Category Archives: Club News

Raheny 5 Mile Report

Club News, Results, Senior

There was an historic win today at the Axa Raheny 5 Mile today for John Travers, the first Donore man to win the race since Gerry Curtis back in 1989. John had an emphatic win today, he was part of a breakaway group which took it out and which was eventually whittled down to him and the home club favourite Mick Clohisey. John made his move with a mile to go and retained his lead, powering home in 23.38. In an excellent 8th place was Eric Keogh in 24.23. Niall lynch earlier in the day was helping his young charges in the children’s races and in the main race he finished 3rd scorer and 2nd M45, helping the men’s team into 2nd place.

There were 24 Donore runners of all age groups from junior to M60. First Lady home was Audrey Gahan in a 33.44 PB. Tommy Halton ran his 35th Raheny 5. Well done all, full results below.

John Travers 1st 23.38
Eric Keogh 24.23
Niall Lynch 26.35 2nd M45
Gavin Keogh 27.38
Chris Muldoon 27.45
Peter Gaffney 27.58
Patrick Byrne 29.46
Ken McKeown 31.27
Stephen Dawson 32.20
Guillaume Nolain 33.23
Joe Murphy 33.28
Audrey Gahan 33.44
Ian Redican 34.18
Frank McNally 35.51
Karen Behan 36.33
Charlie O’Neill 38.59
Joan Lennon 39.40
Michael Barry jr 39.44
Michael Barry 40.20
Catherine McKeon 40.21
Tom Halton 43.25
Sean Kinsella 44.38
Jennifer Hogan 48.31

Report by Florence Curley
Photo by Ciaran Ryan

Round-Up: National Indoor Combined Events & BHAA Eir XC

Club News, Juvenile, Results, Senior

On the 20th January, there was a couple of impressive Donore results at the national combined indoor championships in Athlone.

Lara O’Byrne won silver in the junior women’s pentathlon with a 3188 points total. She ran 9.24 for 60m hurdles, a 1.61m high jump, 8.73m shot put, 4.70m long jump and 2:33 800m. Max Carey won silver in the junior men’s competition with 9.10 for the 60m hurdles, a 5.66m long jump, 1.76m high jump and 3:10 for 1000m.

At the BHAA cross-country Eir race in Cherryfield, Maura Kearns was 4th in the women’s race and Kieran Beausang 44th in the men’s 4mile.

Round-up: Leinster Intermediate & Masters XC, National Indoor League Round 1

Club News, Results, Senior

Cross Country Report by Florence Curley

The Leinster Intermediate and masters cross country championships were held in Dunboyne at the weekend. Cowpark is known for its bumpy ground and tendency to get muddy. Donore did not have the big representation we had the week before at St Anne’s but made our presence felt. This week at the ladies masters, many runners were ill or unavailable so the trio of Karen Behan, Fiona Barrins and Angela Eustace kept the flag flying. Karen improved on her run last week and was 49th in a quality field Fiona Barrins had her best run yet in 59th and Angela Eustace 72nd, they finished 12th team.
In the men’s race, there wasn’t a full M35+ team but it was well worth the trip for Niall Lynch who finished 16th and repeated his feat of the week before where he was again bronze M45. Ian redican was placed 140th. Again it was heartening to see an M50 team out and Tom Fagan finished 134th, Lou McCurtain 147th and Arthur Connick 154th

In the intermediate ladies race over 4K, by which time the course had churned up more, Roisin Harkin came through the field to finish 15th, Niamh O’Neill showed her endurance strength to come in 21st with Audrey Gahan not far behind in 23rd and Ariana ball 25th in her very first cross country race.

Thanks to those who made the trip out to support , well done all

The day before, the BHAA cross country race took place in Tymon Park. Maura Kearns had a fine run finishing as 2nd woman in the 2 mile ladies race. Fergal Whitty finished 3rd in the men’s race and well done too Ian Redican (who went on to compete in the day after) and Tommy Halton

National Indoor League Round 1 Report by David Campbell.

