HIGHLIGHTS: A record turn-out in the annual Captains Run. Rossa Hurley and Emily Bolton were first male and female finishers. The life of a Donore Harriers legend Basil Clifford was celebrated with biographer Cyril Smyth and a host of stars past and present.

The CAPTAINS RUN over 5km is a long-standing Donore Harriers race/fun run held on the Saturday morning prior to Christmas Day. This year’s version of the event attracted a record number of entrants with 41 finishers and an age range that spanned between 9 and 75 years old.

The cold, grey morning certainly did not dampen the spirits as the racers and funsters toed the line. The late decision to abandon the 1km juvenile race and put the youngsters into the 5km event was greeted with universal approval and admiration. 9-years old Sebastian Ursachi was totally unphased! “I can do that” he declared with a sense of confidence.

The soft muddy course had been carefully measured and marked off by Willie Smith and Iain Morrison, two former Club Presidents. It was time for action! Willie instructed the start line that there would be three and a-bit flat laps of the Garda Loop, which was as series of puddles and sticky mud. After the first circuit a group of 5 were clear, with 17 years-old Gavin Curtin in the mix. What Gavin did not realise is that he was the odd man out. The other four were all Irish internationals – Rossa Hurley (masters cross-country), Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (orienteering & defences forces XC), Louis O’Loughlin (junior & schools track and XC) and Niall Lynch (masters XC and mountain running). Giving chase to the top 5 was 15 years-old James Bolton, out to prove that his recent 16.10 in the Jingle Bells was a merited achievement.

The battle for first woman was less complicated, but just as intriguing, with just two contenders. Emily Bolton, who recently won the National Under 12 and Under 13 cross-country titles held a two-metres lead on 46 years-old Barbara Cleary. Cleary, who came late to the sport of athletics, is a very fine runner and a former winner of the Women’s Mini-Marathon. Pedigree indeed! Who of the two leaders would have the strength to deal best with the muck-laden surface?

As the race passed the two-laps marker the men’s group had spread out, with each passing the imaginary bell comfortably (maybe not the right word to use in this context) in his own space. The duel between Bolton and Cleary remained in the balance with the young starlet still holding a couple of strides lead. The remainder of the field were well spread-out, with some jostling for positions still to be settled.

The rumour that the race leaders had taken a short-cut at the top of the course was quickly dispelled when the official timekeeper Willie Smith announced that 16 minutes, then 17 minutes and then 18 minutes had elapsed. Then cometh the winner! Rossa Hurley stopping his Garmin crossed between the finishing flags in 18.17, a time that indicated the toughness of the conditions. Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (18.28), still overcoming a recent virus, came 2^nd, with Gavin Curtin (18.40) claiming 3^rd spot and bragging-rights over his more illustrious school colleague and training partner Louis O’Loughlin. O’Loughlin, just back to training after a 10 weeks injury lay-off, had a composed run and was well pleased with 4^th place and a time of 18.50. Master athlete Niall Lynch (19.02) came 5^th, with James Bolton (19.18) running strongly to make the top 6.

Next home was Jack Byrne (19.24 in 7^th. Byrne had his work cut-out to see off the challenge of 13 years-old Thomas Bolton (19.43), who in turn built a good margin on 9^th placed Danny O’Sullivan (20.25).

In 10^th place came one Emily Bolton, who is one of the most exciting young athletic talents in Ireland right now. Her time of 20.39 gave her a margin of just 3-seconds over Barbara Cleary and won her some more widespread acclaim within the club.

Matei Ursachi (21.42) is another very fine young athlete, but he ran with a heavy-cold and struggled to the finish line in 12^th position. Alan Farrell (21.51) won out his head-to-head with Donal Iremonger (21.59) to finish 13^th. Behind the two popular Masters athletes came Eva Crowe (22.21), another very promising young athlete who was the 2^nd scorer on the historic Under 13 Girls team that claimed the national title a week earlier. New club secretary Peter Nugent (22.23) finished in 16^th place.

Stephen Dawson and Neil Hand were neck-and-neck from whistle to finish line. The tete-a-tete between the club mates (a-hem! rivals?) nearly came a-cropper when a Hand was seen to impede Mr. Dawson. The Race Commissaire Dr. Iain Morrison, having consulted with the VAR, declared the result a tie and both men were given 17^th place. All is fair in love and VAR!

Lorraine O’Connor (22.57), another talented member of the Under 13 Girls team, came next in 19^th place – with Kieran Beausang just 2 seconds behind. Tony Kynes (23.05) held off the challenges of Barbara Murray (23.06) and Audrey Gahan (23.07) as they placed 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd respectively. Bronagh Eliot (23.51) made a welcome return to competition to cross the line in 24^th.

13 years old Honor Lynch (24.14) put in a solid run to place 25^th, followed by Ken McKeon (24.18) in 26^th, Ariana Ball (24.24) in 27^th and Rhona McHugh (24.28) in 28^th. The prolific M70 athlete Barry Potts (24.52) placed 29^th with Sean Kinsella next in 25.38.

Joe Murphy (25.53) placed 31^st, just four seconds clear of Anne Curley. Sebastian Ursachi (26.08), the youngest athlete in the field, came 33^rd – and he was followed by Eddie Bolton (26.35) in 34^th, Angela Eustace (27.27) in 35^th, Mary McDermott (27.31) in 36^th and Dana Mackey (29.15) in 37^th. Two more juvenile athletes Eleanor Hopkins and Katie Delaney were both given the same time and placement (i.e. 38^th in 29.57). Bridget Kiely (30.22) came 40^th and Michelle Dawson (30.37) 41^st.

In the second NIA LIVE MEETING at the National Indoor Arena at Abbotstown on Tuesday evening (17.12.2019) there were star performances from some of our juvenile sprinters. Ruby Blake won her Heat in the Under 10 Girls 60m in 9.69 and placed 2^nd in the 200m (33.68); Mario Omozee (8.62) won Heat 1 of the Under 12 Boys 60m, whilst Luuk Jackson (9.14) won Heat 2. Alex Leonard (28.98) won his Heat of the Under 14 Boys 200m and came 2^nd in the 60m (8.66). In 2^nd place behind Leonard in the 200m was James Dunne (30.06). Donore Harriers dominated Heat 2 of the Under 14 Boys 200m with Mario Omozee 1^st in 26.30, Rory O’Farrell (28.87) in 2^nd, Paddy Nolan (28.97) in 3^rd and Ciaran O’Farrell (30.62) in 5^th. Rory O’Farrell (8.60) had earlier won his Heat of the 60m. Luuk Jackson (1.51.27) came 2^nd in his more favoured Under 12 Boys 600m distance. Other results are listed below.

In the PARKRUN SERIES (21.12.2019) Kate Cleary was first woman home at Poppintree in 22.16. Cliodna McCarthey (20.36) was 3^rd woman at Porterstown. Juvenile athletes Eoin Mooney U11 (21.36) was 14^th overall at Corkagh and Dylan McKenna U14 (23.03) was 6^th finisher at Waterstown. More results below.

In the aftermath of the Captains Run a special PRESENTATION EVENT took place in the Clubhouse lounge to mark the publication of the BASIL CLIFFORD, Olympian 1964 book. Basil Clifford was born on 20.04.1938 and died on 14.11.1973 aged 35 when he was tragically killed in an accidental factory explosion in Birmingham, England. The Basil Clifford book was researched and written by Cyril J. Smyth, a retired Professor of Microbiology in Trinity College. Cyril served as president of the Dublin University Harriers & Athletics Club and the Irish Universities Athletics Association. He is a researcher for Athletics Ireland.

Among the special guests were Eamon Coghlan, former World Champion at 5,000m; Willie Dunne, 1960 Olympic Marathon and still a member of Donore Harriers; and Derek McCleane (Crusaders AC), an arch-rival and international team-mate of Basil Clifford.

Here is an introduction by Willie Smith

In the summer of 2014, I realised it was the 50^th anniversary of the club’s first sub-4-minute mile (3.59.8) by Basil Clifford in August 1964. I was coming to the end of my term as president and I thought that this athletic landmark should be commemorated. The Basil Clifford Trophy was inaugurated on the Opening Run day in October of that year, 2014.

During a gathering to celebrate Cyril White’s 90^th birthday in June this year, Cyril Smyth heard that the trophy was to be presented to the winner of the Senior Men’s 1500m in the National Championships. Cyril (Smyth) was intrigued to learn that Basil was the club’s first sub-four-minute miler and Ireland’s second, following Ronnie Delany. Also, he was the first home-trained runner to achieve the mark. Cyril took it on himself to look into Basil’s athletic career. The outcome of this exhaustive research over the summer months is an amazing story of athletic endeavour. When I saw the first draft, I realised that this was a serious piece of athletic history on an Irish athlete and should be taken further. It comprises nearly 300 races over an 11-year span (1955 to early 1966).

In September, the committee agreed to proceed with an initial print of 50 copies. With Colin Moore’s expertise, we have here the results of Cyril Smyth’s work. The Basil Clifford Trophy – and now this publication of his athletic career means that his achievements will not be allowed to fade away.

Cyril has proposed to submit copies of this research to the National Library and the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Donore Harriers owe a big debt of gratitude to Cyril Smyth for this research on one of our Olympian athletes. Basil was a tremendous club man and added greatly to the camaraderie within the club.

We are delighted to welcome Basil’s daughter Karen, her husband Frank, her mother Deirdre and Elaine Gavin’s wife. A special welcome for Basil’s grandchildren Luke, Lauren, Adam and Chloe.

