Donore Harriers women’s captain Florence Curley proved to be the popular winner of the Tallaght 5km road race (3/5/15) F40 category. On a dull, overcast morning Florence (19.35) showed a fine return to form after her mid-winter injury problems and was the 12^th woman to complete the course. Strong running by her club colleagues ensured bronze medals in the incorporated Dublin Novice road running championships. Michelle Childs (19.26) came 10^th in the women’s overall category, with an improving Aisling Swaine (20.20) in 21^st, Sinead Graham (20.50) in 29^th, Marianne Dunlevy (21.41) in 43^rd, Eva Campion F35 (22.22) in 53^rd; and Mary Murphy F40 (22.58) in 53^rd. The evergreen Terry Mee (22.25) was winner of the Men’s over 65 category.

The club’s women section also had good results in the Leixlip 5km road race (2/5/15) on Saturday. Four of the first seven women home were in the black and white of Donore Harriers. Ide Nic Domhnaill (18.39) was 24^th overall in the race and the second woman across the finish line. Her sister Sorcha was just one place and 4 seconds further back, whilst Maura Kearns (19.45) placed 4^th and Rhona Duane (20.39) came 7^th.

John Travers was the comfortable winner in the One Mile race, which was part of the Ballymote Team Challenge(2/5/15) event. Travers (4.04) had 5 seconds to spare over runner-up Richard Mooney (4.09) with Danny Mooney (4.10) another second back.

There were excellent performances from Niall Lynch (42.39) and Graham Hopkins (42.46) who placed 2^nd and 4^threspectively in the Irish Mountain Running Association series at Howth Head (29/4/15).

In the opening round of the Meet & Train Summer Road series at Griffeen Park (29/4/15) the Donore Harriers team was led home by Grainne Nolan (21.13) in 8^th place. Seven other Donore Harriers ladies competed in the 5km race including Julia Hackett (21.54) in 14^th place and Lee Chambers (22.11) in 24^th.

In the first Irish Milers Club track meet of the season at Greystones Eric Keogh (1.56.25) came 3^rd in the 800m ‘B’ race. It was an encouraging track season opener for Keogh, who was just one second outside his best ever time. The race was hampered by windswept rain conditions and mid-race bumping and barging further upset the ‘flow’ of the race. John Fitzsimons (1.55.34) of Kildare AC was the winner.

George Brady recorded a time of 3.05.18 when placing 76^th in the Belfast Marathon on the May bank holiday Monday.

In the East Leinster Schools Track & Field Championships at Santry (29&30/4/15) Suzanne Masterson (Loreta Stephen’s Green) took silver in the Intermediate 1500m Steeplechase and bronze in the 3000m.

Results in brief:

Irish Mountain Runners race series at Howth Head (29/4/15): 2^nd Niall Lynch (42.39); 4^th Graham Hopkins (42.46); 137^th Sarah Ni Ruairc (74.06)

Meet & Train Summer Road League Series Race 1 (5km) at Griffeen Park (29/4/15): 6^th Grainne Nolan (21.13); 14^th Julia Hackett (21.54); 24^th Lee Chambers (22.11); 37^th Angela O’Dea (23.00); 44^th Laura Moynihan (23.24); 62^nd Lauren Brady (24.24); 64^th Aisling Hannon (24.30); 110^th Sue Lynch (28.08)

Irish Milers Club Track & Field Meeting 1 at Greystones (2/5/15): 800m B – 3^rd Eric Keogh (1.56.25)

Leixlip 5km Road Race (2/5/15): 24^th / 2^nd woman Ide Nic Domhnaill (18.39); 25^th / 3^rd woman Sorcha Nic Domhnaill (18.43); 38^th / 4^th woman Maura Kearney (19.45); 49^th / 7^th woman Rhona Duane (20.39)

Hartstown 5km Parkrun (2/5/15): 2^nd Sean Fox M40 (17.45)

Ballymote Team Challenge 1 mile road race (2/5/15): 1^st John Travers (4.04)

Tallaght 5km Road Race (3/5/15): 16^th Luke Boland (16.53); 17^th Andrew Ledwith (16.58); 81^st / 10^th woman Michelle Childs (19.26); 86^th / 12^th woman / 1^st F40 Florence Curley (19.35); 103^rd / 21^st woman Aisling Swaine (20.20); 123^rd / 29^th woman Sinead Graham (20.50); 150^th / 43^rd woman Marianne Dunlevy (21.41); 165^th / 53^rdwoman Eva Campion F35 (22.22); 166^th / 1^st M65 Terry Mee (22.25); 180^th / 60^th woman Mary Murphy F40 (22.58)

TEAM: Dublin Novice Road Championship – 3^rd Donore Harriers

Boyne 10km at Drogheda (3/5/15): 269^th / 30^th woman Sian O’Connor (47.38); 515^th Eilish Joyce (52.35)

Great Limerick Half-Marathon (3/5/15): 392^nd / 43^rd woman Ariana Ball (1.42.22)

Northwest 10km at Letterkenny (3/5/15): 618^th Hilary O’Connor (55.58)

Wings for Life World Run at Dublin (3/5/15): Kevin English 45.5km completed

Belfast Marathon (4/5/15): 76^th George Brady M35 (3.05.18)

LATE RESULT: Samsung Night Run at Custom House Quay (26/4/15): 162^nd Sean Smith (40.57); 387^th Colm Nugent (45.00); 1046^th Elaine Verdon (48.52); 1834^th Laura Murray (50.19)

Wexford 10km (26/4/15): 2^nd Gavin Keogh (34.18); 16^th Bernard Byrne (39.53)

Juvenile Results:

East Leinster Schools Track & Field Championships at Santry (29&30/4/15): Intermediate 1500m Steeplechase – 2^nd Suzanne Masterson: Intermediate 1500m – 7^th Eliza Ni Thighearnaigh; Intermediate 3000m – 3^rd Suzanne Masterson; 5^th Eliza Ni Thighearnaigh

Dublin Juvenile Track & Field League at Santry (2/5/15): results to follow

 Michael McMahon’s win the Dublin 10,000m championship and Anne Curley breaking the 3 hours marathon barrier for the 11^th consecutive time were the notable highlights for the Donore Harriers club in the past week.