On Saturday January 13th the Donore Harriers Ladies and Men’s teams both kicked off their indoor campaigns in Abbotstown. The Ladies team having came 3rd in the competition last year had high hopes of retaining a podium position and started off in excellent form with Lara O’ Byrne coming 2nd in the 60m hurdles with a new PB of 9.36. Next up was Ailbhe Healy in the pole vault who claimed maximum points as she won the competition with a fine jump of 2.70m. The 60m sprint then followed with International athlete Aoife Lynch showing her class claiming 2nd place in a time of 7.68 which was a new PB while also beating Catherine McManus who is a member of the Irish senior relay squad. Andy McGuire scored valuable points in the long jump with a leap of 4.69m.

The last two events were the 800m and shot putt where Mairead Kirby recorded a time of 2.51.55 and Lara O’Byrne threw 9.44m. The Ladie’s team also had guest competitors on the day with Aoife Lynch backing up her earlier 60m pace with a 7.70 run. Susie O’Farrell competed in the 60m and won her heat in a team of 8.28 with Caoimhe Mackey competing in the same race placing 3rd in a time of 8.53.

The Men started the day with a strong 2nd place finish in the 60m by Eamonn Fahey who ran a swift 7.05. Eamonn was back in action straight after his 60m in the long jump where he claimed another 2nd position with a jump of 6.61m. Our newest member Elliot Slade showed his class in the 800m as he cruised to victory and claimed maximum points with a time of 1.54.53. The men had a handful of athletes guesting on the day and in the 60m Alex Clarkin had an impressive season opener of 7.27. Adam Halpin ran 7.51 and in the same race Ben Iveagh recorded 7.66 which bodes well for both lads with a long indoor season ahead of them. David Campbell opened his 800m campaign with a time of 2.04 and Ryan O’Keefe finished off the day with a big PB in the shot putt throwing 11.65m.

The Ladies team finished in 2nd position overall while the Men finished in 3rd position. Another strong round will see the Ladies qualify for the final on February 3rd in Abbottstown with the Men already automatically through as only 7 teams entered. Full set of results can be accessed online HERE. A big thank you to all athletes, coaches, supporters and everyone who assisted with both squads over the past few months. Both squads have a fantastic chance at bringing home medals in the competition and I would encourage all athletes & club members to support their efforts. The next round will take place on Saturday 27th January in Athlone I.T indoor arena.

Dublin Masters XC Championships Report

Club News, Results, Senior

The first cross country fixture of 2018 has rapidly become one of the biggest XC races in the country along with the National Masters XC, testament to the increasing popularity and competitiveness of masters running.

It was a cold but bright day in St Anne’s Park Raheny, now the traditional home of this race, the lap had some muddy parts but was dry and fast for the most part. Over 150 runners took part in the women’s race over 2 laps and 3k. Kim Hickey got off to a fast start and hung on to the lead group For some time but had to settle for 10th place and bronze W35, still a welcome return for this athlete who suffered an arm break in October. 13 seconds behind was Florence Curley in 18th and next in was Audrey Gahan in 37th coming back from a cold so more to come from Audrey, Sinead Graham was next in 49th, Karen Behan who had been ill all week was 53rd, more to come from her too, Julia Hackett just next in 55th. Fiona Barrins is growing in strength in her very first XC Season and was 67th and Angela Eustace racing again after injury was 102nd. Missing some of the stars of the team of last few years, the team finished out of the medals in 5th but there were 17 teams, the most ever in this race.

Next up were the men with about 300 runners on the line, it was 4 laps for most of the field and 3 laps for the M65+ runners. Barry Potts was dominant in his age-group once again and bagged the M65 gold. A great race developed upfront in the M35+ competition, Rossa Hurley was with the top group for much of the race and in the end was only 9 seconds off 3rd overall place in a powerful run, the 3 ahead were also M35 so unfortunately no age-group medal this time. Next in 15th overall and bronze M45 position was Niall Lynch (interestingly the 4th, 5th and 6th M45 positions were also Donore runners) only 7 seconds behind and in a big finish battle was Fergal Whitty bronze M40 and 18th place. In 21st and making a welcome return to championship racing was Gavin Keogh. These 4 runners scored to bring a bronze medal for the team (30 teams in all – gold and silver were Raheny and Rathfarmham). Well done to Chris Muldoon 28th, Philip Hennessy 41st, Patrick Byrne 42nd, Des Tremble 45th, Peter Nugent 50th, Alan Farrell 58th, Donal Iremonger 75th, Peter Nugent 152nd, Stephen Dawson 164th, Craig Scott 173rd. Great have such big numbers out.

