Blackrock Athletic Club Committee Members

Mark Cafferkey – Chairperson

Mark has been running and coaching with the club for 8 years and is passionate about pursuing the clubs vision which aims to fulfill the athletic ambition of everyone in the community. With the club continuing to grow and with record numbers of adult and juvenile members taking part in regional, national and international competitions one of Mark’s focal areas is the continued development of facilities and coaching services so that the club can thrive. Mark is proud to be part of a passionate committee, serving its members and ensuring all the structures are in place to allow coaches to coach and runners to run.

Ray Murphy – Secretary

I joined the Men’s section in Blackrock AC in 2017 and the committee as secretary in 2020. It has been great to train with the club and participate in various race events. My role as secretary is to ensure that meetings happen, run smoothly and are well recorded, to manage transfers and other admin for the club. I sometimes sneakily have a game of indoor soccer on the side!

Gráinne Stafford – Treasurer

I joined Blackrock Athletic club about 6 years ago when one of my children joined the club. The whole family has now joined the club, and love being members. I am the club’s treasurer. I am responsible for the safekeeping of the club’s funds, recording all income and expenditure, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Gerry Flaherty – Registrar

As well as managing club registrations and admissions to Blackrock A.C. Gerry is also the Fit4Life Leader, responsible for organising group training sessions and events throughout the year.

He joined Blackrock A.C. in 2001 and has been a committee member for about 10 years.

Janice Kelly – Child Welfare

Blackrock Athletic Club is committed to ensuring that young athletes thrive in our sport in a positive, fun and safe environment.

If you have any child welfare issues or concerns please contact – childwelfare.blackrockac@gmail.com or Ph + 087 233 6363

Audrey Burns – Junior Captain

Rob Asher – Men’s Captain

I joined Blackrock AC in 2016 and took on the role of Men’s Captain in 2020. My role is to ensure the smooth running of the men’s section (Senior and Masters) and working closely with other sections of the club to help where possible. This includes making sure we have the right coaching structures in place, deciding which races and events we target and putting training plans together for our Tuesday evening workouts and Sunday morning long runs. I also register new members of the club and advise them which group they should run with. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are interested in trying out a session or have any questions.

I have been a runner for over a decade, covering distances from 5 to 50k. I am predominantly a road runner but I love trail and mountain running too when I get the chance. I am also a very regular participant and volunteer at Parkrun, especially where I live in Cabinteely.

Sinéad Howard – Women’s Captain

I joined Blackrock Athletic Club in 2014 and I run with a great group of ladies three times a week including training sessions in Carysfort Park. I have made some great friends during my time in the club. The women I run with are of different ages, abilities and have their own running goals-so there is something for everyone. I have completed numerous club runs, 10Ks, half-marathons as well as six Dublin City Marathons. I work closely with the BAC Men’s Captain in organising club runs, attending Committee meetings, preparing Women’s running activity reports for the club website and ensuring correct coaching structures are in place.

James Dowling – Communications

I joined Blackrock A.C. just over two years ago and have been an active member of the Fit4Life group for most of that time. My responsibilities as communications officer have been the redevelopment and maintenance of the Blackrock A.C. website, ensuring all information is relevant and up-to-date. Scheduling content on our website and social media is also part of what I do. I am also happy to help out with print, video and any other visual pieces required in the club.

Ruth Kennedy – Facilities

My role is facilities officer. I look after the clubhouse, ordering equipment and bookings of training venues for the junior section of the club.

As well as being a keen runner myself my children are junior members who love athletics.