McMahon (32.18.38) was the clear winner of the Dublin 10km track championship, which was incorporated into the first Dublin Open Graded meeting (22/4/15 at Santry) of the season. He finished more than a minute and-a-half in front of his nearest challenger Brian Furey (34.00.21) of Rathfarnham AC and gave further notice of his rising profile in Irish distance running. The redoubtable Anne Curley, running in her 11^th marathon, kept her 100% sub-3 record with a super time of 2.58.59 in the London Marathon. She passed the halfway mark in 1.28 and maintained a good pace over the latter stages to cross the line 12^th overall in the F40 category.

In the RTE Business Houses AA (BHAA) 5 miles road race on Saturday morning Ken Norgrove (27.35) placed 6^thoverall, whilst Florence Curley (32.17) and a returning Niamh Donnelly (formerly Murphy) (36.02) placed 1^st and 3^rd in the F40 category.

The BHAA presented Donore Harriers stalwart Ann Woodlock with their Athlete of the Year award for 2015 at a special post-race presentation in the RTE Sports club. The BHAA described Ann as: “… a great ambassador for our sport and an inspiration to all up and coming athletes in Ireland”. A tribute was also paid to 76 years-old Ann by her Donore Harriers ladies captain Florence Curley who praised her achievements over a 34 year national and international running career which most recently saw her become double European Masters indoors champion. Her gritty determination as a competitor, dedication to training and inspirational status in women’s masters running in Ireland was also lauded. Ann was then presented with a Waterford Crystal trophy by Terry Clarke of BHAA and the RTE athletics club. With members of her family present, Ann thanked the association for the award and for their support in continually acknowledging her age category. Congratulations Ann, a richly deserved award.

It was a busy week for the club’s juvenile members with the beginning of the schools track and field competitions. In theWest Leinster Schools Track & Field championships at Santry the outstanding performances came from: – Aoife Lynch (Luttrelstown CC) who recorded a fine double in winning the Intermediate 100m and 200m; Ailbhe Healy (Castleknock CC) who won both the Intermediate High Hurdles and Pole Vault; Lauren Kennedy (St. Joseph’s Lucan) had victories in both the Senior High Hurdles and 400m Hurdles; Max Carey (Lucan CC) who won double gold in the Junior Hurdles and Long Jump; and Louis O’Loughlin (Moyle Park) who was a clear winner in both the Minor 800m and 1100m. The other star performances came from Sam Gallagher (Lucan CBS) who took 30 seconds off his previous best time to win the 5,000m in 16.20.7; Roisin Rynn-Cahill (St. Joseph’s Lucan) who won the Intermediate 300m and took silver in the Long Jump; Sean Lawlor (Kylemore) who was narrowly edged out on the line in the 100m, but stormed to success in his favoured 200m; and Oran O’Brien (Belvedere) who won gold in the Intermediate Discus and silver in the Shot Putt. Ciara O’Donnell and Lucy Hurley (both Maynooth PP) are certainly emerging athletes as they recorded fine wins in the Junior Hurdles and Junior High Jump respectively. Lucy also took bronze in the Junior 200m and then anchored the Maynooth PP school team, which contained her club-mates Ciara and Angie Gonia, to silver in the relay.

In the North Leinster Schools Track & Field championships, also at Santry, the Juvenile Section captain Karen Hughes (Donabate CC) took gold in the Senior Triple Jump and then went on to take silver in the 200m. Throwing specialist Lauren O’Keeffe (Loreta Balbriggan) won gold in the Intermediate Hammer and a bronze in the Shot Putt. The Hammer event brought further medals with Iain Darroch (Donabate CC) taking gold in the Intermediate Boys, Eleanor Ronan (Donabate CC) a silver medal in the Junior Girls and Clodagh Read (Donabate CC) a bronze gong in the Intermediate Girls.

Dublin Open Graded Meeting 1 at Santry: 200m B1 – 6^th Adam Halpin (24.48); 200m C1 – Sean O’Broin M45 (25.11); 200m B2 – 3^rd David Campbell (24.11); 200m C2 – 6^th Paul Cummins (25.92); 200m B3 – 4^th Cian O’Reilly (24.01) 200m C3 – Killian O’Hora (25.49); 1500mW – 4^th Barbara Cleary (4.45.47); 1500m B – 9^th Luke Boland (4.24.05); Hammer – 3^rd Clodagh Read JNR (42.74); 5^th Orlaith Read (27.13); 10,000m inc Dublin Championship – 1^st Michael McMahon (32.18.38); 4^th George Brady (3.53.05)

BHAA RTE 5 Mile: 6^th Ken Norgrove M45 (27.35); 14^th Patrick Moriarty M35 (28.31); 50^th Joe Murphy (31.12); 61^st Ian Redican M40 (32.10); 63^rd / 1^st F40 Florence Curley (32.17); 113^rd / 3^rd F40 Niamh Donnelly (36.02); 130^th Terry Mee M70 (36.58); 178^th Tommy Halton M55 (41.39)

Griffeen 5km Parkrun: 2^nd George Brady M35 (17.57)

London Marathon: 1693^rd / 12^th F40 Anne Curley (2.58.59); also Colin Morrissey M40 (3.09.00 PB)

Athlone 10km: 6^th Chris Muldoon (34.32)

Samsung 10km Night Run at Dublin Docklands: results will be listed next week
LATE RESULT: Manchester Marathon (19/4/15): 251^st Fred Kiernan M35 (2.54.29); 345^th Derek O’Neill M45 (3.01.26)

Juvenile Results:

CORRECTED RESULT: Naas 5km Parkrun: 6^th Michael Gibbs (17.39 PB)
West Leinster Schools T&F Championships Day 1 at Santry: Gold = Senior Hurdles – Lauren Kennedy; Intermediate 100m – Aoife Lynch; Intermediate Pole Vault & Hurdles – Ailbhe Healy; Junior Hurdles – Ciara O’Donnell; Junior Pole Vault – Lara O’Byrne; Senior Hammer – Eoin Molloy; Intermediate Hurdles – Alex Clarkin; Junior Hurdles – Max Carey; 1100m – Louis O’Loughlin (3.19.8); Intermediate Hammer – Aoife Simms: Silver = Senior 100m – Ailise Keating; Intermediate 100m – Suzi O’Farrell; Intermediare 100m – Kolade Abiodun; Senior 100m – Sean Lawlor; Intermediate Hurdles – Jack Rudden-Kelly; Intermediate Shot Putt – Oran O’Brien: Bronze = Senior 100m – Conor O’Ceallaigh; Intermediate 1500m – Conor Ray