It was great to see an M50 team out for possibly the first time ever from Donore in this race, kudos Des Gill for rallying the troops. He finished first of the team in 201st, then Tom Fagan 219th, Lou McCurtain (first ever championship XC) 235th, Frank McNally 239th, they finished 9th out of 12 teams.

Terrific support out there from club members , friends and family, roll on the Leinster and Nationals

Report ~ Florence Curley

Christmas & New Year race roundup

Club News, Results, Senior

The week after Christmas is always busy one the road race front. One of the main events is the Liffey Valley Tom Brennan 5k in the Phoenix Park on New Years Day. Cold conditions and facing into a wind for half of the 2 lap course, 14 Donore runners took to the line and there was a good return. Eric Keogh bagged 3rd overall in 15.33 and there were 3 more runners in the top 25 men with Fergal Whitty 12th and 1st M40 16.39, Chris Muldoon 17.14 and Peter Gaffney 1st M45 17.49. The team were 2nd overall (an error awarded them 3rd but this was rectified later) Ciaran Ryan was well pleased with his 18.51 and Stephen Dawson ran a solid 19.22. First Donore woman Home was Florence Curley in 20.36 and 3rd W40. Tony Griffin ran 21.05, Barry Potts 21.27, frank McNally 22.39, Charlie O’Neill 23.40, Michelle dawson 25.35, Tommy Halton 26.43 and jennifer hogan 28.53.

On 26th December, Ide nic Dhomhnaill had a good win in the Farranfore Maine Valley 5k Kerry In 18.17. In the same race, Des Tremble ran 17.31, Patrick Moriarty 17.45. On New Year’s Day at the Beaufort 10k Patrick was 3rd in 36.34.

In the ERP Clonliffe 5k, Florence Curley ran 20.50.

Report ~ Florence Curley

Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield Race Report 2017

Club News, Events, Results, Senior

26th December saw the 121st edition of the Waterhouse Byrne Baird shield race. Running since 1896, the 10 mile cross country race includes 5 2-mile laps. Handicaps were devised pre-race and the first runners took off at 11am. By 1135am all runners had gone on their way. The lead places swapped in the early stages but eventually a clear leader emerged in the youngest entrant 20 year old Niamh O’Neill, her first time to race this. In the end Niamh was first home finishing in a time of 73.18 also the fastest female time.

She is the one of the youngest winners of the shield in many years and is the youngest ever female winner. In second and third places were Des Gill and Barry Potts who had ran off the same handicap and used it well, helping each other all the way. The fastest time of the day went to Ken Nugent who was 4th overall and got a time of 58.37, great to see Ken back in good race form and he was the recipient of the Tommy Hayward trophy for the fastest time. Next fastest was Rossa Hurley 59.02 and then Niall lynch in 60.01.

A new departure this year was a one lap race for some of our juvenile runners and they set off when most participants were on their last lap. Mick Bourke and willie Smith worked very hard at setting up the course in the Phoenix Park that morning. Timing and commentary also from Willie Smith and club President Iain Morrison. Handicappers were Iain, ladies cross country captain Florrie Curley and men’s captain Rossa Hurley. At the clubhouse afterwards a special presentation was made to the family of the late Matt Rudden who passed away this year and who
Was instrumental in building the clubhouse in the early 90s. A big thanks to Stephen Kelly for providing his usual hearty soup to club members and supporters afterwards . Thanks to all participants and supporters.

