This event is normally run-in conjunction with the Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield race. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions and protocols a decision, based on risk assessment, was made to delay the ‘time-trial’ by 24 hours.

Very cold air emerging from northwest Canada and Greenland made it a bitterly cold morning for the young athletes. Heavy rain in the previous 20 hours meant that the underfoot conditions were much softer and more challenging than in the previous day’s W-B-B Shield run.

Seventeen starters made it the biggest ever field for the W-D-S – and included all 3 of the previous winners: – Oliver Hopkins (2017), Amber Lynch (2018) and James Dunne (2019).

The 3 fastest athletes on the day took the first 3 positions, even allowing for their time delays. Matei Ursachi, a talented and committed young athlete with a great future in the sport, took just 12.03 to complete the 2-mile circuit starting at the Citadel Pond, going around the Gallops and returning past the Garda, Army & Cricket sports grounds. With a handicap of 4m.15s, his amended time was 16.18. Next came training partners Lorraine O’Connor and Emily Bolton, who both had handicaps of 3m.45s. They ran handicap times of 16.30 and 16.43 and real times of 12.45 and 12.58 respectively to claim 2^nd and 3^rd places.

Just outside the medals was 2019 winner James Dunne, who did a real time of 15.24, amended to 16.54. Sebastian Ursachi came 5^th in 15.08 after a plus 2 minutes to 17.08. The 2018 winner Amber Lynch occupied 6^th with times of 15.10 and 17.10. All the results are listed below. Note that there were 2 DNFs.

The LTAD juvenile squad coaches of Graham Hopkins, Niall Lynch and Thomas Delaney were complimented by the Club President Charlie O’Neill, Club Secretary Peter Nugent, Juvenile Secretary Leonie Newman and others on organizing the event in such adversarial circumstances. Niall Lynch later said “Brilliant morning, thanks to Graham for putting it together. The Willie Dunne Shield is firmly on the calendar now”

Club President Charlie O’Neill, who presented the medals and the Shield, said “Delighted to there this morning. Well done to the athletes and special thanks to the organisers, helpers, and coaches. Congratulations to the winner Matei”

Fred Kiernan took the legend that is Willie Dunne (1960 Olympic Games marathoner) to watch the event named in his honour. Due to covid-19 restrictions and the bitterly cold weather the two former club coaches viewed the time-trial from the car. Willie is said to have been very impressed by the winner Matei and has tipped him for big things in athletics. High praise indeed!