Willie Smith – 21 December 2019

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

NIA LIVE INDOOR MEETING No. 2 at NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA, ABBOTSTOWN (17.12.2019)

JUVENILE RESULTS

U10 Girls 60m Heat 2: 1^st Ruby Blake (9.69)

U12 Boys 60m Heat 1: 1^st Mario Omozee (8.62) – Heat 2: 1^st Luuk Jackson (9.14)

U14 Girls 60m Heat 2: 3^rd Isabella Jackson (9.43)

U14 Boys 60m Heat 1: 2^nd Alex Leonard (8.66) – Heat 2: 1^st Rory O’Farrell (8.60), 3^rd Paddy Nolan (8.90), 4^th Ciaran O’Farrell (8.99), 6^th Daniel Gleeson (9.15)

U10 Girls 200m Heat 2: 2^nd Ruby Blake (33.68), 5^th Annabella Omozee (34.97)

U12 Girls 200m Heat 2: 3^rd Melody Omozee (35.00)

U14 Girls 200m Heat 2: 4^th Isabella Jackson (31.72)

U14 Boys 200m Heat 1: 1^st Alex Leonard (28.98), 2^nd James Dunne (30.06) – Heat 2: 1^st Mario Omozee (26.30), 2^nd Rory O’Farrell (28.87), 3^rd Paddy Nolan (28.97), 5^th Ciaran O’Farrell (30.62)

U12 Boys 600m: 2^nd Luuk Jackson (1.51.27)

THE CAPTAINS 5KM CROSS-COUNTRY RUN at PHOENIX PARK (21.12.2019)

1^st Rossa Hurley (18.17), 2^nd Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (18.28), 3^rd Gavin Curtin (18.40), 4^th Louis O’Loughlin (18.50), 5^th Niall Lynch (19.02), 6^th James Bolton (19.18), 7^th Jack Byrne (19.24), 8^th Thomas Bolton (19.43), 9^th Danny O’Sullivan (20.25), 10^th Emily Bolton (20.39), 11^th Barbara Cleary (20.42), 12^th Matei Ursachi (21.42), 13^th Alan Farrell (21.51), 14^th Donal Iremonger (21.59), 15^th Eva Crowe (22.21), 16^th Peter Nugent (22.23), 17^th Stephen Dawson (22.40), 19^th Lorraine O’Connor (22.57), 20^th Kieran Beausang (22.59), 21 Tony Kynes (23.05), 22^nd Barbara Murray (23.06), 23^rd Audrey Gahan (23.07), 24^th Bronagh Eliot (23.51), 25^th Honor Lynch (24.14), 26^th Ken McKeon (24.18), 27^th Ariana Ball (24.24), 28^th Rhona McHugh (24.48), 29^th Barry Potts (24.52), 30^th Sean Kinsella (25.38), 31^st Joe Murphy (25.53), 32^nd Anne Curley (25.57), 33^rd Sebastian Ursachi (26.08), 34^th Eddie Bolton (26.35), 35^th Angela Eustace (27.27), 36^th Mary McDermott (27.31), 37^th Dana Mackey (29.15), 38^th Eleanor Hopkins (29.57), 38^th Katie Delaney (29.57), 40^th Bridget Kiely (30.22), 41^st Michelle Dawson (30.37)

PARKRUNS (217.12.2019)

Castletown: 68^th David Hudson M60 (27.21), 71^st Joan McTernan (27.48)

Corkagh: 14^th Eoin Mooney U11 (21.36), 82^nd Nicola Dowdall W45 (27.51)

Griffeen: 120^th Terry Mee M75 (28.26)

Poppintree: 17^th & 1^st woman Kate Clearly W45 (22.16)

Porterstown: 14^th & 3^rd woman Caroline McCarthy W35 (20.36 PB)

Waterstown: 6^th Dylan McKenna U14 (23.03)

HIGHLIGHTS: Emily Bolton claimed the individual gold medal and led the Donore Harriers Under 13 team to a historic national title. Novice Men’s team 8^th. Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan 8^th in CSIM Military XC Championships in Belgium.

It was muck and glory all the way for the Donore Harriers Under 13 Girls team as they became the first juvenile team from the club to claim a national cross-country title. On a cold, sunny day a large crowd assembled at Cow Park in Dunboyne on Sunday morning (15.12.2019) for the NATIONAL JUVENILE UNEVEN AGES CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS.

The expectation was high as the convincing Dublin Under 13 Girls team champions toed the line for the start of an energy-sapping 2.5 kilometres route over a mud-laden course. The opening 500 metres saw a field of almost 160 athletes carefully manoeuvre a series of tight turns. At the 1km point as the race headed out for a lap of the ‘far field’ Emily Bolton, who 3 weeks earlier had claimed the national Under 12s title, moved from fifth place to the front of the field. Thereafter, Bolton put in a majestic performance, with the on-course race commentator claiming that her dominance was similar to Fionnuala McCormack’s national senior championship win last month. By the finish line Bolton had 15 seconds to spare over runner-up Emer McKee of Willowfield Harriers.

In the team competition Bolton was well supported by her colleagues. Eva Crowe placed a very fine 19^th with Lorraine O’Connor in 26^th. The team score was closed-out by Julie Cleary in 55^th spot. Cleary, running in her first national race, had been very ill a few days before the race and her participation had been in doubt. But race she did! Team coach Graham Hopkins said afterwards “Julie was a real star today, she left everything out there”. The team had a final score of 101, with Willowfield Harriers 2^nd on 153 and St. Mary’s AC from Co. Clare 3^rd on 180. The non-scoring team member was Eleanor Hopkins, who placed 82^nd – arguably her best race to date.

Earlier in the day the Donore Harriers Under 11 Boys team finished a very creditable 7^th on 275 points behind winners St. Cronan’s AC (172) after a testing 1.5km race. The scoring four were – Cillian McCooey in 52^nd, Luuk Jackson 54^th, Danny Colgan 55^th and Jamie Kavanagh 114^th. The non-scoring athletes were Sebastian Ursachi, who was stepping-up in age group, in 128^th and Daniel Browne-Kennedy in 190^th.

Matei Ursachi ran a super race in the Boys Under 13s 2.5km race. Ursachi challenged gamely for a top 3 spot in the first half of the race but was unable to stay with the pace as the race progressed and had to settle for 6^th position. This was his best placement in a national cross-country and signals his steady progress in the sport.

Donore Harriers had two athletes in the Under 15 Boys race over 3.5km. Oliver Hopkins came 16^th, with step-up athlete Thomas Bolton just one place behind. The unfortunate Bolton had to build his way into the race after he was involved when a melee of athletes took a fall in the early stage of the race.

Abdel Laadjel had ambitions of a podium place in the Under 17 Boys race over 5km. In a very competitive field, he sat behind the lead pack in the early stages, but by half-way he had slipped back to 8^th place and was adrift of the leaders. Laadjel, who may well have been over-prepared for the race, lost four more places on the final 1.5km circuit to finish a very disappointed 12^th. James Bolton, stepping-up in age and fresh after his excellent run in the Jingle Bells 5km, worked his way up the field after a steady start to place 30^th. He lost 3 places in the final sprint for the line which took a bit of gloss off a very fine effort.

In the Under 19s Boys race over 6km Gavin Curtin, also stepping-up, placed a very fine 21^st and helped Dublin County to team gold as the 6^th scorer.

Other county team medals were won by Emily Bolton, Eva Crowe and Lorraine O’Connor who were the 1^st, 4^th and 5^th scorers on the Dublin team that won gold in the Under 13 Girls; Abdel Laadjel 2^nd scorer on Under 17 Boys team that also won gold – and silver medals won by Cillian McCooey 6^th scorer on the Under 11 Boys team, Matei Ursachi 2^nd scorer in the Under 13 Boys and by Oliver Hopkins and Thomas Bolton 2^nd and 3^rd scorers in the Under 15 Boys.

In the NATIONAL NOVICE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS that followed the juvenile races at Cow Park on Sunday the men’s team came a disappointed 8^th. Hopes faded before the start with the withdrawal of Josh O-Sullivan-Hourihan because of illness. But it was still a fine team effort with Matthieu Proffitt (21.56) leading the team home in 11^th place after he made a conservative start to the 4 x 1.5km laps race. Luke Boland (23.01), who also made a steady opening lap, gained steadily to 53^rd position. 19 years old Sekeriye Ahmed (23.11) in 60^th and an improving Rory Burke (23.28) in 70^th made up the scoring four. Alasdair Browne (24.30) was the non-scoring team member in 114^th place. The ‘A’ team scored 194 with Leevale AC winning on 70.

Des Tremble (24.10) had a great race to lead the ‘B’ team home in 111^th position. Ciaran Ryan (24.57) in 140^th, Andrew Wilson (26.59) in 189^th and Tom Fagan (27.07) in 191^st closed the team, that came 23^rd of 26 teams. Peter Nugent (27.11) was the non-scorer in 193^rd position.

In the 4km women’s race Aoife Ni Thuthail (17.49) had a fine run to place 54^th, and Audrey Gahan (18.14) came 66^th of the 134 finishers.

In the recent CSIM EUROPEAN MILITARY CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at Schaffen in Belgium (08.12.2019) Josh O’Sullivan placed an excellent 8^th in the Men’s race over 9.4km. The Donore Harriers man was 2^nd scorer on the Irish Defence Forces team that came 3^rd. The 4-lap race was held on an airfield with 2 steep climbs per circuit.

Owen Robinson and Patrick Farrell competed in the AWARE 10KM ROAD RACE in the Phoenix Park on Saturday (14.12.2019). Robinson (43.18) came 93^rd with Farrell (43.23) in 96^th. There were 777 finishers with Pauric Ennis of Tullamore Harriers the winner in 33.10.

In Sunday’s DROGHEDA & DISTRICT 5km ROAD RACE (15.12.2019) Barbara Murray placed 31^st overall out of more than 800 finishers, and in doing so took 2^nd place in the W40 age category. On a flat and fast course that started and finished in the Lourdes Stadium she ran a time of 19.41 and was the 7^th woman finisher.

In the 2^nd round of the WOMEN’S MEET & TRAIN LEAGUE at Sean Moore Park in Irishtown on the 8^th of December Donore Harriers were well represented with Caroline McCarthy (15.22) first home in 5^th place. There were 137 finishers in the two-mile race through a mix of trail and path that took in the Poolbeg Nature Reserve, including Cliodhna Carthy (15.50) in 10^th, Treasa Boylan (17.45) in 66^th, Sarah Ni Ruairc (18.11) in 83^rd, Meadbh Campbell (18.40) in 90^th, Dana Mackey (19.07) in 97^th, Catherine McKeon (19.26) in 103^rd, Mary Murphy (19.56) in 113rd, Michelle Dawson (20.43) in 188^th, Sue Lynch (21.02) in 122^nd and the wonderful Ann Woodlock (23.30) in 134^th. There are two races remaining in the League and Donore Harriers are placed 4^th and 8^th in the silver category.

Cow Park in Dunboyne was also the venue for the DUBLIN NORTHSIDE SCHOOLS CROSS-COUNTRY RACES held on Wednesday 11^th December 2019. Matei Ursachi won the First Year Boys race over 1.5km, and Eleanor Hopkins came 9^th in the Girls 1.5km race. They helped their schools to team gold and silver respectively.

The overall results for the DUBLIN JUVENILE CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE have now been finalized, with individual winners being Emily Bolton in the Under 12 Girls category on a maximum score of 93 points, Eva Crowe (88 points) in the Under 13 Girls, and Oliver Hopkins (88) in the Under 15 Boys. Thomas Bolton (87) was 2^nd overall in the Under 14 Boys, whilst Chloe Andrews (54) came 3^rd in the Under 17 Girls. More results below.

At the ECHO NEWSPAPER 2019 SPORTS AWARDS evening at the Green Isle Hotel on Thursday evening (12.12.2019) the Donore Harriers men’s indoors track & field team picked up the ‘Team of the Month’ award for January 2019. Having 4^th and 3^rd in the previous seasons the Donore Harriers team claimed this year’s silver medal position. Team captain David Campbell accepted the award on behalf of the team. The evergreen Ann Woodlock picked up a ‘Sports Leading Light’ award in recognition of her achievements as a master athlete. The sprightly 81 years-old mother of 5, who only took up running when forced to give-up badminton due to injury, won 3,000m gold and 1,500m silver in the W80 category at World Indoor Masters Championships at Torun, Poland in March. At the European Masters track and field championships at Venice in September Woodlock won gold in the 5,000m and silver in the 1,500m.