Also: Sean Young 6^th in Senior Shot Putt (9.90 PB) also Hammer (20.22); Sean Classman 5^th in Senior 100m; Robyn O’Keeffe 4^th in Intermediate 100m; Angie Gonia 4^th in Junior Hurdles; Ruairi Fitzgibbon 13^th in Junior 1500m

North Leinster Schools T&F Championships Day 1 at Santry: Gold = Intermediate Hammer – Lauren O’Keeffe; Senior Triple Jump – Karen Hughes; Intermediate Hammer – Iain Darrock: Silver = Junior Hammer – Eleanor Ronan; Bronze = Intermediate Hammer – Clodagh Read

Also: Clodagh Read 4^th in Intermediate Triple Jump; Caoimhe Mackey 4^th in 300m.

West Leinster Schools T&F Championships Day 2 at Santry: Gold = Intermediate 200m – Aoife Lynch; Junior High Jump – Lucy Hurley; Intermediate 300m – Roisin Rynn-Cahill; Senior 400mH – Lauren Kennedy; Senior 200m – Sean Lawlor; Minor 800m – Louis O’Loughlin (2.14.6); Senior 5000m – Sam Gallagher (16.20.7 – PB); Junior Long Jump – Max Carey; Intermediate Discus – Oran O’Brien; Senior Pole Vault – Rolus Olosu: Silver = Intermediate 200m – Lauren O’Flaherty; Intermediate Girls 800m – Claire O’Connor (2.39.00); Intermediate Long Jump – Roisin Rynn-Cahill; Intermediate Javelin – Alex Clarkin; Bronze = Intermediate 200m – Robyn O’Keeffe; Junior 200m – Lucy Hurley; Intermediate 200m – Kolade Abiodun; Intermediate 3,000m Conor Ray; Intermediate Discus – Sean Young (25.30)

North Leinster Schools T&F Championships Day 2 at Santry: Silver = Senior 200m – Karen Hughes;Bronze = Intermediate Shot Putt – Lauren O’Keeffe: Also – Iain Darroch 5^th in Intermediate Discus

On a calm, sunny Sunday afternoon the roads near Raheny Village in north Dublin were filled with expectation and excitement. The 43^rd edition of the National Road Relays, Ireland’s premier team road racing event, brought together most of the country’s leading distance running clubs.

In the senior men’s race 26 teams toed the line – including defending champions Sligo AC, host club Raheny Shamrocks and last year’s runners-up Ennis Track. Donore Harriers, with European Indoors 1500 metres finalist John Travers running the key 3-miles stage, was among the favourites.

Lee Van Haeften (9.34) opened for Donore and in his typical gutsy fashion he ran near the front on the 2-mile leg before tapping on to Daragh Fitzgibbon in second place. Ferrybank AC were leading by 7 seconds, with their lead runner Niall Touhy recording the fastest two-mile leg of the day in a very fine 9.27.

Fitzgibbon (4.31), called into the team a few days earlier when Irish international Mark Dooley was forced to withdraw due to illness, ran an absolute stormer! The middle-distance specialist certainly eyed the prize and brought the team into a lead of 3 seconds – with Ennis Track in second and Clonliffe Harriers in third. Fitzgibbon was second fastest for the mile leg just one second shy of Raheny’s Cillian Kirwan.

With an in-form John Travers (14.07) taking Stage 3 it must have felt like a fait-accompli for the opposition! And so it proved! The Donore man ran the fastest stage and opened up a sizeable gap on his nearest pursuer. He handed over to Eric Keogh with a lead of 37 seconds. Raheny Shamrocks were lying 2^nd with Ennis Track in 3^rd one minute off the lead.

Keogh (9.40) was impressive over the final two laps (2 miles) extending the lead as Kevin Mulcaire of Ennis Track, the country’s leading junior distance athlete, recorded the fastest stage (9.29) and brought his team into the silver medal position. Raheny Shamrocks had to be content with 3^rd place with defending champions Sligo AC back in fifth. Donore’s final time of 37.52 was narrowly outside the course record. Ennis Track had a final time of 38.41, with Raheny on 39.05.

This was Donore’s 8^th senior win in the competition and the first since 1992.

The Donore ladies brought home a national relay medal for the first time in many years. The masters team got off to a fine start with Rhona Duane’s 6.06 for the first mile. Kim Hickey did the damage in the crucial second leg over 2 miles where she pushed the team up into 3rd place with an impressive time of 11.52. Breda Mahony held this gap in the last leg with an excellent 5.58 mile which secured the W35 bronze medal by a margin of 14 seconds. There were 13 teams on the day so a great achievement and testament to the current strength in masters competition.
Next up were two Donore teams in the senior women’s relay. In a very competitive first mile Ide Nic Dhomhnaill was 9th over the line in 5.40 and handed over to Barbara Cleary making a welcome comeback to racing. Barbara made up lots of ground in the 2 mile leg which featured two members of the European XC team and pushed the team into 5th with an excellent 11.16 time. Aislinn Nic Dhomhnaill fought hard in the last mile and on the final corner she had 3 runners on her shoulder – she held off all but one in a battling finish in 5.37 bringing the team to 6th overall out of 17 teams. Maura Kearns ran the fastest mile of the Donore ladies on the day when she kicked off for the second team and finished in 5.30, Michelle Childs ran a very gutsy 2 mile leg to finish in 12.13. Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill had a good finish in the last mile in 5.44 bringing the team home to 13th place.
In the masters men’s race Donore could not match the team silver medals won last year. Putting out an entirely new team it was a tall order for athletes more at home on mountain terrain or in the marathon. George Brady (5.00), preparing for next month’s Belfast marathon, ran the opening mile leg and placed 13^th. Niall Lynch (10.29) was 9^th fastest on the 2 miles stage and tapped on in 9^thposition. Andy Kinane (5.05) was 7^th fastest on the final mile leg and gained to 8^th place. Newbridge AC, 3^rd last year, won in a time of 19.27 with Donore 8^th in 20.34.

Meanwhile in Budapest Nicola Dowdall ran 99 minutes in the half marathon, practically replicating her PB in Bohermeen a few weeks ago.