Race Report: Florrie Curley
Photo Credit: Frank McNally

WATERHOUSE BYRNE BAIRD SHIELD RESULTS
POSITION NAME FINISH TIME HANDICAP RACE TIME
1 Niamh O’Neill 1hr 25’48”​ + 12’30”​ 73’18”
2 Barry Potts​​​​ 1hr 28’13”​ + 14’​​ 74’13”
3 Des Gill​​​​ 1hr 28’55” + ​14’​​ 74’55”
4 Ken Nugent​​​​ 1hr 30’37”​ + 32’​​ 58’37”
5 Stephen Dawson​​​ 1hr 30’40”​ + 18’​​ 72’40”
6 Emmet Ó Briain​​​ 1hr 31’56”​ + 29’ 62’56”
7 Neil Hand​ 1hr 32’16”​ + 22’​​ 70’16”
8 Amy Moriarty​​​​ 1hr 32’25”​ + 18’30”​​ 73’55”
9 Florrie Curley​​​​ 1hr 32’39” ​+ 19’​​ 73’39”
10 Peter Sweeney 1hr 32’57”​ + 28’​​ 64’57”
11 Karen Breen​​​​ 1hr 33’40” ​+ 15’ 78’40”
12 Niall Lynch​​​​ 1hr 34’01” ​+ 34’​​ 60’01”
13 Julia Hackett​​​​ 1hr 34’08”​ + 14’ 80’08”
14 Gavin Keogh​​​​ 1hr 34’12”​ + 31’30​​ 62’42”
15 Fergal Whitty ​​​ 1hr 34’16” + ​33’​​ 61’16”
16 Alan Farrell​​​​ 1hr 34’31”​ + 29’ 65’31”
17 Tony Griffin ​​​​ 1hr 34’41” ​+ 18’ 76’41”
18 Peter Bonnar ​​​ 1hr 34’59”​ + 5’ 89’59”
19 Rossa Hurley​​​​ 1hr 35’02”​ + 36’​​ 59’02”
20 Dana Mackey​​​ 1hr 35’54” ​+ 0​​ 95’54”
21 Philip Hennessy​​​ 1hr 36’11” ​+ 29’30”​​ 66’41”
22 Ian Redican 1hr 36’57”​ + 20’​​ 76’57”
23 Angela Eustace ​​​ 1hr 36’27”​ + 9’​​ 87’27”
24 Anne Curley 1hr 37’35” + ​20’​​ 77’35”
25 Jennifer O’keefe ​​​ 1hr 46’50”​ 0 ​106’50”
DNF LAPS
Michelle Dawson 3/5 (6 miles)
Rhona Duane 3/5 (6 miles)
FASTEST MEN TIME
Ken Nugent 58’37” Tommy Hayward Trophy
Rossa Hurley 59’02”
FASTEST WOMEN TIME
Niamh O’Neill 73’18”
Florrie Curley 73’39”

2017 Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield Handicaps & Race Flyer

Club News, Events, Senior

Please find below the handicaps for the 121st Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield, a 10-Mile Open Handicap Race to be held St. Stephen’s Morning, Dec 26th 2017 @ 11am.

(Start at The Dog Pond, Phoenix Park)

2017 Waterhouse Byrne Baird Race Flyer

WATERHOUSE BYRNE BAIRD SHIELD HANDICAPS
NAME HANDICAP START TIME RACE NUMBER
Jennifer O'Keefe 35’ 11:00 150
Michelle Dawson* 35’ 11:00 149
Dana Mackay 35’ 11:00 148
Peter Bonnar 30’ 11:05 147
Marianne Dunleavy 22’30" 11:12:30 146
Niamh O'Neill 22’30" 11:12:30 145
Barry Potts 21’ 11:14 144
Julia Hackett 21’ 11:14 143
Des Gill 21’ 11:14 142
Karen Breen 20’ 11:15 141
Rhona Duane 19’ 11:16 140
Tony Griffin** 17’ 11:18 139
Stephen Dawson 17’ 11:18 138
Amy Moriarty 16’30" 11:18:30 137
Florrie Curley 16’ 11:19 136
Ian Redican* 15’ 11:20 134
Ken McKeown 14’ 11:21 133
Anne Curley 14’ 11:21 152
Neil Hand 13' 11:22 132
Emmet Ó Briain 8’ 11:27 131
Alan Farrell* 8’ 11:27 130
Philip Hennessy 7’30" 11:27:30 151
Fergal Swaine 7’ 11:28 129
Ken Nugent 6' 11:29 128
Fergal Whitty 4’ 11:31 127
Tristan Druet 3’30 11:31:30 135
Niall Lynch# 3’ 11:32 126
Rossa Hurley scratch 11:35 125


** Defending Shield Champion
* Former Shield Winner
# Winner of The Tommy Hayward

Donore Harriers Juvenile Development Programme in Partnership with 123.ie

Club News, Juvenile

Over the course of the club’s long history, Donore Harriers has always endeavoured to help our younger athletes give full expression to their talent. Whether it’s a 60m sprint or a javelin throw or a mucky cross-country race in the depths of winter, we see the positive difference that participation in athletics can make to young people’s lives and how much it contributes to the well-being of our juvenile members.