In PARKRUNS (14.12.2019) Lee Van Haeften (16.12) and Rossa Hurley (16.44) were first finishers at Castletown (Celbridge) and St. Anne’s Park. Aidan Kelly (19.43) was 2^nd at Corkagh Park with Donal Iremonger (20.01) in 4^th. Two 13 years-old athletes Dylan McKenna and Katie Delaney (23.21) placed 6^th and 11^th respectively at Waterstown Park.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

NATIONAL JUVENILE UNEVEN AGES CROSS-C0UNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at COW PARK, DUNBOYNE (15.12.2019)

U11 Boys (1,500m): 52^nd Cillian McCooey, 54^th Luuk Jackson, 55^th Danny Colgan, 114^th Jamie Kavanagh, 128^th Sebastian Ursachi (step-up), 190^th Daniel Browne-Kennedy

TEAM: 1^st St. Cronan’s AC (172), 7^th Donore Harriers <McCooey, Jackson, Colgan, Kavanagh> (275)

U13 Girls (2,500m): 1^st Emily Bolton (step-up), 19^th Eva Crowe, 26^th Lorraine O’Connor, 55^th Julie Cleary, 82^nd Eleanor Hopkins

TEAM: 1^st Donore Harriers <Bolton, Crowe, O’Connor, Cleary> (101), 2^nd Willowfield Harriers 153, 3^rd St. Mary’s (Clare) AC (180)

U13 Boys (2,500m): 6^th Matei Ursachi

U15 Boys (3,500m): 16^th Oliver Hopkins, 17^th Thomas Bolton (step-up)

U17 Boys (5,000m): 12^th Abdel Laadjel, 30^th James Bolton (step-up)

U19 Boys (6,000m): 21^st Gavin Curtin (step-up)

NATIONAL NOVICE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at COW PARK, DUNBOYNE (15.12.2019)

WOMEN’s RACE (4km):

54^th Aoife Ni Thuathail (17.49), 66^th Audrey Gahan (18.14).

134 finishers

MEN’s RACE (6km):

11^th Matthieu Proffitt (21.56), 53^rd Luke Boland (23.01), 60^th Sekeriye Ahmed (23.11), 70^th Rory Burke (23.28), 111^th Des Tremble (24.10), 125^th Alasdair Browne (24.30), 140^th Ciaran Ryan (24.57), 189^th Andrew Wilson (26.59), 191^st Tom Fagan (27.06), 193^rd Peter Nugent (27.11). 216 finishers

TEAM: 1^st Leevale AC (70), 8^th Donore Harriers <Proffitt, Boland, Ahmed, Burke> (194), 23^rd Donore Harriers B <Tremble, Ryan, Wilson, Fagan> (631). 26 teams.

AWARE 10KM ROAD RACE at PHOENIX PARK (14.12.2019)

93^rd Owen Robinson (43.18)

96^th Patrick Farrell (43.23)

777 finishers

DROGHEDA & DISTRICT CHRISTMAS 5KM ROAD RACE at DROGHEDA (15.12.2019)

31^st, 7 woman & 2^nd W40 – Barbara Murray (19.41)

824 finishers

CISM EUROPEAN REGIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at SCHAFFEN, BELGIUM (08.12.2019)

MEN’S RACE 9.4km

8^th Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (2^nd Irish scorer)

TEAM: 3^rd Ireland

650 starters

DUBLIN NORTHSIDE SCHOOLS CROSS-COUNTRY RACES at COW PARK, DUNBOYNE (11.12.2019)

1^st Year Girls 1.5km: 9^th Eleanor Hopkins (team silver)

1^st Year Boys 1.5km: 1^st Matei Ursachi (team gold)

DUBLIN JUVENILE CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE – OVERALL RESULTS for the 2019 season

Here is a list of the Donore Harriers athletes who placed in the top 12. Note that the first 6 in each age group are awarded medals. The 3-race series were held at Newbridge House & Park, Phoenix Park (hosted by Donore Harriers) and Tymon Park.

U9 Girls – 6^th Annabella Omozee (58) – 2 races

U10 Girls – 6^th Ruby Blake (58)

U12 Girls – 1^st Emily Bolton (93) – maximum score with 3 wins

U13 Girls – 1^st Eva Crowe (88)

U14 Girls – 7^th Honor Lynch (69)

U17 Girls – 3^rd Chloe Andrews (54) – 2 races

U11 Boys – 5^th Luuk Jackson (59) – 2 races: 12^th Eoin Mooney (43) – 2 races

U14 Boys – 2^nd Thomas Bolton (87)

U15 Boys – 1^st Oliver Hopkins (88)

WOMEN’S MEET & TRAINING CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE MATCH 2 at SEAN MOORE PARK, SANDYMOUNT (08.12.2019) – 2-mile route over a mix of trail and path

5^th Caroline McCarthy (15.22)

10^th Cliodhna Carthy (15.50)

66^th Treasa Boylan (17.45)

83^rd Sarah Ni Ruairc (18.11)
90^th Meadbh Campbell (18.40)

97^th Dana Mackey (19.07)

103^rd Catherine McKeon (19.26)

113^th Mary Murphy (19.56)

118^th Michelle Dawson (20.43)

122^nd Sue Lynch (21.02)

134^th Ann Woodlock (23.30)

137 finishers

PARKRUNS (14.12.2019)

Castletown: 1^st Lee Van Haeften (16.12), 69^th Amy Brogan W35 (28.31)

Corkagh: 2^nd Aidan Kelly U19 (19.43), 4^th Donal Iremonger M45 (20.01)

St. Anne’s: 1^st Rossa Hurley M35 (16.44)

Waterstown: 6^th Dylan McKenna U14 (NTG), 11^th and 2^nd woman Katie Delaney U14 (23.21)

HIGHLIGHTS: Hiko Tonosa (DSD AC) and Cliona Murphy (DSD AC) were winners of the 29^th Jingle Bells. Daragh Fitzgibbon and Maura Kearns first home for Donore Harriers. 15 years-old James Bolton ran 16.10. Barbara Murray won W45 category. Eric Keogh 3^rd in the Waterford Half-Marathon with Lee Van Haeften 9^th. John Travers helped Irish team to 7^th in Mixed Relay at the European XC championships. Grace Kennedy-Clarke 3^rd in Lanzarote Marathon, with Luke Boland 2^nd in the Half-Marathon at same venue.

Hiko Tonosa (14.16) and Emmet Jennings (14.18) were left to challenge for victory in the closing kilometre of the popular JINGLE BELLS 5KM ROAD RACE hosted by Donore Harriers in the Phoenix Park on Saturday morning (07.12.2019). The DSD AC duo were part of a breakaway group of 12 athletes after the opening kilometre, with Daragh Fitzgibbon from the host club giving chase. As splits began to form, Tonosa and Jennings maintained a high tempo at the front of the field – and going through the Furry Glen and onto the Glen Road it was Jennings in the lead with Tonosa on his shoulder. With 400 metres remaining it was Tonosa who used his superior speed to kick-on and reach the finish line with just 2 seconds to spare over his teammate. Andrew Coscoran (14.24) of Star of the Sea AC broke clear of the chasing group to claim 3^rd spot. Daragh Fitzgibbon (15.07) finished the race strongly to place 13^th.

The best ‘home’ performance of the day came from 15 years old James Bolton (16.10). Bolton had set himself a difficult enough target of 17 minutes, but he started strongly and maintained his form to reach the line in 41^st place, leaving several ‘big fish’ in his wake. He came 3^rd in the Junior Men category.

Donore Harriers’ newly crowned Dublin Intermediate cross-country champion Matthieu Proffit came 50^th in a time of 16.25. Gavin Curtin (16.47) set a new personal best time to place 65^th overall and 5^th in the Junior Men’s category. Club newcomer Rory Burke (16.52) came 72^nd. The next 3 athletes from the host club were all juvenile, with Oliver Hopkins U15 (17.47) in 121^st, Sean Kinsella U16 (18.26) in 147^th and Barney Kelly U18 (18.33) in 158^th. Maura Kearns W35 (18.39) was first Donore Harriers woman home in 160^th. Aidan Kelly came next in 178^th position setting a new PB time of 18.47 and Barbara Murray (19.15) came 195^th and took the W45 age-group prize.

The other competing club members were: – Aisling Kirby (21.45) in 352^nd, Colm Dunne M45 (22.15) in 364^th, Helaine Kelly W45 (24.35) in 482^nd, Niamh Gaudin W40 (28.00) in 621^st, Daniel Nemeth M35 (28.59) in 671^st, Ray Holmes M60 (28.59) in 672^nd, John Grenne M40 (30.22) in 721^st, Patrick Farrell M35 (30.44) in 741^st, Anthony Ferns M55 (31.54) in 771^st, Amandine Devine W40 (34.43) in 897^th, Gerry Murphy M65 (37.03) in 926^th and Dathi Cooney MJ (41.21) in 990^th.

Other juvenile members who competed included: – Jamie Kavanagh U12 (21.25) in 356th place,James Dunne U14 (22.15) in 364^th, Phillipe Gaudin U10 (23.23) no place given, Hugh David Kelly U11 (23.51) NPG, Joe Kinsella U14 (24.20) NPG, Roisin Kirby U13 (24.10) NPG, Eleanor Hopkins U13 (24.15) NPG, Conor Garvey U10 (24.20) NPG and Katie Delaney U14 (24.26) NPG. Rory Gaudin no time available.

Special mention to Kilcoole Athletics Club, who had 40 adult competitors – and to local club Watertown Warriors, who had 34 finishers.

Also, a special mention to the winner of the fancy-dress competition Sarah Nagle, who completed the race in memory of her late husband Joseph Nagle. Joe died in 2012, aged 43, from cancer. He was a huge fan of the Jingle Bells race and regularly took part, usually in fancy dress attire. A former member of Leevale AC Joe had a more serious involvement in athletics. In 2007 he competed in the Special Olympics in Shanghai and picked up a silver medal in the Shot Putt. He also competed in the Long Jump, Weight-for-Distance and Discus. He recorded a personal best of 11.45m for the Shot Putt in 2009. Joseph Nagle was described as a ‘gentle giant’ who loved his sport and his early sporting endeavours had been as a keen boxer.

Finally race director Colin Moore has posted a special thank you to all those volunteers, supporters and sponsors who helped make the 29^th edition of the Jingle Bells race a huge success. These including the OPW, the Park Rangers, Pop-Up Races, An Garda Siochana, Civil Defence, Blanchardstown Brass Band, Last Lap Café, Bill Griffin Motors, 123.ie, Dunnes Stores and all the club members who helped with marshalling, catering, course set-up, etc.