In the 5km Naas Parkrun on Saturday 17 years old Michael Gibbs knocked almost half-a-minute of his previous best time when placing 6^th.

Results in brief:

National Road Relay at Raheny: Senior Men = 1^st in 37.52 – 2M Lee Van Haeften (9.34); 1M Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.31); 3M – John Travers (14.07); 2M Eric Keogh (9.40); 2^nd Ennis Track (38.41); 3^rd Raheny Shamrocks (39.05)

Senior Women: = 1^st Leevale AC (20.39); 6^th Donore Harriers ‘A’ 22.33 – 1M Ide Nic Domhnaill (5.40); 2M Barbara Cleary (11.16); 1M Aislinn Nic Domhnaill (5.37); 13^th Donore Harriers ‘B’ 23.27 – 1M Maura Kearns (5.30); 2M Michelle Childs (12.13); 1M Sorcha Nic Domhnaill (5.44)

Masters Men: = 1^st Newbridge AC 19.27; 8^th Donore Harriers 20.34 – 1M George Brady (5.00); 2M Niall Lynch (10.29); 1M Andy Kinane (5.05)

Masters Women: = 1^st Raheny Shamrocks 23.29; 2^nd Letterkenny AC 23.41; 3^rd Donore Harriers 23.54 – 1M Kim Hickey (6.04); 2M Rhona Duane (11.54); 1M Breda Mahony (5.58)

Budapest Half-Marathon: Nicola Dowdall (1.39.00)

Juvenile Result:

Naas 5km Parkrun: 6^th Michael Gibbs u/18s (19.39 PB)

Another busy weekend for Donore Harriers!  The club had athletes competing in a variety of events at different venues both at home and abroad.

Claire Morrissey finished a very impressive 5^th in the 30^th edition of the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco. The multi-stage race takes place over the formidable landscapes of the Sahara Desert in one of the World’s most inhospitable climates. Described as the toughest footrace on Earth the athletes cover a distance of 251km in 5 or 6 days and must carry self-sufficient supplies in their back-packs whilst competing. More than 1300 competitors from many different countries lined up for this year’s event. Claire lay in 11^th position in the women’s category after two stages, but a brilliant 4^th placing on the penultimate 4^th stage over 91km leapfrogged her to 5^th. A 10^th place finish over the marathon 42.2km final stage consolidated Claire’s fifth overall position as she recorded a combined time of 31h.47m.04s.

John Dunne had an eventful run in the popular Rotterdam Marathon posting a new PB time of 2.34.37. Dunne was on target to break the 2.30 barrier until the 30km mark, but a groin strain and windy conditions over the final kilometres lowered his expectations. It was very much a case of Plan B and a steady run to the finish. John later commented: “All in all a good day with amazing support”. Ciaran McCarthy (2.39.10) had a very solid run and placed a very creditable 7^thin the M40 age class. Chris Muldoon (2.45.32) and Graham Hopkins (3.00.15) were narrowly outside their respective target times.

Hugh Brosnan (2.58.05) placed 3^rd in the Connemarathon International Marathon in County Galway. Starting next to the shores of Lough Inagh this testing race follows an undulating route around the edges of the Maam Mountains – passing the village of Leenane at halfway – before reaching the finish at Maam Cross village. Niall P. O’Reilly (1.28.20) came 18^th in the Half-Marathon race and Liagh Miller 738^th in (2.07.19).

In the Irish Universities AA track and field championships at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast there were wins for club members John Travers in the 5000m and Jaco Oosthuysen in the Javelin. Travers (14.28.56) was a convincing winner in the colours of Athlone IT. Eric Keogh (14.54.55) came 4^th in the same race representing UCD. Oosthuysen (59.23m) had 5 metres to spare over his nearest rival whilst representing DIT. Eamon Fahey (TCD) and Daragh Fitzgibbon (UCD) reached the finals of the 200m and 800m, with Fahey (22.14) placing 5^th and Fitzgibbon (1.59.88) 6^th in their respective races.

The Great Ireland Run at the Phoenix Park on Saturday afternoon attracted a number of high profile African and British athletes to the men’s and women’s races. The Donore Harriers women’s section had a large turn-out in the women’s race, with impressive racing from Anne Curley (39.17), who placed 19^th overall and won the women’s over 40 category. Grace Kennedy (40.18) was the next Harrier home in 24^th position, whilst Sorcha Ni Domhnaill (41.09) in 31^st and Karla Doran (41.18) in 33^rd ensured that the Donore colours were prominent against the other home-based club runners. In the AA1 senior team championship Donore Harriers placed 3^rd with Curley, Kennedy and Ni Domhnaill being the scorers.

With Ethopian and Kenyan athletes dominating the front of the men’s race the incorporated Irish 10km championships drew more attention for the local spectators. Michael McMahon (32.54) was always pressing for a top 20 finish, but had to settle for a noteworthy 21^st overall. In the process he was the 12^th Irish finisher, a remarkable performance considering that Michael only took up the sport less than 3 years ago.

At the Business Houses 10km race at the K Club in Straffan on Saturday morning there were impressive results from Colm O’Connell (33.29) and Gavin Keogh (33.36) who placed 5^th and 6^th respectively.

Elsewhere, Shane McCauley (36.55) won the M40 category when placing 6^th overall in the Fr. Murphy’s Easter 10km at Athboy.

In the Great Ireland Junior Run at the Phoenix Park there were some impressive performances from some of the club’s younger members. Noah Synott (9.43) finished an impressive 7^th in the Boys race, with Oliver Hopkins (10.48) the next best in 23^rd place. Honor Lynch (12.44) led the Girl’s team home in 44^th position.

Results in brief:

Marathon Des Sables at Sahara Desert in Morocco (5-10/4/15): 5^th Claire Morrissey (31.47.04) – best result 4^thon Stage 4.

