Thursday evening 22nd May 2025 saw the most exciting race to date in the current Grand Prix Series with the holding of the Mick Murphy Memorial 5 mile. This Memorial race commemorates one of Clonliffe’s outstanding young athletes whose life was cut short tragically in the United States in the early 1980s. The weather gods were kind again even though it was surprisingly cool in the shade.
The race got under way at 8pm with Ciara Faherty going off scratch. Ciara was followed by further 59 other athletes. The final athlete, Sean Doran, had to wait for 20 minutes and 10 seconds before he could start his 5 mile circuit.
At the halfway stage the race was still wide open, the hallmark of a well-crafted handicap. The race officials were predicting multiple winners as many numbers of athletes were still in contention. Just on 41 minutes the first athlete came into view, and it was none other than Ciara O’Regan, Lady Captain, Clonliffe Harriers.
With 300 meters to go Ciara held onto to her lead and finished strongly in first place. In second place some 12 seconds later was Alan Ryan and in third place a further 4 seconds later was Anthony O’Brien. Congratulations to Ciara, Alan and Anthony.
Race Sponsor
Many thanks to Clodagh Moriarty the sponsor of this year’s Mick Murphy Memorial 5 Mile.
Grand Prix Result – Top 3 prize winners
- Ciara O Regan – 66 points
- Alan Ryan – 65 points
- Anthony O’Brien 64 point
Fastest times on the night
Sean Doran – 25:06
Rachel McFadden – 31:02
Course record
Rachel McFadden’s time of 31:02 is a course record for this 5 mile course. The previous course record was held by Bernadette Kiernan 31:30 on 5th June 2014. Congratulations to Rachel.
Results:
Prize giving
The post-race prize giving took place in Malahide Cricket Clubhouse. Clonliffe Harriers would like to thank Fran Reynolds(Chair) for his warm welcome and the use of Malahide Cricket Club . This was the 43rd year that this wonderful venue was used for the post race presentation,
Ciara, Alan and Anthony were presented with their prizes by race sponsor Clodagh Moriarty.
Rachel McFadden was presented with a prize for breaking the course record for her performance in the recent McCarrick Shield 2.5 mile.
Many thanks to those who officiated at the start and finish, those who marshalled the course and to Pamela Cooper for organising the welcome post-race refreshments.
Next race – O’Connor Cup 4 Mile
The O’Connor Cup 4 Mile on the grass is scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th May at 8pm in Trinity College Sports Grounds, Santry Avenue, Dublin 9. Athletes are asked to check in at the Grounds prior to the race.