CLUB HISTORY
Donore Harriers, established in 1893, is one of Ireland’s most storied athletic clubs, located in the scenic village of Chapelizod along the River Liffey. The club’s first headquarters was at 78 South Circular Road, across from where the National Boxing Stadium now stands. Over the decades, Donore has grown from its humble beginnings into a powerhouse of Irish athletics, with a rich history of achievements and notable athletes.
Donore Harriers: A Legacy of Excellence in Irish Athletics
Early Years and Foundations
The club's early days saw it based at various locations, including halls and pubs in Dolphin’s Barn and Kilmainham. A turning point came in 1948, when Donore secured its first permanent home in Hospital Lane, Islandbridge. This marked the start of a more stable era, enabling the club to nurture talent and compete at the highest levels. Finally, in 1990, Donore Harriers moved to its current headquarters in Chapelizod, coinciding with its centenary celebrations.
Golden Era of Distance Running
From the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, Donore Harriers dominated Irish distance running. Under the guidance of legendary coach Eddie Hogan, athletes such as Bertie Messitt, Tom O’Riordan, Jim McNamara, and Willie Dunne achieved national and international acclaim. The club won the Men’s National Senior Cross-Country Championship 18 years in a row, a testament to its unmatched prowess during this period.
From 1980s to 1990s athletes such as Ciaran O'Flaherty, Gerry Curtis, Senan O'Reilly, Noel Richardson flew the flag and all scored in the National Senior in 1993. (Photo, John Travers)
In the last two decades we have seen new young talent emerge, John Travers, who joined the club at age 15, has represented Ireland multiple times, including at the European Indoor Championships in Poland in 2021. He has won four National Indoor Titles on the track. He made history in 2018 as the first Irishman to run a sub-4-minute indoor mile on Irish soil and continues to dominate at National level.
Recently, young athletes like Louis O'Loughlin, Abdel Laadjel, Aoife Lynch, Lara O'Byrne, and Jack Raftery have emerged as international contenders. Highlights include Abdel’s contribution to Ireland’s U20 team silver at the 2021 European Cross-Country Championships, Aoife Lynchs team silver in the World Relays in Poland 2021, and Jack Raftery’s participation in the mixed relay team at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Women’s Section and Continued Growth
The formation of a women’s section in 1982 brought new opportunities and successes. Valerie McGovern became a standout, representing Ireland at the 1991 World Championships and inspiring a generation of female athletes. Jolene Byrne followed, winning the National Cross-Country Championship and competing in the European Cross-Country Championships.
The team bronze medal, won by the women in 2005, was followed by another decade of success at provincial and national level.
In 2019 they won the National Road Relay title.
Our recent successes have been at both junior and master level, from sprinting to ultra distance with Aoife Lynch, Sorcha Loughnane, Ann Woodlock, and many others.
Masters and Records
Since the 1980s Donore has excelled at master level. Jim McNamara, Willie Dunne and Brendan O'Shea continued to achieve great success after their senior years. For many years Jim Mc Namara held the National records for the M40 1500m, M45 1,500, the M50 5000m and 10,000m.
Donore Harriers continue to excel at the master level. Barbara Cleary and Sorcha Loughnane have set national records in the F45 and F50 categories. Sorcha also holds the national and world record for the 50K distance in her age group, showcasing the club's enduring talent and dedication.
Ann Woodlock is currently the world indoor champion over 3000m in F80 category, These athletes and many others who have achieved great successes at master level. They showcase the club's enduring talent and dedication (Photo, Sorcha Loughnane)
Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield
The Waterhouse Byrne Baird Shield was presented to Donore Harriers in 1896. by Messrs Waterhouse and Co Jewellers. The Shield was awarded to the winner of the 10 mile handicap race and was confined to club members only. The date fixed for the race was the 26th December. The race was originally held in a course in Meadowbrook Dundrum but since 1934 it has been held in the Phoenix Park. The course changed in the following years but in recent memory has consisted of 5 laps of a two mile course starting and finishing at the dog pond.
The rule of the club stated that a three time winner of the shield can keep it and two runners Paddy Byrne and Davy Baird have achieved this. Davy Baird had his third win in the race in 1937 and presented the Shield back to the club where it has been awarded every year to the winner since. The rules are the same to this day but nobody has been a three time winner since.
It is a very historical race in the Donore calender and is the only race of its kind in the country. Olympians, internationals and all levels of runners have competed in this race and won it too!. if the handicappers gets it right everyone had a chance of winning, it is a race that is not over until the winner is over that finish line.
Legacy and Dedication
Throughout its history, Donore Harriers has thrived thanks to the commitment of its athletes, coaches, and officers. Its juvenile section is a testament to this legacy, with dedicated coaches fostering young talent across a variety of events. Today, Donore Harriers remains a beacon of athletic excellence in Ireland, building on its proud tradition while looking toward a bright future.