Eric Keogh (1.07.48) put in another high-class performance to place 3^rd amid a strong field in the WATERFORD HALF-MARATHON on Saturday (07.12.2019). His club colleague and training partner Lee Van Haeften (1.11.21) came 9^th. The race was won by Ethiopian born Yared Derese of Carrick Aces AC in a course record 1.04.12, with former national cross-country champion and Olympic marathon runner Mick Clohissey (1.05.23) in 2^nd place. There were 2,234 finishers.

In the FONT VELLA LANZEROTE MARATHON on Saturday (07.12.2019) a fine effort by Grace Kennedy-Clarke brought her home in 25^th place overall and 3^rd woman finisher from a field of 600 starters. Her time of 3.11.08 was impressive considering the hilly terrain and hot, humid conditions.

At the same venue Luke Boland (1.15.34) came 2^nd in the (LANZEROTE) HALF-MARATHON behind winner Juan Miguel Moreno Rivert of Spain. Tracey Clarke (2.50.59) placed 1,043^rd of 1,106 finishers.

At the SPAR EUROPEAN CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at Lisbon (08.12.2019) John Travers competed in the Mixed Relay 4 x 1,500m event. Nadia Power (5.07) of Dublin City Harriers opened for Ireland (1625m) and passed the baton to the Donore Harriers man in 5^th place. Travers (4.07) put in a good effort over a tough, hilly circuit (1500m), but was passed by top-class athletes from France and Belgium – and disappointingly handed on to Amy O’Donoghue (Emerald AC) in 7^th place. O’Donoghue (1500m) gained to 6^th with a 4.46 lap, with Eoin Pierce (Clonliffe Harriers) running a 4.40 lap (1500m) to bring the team home in 7^th place (of 12) with an overall time of 18.40. Team GB (17.55) were 1^st and Belarus (18.01) 2^nd.

In the first NIA LIVE MEETING at the National Indoor Arena on Tuesday evening (03.12.2019) there was a large contingent of young Donore Harriers juvenile athletes. Best performances came from Luuk Jacson, who won the Under 12 Boys 200m (30.21) and 600m (1.48.8); Dylan O’Connor 2^nd in both the Under 10 Boys 60m (9.47) and 200m (33.72); and Paddy Nolan who was 1^st in the U14 Boys 200m (28.93) and 3^rd in the 60m (8.91). Other notable performances came from Honor Lynch (1.47.8) 4^th in a competitive U14 Girls race over 600m; Jack Reilly 2^nd in the U12 Boys 200m (31.10) and 4^th in the Mixed Relay (2.27.9); Alex Leonard 3^rd in both the U14 Boys 60m (8.61) and 200m (29.41); and Tara Hoare 2^nd in the U12 Girls 200m (33.83) and 3^rd in the Mixed Relay (2.19.6). More results below.

In the first of two Senior One-Mile races Emmet O’Briain M35 (4.48.5) came 1^st with Aidan O’Rourke (5.12.4) in 6^th place.

In the PARKRUN SERIES (07.12.2019) Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (18.27 was first home at Waterstown with Dylan McKenna U14 (21.23) in 3^rd. Matei Ursachi U13 was first home at Fr. Collins Park in 18.45 with his younger brother Sebastian (U11) in 11^th place. Sinead Lambe (17.49) impressed at Malahide being 4^th overall and first woman finisher. Other results below.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

NIA LIVE INDOOR MEETING at NATIONAL INDOOR ARENA, ABBOTSTOWN (03.12.2019)

SENIOR RESULTS

One Mile: 1^st Emmet O’Briain (4.48.5), 6^th Aidan O’Rourke (5.12.4)

JUVENILE RESULTS

U10 Boys 60m Heat 1: 2^nd Dylan O’Connor (9.47), 3^rd Conor Garvey (9.81), 7^th Bobby Colgan (10.59) – Heat 2: 5^th Kareem Dempsey (10.73) – Heat 3: 3^rd Tom Nolan (10.25)

U12 Boys 60m Heat 1: 4^th Liam Blair (9.61)

U14 Boys 60m Heat 1: 3^rd Alex Leonard (8.61) – Heat 2: 3^rd Paddy Nolan (8.91), 4^th James Dunne (9.08)

U10 Boys 200m Heat 1: no results available – Heat 2: 2^nd Dylan O’Connor (33.72), 5^th Mark Nunan (36.04)

U12 Boys 200m Heat 1: 1^st Luuk Jackson (30.21), 2^nd Jack Reilly (31.10), 3^rd Cillian McCooey (31.48), 5^th Danny Colgan (32.59) – Heat 2: 2^nd Liam Blair (31.84), 3^rd Jamie Kavanagh (33.17) – Heat 3: Liam O’Donoghue (33.91)

U14 Boys 200m Heat 1: 3^rd Alex Leonard (29.41) – Heat 2: 1^st Paddy Nolan (28.93), 3^rd James Dunne (30.71)

U10 Boys 400m: 3^rd Olyver Whelan (1.13.3), 5^th Conor Garvey (1.25.8)

U12 Boys 600m: 1^st Luuk Jackson (1.48.8), 4^th Jamie Kavanagh (1.58.9), 6^th Liam Blair (1.59.8), 7^th Eoin Mooney (2.01.8), 8^th Danny Colgan (2.06.2), 10^th Liam O’Donoghue (2.21.3)

Mixed Relay 1: 1^st Conor Garvey (2.32.9), 3^rd Olyvey Whelan (2.48.1)

Mixed Relay 2: 1^st Cillian McCooey (2.12.0), 3^rd Tara Hoare (2.19.6), 4^th Jack Reilly (2.27.9), 5^th Liam Blair (2.28.8)

U10 Girls 60m Heat 1: no results available – Heat 2: 5^th Thea O’Donoghue (10.96)

U12 Girls 60m Heat 1: 3^rd Ava Hoare (9.53), Juliana Broderick (10.12) – Heat 3: 3^rd Leah Nunan (9.58), 4^th Rachel Barnes (9.93), 5^th Zoey Conroy (11.05), 6^th Salma Dempsey (11.10)

U14 Girls 60m Heat 2: 6^th Isabella Jackson (9.53)

U10 Girls 200m Heat 1: 6^th Thea O’Donoghue (39.8)

U12 Girls 200m Heat 2: 3^rd Leah Nunan (33.73), 4^th Juliana Broderick (35.62) – Heat 3: 2^nd Tara Hoare (33.83), 3^rd Rachel Barnes (34.99), 4^th Salma Dempsey (39.86), 5^th Zoey Conroy (40.01)

U14 Girls 200m Heat 2: 5^th Isabella Jackson (31.99)

U12 Girls 600m: 7^th Amber Lynch (2.02.5)

U14 Girls 600m: 4^th Honor Lynch (1.47.8)

JINGLE BELLS 5KM ROAD RACE at PHOENIX PARK (07.12.2019)

MEN: 1^st Hiko Tonoso (DSD AC) 14.16; 2^nd Emmet Jennings (DSD AC) 14.18; 3^rd Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) 14.24.

WOMEN: 1^st Cliona Murphy (Dublin City Harriers) 16.29; 2^nd Kate O’Neill (MSB AC) 17.10; 3^rd Maisy O’Sullivan (St. Abbans AC) 17.23.

13^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (15.07)

41^st & 3^rd MJ James Bolton U16 (16.10 PB)

50^th Matthieu Proffit (16.25)

65^th & 5^th MJ Gavin Curtin U18 (16.47 PB)

72^nd Rory Burke (16.52)

121^st Oliver Hopkins U15 (17.47 PB)

147^th Sean Kinsella U16 (18.26 PB)

158^th Barney Kelly U18 (18.33)

160^th Maura Kearns W35 (18.39)

178^th Aidan Kelly U19 (18.47 PB)

195^th & 1^st W45 Barbara Murray (19.15)

352^nd Aisling Kirby (21.45)

356^th Jamie Kavanagh U12 (21.25)

364^th James Dunne U14 (22.15)

389^th Colm Dunne M45 (22.23)

NPA Phillipe Gaudin U (23.23)

NPA Hugh David Kelly U11 (23.51)

482^nd Helaine Kelly W45 (24.35)

NPA Joe Kinsella U14 (24.20)

NPA Roisin Kirby U13 (24.10)

NPA Eleanor Hopkins U13 (24.15)

NPA Conor Garvey U10 (24.20)

NPA Katie Delaney U14 (24.26)

621^st Niamh Gaudin W40 (28.00)

671^st Daniel Nemeth M35 (28.59)

672^nd Ray Holmes M60 (28.59)

721^st John Grenne M45 (30.22)

741^st Patrick Farrell M35 (30.44)

771^st Anthony Ferns M55 (31.54)

897^th Amandine Devine W40 (34.43)

926^th Gerry Murphy M65 (37.03)

990^th Dathi Cooney MJ (41.21)

Time not available for Rory Gaudin. Times for NPA athletes based on the net times of runners who crossed the finish line nearest to them. Some results may be missing.

1,083 adult finishers. 300 approx finishers aged Under 16.

MEN’S TEAM: 1^st Dundrum South Dublin AC (14), 4^th Donore Harriers <Fitzgibbon, Bolton, Proffit> (104)

WOMEN’S TEAM: 1^st Crusaders AC (42), 4^th Donore Harriers <Kearns, Murray, Kirby> (96)

WATERFORD HALF-MARATHON (07.12.2019)

3^rd Eric Keogh (1.07.48),

9^th Lee Van Haeften (1.11.21)

2,234 finishers

FONT VELLA LANZEROTE MARATHON (07.12.2019)

25^th overall & 3^rd woman: Grace Kennedy-Clarke (3.11.08)

587 finishers

FONT VELLA LANZEROTE HALF-MARATHON (07.12.2019)

2^nd Luke Boland (1.15.34)

1,043^rd Tracey Clarke (2.50.59)

1,106 finishers

PARKRUNS (07.12.2019)

Fr. Collins: 1^st Matei Ursachi U13 (18.45), 11^th Sebastian Ursachi U11 (21.34), 34^th Natalia Lungu W35 (25.44)

Griffeen: 94^th Terry Mee M75 (29.14)

Malahide: 4^th & 1^st woman Sinead Lambe (17.49)

Poppintree: 12^th & 1^st woman Kate Cleary W45 (22.03), 65^th Eilish Joyce W35 (29.39)

Tolka Valley: 5^th Owen Robinson M35 (21.26)

HIGHLIGHTS: Matthieu Proffit won the Dublin Intermediate Cross-Country title and led the Donore Harriers team to gold. Our Women’s team gained bronze. Individual winners Annabella Omozee, Luuk Jackson, Emily Bolton, Eva Crowe and Oliver Hopkins were ‘High Five’ in Dublin Juvenile League Match 3. Magnificent Anne Curley won the Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon.

