Today’s Brother schools cross country, promoted and hosted by Clonliffe Harriers, drew record numbers to Trinity sports grounds in Santry with over 1800 young athletes enjoying a brilliant day’s sport. The event continues to grow in stature with the numbers taking part, particularly in the primary school programme, a joy to behold. Today was a day to gladden the heart and feed the soul. Young athletes doing the most natural thing known – running on grass and giving it their very best.
Despite the deluge that drowned North Dublin all yesterday evening and overnight today was a brilliant autumnal day, with warm sunshine and simply superb underfoot conditions on the beautiful green surface that is in Trinity sports grounds.
The Clonliffe crew swung into action at 1st light laying out an excellent cross country course in record time, two loops – 500 M and the long lap of 1000 M.
From the time the 1st primary schools arrived at around 11 AM the excited buzz was infectious, hundreds of boys and girls creating a brilliant running festival. These youngsters once racing got underway cheered every single runner home, regardless of whether those runners were 1st or 201st.
The numbers in the primary school races were amazing, generally between 170 and 210 youngsters. Every race start was like the charge of the light Brigade, tearing away from the line and heading towards the tress, those who remained calm came through, others who had gotten caught up in the excitement probably went off a little bit too hard but all clearly enjoyed the outing in Santry. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
To pick out individuals would be a little unfair for the day that was in it, every single youngster was a credit to their schools, their families and themselves.
On the team front it was notable that today there was a greater spread of winning teams, rather than one school dominating proceedings. In the primary school girls it was St Fiachras that topped the charts and courtesy of team wins in both the 4th and 5th class races took the plaudits as best overall girls primary school.
Likewise in the primary school boys races it was notable that there were 3 different schools winning each team race however it was the boys from Belgrove courtesy of finishing 3rd in the 4th class race and 1st in the 6 class race that won best overall boys primary school.
With the primary school races concluded things got a little calmer for the hard-working results team, although there was still huge numbers in the boys and girls secondary school minor races. As always the way as the age groups got older unfortunately numbers thinned out.
Once again there was a good spread of winning teams however with Newbridge College winning 2 team events: minor and intermediate they took best overall girls secondary school.
Things were a little more clear-cut in the secondary school boys. Fittingly, having recently lost Rory Friel, RIP, it was the boys from St Colman’s College who took best overall boys secondary school courtesy of team wins in the minor and junior races and a 2nd place in the intermediates race. St Colman’s were also best overall school.
Results:
Clonliffe Harriers would like to sincerely thank Trinity College Dublin, an Garda Siochana and St John’s ambulance, as without them this magnificent event could not take place, and of course our loyal and brilliant sponsor Brother, who have been with us now for some 16 years. Clonliffe Harriers would like to thank all the schools, the teachers and in particular the youngsters for a truly brilliant day. It was so good that we plan to do it all over again on October 7 of 2026 – put that date in your diary!
Photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvZiC