St Benedict Inbhear Mór is Arklow’s official Athletics Ireland registered athletics club. We underwent a merging in July 2020 between St Benedict AC which catered for juveniles and Inbhear Mór AC which catered for adults to form one club – St Benedict Inbhear Mór AC.
St Benedict AC has a long legacy in Arklow town starting as an Athletics Club in the late 1960’s. Founded by Breda Synnott, Mick Quinn and Nancy Quinn they set out to form a club to cater for the juveniles of Arklow. Within a short time, St Benedict’s became one of the strongest clubs in Wicklow competing at local and National levels. In more recent years, Breda Dickenson and Pat Kavanagh have been the heartbeat of St Benedict’s continuing the legacy and offering the youth of Arklow the opportunity to develop, blossom, thrive and achieve in Athletics. This year, Breda was recognised for her Outstanding Long Service to Wicklow Athletics.
In 2017, Inbhear Mór AC was founded to cater for senior members. We have made an impression throughout the county with our bright green gear, our enthusiasm and energy we bring everywhere we go. Many of our members have kids in St Benedict’s and the partnership between the two clubs started to grow. The merging of the two clubs will bring together a wealth of Athletics experience, offer an easy transition from the juvenile to senior stages and create a strong club for the future of Arklow.
Today St Benedict Inbhear Mór AC stands strong with over 110 members. Pat Kavanagh takes the helm as Chairperson along with an extended volunteer committee in place to cater for the juvenile and senior ranks. We look forward to growing the club for the future.
We are affiliated through Athletics Ireland and are a volunteer-led club with 10 committee members. We like to run a lot – we run for fun, fitness, competitively and for cake!
As a club our mission is simple – Together we want to:
- Represent Arklow with pride
- Offer coaching and support in athletics
- Offer a place to come and meet others
- Build a club for the future generations of Arklow to enjoy as adults and kids
Everyone is welcome! All distances and paces are catered for and every members’ achievement is celebrated.