Irish Universities AA Track & Field Championships at Mary Peters Track in Belfast (10-11/04/15): 200m Final – 5^th Eamon Fahey (22.14); 800m Final – 6^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (1.59.88) also (1.59.60) in S/F; 5000m Final – 1^st John Travers (14.28.54); 4^th Eric Keogh (14.54.55); Javelin – 1^st Jaco Oosthuysen (59.23m)

Great Ireland Run 10km at Phoenix Park (11/4/15): WOMEN: 19^th /1^st F40 Anne Curley (39.17); 24^th Grace Kennedy (40.18); 31^st Sorcha Ni Domhnaill (41.09); 33^rd Karla Doran (41.18); also Breda Mahony (41.55); Emer Rattigan (41.55); Sian O’Connor (47.47); Eva Campion (47.50); Mary Murphy (48.05); Lee Chambers (50.10); Meadbh Campbell (50.44);  Catherine McKeon (51.15); Laura Murray (51.53); Teresa Brophy (54.25); Jo Hughes (54.34); Dana Mackey (54.39); Hilary O’Connor (58.08):

TEAM: 3^rd Donore Harriers <A. Curley, G. Kennedy & S. Ni Domhnaill>

MEN: 21^st Michael McMahon (32.54);  105^th  George Brady M35 (36.50); also John Gleeson (45.23); Jim McNamara (46.35); Stephen Carey (55.32)

BHAA K Club 10km at Straffan (11/4/15): 5^th Colm O’Connell (33.29); 6^th Gavin Keogh (33.36); 29^th Patrick Moriarty M35 (35.37); 131^st Ian Redican M40 (39.59); 141^st Joe Murphy (40.48); 184^th Rhona Duane F35 (42.35); 189^th Alma Hanevy F35 (42.53); 252^nd Terry Mee M70 (45.54)

Fr. Murphy’s Easter 10km at Athboy (11/4/15): 6^th / 1^st M40 Shane McCauley (36.55)

Rotterdam Marathon (12/4/15): 71^st / 11^th M35 John Dunne 2.34.37k; 102^nd / 7^th M40 Ciaran McCarthy (2.39.10); 184^th /23^rd M40 Chris Muldoon (2.45.32); 588^th / 99^th M40 Graham Hopkins (3.00.15)

Connemarathon International 26.2km at Co. Galway (12/4/15): 3^rd Hugh Brosnan (2.58.05)

Connemarathon 13.1km at Co. Galway (12/4/15): 18^th Niall P. O’Reilly (1.28.20); 738^th Liagh Miller F40 (2.07.19)

JUVENILE RESULTS in brief:

Great Ireland Junior Run at Phoenix Park (11/4/15): 7^th M Noah Synott (9.43); 23^rd M Oliver Hopkins (10.48); 43^rd F Honor Lynch (12.44); 45^th M Robert Lynch (11.33); 63^rd M Daniel O’Neill (12.47); 90^th F Ellie Hoare (15.26); 103^rd F Ava Hoare (18.04)

Great Ireland Mini Run at Phoenix Park (11/4/15): Amber Lynch, Eleanor Hopkins, Skye Synott, Matthew Lynch and Conan Mackey competed

Note: results from Scottish Athletics Throws & Jumps grand prix not to hand

There was a double win at the Naas Parkrun for two of our juvenile runners.  Overall winner was Michael Gibbs in 18.36 and first female was Ciara Murphy in 20.19, impressive for two athletes in the 15-17 age group, well done.

The Leinster 10 mile road championship took place in a sunny St Anne’s Park as part of the Brian Boru race, the second outing for this event.  An M50 Donore Master team took part; Tony Griffin broke 70 minutes and was 3rd M55 in 69.17, Terry Mee was 1st M70 in 76.07 and Charlie O’Neill ran 76.46.

At the Fr Murphy’s 10k in Kildalkey on Easter Sunday, Shane McAuley came 6th and 1st M40.

Breda Mahony was 2nd female in 20.01 at the Healthy Heart 5k in the Phoenix Park with Niall O’Reilly 7th in the 10k event in 39.13.

In Kenmare, Sorcha and Ide Nic Dhomhnaill were 2nd and 3rd females in the Kenmare bridge 10k.  Sorcha ran 41.33 with her twin Ide crossing the line in 42.40.

Outside Ireland two Donore runners competed in two well known but very different events.  Isle of Man based Mark Dooley competed in the long established Isle of Man road race festival which attracts runners from all over the UK.  Donning the colours of his UK club Herne Hill, Mark was 7th in the 10k event in 32.21 and was part of a 5x5k relay event where he ran his leg in an impressive 15.21.

In the Sahara Desert Morocco, Claire Morrissey is currently competing in the gruelling Marathon des Sables – a 6 day 251k race through the desert where temperatures can climb to 50 degrees and participants must carry their kit on their backs.  This is Claire’s second MDS and this seasoned ultra runner is lying in 9th female position at the moment after 2 stages of approx 36k each in 30-33 degree heat.  We wish her well in the next stages which conclude on April 13th

There were some great performances at the second weekend of the National Juvenile Indoor championships.  Sean Lawlor clinched another championship title in the U19 200m, this was a highly competitive race and he won it decisively, dipping well under 22 seconds in a new PB of 21.73 seconds.  There were two more medals on the day in the hurdle events.  Jack Rudden Kelly took silver in the U17 60mH in 8.67 seconds and in the U16 60mH after winning his heat Kolade Abidoun won silver in 8.68 seconds.

Full results:
Conor Fox U19 200m heats 23.71
Claire O’Connor 9th U18 800m 2.50
Caoimhe Mackey 10th U17 LJ 4.10
Sean Classman U17 LJ

Alex Clarkin 4th in U16H  the spring throws contes

Lara O’Byrne and Kolade Abidoun unfortunately DQ’d in the 60mH and 200m

Also for the Juvenile section, Michael Gibbs was 3rd in the Marie Keating 5k

Over in Torun Poland at the European Indoor masters, there was a double celebration for Ann Woodlock after her 3000m win days before.  In the 1500m she won a second gold, beating her nearest opponent (from Germany)by 20 seconds who has often beat her in international competition in the past.  In the walks events, Anne Gormley finished 5th W50 in the 3000m track walk in 21.07 and 7th in the 5k road walk in 36.11.

Back in Meath, the popular Dunboyne  4 mile attracted over 700 runners with a good Donore turnout – windy conditions made some of the course testing but thankfully the rain held off.  First over the line for the club was  young Sam Gallagher in an excellent 22.33 which made him first junior male. Sorcha and Ide Nic Dhomhnaill unfortunately DNFd so first Lady was Michelle Childs with Karla Doran and Emer Rattigan in quick succession.
This trio and Sian O’Connor were the scorers on the 4th placed finishing ladies team.  Julia Hackett came over the line with her coach Jim McNamara who won the M70 category to great acclaim.