Donore Harriers had plenty to cheer about at a mud-laden Tymon Park on Sunday (01.12.2019). Matthieu Proffit won the DUBLIN INTERMEDIATE CROSS-COUNTRY MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS over 8km. After 2 of 4 laps Proffit and Kevin Donagher of Rathfarnham AC were side by side having built a lead on their pursuers. The Donore man was strongest over the second part of the race to run out a convincing winner. His coach and a previous winner of the title Iain Morrison said of the improving Proffit “Matthieu is getting better and better. He always throws himself into races even when he has other goals. He has a positive attitude about racing and never complains about being tired of stress. Incredible guy and a great club man”.

Proffit led the men’s team to victory. The cause was greatly helped by the 6^th place finish of debutant Rory Burke. Luke Boland worked his way through the field to place 14^th with Alasdair Brown closing the scoring in 15^th. The team competition proved to be a tense battle. At the 6km mark Crusaders AC were just 6 points behind Donore and a strong rally by the Irishtown club narrowed the gap to just 4 points as Donore Harriers held out to win by 36 points to 40. Raheny Shamrocks AC were 3^rd on 56. The non-scoring Donore Harriers athletes were Paul Cummins in 21^st and Des Tremble in 38^th.

The women’s team rallied magnificently to win a surprise bronze in the WOMEN’S 5km INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP. Aoife Ni Thuthail (21.47) led the team home in 8^th place, followed closely by Audrey Gahan (21.58) in 10^th. A determined run by Claire Mulligan (22.26) got her home in 17^th spot, with Ariana Ball (23.20) putting in a huge effort to close the team as the 28^th finisher. Club Captain Florence Curley described Ball’s performance as being “heroic” due to the athlete being sick in the week leading up to the race. Clonliffe Harriers (34) won the team competition by one point, with Rathfarnham AC (35) in 2^nd and Donore Harriers (63) in 3^rd. Sportsworld AC were 16 points adrift of Donore Harriers in 4^th place.

In the 3^rd and final round of the DUBLIN JUVENILE CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE at Tymon Park (01.12.2019) there were five winners for Donore Harriers on the day. Annabella Omozee got the day off to a ‘flyer’ with a gun to tape win in the Under 9 Girls race over 600m. Sophie Farrell came 30^th. An impressive Luuk Jackson won the Under 11 Boys over 1 kilometre, with Eoin Mooney in 8^th and Caolan Costello in 24^th. The new Under 12 national champion Emily Bolton convincingly won her age-group race over 1km, with Ava Hoare in 27^th and Tara Hoare in 39^th. In the Under 13 Girls race over 1.5km Eva Crowe showed good form ahead of the National Juvenile Uneven-Ages championships in two weeks time. Her victory augurs well for the upcoming ‘national’, as did the fine running of Julie Cleary in 3^rd place and Eleanor Hopkins in 8^th. Donore’s fifth winner on the day was Oliver Hopkins who had to hold off the late challenge from a Dundrum South Dublin AC athlete to win the Under 15 Boys race over 2 kilometres.

Thomas Bolton came 2^nd in the Under 14 Boys race over 1.5km, with Dylan McKenna in 11^th spot. A determined Chloe Andrews came 4^th in the Under 18 Girls 2km race.

The other Donore Harriers athletes were: – Mark Nunan 9^th in the Under 9 Boys (600m), Emily Farrell, Ruby Blake and Petra Cunningham who placed 8^th, 12^th and 22^nd in the Under 10 Girls (800m), Phillipe Gaudin 32^nd in the Under 10 Boys (800m), Melody Omozee 40^th in the Under 11 Girls (1km), Rory Gaudin 28^th in the Under 12 Boys (1km), Conan Mackey 24^th in the Under 13 Boys (1.5km), and Honor Lynch and Laura Nunan 6^th and 11^th in the Under 14 Girls (1.5km).

<A report on overall individual awards for the league will follow>.

Two Donore Harriers athletes were on the start-line of the 10^th version of the CLONAKILTY WATERFRONT MARATHON on Saturday morning (30.11.2019). This marathon takes in the spectacular view of Inchydoney Island, Galley Head, the causeways, postcard pretty Rathbarry village, Red Strand, Ardfield, the dramatic coastline of Duneed Strand, Dunmore Headland and the coastline around Clonakilty Bay. There is a total elevation gain of 475 metres. It’s a toughie!

Anne Curley (3.18.32) placed 25^th from a field of 432 finishers and in the process won both the women’s and W40 categories. This was a tremendous effort coming just one-month after completing the Dublin Marathon in 3.09.20. Curley described her experience “… despite the never relenting wind, rain and never-ending lung busting hills, my God so many hills, I enjoyed it. The scenery was so magnificent in places. A slow time but a strong race. From 15 miles I got into the leading woman position but then the pressure was on to hold it, a head to head battle in places, made it to the line relieved…”. Jacqui Dunphy (3.21.39) of Portmarnock AC was 2^nd woman home. The race was won by Freddy Sitturk of Raheny Shamrocks AC in 2.47.23. Donore Harriers other competitor was Ian Redican (4.29.31) in 295^th position.

In the CLONTARF HALF-MARATHON (30.11.2019) M50 athlete Des Gill (1.40.12) placed 245^th and Amy Moriarty (1.44.38) 365^th.

In the latest PARKRUN SERIES (01.12.2019) Sinead Lambe (18.46) was first home at Carlanstown in Co. Meath. Mary McDermott (23.58) and Kate Cleary (22.03) were first women finishers at Naas and Poppintree. Juvenile athlete Dylan McKenna (21.28) put in a sprint finish to place 2^nd at Waterstown, with another juvenile Katie Delaney (24.21) 16^th overall and 4^th woman home. Other results below.

At the IRISH LIFE HEALTH NATIONAL ATHLETICS AWARDS at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown on Thursday 28.11.2019 Sean Egan was recognised with the ‘Services to Coaching’ award. He coaches the Hammer through Athletics Ireland and Schools programmes.

Egan competed in the Hammer event at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow when aged 23. With 12 going through to the final round Egan threw 63.94m in the qualifying round and placed 16^th overall. The three podium places were taken by Soviet Union athletes, with Yuriy Sedykh throwing a world record 81.80m to win the gold medal. With the 4^th and 5^th places going to East German athletes and 3 other athletes from the Eastern Europe bloc in the top 12 the validity of the event will always remain ‘suspicious’.

Egan had a distinguished career in athletics and represented Ireland 30 times. He won seven Irish hammer titles, in 1978 (65.56m, whilst a member of Kildare AC), 1980 (66.80m), 1981 (67.86m), 1982 (69.04m), 1984 (69.12m), 1986 (65.60m) and 1987 (53.86m). Indeed, at that Irish Track & Field championships on the 23^rd July 1978 the big red-haired Army Private broke John Lawlor’s Irish record. He made several improvements on the mark and remains 6^th on the Irish all-time list. He was also Irish champion in the 56lb Weight for Distance event in 1992 (7.04m).

Sean Egan was born on the 18^th October 1956 and attended national school at Templetouhy in Co. Tipperary. His father served in the Army and was a peacekeeper with the United Nations in Cyprus. Sean attended secondary school at the Curragh, before his family moved to Ballyragget in Co. Kilkenny. He attended the Kilkenny Technical School in Kilkenny City. He spent six years in the Army and quickly showed potential and determination to become the best hammer thrower in Ireland.

After his first national title in 1978 the Army arranged specialized training for him at Darmstadt in Germany, where he came under the wing of West German hammer coach Everhard Gaede. He improved his personal best mark to 68.76m at an event in Darmstadt on the 5^th May 1978 and less than 2 weeks later threw 68.82m at the same venue. On the 12^th April 1980 at Darmstadt he threw 70.24m in what was his first competitive event in that year, a distance that qualified him to the Moscow Olympics with 24cm to spare. He achieved his last Irish record at an event in Frankfurt on the 1^st of May 1980 with a best throw of 71.10m.

Here is an extract from an article by Tom O’Riordan in the Sunday Independent dated 7^th February 1982

‘In 1978 Egan was awarded one of the ten Cement Roadstone Olympic grants which would give him a minimum of 1,000 PUNTS each year leading up to the ’80 Olympics. However, the Army stepped in and said they would provide the necessary finance for such training. That was fine for the first year but then after certain Ministerial changes in the Government that supply was cut off. In fact, he was due to go back to Germany in January 1980 on paid leave and ended up having to take leave of absence from the Army and never did get his salary. It was no surprise he left the Army the following October. NATURAL STRENGTH. A slightly trimmed 16st. 6lb Egan has great natural strength, much of it built up when he worked as a young man on the building sites near his home in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. He left school at 14 and this has influenced him in not accepting the scholarships which he has been offered over the past year by the University of Texas, Washington State and Boston University. “I’m prepared to do the work and I’m delighted to be going back to train under Mr. Gaede” said Sean as he disappeared into the evening dusk to warm up for another lonely session in the weights room. He surely needs greater support in an era where there is so much sponsorship. Perhaps in a couple of years we will appreciate the sacrifices this man is prepared to make to reach the top. Athletics can sometimes be a very lonely sport’.

Egan left the Army to take up employment as a gymnasium supervisor at UCD. He later became a landscape contractor and part-time wood turner in Kilmacud, Dublin.

Footnotes: In Sean’s schooldays in the Curragh he played guitar in a band whose drummer was Niall Power. Power later played for one Bob Geldof. The current Irish record for the Hammer is 77.80m set by Declan Hegarty at Walnut, United States on the 28^th April 1985.

Several members of the club were present to support Sean Egan as he was officially recognised for his contribution to the sport of athletics, including our excellent sprints coach John Geoghegan and his wife Una. John is recovering from cancer and the generosity of leading names in Irish athletics was greatly appreciated as Sonia O’Sullivan, Ciara Mageean, Brid Golden and Thomas Barr were among those who gave their well wishes to John on the day.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

CLONAKILTY WATERFRONT MARATHON (30.11.2019)

26^th & 2^nd woman & 1^st W40 Anne Curley (3.18.32).

295^th Ian Redican M40 (4.29.31)

432 finishers.

CLONTARF HALF-MARATHON (30.11.2019)

245^th Des Gill M50 (1.40.12)

365^th Amy Moriarty SNR (1.44.38)

1,453 finishers

DUBLIN INTERMEDIATE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at TYMON PARK (01.12.2019)

WOMEN’S 5KM RACE

8^th Aoife Ni Thuathail, 10^th Audrey Gahan, 17^th Claire Mulligan, 28^th Ariana Ball.

56 finishers

TEAM: 1^st Clonliffe Harriers (34)m 2^nd Rathfarnham AC (35), 3^rd Donore Harriers <Ni Thuathail, Gahan, Mulligan & Ball> (63).

9 teams.

MEN’S 8KM RACE

1^st Matthieu Proffit, 6^th Rory Burke, 14^th Luke Boland, 15^th Alasdair Brown, 21^st Paul Cummins, 38^th Des Tremble.

84 finishers

TEAM: 1^st Donore Harriers <Proffit, Burke, Brown & Boland> (36), Crusaders AC (40), 3^rd Raheny Shamrocks (56).

