Championships—an exceptional return from just seven entrants.
In a display of skill, determination, and depth of talent, Danielle Smithers, Rhys Kinsella, Victoria Nic An Bhaird, Sarah Lilly Byrne, Rian Branagan, and Evan Prunty each emerged victorious in their respective divisions, marking one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history.
The near-clean sweep underscores the strength of the Swords club’s development system, with coaches and supporters praising not only the results but also the discipline and commitment shown by the fighters in the lead-up to the championships.
“To come away with six national champions from seven boxers is something special,” a club representative said. “It reflects the hard work these young athletes put in every week, as well as the dedication of our coaching team and the support from families and the local community.”
Each of the six champions demonstrated composure and technical excellence throughout the competition, navigating tough draws to reach the top of the podium with all six claiming unanimous decision victories in their final. Their success highlights Swords Boxing Club as a growing force in Irish amateur boxing, particularly at underage level.
With momentum firmly on their side, Swords Boxing Club now looks ahead to the upcoming four nations championship (this June in Scotland), national cadet championships, and European championships in Turkey, confident that this latest triumph is a sign of even greater achievements to come.
Ryan Cowzer took gold at 54kg in the Neilstown Box Cup, putting in three strong performances and finishing the final with a first-round stoppage.
Mark Quinn claimed gold at 55kg after an exciting, hard-fought final.
Senan Fox earned silver, battling his way to the final and losing a very close decision to a quality opponent.
Christopher Lawrence secured silver after a strong semi-final win, but was unable to contest the final due to family circumstances.
Ruby Skelly showed real dedication to make 48kg, and with no opponent in her division, was awarded gold.
A strong weekend overall, finishing with 3 golds and 2 silvers.
Over the past few months, LSA has enjoyed a hugely successful and exciting period, with athletes producing outstanding performances both at home and on the international stage.
At the end of March, Dara Carr delivered an incredible performance representing Ireland at the European Masters in Toruń, setting a new national record in her age category. International success continued as Sinéad Farrell earned selection to represent Ireland at the World U23 Skyrunning Championships in Croatia following her victory in the Wicklow Way Half Marathon. Sinéad returned home with a silver medal in the 5km race and a bronze medal overall across the weekend’s combined events.
Anna Gavigan kept the international success alight, winning the Ter Specke Bokaal in Amsterdam with a superb throw of 53.73m.
Closer to home, LSA athletes impressed at the Dublin Graded Meeting. Xavi Hubert claimed bronze in the Men’s Senior High Jump Championships with a season’s best of 1.60m, while Léa Hubert and Michelle Branigan delivered strong sprint performances and personal bests. The momentum continued at Dublin Graded Meet 2, where PBs came thick and fast across the squad, alongside another gold medal for Anna Gavigan in the Dublin Championship Discus.
The club also proudly hosted its first ever Women in Sports event, where Dara Carr and Anna Gavigan shared inspiring stories and highlighted the importance of encouraging young girls and women to stay involved in sport.
Meanwhile, LSA athletes took on some of the world’s biggest marathons. Alexandria Conway and Ciara Cullen completed the iconic Boston Marathon, marking their 5th marathon major. Outstanding performances also came from Alex Wood at the Connemara Half Marathon, Stephan Bueck at the Vienna City Marathon, and Darragh Doherty at the Manchester Marathon.
Congratulations to all our athletes on their incredible achievements.
We have a strong club presence heading to Cork at the end of May for the Cork City Marathon and Half Marathon! Wishing them all the very best of luck!
Keep up to date on all the events by following LSA on our website and social media pages!
Website
https://lambaysportsathletics.ie/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/lambaysportsacademy
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lsadonabateportrane/
Adult memberships queries:
lambaysportsathletics@gmail.com
Little Athletics and Juvenile athletes (7-18) :
lsajuvenilereg@gmail.com
It was another action-packed month for the club with plenty of events for our members to take part in. Congratulations to Conor McGrath and Colm Ó Donnchadha who represented Ireland at the European masters indoors championships in Torun, Poland. The Marathon season is in full swing with Lusk colours on show at Boston, London and Connemara. Thanks to McCabe’s Pharmacy and Athletics Ireland for bringing their Fit4Life roadshow to Lusk. Well done to Colm, Conor and Nessa on their National medals and on the subject of medals, the club picked up a nice haul at the Windmill 10k when a 40 strong contingent descended on Garristown for the Dublin 10k Championships.