Full results below:
Sam Gallagher 22.33 1st junior
Andrew Ledwith 22.40
Shane McCauley 23.18
Ian redican 25.42
Michelle Childs 26.13
Karla doran 26.21
Emer Rattigan 26.39
Des Gill 27.10
Sian O’Connor 28.50
Jim McNamara 29.03
Julia Hackett 29.06
Caren Crowley 30.16
Mary Murphy 30.18
Pauline Fagan 36.55

At the Omagh half marathon, John Dunne came 9th and 1st M35 in 72.37

Marc Gibbs came 20th in the Skechers Marie Keating 5k in 24.48

Over in Berlin we had Eoin Durkan 76.33, Phil Hennessey 81.53, Fred Kiernan 83.18

On a sunny day in Santry demesne, the SIAB Schools International Cross country races took place hosting teams from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.  Fathi Aden was part of the Irish junior team and ran a super race finishing in 10th place.  He was the 3rd scorer on the Irish team which won silver – the race was won by Ireland’s Dara McElhinney.  Hopefully this will be the first of many appearances in the Irish vest for this promising young athlete.

With the first weekend over in the National Indoor Championships in Athlone, it’s by the far the largest amount of athletes who have qualified with many qualifying for more than one event.
Lara O’Byrne ran between the high jump yesterday and the pole vault which were on the same time to eventually get a silver medal in the pole vault with a new pb of 2.70 and then ran in the under 16 relay which got to the final finishing 5th. Our under 18 relay girls team finished 4th while our under 17, although ran a great race, were later disqualified.

Lucy Hurley, under 16, in her first indoor championship got 2 new PBS in high jump and long jump .
Sean kinsealla our youngest athlete, under 12, finished 8th in a thrilling 600m and can’t wait till he runs in Athlone again.
We were well represented in the 1500m with Lucy Mccann, Michael Gibbs and Suzanne Masterson all running well. Our largest group of athletes  were our sprinters from under 16 to 19 it was great to see 3 under 17 girls competing. Kolade Aduidun got our only medal of the day finishing 3rd in the under 16 60m.
Sean classman, under 19, running in his first championship for the club ran in the 60 m finishing 4th in he’s heat . Connor fox and Zac Higgins both had very good runs in there heats in the 400m.
Karen Hughes, under 18, and Clodagh Read were are triple jumpers with Karen finishing 4th and Clodagh finishing 6th.
Sean young, under 18, threw a new pb in the shot putt yesterday finishing 4th while Lauren O’Keeffe, under 17, Peace Onakoya, under 13, and martins Hughes, under 16, all competing for the first time in shot putt. All threw well but did not progress to the final rounds.
Rian Carey, under 13, finished 7th throwing just off his pb.
Gabhan O’Thighcarnaigh, under 17, was unlucky having jumped 1.70 in high jump, just lost out on 3rd place in count back.
Alibhe Healy, under 18, who won our second medal in the pole vault also posted a pb of 2.70

Wicklow Gaolbreak 10k
Ciaran McCarthy was the overall winner of this race in 35.10

Mallow 10 mile
A change to the course of this year’s race meant that the first 2 miles took in a good deal of uphill running.  Anne Curley finished 4th lady in 63.55, Breda Mahony in 68.57 was just outside the top 10 ladies.  On the eve of his 76th birthday Jim McNamara was 1st M70 and ran 77.05.

Other results
Griffeen parkrun: George Brady (and pet dog Roxy!) 2nd 18.02
Hartstown Parkrun: Eva Campion 2nd lady 21.40

European Masters Indoor Championship:  In Torun Poland, Ann Woodlock won gold in the W75 3000m

Mark Dooley performed with distinction when he made his international debut for Ireland at the Antrim International Cross Country race at Greenmount on Saturday With a number of high quality African runners on the start line and a very strong English team in tow the task for Mark was to race to his full potential.

The 10km race over a testing hilly course was won by Thomas Ayeko from Uganda in a time of 31. 27. Ayeko won the same race in 2013. Edwin Soi (31.40) of Kenya came 2^nd with another Kenyan Jonathan Ndiku 3^rd. Soi was the bronze medallist in the 2008 Olympic Games over 5000m.

Mark Dooley (35.29) can be proud of his effort. He finished in 29^thposition and was Ireland’s final scorer as the team placed 4^th behind winners Kenya and 2^nd placed England.

In the St. Patrick’s Festival 5km race in the St. Stephen’s Green area on Sunday the Donore Harriers contingent was led home by Eoin Durkan (15.45) who placed 11^th.  However, the star performances came from Barry Potts in the M65 class and Fathi Aden in the junior category. Potts (20.05), who is mentor to the Fit 4 Life squad, had a very fine race to win his age group. On the other end of the age spectrum 14 years old Fathi Aden (17.00) finished 47^th overall and placed 3^rd in the junior category behind two older and more experienced athletes. This was Fathi’s first time to race over 5 kilometres and he continues to prove his potential as a future star in the sport. Not far behind was 15 years-old Sekeriye Ahmed (17.40) who placed 73^rd overall and was the 4^th junior. The other notable performance came from Jennifer O’Keeffe (24.20) who recorded a new personal best when placing 12^th in the F45 category.