11 teams.

DUBLIN JUVENILE CROSS-COUNTRY LEAGUE (MATCH 3) at TYMON PARK (01.12.2019)

U9 GIRLS (600m): 1^st Annabella Omozee, 30^th Sophie Farrell

U9 BOYS (600m): 9^th Mark Nunan

U10 GIRLS (800m): 8^th Emily Farrell, 12^th Ruby Blake, 22^nd Petra Cunningham

U10 BOYS (800m): 32^nd Phillipe Gaudin

U11 GIRLS (1km): 40^th Melody Omozee

U11 BOYS (1km): 1^st Luuk Jackson, 8^th Eoin Mooney, 24^th Caolan Costello

U12 GIRLS (1.5km): 1^st Emily Bolton, 27^th Ava Hoare, 39^th Tara Hoare

U12 BOYS (1.5km): 28^th Rory Gaudin

U13 GIRLS (1.5km): 1^st Eva Crowe, 3^rd Julie Cleary, 8^th Eleanor Hopkins

U13 BOYS (1.5km): 24^th Conan Mackey

U14 GIRLS (1.5m): 6^th Honor Lynch, 11^th Laura Nunan

U14 BOYS (1.5km): 2^nd Thomas Bolton, 13^th Dylan McKenna

U15 BOYS (2km): 1^st Oliver Hopkins

U18 GIRLS (2km): 4^th Chloe Andrews

PARKRUNS (30.11.2019)

Carlanstown: 1^st & 1^st woman Sinead Lambe SNR (18.46)

Corkagh: 119^th Nicola Dowdall W45 (37.40)

Griffeen: 100^th Terry Mee M75 (28.42)

Naas: 32^nd & 1^st woman Mary McDermott W50 (23.58)

Poppintree: 9^th & 1^st woman Kate Clearly W45 (22.03)

Waterstown: 2^nd Dylan McKenna U14 (21.28), 16^th & 4^th woman Katie Delaney U14 (24.21)

HIGHLIGHTS: Emily Bolton romped to individual glory in the National Under 12s cross-country championship. Her brother Thomas took a battling bronze in the U14 Boys. The Under 14 Girls team finished a very creditable 7^th.

After one of two 1-kilometre laps there was no doubting who would win the Under 12 Girls NATIONAL JUVENILE CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP at Abbotstown on Sunday (24.11.2019). The soft ground and steady climbs proved no obstacle to Emily Bolton as she powered her way to victory. A spectator from the Swinford Athletics Club proclaimed “that winner is something else” as Bolton stretched a 40 metres lead at the half-way stage to finish about 80 metres clear of runner-up Isa McCarron of Lagan Valley AC at the finish line. Sholah Lawrence of Ace AC (Co. Louth) came 3^rd. Bolton led the Dublin County team (199) to 3^rd place behind Clare (115) and Cork (155).

Emily’s brother Thomas (Bolton) had a more intense battle in the Under 14 Boys race over 3-kilometres. With 600 metres to go a group of 5 athletes led the field. At that stage Sean Cronin of Clonliffe Harriers kicked on for victory with Conor Murphy of St. Coca’s AC giving chase. In the gradual incline to the finish line Bolton withheld the challenge of Shane Buckley of DSD AC and Mathys Bocqet of Craughwell AC to claim the bronze medal. Dylan McKenna, a relative newcomer to the sport, came 138^th and Joe Kinsella placed 164^th. Bolton was 2^nd scorer on the Dublin County team (160) that took silver behind Tipperary (137) and ahead of Mayo (201).

Donore Harriers were well represented in the Under 14 Girls race, also over 3-kilometres. The team was led home by fast-finishing Lorraine O’Connor in 22^nd place, with Eva Crowe in 25^th. Laura Nunan in 64^th and Honor Lynch in 82^nd completed the scoring team. Donore Harriers finished 7^th team (193) behind winners Leevale AC (130). The non-scoring athletes were Katie Delaney (150^th) and Sarah Tolan (159^th). O’Connor and Crowe, who were both stepping-up an age group, were the 4^th and 6^th scorers on the Dublin County team (104) that came 2^nd behind Cork (74).

In the Under 16 Boys race over 4-kilometres an improving James Bolton came 31^st. He was the 5^th scorer on the Dublin team (108) that won gold just 6 points ahead of County Antrim (114).

One of the most respected young athletes in the club is Gavin Curtin. The 17 years-old Moyle Park College student is fearless and totally committed both in training and competition. But sometimes sport can be cruel! In the Under 18 Boys race over 6-kilometres Curtin was well-placed in the top 20 after 3 laps. At a point when he looked to gain places he suddenly ‘stitched’ and was forced to reduce his pace to a mere jog, eventually crossing the line in 79^th place. A devasted Curtin said afterwards “I just couldn’t shake if off. There was nothing I could do”. He will now focus to the Under 19s championship on the 15^th of December.

In the NATIONAL SENIOR WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP over 8-kilometres Barbara Cleary (32.06) put in another tenacious effort to place 20^th. Putting 46 years-old Cleary’s performance into context it should be noted that only one athlete from the incorporated Under 23s competition finished in a higher place. Maura Kearns (35.26) came 59^th with 78 finishers. Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill withdrew from the race at the halfway point. Fionnuala McCormack comprehensively won the individual title with Leevale AC the team winners.

In the 10km SENIOR MEN’S RACE there were strong performances from Daragh Fitzgibbon (35.26) and Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (35.29) who crossed the line in 36^th and 37^th positions. Master athlete Niall Lynch (38.59) placed 108^th of the 166 finishers. Liam Brady of Tullamore Harriers was the individual winner, with Clonliffe Harriers regaining the team title. One of the non-finishers was John Travers. Having recently recovered from a back injury he was unable to stay with the pace at the front of the race and retired after 2 of 7 laps. Travers said afterwards “I just felt flat out there today – and the conditions didn’t suit me”.

Elsewhere, Alasdair Brown (35.18) won the 10km MORUN in the Phoenix Park on Saturday.

In the PARKRUN SERIES (26.11.2019) Matthieu Proffit (18.09) was first home at Brickfields. W80 athlete Ann Woodlock (34.27) came 40^th. Jonathon Daly (18.41) and Fred Kiernan (19.45) were 2^nd and 3^rd home at Poppintree. Other results below.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

NATIONAL SENIOR WOMEN’S 8KM CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at ABBOTSTOWN (24.11.2019)

20^th Barbara Cleary (32.06)

59^th Maura Kearns (35.26)

DNF Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill

78 finishers.

NATIONAL SENIOR MEN’S 10KM CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at ABBOTSTOWN (24.11.2019)

36^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (35.26)

37^th Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (37.29)

108^th Niall Lynch (38.59)

DNF John Travers

166 finishers.

NATIONA JUVENILE EVEN-AGES CROSS-COUNTRY at ABBOTSTOWN (24.11.2019)

U12 Girls 2km: 1^st Emily Bolton

U14 Girls 3km: 22^nd Lorraine O’Connor (step-up), 25^th Eva Crowe (step-up), 64^th Laura Nunan, 82^nd Honor Lynch, 150^th Katie Delaney, 159^th Sarah Tolan

TEAM: 7^th Donore Harriers (193)

U14 Boys 3km: 3^rd Thomas Bolton, 138^th Dylan McKenna, 164^th Joe Kinsella

U16 Boys 4km: 31^st James Bolton

U18 Boys 6km: 79^th Gavin Curtin

MORUN 10KM at PHOENIX PARK (23.11.2019)

1^st Alasdair Brown (35.18)

634 finishers

PARKRUNS (23.11.2019)

Brickfields: 1^st Matthieu Proffit (18.09), 40^th Ann Woodlock W80 (34.26)

Bushy: 73^rd Tommy Halton M60 (29.18)

Castletown: 57^th Joan McTernan W60 (27.22)

Corkagh: 5^th Aidan Kelly U19 (19.41)

Griffeen: 93^rd Terry Mee M75 (29.14)

Naas: 47^th Mary McDermott W50 (24.33)

Poppintree: 2^nd Jonathan Daly M35 (18.41), 3^rd Fred Kiernan M45 (19.45), 64^th Eilish Joyce W35 (30.05)

HIGHLIGHTS: Sinead Lambe and Aedin Corr impress at the STOOK road races in Co. Kilkenny. Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan wins the Armed Forces XC championships. The Women’s Meet & Train cross-country league opens at Dunboyne, whilst Donore Harriers are well represented at the Irish Universities road relays at Maynooth and at the Business Houses cross-country meet at Santry.

Aedin Corr (19.49) made an impressive return after a long injury lay-off by placing 2^nd overall and being the first female finisher in the STOOK 5KM ROAD RACE at Dungarvan Village in Co. Kilkenny on Sunday. At the same venue Sinead Lambe (1.04.17) placed 20^th overall in a field of 270 finishers in the STOOK 10 MILE ROAD RACE. She was the 3^rd female finisher and won the senior women’s category. The race organized by the Gowran Athletics Club was held over a course that the hosts described as being “testing”.

In the first round of the WOMEN’S MEET & TRAIN LEAGUE (17.11.2019) at Cow Park in Dunboyne there were impressive performances by Cliodhna Carthy (14.42) and Caroline McCarthy (14.43) who placed 4^th and 10^th respectively. They were supported by Sarah Ni Ruairc (17.53) in 80^th, Meadhbh Campbell (17.54) in 81^st, Treasa Boylan (18.08) in 89^th, Catherine McKeon (18.52) in 107^th, Dana Mackey (18.55) in 109^th, Sue Lynch (19.40) in 120^th, Mary Murphy (19.41) in 121^st and Michelle Dawson (19.51) in 122^nd. The Donore Harriers ‘B’ team (286) came 15^th and ‘A’ team (316) 18^th of 28 teams. The race was won by Lorna Quinn (14.15) of Sportsworld AC, whilst Crusaders AC (48) were top in the team table.

Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (25.38) won the IRISH ARMED FORCES CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS, held over 8 kilometres, with 20 seconds to spare and will now lead a 6-strong Irish team at the European CSIM championships to take place in Belgium on the 4^th of December.

In the BUSINESS HOUSES AA CROSS-COUNTRY MEET at SANTRY DEMESNE (16.11.2019) on Saturday the Donore Harriers contingent was led home by Eoin Durkan (21.26) who crossed the finish line in 8^th place after 4 tough 1.5km laps. Tristan Druet (22.03) placed 15^th, ahead of Emmet O’Briain (23.00) in 27^th. Des Tremble (23.45) followed in 38^th place, with Patrick Byrne just one second and one place behind. Audrey Gahan (27.17) placed 104^th and was the 9^th woman finisher, with Claire Mulligan (27.39) the 12^th woman home in 112^th position overall. The other Donore Harriers competitors among the 216 finishers were Tom Fagan (27.23) in 107^th, Tommy Halton (36.17) in 201^st and Terry Mee (40.26) in 211^th.

