Developing athletes and fostering success at every level.
Bringing people together through sport and dedication.
For over 150 years, athletics has been at the heart of the communities of Moycarkey, Littleton, and Two-Mile-Borris, producing champions who have competed on the national and international stage. From humble beginnings in local fields to the world’s greatest sporting arenas, the club’s history is a story of passion, perseverance, and pride.
This legacy continues today, with Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC nurturing the next generation of athletes while honouring the remarkable figures who came before.
Athletics has deep roots in the parish, dating back to the mid-19th century. Long before the formation of official clubs, local men and women tested their speed, strength, and endurance in open fields, village fairs, and community sports days. The passion for competition was evident, with rivalries between neighbouring townlands producing fierce but friendly battles.
These informal contests laid the groundwork for a thriving athletics culture. As the sport became more structured in Ireland, athletes from Moycarkey & Two-Mile-Borris began making a name for themselves beyond the parish, earning recognition at county, provincial, and eventually national level.
By the turn of the 20th century, the area had produced outstanding sprinters, middle-distance runners, and field athletes, many of whom would go on to inspire future generations.
The First Champions
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of exceptional athletes emerged from the area. These individuals, competing under their townland or family name, were the first to bring glory to Moycarkey and its surrounding communities.
At a time when travel was difficult and training resources were minimal, these athletes relied on raw talent and sheer determination. Their successes, often achieved with little more than makeshift facilities, demonstrated the natural ability that existed within the parish.
As the sport became more organised in Ireland, it was only a matter of time before a formal club would emerge to harness this talent.
The formation of Coolcroo Athletic Club marked a significant turning point for athletics in the parish. This was the first official club to represent the area, providing structure, coaching, and opportunities for athletes to compete at a higher level.
The Early Years of Coolcroo AC
The club quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Tipperary athletics. Coolcroo AC athletes excelled in a variety of disciplines, from sprints and middle-distance races to jumps and throws. Training sessions, often held in local fields and schoolyards, brought together the most promising athletes in the parish, creating a strong competitive spirit.
As Coolcroo AC grew in prominence, its athletes began competing in major championships, earning county, Munster, and All-Ireland titles. Some even progressed to the international stage, representing Ireland at prestigious events, including the Olympic Games.
By the 1940s, Coolcroo AC was a well-respected name in Irish athletics, paving the way for further growth and success in the decades ahead.
In 1946, the athletics landscape in the parish evolved once again with the establishment of Moycarkey-Borris AC. The club was founded following a meeting in Jack Carthy’s shoe repair shop in Horse & Jockey, where local athletes and officials gathered to create a new, community-driven athletics club.
First Officers of Moycarkey-Borris AC:
Without dedicated training facilities, the club relied on local venues such as Bill O’Keeffe’s and Boilson’s fields, where athletes trained in all weather conditions. Despite these challenges, Moycarkey-Borris AC quickly made an impact, producing competitive athletes who excelled at both county and national levels.
The club’s emphasis on youth development and grassroots participation ensured a steady stream of new talent, laying the foundation for future achievements.
The most significant development in the parish’s athletics history came in 1985, when Coolcroo AC and Moycarkey-Borris AC merged to form a single, unified club: Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC.
Why Merge?
By the 1980s, both clubs had built strong reputations, but there was growing recognition that a single, well-structured club would offer better opportunities for training, competition, and long-term development.
A united club would:
✔ Strengthen the local athletics community.
✔ Provide better coaching and resources.
✔ Enhance competitiveness at county, provincial, and national levels.
The Decision & Reaction
Discussions took place over several months, with key figures from both clubs working to ensure a smooth transition. While some members had deep loyalties to their original clubs, the overwhelming consensus was that unity would lead to greater success.
The first official meeting of Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC took place in the Muintir Na Tíre Hall in Littleton, where members agreed on the club’s name and colours. From the outset, the newly merged club displayed incredible potential, with athletes thriving under the combined coaching expertise and improved training structures.
Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC has produced some of Ireland’s finest athletes, with members competing at European Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic Games.
Paddy Fahey holds a special place in the history of Coolcroo AC as the club’s first Olympian. Born in Bealacune on August 25th, 1923, Paddy initially competed with his local club, Hollyford AC, before joining Coolcroo AC in 1947. A naturally gifted and physically imposing athlete, Paddy was known for his preference to run barefoot – a testament to his toughness and dedication to the sport.
In 1948, he proudly represented Ireland in the 10,000m at the Olympic Games in London, lining up in a historic race that featured the legendary Czech runner Emil Zátopek, who went on to win gold in a time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds.
Paddy’s success extended well beyond the Olympics. He was crowned Irish national cross-country champion in both 1949 and 1951 and represented Ireland at the International Cross-Country Championships each year from 1948 to 1951. His standout performance came in 1949 at Baldoyle Racecourse in Dublin, where he finished 19th and led the Irish team to a bronze medal in the team standings. That same day, he was joined by fellow Coolcroo athlete Patsy Fitzgerald, who finished in 42nd position. The race was won by Frenchman Alain Mimoun, who would later go on to Olympic glory himself.
Paddy’s impact on Irish athletics was profound, and his legacy lives on in the proud tradition of distance running within the club. In later years, he settled in Graigue, Moycarkey, where he purchased a farm in 1958 and enjoyed a peaceful life working the land.
Tomás Coman
🏅 400m – Personal Best: 45.87s
✔ Represented Ireland at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
✔ Competed at the 1999 & 2001 World Championships.
✔ Multiple-time National 400m Champion.
✔ National Senior Hammer Throw Champion.
✔ Represented Ireland at the European U23 Championships.
✔ Personal Bests: Hammer Throw – 68.82m, Weight Throw – 20.30m.
✔ Bronze Medalist at the National Championships.
✔ Personal Best: Triple Jump – 12.03m.
🏅 400m – Indoor Personal Best: 48.63s
✔ Won 400m Gold at the 2022 All-Ireland U23 Indoor Championships.
✔ Achieved a new Indoor Personal Best of 48.63s in the final.
✔ Watch his post-race interview: Click here.
With a strong foundation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC continues to grow. The club is focused on:
✔ Developing elite-level athletes while encouraging participation at all levels.
✔ Expanding training facilities, with a vision for further investment in club infrastructure.
The story of Moycarkey-Coolcroo AC is far from over. With each new generation of athletes, the club’s legacy continues to evolve, ensuring its place as one of the most respected names in Irish athletics.
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Website by Niall Moran