In the National Masters Indoor Track Field championships at Athlone Arena both Anne Gormley and Terry Mee came away with a gold and silver medal. Anne won the 3km Walk in the F50 age class in a time of 20.37.10 and threw a distance of 6.09 metres to take silver in the Shot Pull. Terry was first in the M70 800m and 2^nd in the 3000m recording times of 2.52.25 and 12.43.22

Gavin Byrne (17.59), a regular competitor in the event, won the Waterstown 5km Parkrun on Saturday  with a new personal best time. Meanwhile in the Barcelona Marathon masters athlete Alan Farrell had a good run to record 3.09.52 and in the Bundoran 10K, Rhona Duane ran strong to record 44:42

Results in brief:

IAAF Permit Antrim International Cross Country race at Greenmount: 29^th Mark Dooley (35.29)

Hartstown 5km Parkrun: 23^rd Graham Hopkins M40 (23.41)

Naas 5km Parkrun: 3^rd Ian Redican M40 (19.59)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun: 1^st Gavin Byrne (17.59 PB); 5^th Colin Morrissey M35 (19.52)

National Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships at Athlone Arena: F50 3km Walk – 1^st Anne Gormley (20.37.10): F35 Shot Putt – 2^nd Anne Gormley (6.09m): M70 800m – 1^st Terry Mee (2.52.25): M70 3000m – 2^nd Terry Mee (12.43.22)

St. Patrick’s Festival 5km at City Centre: 11^th Eoin Durkan (15.45); 29^th Gavin Keogh (16.30); 46^th Andrew Ledwith (16.57); 47^th / 3^rd Junior Fathi Aden (17.00); 48^th Luke Boland (17.01); 73^rd / 4^th Junior Sekeriye Ahmed (17.40); 165^th / 17^th woman Michelle Childs (19.55); 172^nd / 1^st in M65 Barry Potts (20.05); 183^rd / 13^th in M45 Des Gill (20.14); 197^th Tomas Griffin (20.35); 238^thDarren Carey (21.08); 259^th / 27^th in M40 John Gleeson (21.28); 298^th/ 33^rd woman Eva Campion (22.02); 328^th / 35^th M40 Gary Fitzgerald (22.41); 353^rd / 26^th Junior Jack Raftery (22.57); 435^th / 12^th F45 Jennifer O’Keeffe (24.20 PB); 440^th / 54^th woman Michelle Dawson (24.23); 578^th / 89^th woman Maria O’Donoghue (26.08); 680^th / 7^th in M65 Michael Brophy (27.28); 769^th / 57^th M4 John Powell (28.40); 1149^th / 73^rd F40 Annemarie Conneely (33.00)

Team Result – Men: 1^st Crusaders 53; 2^nd Rathfarnham 55; 3^rdClonliffe Harriers 78; 6^th Donore Harriers <Keogh, Ledwith, Aden, Boland> 170

Barcelona Marathon: Alan Farrell M40 (3.09.52)

LATE RESULT: Kinvara Rock Half-Marathon (8/3/15): 470^thDeirdre Healy (1.59.19)

JUVENILE RESULTS in brief:

Hartstown 5km Parkrun: 22^nd Oliver Hopkins u/12s (23.41)

St. Patricks Festival 5km at City Centre: 47^th / 3^rd JNR Fathi Aden u/15s (17.00); 73^rd / 4^th JNR Sekeriye Ahmed u/16s (17.40); 353^rd / 26^th JNR Jack Raftery u/15s

John Travers placed a highly commendable 7^th in the final of the European Indoors 1500m race at Prague on Sunday (8/3/15). His coach Gerry Kiernan said post race regarding John’s on-going development: “This is the first time that John has gone to a major championship and performed – that is significant”. Kiernan also pointed out that Travers had run 8 seconds faster in the qualifying heat than the new champion Jakub Holusa of the Czech Republic, thus exerting a lot more energy in the first of two back to back championship races.

In the qualifying heat on Saturday morning Travers sat in the main group whilst Homiya Tesfaye (3.40.05) of Germany took out a sizable lead. The Ethiopian born German was chased home by Artur Ostrowski (3.40.24) of Poland in the closing 150 metres. Travers (3.41.37) bore down on Diego Ruiz (3.41.48) of Spain getting up to 3^rd and the crucial ‘fastest loser’ spot. It then became a waiting game, but none of the runners in the other 3 heats ran a faster qualifying time than the Donore Harriers man.

Travers admitted that he felt “… a little bit of heaviness in the warm-up” prior to the final. It was important that he ran a controlled race – and that is just what he did! With Ilham Ozbilin of Turkey setting a fast early pace John Travers passed through 300m (44.5) in 9^th and last place. He gained to 8^th through the 700m mark in 1.44 whilst Ozbilin led the field from Smirnov of Russia and Chris O’Hare of Team GB. With 2 laps (1100m point) to go the Turkish athlete had a commanding lead from O’Hare and Henrik Ingebrigtsen of Norway. Travers (2.45) was tailed off at the back. Everything changed on the final 200m circuit. Home favourite Holusa (3.37.68) got past Ozbilin (3.37.) on the line whilst O’Hare (3.38) held on to 3^rd place. John Travers used his finishing kick and got past the Russian and Polish athletes to pick up two places. His final time of 3.41.50 was just 0.13s short of his new indoor personal best set in qualifying.

In the Meath Spring Half-Marathon at Bohermeen (8/2/15) Ciaran McCarthy (1.13.49) placed 7^th overall and won the M40 category. His training partner Chris Muldoon (1.14.21) also produced a fine run by coming home in 9^thposition.  Ann Curley (1.24.34) was the winner of the F40 category and placed 72^nd overall. Other notable performances came from Nicola Dowdall (1.40.08) who recorded a new personal best and from Jim McNamara (1.44.01) who took 3^rd in the M60 race.

In the Meath Spring 10km race at the same venue Colm O’Connell (34.16) recorded a convincing win, whilst 7^thplaced Shane McCauley (37.00) came 2^nd in the M40 class.

Sean Fox (1.01.20) led a team of ten Donore athletes in the popular Ballycotton 10 mile road race (8/3/15) crossing the line in 121^st place.

In the Donegal 24 hour Endurance race (7&8/3/15) Garvan Smith finished an excellent 19^th.  In this gruelling event competitors had to complete 15km of kayaking, 166km of cycling, 5km of mountain running and 64km of road and trail running. In this years event, the kayaking leg was cancelled due to bad weather and replaced with a further 13km of running.

In the Tymon 5km Parkrun (7/3/15) Kenneth Nugent showed that he is getting back to form by winning in a time of 17.31. In the Business Houses cross country races at ALSAA (7/3/15) Maura Kearns (13.25) ran out a comfortable winner in the women’s two miles race. In the men’s race over 5 miles an improving Patrick Moriarty (30.56) placed 6^th.

In the Irish Universities cross country championships at Clongowes (7/3/15) Eric Keogh (NTG) had an eventful race over 5 laps and covering 8km. Keogh held 15^th place at the end of lap one and then moved up to 5^th – a position he held for the next 3 circuits. A trip and fall on the final lap cost him two places and he was unable to gain in the closing stages, probably feeling the effects of having raced in the national inter-clubs championships just 6 days earlier. Keogh helped his UCD team to silver medals. Heywood Richardson, representing NUI Maynooth, came 69^th.