At the IRISH UNIVERSITIES AA ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS on the ground of NUI Maynooth on Saturday (16.11.2019) Niamh O’Neill (12.14) ran a fine 3^rd leg over 2 miles in the colours of the UCD ‘B’ team, but her team narrowly lost out on the bronze to the UCD ‘A’ team. Aoife Ni Thuathail (6.18) ran the 4^th leg over One Mile for the Trinity College ‘B’ team that placed 20^th.

In the Men’s relay over 1, 2, 3, 2 and 1 miles Matthieu Proffit (16.20) ran leg 3 for the Trinity College ‘B’ team, with Jack Byrne (4.56) running the fifth and last leg. The team came 10^th. Michael Ryan (5.32) ran the 1^st leg for the Trinity ‘C’ team that placed 14^th of 29 teams.

In the mid-week RUN IN THE DARK 10KM road race (13.11.2019) Aoife Ni Thuathail (43.42) came 205^th overall and was the 17^th woman to complete the flat Docklands area course.

PARKRUN SERIES (16.11.2019): Fred Kiernan (19.43) was 3^rd home in the Tymon Parkrun. Club President and M65 athlete Charlie O’Neill (24.22) came 41^st at Griffeen and juvenile member Dylan McKenna (21.23) was 5^th at Waterstown. Other results below.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

RUN IN THE DARK 10KM at DOCKLANDS (13.11.2019)

205^th & 17^th woman Aoife Ni Thuathail (43.42)

2,983 entries

IRISH DEFENCE FORCES CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

MEN’S 8KM RACE

1^st Josh O’Sullivan-Hourihan (25.38)

BHAA IRISH LIFE 6KM CROSS-COUNTRY RACE at SANTRY DEMESNE (16.11.2019)

8^th Eoin Durkan MS (21.26)

15^th Tristan Druet MS (22.03)

27^th Emmet O’Briain M40 (23.00)

38^th Des Tremble M45 (23.45)

39^th Patrick Byrne MS (23.46)

104^th & 9^th woman Audrey Gahan W40 (27.17)

107^th Tom Fagan M50 (27.23)

112^th & 12^th woman Claire Mulligan W40 (27.39)

201^st Tommy Halton M60 (36.17)

211^th Terry Mee M75 (40.26)

216 finishers

IRISH UNIVERSITIES AA ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS at MAYNOOTH (16.11.2019)

WOMEN’S RELAY 1,2,2,1 MILES

Leg 3 for UCD ‘B’ Niamh O’Neill (12.14), team placed 4^th.

Leg 4 for TCD ‘B’ Aoife Ni Thuathail (6.18), team placed 20^th.

24 teams

MEN’S RELAY 1,2,3,2,1 MILES

Leg 3 for TCD ‘B’ Matthieu Proffit (16.20), Leg 5 for TCD ‘B’ Jack Byrne (4.56), team placed 10^th

Leg 1 for TCD ‘C’ Michael Ryan (5.32), team placed 14^th.

29 teams

MEET & TRAIN WOMEN’S XC LEAGUE at COW PARK, DUNBOYNE (17.11.2019)

RACE ONE – 2 MILES

4^th Cliodhna Carthy (14.42)

10^th Caroline McCarthy (14.53)

80^th Sarah Ni Ruairc (17.53)

81^st Meadhbh Campbell (17.54)

89^th Treasa Boylan (18.08)

107^th Catherine McKeon (18.52)

109^th Dana Mackey (18.55)

120^th Sue Lynch (19.40)

121^st Mary Murphy (19.41)

122^nd Michelle Dawson (19.51)

138 finishers

TEAM: 1^st Crusaders AC (48), 15^th Donore Harriers B (286), 18^th Donore Harriers A (316).

28 teams

STOOK 10 MILE & 5 KM ROAD RACES at DUNGARVAN VILLAGE, CO. KILKENNY (17.11.2019)

10 Mile: 20^th & 3^rd woman (1^st WS) Sinead Lambe (1.04.17)

270 finishers

5 KM: 2^nd & 1^st woman Aedin Corr (19.49)

94 finishers

PARKRUNS (16.11.2019)

Brickfields: 37^th Ray Holmes M60 (30.40)

Castletown: 84^th Joan McTernan W60 (27.02), 86^th David Hudson M60 (27.040)

Griffeen: 41^st Charlie O’Neill M65 (24.22)

Tymon: 3^rd Fred Kiernan M45 (19.43)

Tyrellstown: 11^th & 5^th woman Nicola Dowdall W45 (27.40)

Waterstown: 5^th Dylan McKenna U14 (21.23), 64^th Anthony Ferns M55 (36.57)

In the CLANE 10KM ROAD RACE on Saturday (09.11.2019) Treasa Boylan placed 163^rd of 335 finishers in 53.52.

PARKRUN SERIES (09.11.2019): Eoin Durkan (17.07) and Sinead O’Reilly (20.56) were first finishers along the 5km trail path route at the Royal Canal in Kilcock. Senior athlete Paul Cummins (18.49) was 2^nd home at Brickfields Park, whilst juveniles Dylan McKenna (21.42) and Aidan Kelly (20.07) came 2^nd and 3^rd respectively at Waterstown and Corkagh.

DUBLIN MARATHON MEDAL PRESENTATION: Club athletes who won Dublin and Leinster championship medals at the recent Dublin Marathon were presented their awards at the clubhouse on Saturday morning. The presentation was made by Club President Charlie O’Neill and Club Secretary Peter Nugent.

The medal winners were: –

Aisling Nic Dhomhnaill (2.48.37) – Dublin Senior Gold, Dublin Team Senior Gold, Leinster Senior Silver, Leinster Senior Team Gold

Ariana Ball (3.20.06) – Dublin W35 Silver

Grace Kennedy-Clarke (3.05.12) – Dublin Senior Team Gold, Leinster Senior Team Gold

Anne Curley (3.10.42) – Dublin W45 Silver, Dublin Senior Team Gold, Leinster Team Senior Gold

Fergal Whitty (2.29.11) – Dublin M40 Gold, Dublin M35 Team Silver, Leinster M40 Gold, Leinster M35 Team Silver

Peter Gaffney (2.45.09) – Dublin M50 Gold, Dublin M35 Team Silver, Leinster M50 Silver, Leinster M35 Team Silver

Ray Hynes (2.25.34) – Dublin M35 Team Silver, Leinster M35 Team Silver

Barry Potts (3.46.45) – Dublin M70 Gold, Leinster M70 Gold

<photos of the incredible Barry Potts, who claimed the National, Provincial and Dublin M70 marathon titles in the recent Dublin Marathon>

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

CLANE 10KM ROAD RACE (09.11.2019)

163^rd & 43^rd woman Treasa Boylan (53.52)

335 finishers

PARKRUNS (09.11.2019)

Brickfields: 2^nd Paul Cummins (18.49), 19^th Daniel Nemeth M35 (24.06), 49^th Ray Holmes M60 (30.20)

Bushy: 120^th Tommy Halton M60 (28.49)

Castletown: 50^th Hugh David Kelly U11 (26.14), 51^st Ruby Kelly U17 (26.15), 75^th Joan McTernan W60 (27.56), 93^rd David Hudson M60 (28.46)

Corkagh: 3^rd Aidan Kelly U19 (20.07), 119^th Sinead McKiernan W60 (32.31)

Poppintree: 135^th Eilish Joyce W35 (36.25)

Royal Canal, Kilcock: 1^st Eoin Durkan M35 (17.07), 7^th & 1^st woman Sinead O’Reilly (20.56)

Tolka Valley: 4^th Owen Robinson M35 (20.40)

St. Anne’s: 151^st Frank McNally M55 (22.39)

Waterstown: 2^nd Dylan McKenna U14 (21.42)

On Saturday November 9^th, Donore Harriers Club President Charlie O’Neill presented medals to the winners in the Dublin and Leinster Marathon Championships. Charlie congratulated all who ran and finished the marathon on their achievement and thanked the coaches for getting all the runners to the starting line in such good condition. Medal winners are listed below. Medals for the National Championships will be posted later.

LADIES

Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill 2.48.37

Dublin Senior Gold
Dublin Senior Team Gold
Leinster Senior Silver
Leinster Senior Team Gold

Ariana Ball 3.20.06

Dublin O35 Silver

Grace Kennedy Clarke 3.05.12

Dublin Senior Team Gold
Leinster Senior Team Gold

Anne Curley 3.10.42

Dublin O45 Silver
Dublin Senior Team Gold
Leinster Senior Team Gold

MEN

Fergal Whitty 2.29.11

Dublin O40 Gold
Dublin O35 Team Silver
Leinster O40 Gold
Leinster O35 Team Silver

Peter Gaffney 2.45.09

Dublin O50 Gold
Dublin O35 Team Silver
Leinster O50 Silver
Leinster O35 Team Silver

Ray Hynes 2.25.34

Dublin O35 Team Silver
Leinster O35 Team Silver

Barry Potts 3.46.45

Dublin O70 Gold
Leinster O70 Gold

HIGHLIGHTS: Women’s team bag bronze in the Dublin Senior cross-country championships. Barbara Cleary 4^th individual. Men’s team 5^th. Under 13 girls win team gold in the Dublin Juvenile Uneven Ages championships. Team bronze for Under 11 and Under 19 Boys’ teams. Individual gold for Matei Ursachi (U13 Boys) and Annabella Omozee (U9 Girls), with silver to Abdel Laadjel (U17 Boys), Emily Bolton (U13 Girls) and Olyver Whelan (U9 Boys) and bronze to Thomas Bolton (U15 Boys) and Eva Crowe (U13 Girls).

REPORT: 46 years-old Barbara Cleary put in another teak-tough performance to finish a fine 4^th in the DUBLIN SENIOR CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS on Sunday (03.11.2019) – and in the process she spearheaded the Donore Harriers women’s team to take the bronze medal position. The undulating Santry Demesne course and heavy rainfall on the previous day ensured that the races were a proper cross-country test. Cleary (23.47) settled quickly into 4^th position but she became isolated and was unable to bridge the gap to the top three. The race held over 4 by 1.5km laps, was son by Catherina Mullen of Metro St. Bridget AC in 23.01. Middle-distance specialist Maura Kearns (24.42) was next team member home in 11^th spot. The team was completed by Grace Kennedy-Clarke (26.47) and Niamh O’Neill (26.52) who placed 25^th and 27^th respectively. This was a particularly fine effort from Kennedy-Clarke, coming just one-week after completing the Dublin Marathon in a 3 hours and 5 minutes. Crusaders AC (41) won the team event, with Donore Harriers (67) in bronze position – 9 points clear of 4^th placed Dublin City Harriers.

The Donore Harriers men’s team (122) finished well outside the medals in 5^th. First team member home after 10 kilometres was Matthieu Proffitt (37.09) in 23^rd position. Niall Lynch (37.40) rallied well in the latter half of the race and gained to 27^th spot, with Luke Boland (37.40) just one place behind. The team was closed by Gavin Keogh (39.11) in 44^th place. With 4 athletes in the top 6, including winner Efrem Gidey (32.28), Clonliffe Harriers convincingly won the team gold.