With this tradition in mind, we are delighted to announce the launch of the Donore Harriers Juvenile Development Programme in partnership with 123.ie, dedicated to the coaching of emerging and developing juvenile athletes.

The Juvenile Development Programme will provide additional resources for the coaching of athletes with the potential to challenge for national honours and international representation, including exposure to higher levels of competition in Britain and Europe, as well as more professional preparation through group training camps.

We are very proud to have a number of juvenile athletes at Donore Harriers with the talent and desire to compete at national and international level and, ultimately, to progress into senior global competition. The aim of this Programme is to assist such athletes in fulfilling their potential, as well as to encourage their peers and other younger athletes to emulate their dedication and success.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of 123.ie.

123.ie’s support will help many hard-working young athletes to increase the opportunities available to them through their participation in sport, and to achieve the sporting outcomes they deserve. Over the coming year, we will be sharing the experiences of the Juvenile Development Programme athletes as they prepare for competition – and glory!

Photo credit: Darren Kinsella

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2017

Club News, Events, Uncategorized

The 124th Annual General Meeting of Donore Harriers will take place on Thursday 28th September 2017 at 8.15pm in the Clubhouse, Chapelizod Road, Dublin 20.

AGENDA

– Minutes of last A.G.M.

– President’s Address/ Report to encompass Secretary’s report in absence of current acting Hon Secretary

– Hon. Treasurer’s Report.

– Athletics Reports.

– Election of officers/directors and vice-presidents.

– Announcement of Coaches/handicappers.

– Motions.

– Close of Meeting.

Important Notes

In the absence of a current Hon Secretary Nominations of officers/directors and Motions must be submitted for the attention of the Club Committee at the club office not less than 21 days before the AGM in accordance with Article 38 of the Articles of Association (i.e. NOT later than Thursday 7th September 2017).

They both require a proposer and seconder.

They will be accepted by email to info@donoreharriers.com

Nominations/ Motions can be forwarded directly for the attention of the committee.

Completed proxy forms must be deposited at the club office not less than 48 hours before the AGM in accordance with Articles 32 and 33 of the Articles of Association (blank proxy forms are available from the club secretary at the club office).

Members who have paid their annual Subscription to the club for the preceding year will be considered by the Committee to be members in Good Standing.

Please note annual subscriptions are now due.

Nominations can be just written/typed out and should state (1) the name of the member nominated, (2)the position s/he is nominated for and (3) should be signed by the (not less than two) members nominating him/her i.e. along the following lines is sufficient:

We [NAME] and [NAME] hereby nominate [NAME] for the position of [President/Honorary Secretary/Honorary Treasurer/Director].

Signed:

(Name in Block capitals)

Signed:

(Name in Block capitals)

XC is here & Notice of Opening Run 23/09/17

Club News, Events

And… We are Off! Cross Country is Upon Us

Notice of Opening Run 2017 Cross Country Season – Saturday the 23rd September

I hope we can all gather for this year’s Opening Run Saturday the 23rd September. We are making this a whole club event this year so please support and attend and let us gather to galvanise for the Winter and Cross-country and Indoor seasons to come

Timetable for the Day:

– 10.00 a.m. Club Opening run: As many of our athletes and coaches as can meet at the clubhouse for the traditional group photo to adorn our walls to echo all the 124 Opening Runs held before.
– 10.30 a.m. Club Novice Run: This year, our Club Opening Run will be run in conjunction with our usual sealed handicap novice runs taking place on the Magazine hills, so the Opening Run will bring us up to the starting point.
– 12.00 p.m. Reception in the club afterwards for members past and present: Willie Smith will be delving into the archives once again for some treasured moment in Donore and Irish Athletic History.
– Presentation of International achievement Awards: We have several important awards. Firstly, to honour our fabulous Ladies team who the Division 1 National Track and Field League in this Summer in emphatic style. We are gathering the team together and as a club we want to recognise their fabulous achievement and present medals to athletes who couldn’t be there to receive them on the day. Secondly, we have several awards in recognition of outstanding international achievement for several of our athletes who achieved the full international Irish vest this season and were outstanding in their representation of Ireland internationally.
– Launch of Donore Harriers’ emerging athlete development programme in association with 123.ie: A new athlete development programme designed to support emerging talent in our Juvenile section, which is backed by 123.ie.