In the All-Ireland schools cross country championships at Clongowes (7/3/15) Sekeriye Ahmed (11.25) and Fathi Aden (11.32) – both Synge Street CBS – placed 7^th and 10^th respectively in the Junior Boys race over 3.500m. Fathi, under the age qualification rule, has been selected to represent the Irish Schools in the SIAB home international cross country event to take place at Santry Demesne on the 21^st of March. Lucy McCann (13.30) representing Scoil Mhuire in Clane placed a very creditable 31^st in the Intermediate Girls race over 3.5km.

In the Parkside cross country races at John Paul Park in Cabra (4/3/15) Donore Harriers had a 1, 2, 3 in the Girls race for primary school students. Grace Raftery (St. Brigids) was the winner, with Brooke Fagan (St. Peters) and Sky Synott (D7 Educate Together) coming next.

In the Leinster Juvenile Indoors at Athlone Arena (7&8/3/15) Sean Lawlor recorded wins in the Boys under 19s 60m and 200m with times of 22.02 and 7.00; Jack Rudden-Kelly (8.52) won the Boys 60m Hurdles, whilst Aoife Lynch (26.63) was 2^nd in the Girls under 17s 200m and Ailise Keating (8.54) was 3^rd in the Girls under 19s over 60m.

A very good week for the Donore Harriers club began with the selection of Mark Dooley to the Irish senior cross country team to compete in the Antrim International on Saturday (14/3/15). Dooley placed 8^th in the national senior championship at County Down recently and his fine run has been rewarded with an Irish singlet. Hopefully the first of many!

Results in brief:

European Indoor Track & Field Championships at Prague (6-8/03/15): 1500m Final – 7^th John Travers (3.41.50): 3^rd in Heat 1 in (3.41.37 – PB) qualified to final

Irish Universities Cross Country Championships at Clongowes, Clane (7/3/15): Men 8km – 7^th Eric Keogh (UCD); 69^th Heywood Richardson (NUI Maynooth)

Donegal 250km Endurance Race (7&8/3/15): 19^th Garvan Smith M40 (21h.30m.08s) = Run 1 (2.50.08 rank 6^th), Bike 1 (6.30.11 rank 32^nd), Mountain (1.03.29 rank 22^nd), Bike 2 (4.46.28 rank 32^nd), Run 3 (5.43.56 rank 17^th)

Kinvara Rock Half-Marathon (7/3/15): 103^rd / 9^th female Alma Hanevy (1.37.37)

Tymon 5km Parkrun (7/3/15): 1^st Ken Nugent (17.31)

Business Houses AA Cross Country at ALSAA (7/3/15): Women 2 miles – 1^st Maura Kearns (13.25); 34^th Ann Woodlock F75 (19.19): Men’s 5 miles – 6^th Patrick Moriarty M35 (30.56); 36^th Ian Redican M40 (34.29); 38^thBarry Potts M65 (34.49); 80^th Terry Mee M70 (39.14)

Ballycotton 10 Mile (8/3/15): 121^st / 27^th in M40 Sean Fox (1.01.20); 559^th / 67^th in M45 Des Gill (1.12.15); 829^th/ 8^th in M60 Charlie O’Neill (1.16.34); 1027^th / 4^th in F55 Joan McTernan (1.19.13); 1099^th / 19^th in F45 Liz McCurtain (1.24.53); 1439^th / 16^th in F50 Mary Kingston (1.24.53); 1898 / 47^th in M55 Tommy Halton (1.31.09); 2078^th / 5^th in M70 Tony Jenkins (1.33.44); 228^th / 50^th in F50 Sue Lynch (1.37.39); 2363^rd / 12^th in M65 Michael Brophy (1.39.27)

Carlingford Half-Marathon (8/3/15): 38^th Colin Morrissey (1.28.25); 301^st Lee Chambers (1.52.49)

My 1000 Hours 5km (8/3/15): Florence Curley F35 (20.20)

Meath Spring 10km at Bohermeen (8/3/15): 1^st Colm O’Connell (34.16); 7^th / 2^nd in M40 Shane McCauley (37.00)

Meath Spring Half-Marathon at Bohermeen (8/3/15):7^th / 1^st M40 Ciaran McCarthy (1.13.49); 9^th Chris Muldoon (1.14.21); 23^rd Will Morris (1.29.24); 28^th George Brady (1.19.58); 72^nd / 1^st in F40 Ann Curley (1.24.34); 84^th Niall J. O’Reilly (1.27.05); 102^nd Niall P. O’Reilly (1.27.05); 250^th / 16^th in FS Grace Kennedy (1.38.53); 194^th/ 3^rd in M55 Tony Griffin (1.35.05); 218^th / 21^st in M4 Thomas Hickey (1.36.47); 278^th / 14^th in F40 Nicola Dowdall (1.40.08 PB); 342^nd / 3^rd in M60 Jim McNamara (1.44.01)

JUVENILE RESULTS in brief:

Parkside Schools Cross Country at Cabra (4/3/15): Girls race: 1^st Grace Raftery (St. Brigids); 2^nd Brooke Fagan (St. Peters); 3^rd Sky Synott (D7 Educate Together): Oliver Hopkins, Noah Synott; Sarah Higgins and Conor Mulcahy also competed

All Ireland Schools Cross Country championships at Clongowes, Clane (7/3/15): Junior Boys 3.5km – 7^thSekeriye Ahmed (Synge Street CBS) 11.25; 10^th Fathi Aden (Synge Street CBS) 11.32: Intermediate Girls 3.5km – Lucy McCann (Scoil Mhuire) 13.30

Leinster Indoor Track & Field Championships at Athlone Arena (7&8/3/15): Boys u/19s 200m – 1^st Sean Lawlor (22.02), 5^th Conor Fox (7.93); Boys u/19s 60m – 1^st Sean Lawlor (7.00s); Girls u/19s 60m – 3^rd Alise Keating (8.54); Girls u/17s 200m – 2^nd Aoife Lynch (26.63); Boys u/17s 60mH – 1^st Jack Rudden-Kelly (8.50); Girls u/18s 200m – 6^th Karen Hughes (27.44)