In the preceding DUBLIN JUVENILE UNEVEN AGES CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS, the Donore Harriers Under 13 Girls team easily won the team event after 2.5km. Indeed, it proved to be a ‘tour de force’ with the scoring 4 in the top 7. Emily Bolton, who won the Under 12 race two weeks previous, came 2^nd behind Saoirse Fitzgerald of Lucan Harriers. A strong finish saw Eva Crowe gain to the bronze position. Less than 10 metres back was Julie Cleary in 5^th place. This was Cleary’s debut race for the club and there can be little doubt about her future potential. The team gold was secured by Lorraine O’Connor, who overcame a stomach bug, to place 7^th. The non-scoring team member was Eleanor Hopkins in 28^th spot.

In the first race of the day Annabella Omozee won the Under 9 Girls race over 800 metres with a gutsy gun to tape run. In the same race Siun Costello placed 38^th.

Olyver Whelan had to settle for silver as a number of athletes contested at the front of the Under 9 Boys 800m race. Mark Nunan came 39^th.

The Under 11 Girls race over 1,500 metres had 5 Donore athletes competing. First home was Amber Lynch, who was edged out of two positions in a sprint finish and placed 6^th. Ruby Blake came 48^th, Emily Farrell (stepping-up) 56^th, Melody Omozee 63^rd and Petra Cunningham (stepping-up) 72^nd.

Good team packing in the Under 11 Boys race (1,500m) saw the Donore Harriers team take the bronze team medals. Cillian McCooey (8^th), Jamie Kavanagh (15^th), Sebastian Ursachi (16^th) and Danny Colgan (21^st) were the scoring 4. Daniel Browne (41^st) and Caolan Costello (66^th) were the non-scoring team members. The team might well have got better coloured medals, had not talented athlete Luuk Jackson retired from the race due to illness.

Matei Ursachi proved strongest in a competitive Under 13 Boys race to secure individual gold after 2.5 kilometres. James Dunne and Mario Omozee (step-up) came 40^th and 79^th behind Ursachi.

Honor Lynch and Laura Nunan put in battling performances to finish 11^th and 15^th respectively in the Under 15 Girls race over 3.5km. In the Under 15 Boys race over the same distance Thomas Bolton (stepping up) and Oliver Hopkins were in a breakaway group of 5 athletes at the fore of the race. The big moves were made in the final kilometre with the Donore Harriers duo unable to stay with the lead pace. It still proved a very fine effort as Bolton finished in bronze medal position with Hopkins in 4^th.

Abdel Laadjel took up the lead in the early stages of the Under 17 Boys 5km race but was eventually overtaken by Scott Fagan of Metro St. Bridget AC, and finished an isolated 2^nd. Behind him James Bolton, also stepping up an age group, had an eventful race. Bolton gained to 9^th place in mid-race but suffered from a stitch and fell back to 14^th position. However, a late rally saw him gain to 12^th by the finish line.

There were 4 Donore Harriers athletes in the combined Under 19 Boys and Junior category race held over 6 kilometres. The team was led home by Gavin Curtin (21.26) who placed 6^th in a very competitive U19 contest and 8^th in the Junior category. Fathi Aden (21.41), making a welcome return to competition, came 7^th (U19) and 10^th (Jnr). The team was completed by Aidan Kelly (25.09) in 19^th/25^th and Keenan McDonnell (26.25) in 21^st/27^th. In the Under 19 team championship the Donore Harriers quartet came 3^rd, whilst in the Junior contest they placed 4^th – just 3 points behind 3^rd placed Raheny Shamrocks.

In the NEW YORK CITY MARATHON (03.11.2019) Ian Martin (2.51.31) placed 733^rd of more than 50,000 starters. He passed the half-way mark in 1.23.36. M45 athlete Ian Redican completed the 26.2miles in 4.33.02.

The NATIONAL, DUBLIN and LEINSTER MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS results incorporated into last week’s DUBLIN MARATHON (27.10.2019) saw plenty of medals coming the way of Donore Harriers athletes. Barry Potts made it a clean sweep winning the National, Dublin and Leinster gold in the M70 age category. Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill took national silver in the Women’s over 40 age-group and claimed gold and silver medals in the Dublin & Leinster senior women’s championships respectively. Nic Dhomhnaill, together with Grace Kennedy-Clarke and Anne Curley, led the women’s team to gold medals when winning both the county and provincial titles, but the team narrowly missed out in the national championship – placing 4^th.

Ray Hynes, who came 5^th in the national M35 category, led the Donore Harriers M35 team to team victory in the Dublin championships. The team, completed by Fergal Whitty and Peter Gaffney, also won silver medals in the Leinster competition. Whitty won the M40 individual gold in both Dublin and Leinster, whilst Gaffney claimed gold and silver in the county and provincial M50 class.

Individual medals were also won by Anne Curley, silver in the W45, and Ariana Ball, bronze in the W35, in the Dublin marathon championships.

PARKRUN SERIES (02.11.2019): In the Parkrun series (02.11.2019) juvenile athlete Katie Delaney (23.53) was first woman home at Waterstown.

RESULTS IN BRIEF:

DUBLIN SENIOR, JUNIOR & JUVENILE UNEVEN-AGES CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at SANTRY DEMESNE (03.11.2019)

SENIOR WOMEN 6km

4^th Barbara Cleary (23.47)

11^th Maura Kearns (24.42)

25^th Grace Kennedy-Clarke (26.47)

27^th Niamh O’Neill (26.52)

TEAM: 1^st Crusaders AC (41), 2^nd Raheny Shamrocks AC (45), 3^rd Donore Harriers <Cleary, Kearns, Kennedy-Clarke, O’Neill> (67)

SENIOR MEN 10km

23^rd Matthew Proffitt (37.09)

27^th Niall Lynch (37.40)

28^th Luke Boland (37.45)

44^th Gavin Keogh (39.11)

TEAM: 1^st Clonliffe Harriers (13), 2^nd DSD AC (31), 3^rd Rathfarnham AC (44), 5^th Donore Harriers <Proffitt, Lynch, Boland, G. Keogh> (122)

JUVENILE UNEVEN AGES

U9 Girls 800m: 1^st Annabella Omozee, 38^th Siun Costello

U9 Boys 800m: 2^nd Olyver Whelan, 39^th Mark Nunan

U11 Girls 1.5km: 6^th Amber Lynch, 48^th Ruby Blake, 56^th Emily Farrell (step-up), 63^rd Melody Omozee, 72^nd Petra Cunningham (step-up)

TEAM: not in first 3

U11 Boys 1.5km: 8^th Cillian McCooey, 15^th Jamie Kavanagh, 16^th Sebastian Ursachi, 21^st Danny Colgan, 41^st Daniel Browne, 66^th Caolan Costello

TEAM: 3^rd Donore Harriers (60)

U13 Girls 2.5km: 2^nd Emily Bolton (step-up), 3^rd Eva Crowe, 5^th Julie Cleary, 8^th Lorraine O’Connor, 28^th Eleanor Hopkins

TEAM: 1^st Donore Harriers (18)

U13 Boys 2.5km: 1^st Matei Ursachi, 40^th James Dunne, 79^th Mario Omozee (step-up)

U15 Girls 3.5km: 11^th Honor Lynch, 15^th Laura Nunan

U15 Boys 3.5km: 3^rd Thomas Bolton (step-up), 4^th Oliver Hopkins

U17 Girls 4km: No entry

U17 Boys 5km: 2^nd Abdel Laadjel, 12^th James Bolton (step-up)

U19 & Junior Girls 4km: No entry

U19 & Junior Boys 6km: 6^th / 8^th Gavin Curtin (21.26), 7^th / 10^th Fathi Aden (21.41), 19^th / 25^th Aidan Kelly (25.09), 21^st / 27^th Keenan McDonnell (26.25)

TEAM U19 Grade: 1^st Clonliffe Harriers (30), 2^nd DSD AC (42), 3^rd Donore Harriers (53)

TEAM Junior Grade: DSD AC (22), 2^nd Clonliffe Harriers (32), 3^rd Raheny Shamrocks AC (67), 4^th Donore Harriers (70)

NEW YORK MARATHON (03.11.2019)

733^rd Ian Martin (2.51.31)

24, 254^th Ian Redican M45 (4.33.02)

53,508 finishers.

DUBLIN MARATHON CHAMPIOHSHIPS (27.09.2019) incorporated championships results

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS leading individual results & medal winners

WS: 12^th Grace Kennedy-Clarke

W35: 17^th Ariana Ball

W40: 2^nd Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill

W45: 9^th Anne Curley

M35: 5^th Ray Hynes

M40: 4^th Fergal Whitty

M50: 4^th Peter Gaffney

M70: 1^st Barry Potts

TEAMs:

SW: 4^th Donore Harriers <Nic Dhomhnaill, Kennedy-Clarke & Curley 9.04.31> 71 teams

MS: 9^th Donore Harriers <Hynes, Whitty, Andy Kinane 7.43.37> 112 teams

M35: 17^th Donore Harriers <Chris Muldoon, Ken Nugent, Sean Fox 8.32.05> 165 teams

M50: 23^rd Donore Harriers <Gaffney, Potts, Arthur Connick 10.59.31> 59 teams

DUBLIN CHAMPIONSHIPS medal winners

SW: 1^st Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill

W35: 3^rd Ariana Ball

W45: 2^nd Anne Curley

M40: 1^st Fergal Whitty

M50: 1^st Peter Gaffney

M70: 1^st Barry Potts

TEAMs:

SW: 1^st Donore Harriers <Nic Dhomhnaill, Kennedy-Clarke, Curley 9.04.31>

M35: 1^st Donore Harriers <Hynes, Whitty, Gaffney 7.50.03>

LEINSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS medal winners

SW: 2^nd Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill

M40: 1^st Fergal Whitty

M50: 2^nd Peter Gaffney

M70: 1^st Barry Potts

TEAMs:

SW: 1^st Donore Harriers <Nic Dhomhnaill, Kennedy-Clarke, Curley 9.04.31>

M35: 2^nd Donore Harriers <Hynes, Whitty, Gaffney 7.39.53>

PARKRUNS (02.11.2019)

Bushy: 98^th Tommy Halton M60 (27.58)

Corkagh: 34^th Nicola Dowdall W45 (24.14)

Griffeen: 74^th Terry Mee M75 (27.59)

Naas: 32^nd Mary McDermott W50 (24.35)

Poppintree: 9^th & 2^nd woman Kate Cleary W45 (21.57)

Porterstown (26.10.2019): 5^th & 2^nd woman Caroline McCarthy (20.53)

Waterstown: 4^th Dylan McKenna U14 (21.50),10^th & 1st woman: Katie Delaney U14 (23.53); 25^th Michael Barry M35 (27.58)