Race report – Frank White 5 Mile – Easter Sunday 5th April 2026
The 2026 Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix finally got under way on Sunday morning 5th April 2026. To accommodate the large entry for the Frank White 5 Miles, two 5-mile races were held on the famous Morton Stadium track. Thankfully, Storm David had passed away during the night and the weather greeting runners as they arrived was bright and breezy with sunny spells.
First 5 Mile Race
Some 23 runners competed in the first 5 miles. They were sent on their way by Maurice Ahern at 9.30am. Sean Doran took the lead from the start and maintained this position throughout the race. Sean crossed the line in 0:27:53. Ray Dunne ran a steady race coming home in second place in 0:28:43. Matt Gritz had a fine run finishing third in 0:29:09. Peigi Allen put in strong performance finishing in 0:34:37 and Aisling Andrews finished in 0:36:12.
Second 5 Mile Race
A total of 27 runners competed in the second 5-mile race. This race saw the welcome return to the Morton track of two great Clonliffe stalwarts Gerry Brady and Noel Cullen. Stephen Doyle proved the kingpin in this race finishing first in 0:34:34. Noel Cullen put in strong performance coming home second in 0:35:01. Philip Matthews running his first GP race as a Clonliffe Harrier was third in 0:35:16. Aideen O Connor gave the best inspirational performance of the day, finishing fifth in 0:36:31. Rachel Eustace was second woman home in 0:36:41. Maura Matthews was third in 0:37:28.
Grand Prix Result
In a wonderful start to the GP Series, many runners were in contention for the top three places. While it is early days in the season, many of the performances auger well for upcoming competitions. On this occasion, the deserved winner of the 2026 Frank White 5 Miles is Anne Lyons. In second place is Lisa Grant and in third place is Shane Rooney.
At the post-race reception Tom Griffin, race sponsor, presented Anne, Lisa and Shane with the respective prizes. Anne also received the Frank White Trophy. Congratulations to all three. A big thank you to Tom Griffin for sponsoring the race prizes.
Finally, the GP Committee would like to thank all the runners who took part today. A big thank you to those who gave of their time to assist and officiate at the race:
Check in: Pamela Cooper and Emma Byrne
Race officials: Stephen Bateson, Paddy Marley, Derek Reilly, Martin Treacy, Ben Lawler, Declan Hedrington, Maurice Ahern, Ross Ringwood, Alan Ryan, David Doran, and Liam Hennessy.
Race Video: Dylan Tanner
Upcoming Grand Prix Races
Thursday 23th April – McDonald Cup 4 Mile – Morton Stadium 8pm
Wednesday 6th May – 135th Clonliffe 2 Mile – Glasnevin 7.45pm
Full results: