On Thursday 19th June 2025 the Richie Barr 800m Grand Prix event was held in Morton Stadium. This event attracted a strong field of 39 athletes and three separate races were held. Peter McDermott was on hand to start each race.
All the races were eagerly contested, however, when all the post-race calculations were completed, it was Darren Hart in a time of 02:47 who lifted the Richie Barr trophy. Putting in a strong performance to take second place in the Grand Prix and third in the actual race was Mel Curran (03:00). Completing the podium with an equally strong race was Fionnuala Smith (02:59) second in the actual race and third in the Grand Prix. All three winners came from the first race.
Result of Race 1
| Place | First name | Surname | Place |
| 1 | Darren | Hart | 0:02:47 |
| 2 | Fionnuala | Smith | 0:02:59 |
| 3 | Mel | Curran | 0:03:00 |
At the post-race reception, a delighted Darren Hart was presented with the Richie Barr Trophy by Maurice Ahern deputising for Richie Barr. Mel Curran and Fionnuala Smith were also present to receive their prizes. Congratulations to all three.
Many thanks again to all those who officiated and provided the post-race refreshments.
Top 3 in Grand Prix 800m
| GP Result | First name | Surname | Points |
| 1 | Darren | Hart | 66 |
| 2 | Mel | Curran | 65 |
| 3 | Fionnuala | Smith | 64 |
Highlights for Race 2
This race featured 12 runners. Shane Rooney was most impressive in this race competing the two laps in 02:33. In second place was Jerry O’Sullivan (02:36) with Philip Matthews (02:43) in third place. Paula Prunty was the fastest woman in this race with a time of 02:46.
Result of Race 2
| Place | First name | Surname | Time |
| 1 | Shane | Rooney | 0:02:33 |
| 2 | Jerry | O’Sullivan | 0:02:36 |
| 3 | Philip | Matthews | 0:02:43 |
Highlights for Race 3
This race with 13 runners provided the fastest time of the night. It also provided a fascinating battle between Lee Duddy and Sean Doran. Lee after the first lap opened a significant lead and despite a brave last lap by Sean it was Lee who claimed first place in a time of 02:05. Sean in close pursuit clocked 02:06 in second place. Keith Lunders was third with a time of 02:20. Aisling Andrews posted the fastest women’s time of the night 02:35.
Result of Race 3
| Place | First name | Surname | Time |
| 1 | Lee | Duddy | 0:02:05 |
| 2 | Sean | Doran | 0:02:06 |
| 3 | Keith | Lunders | 0:02:20 |
Fastest times – all in Race 3
| First name | Surname | Time |
| Lee | Duddy | 0:02:05 |
| Aisling | Andrews | 0:02:35 |
Race Sponsor
The Grand Prix Committee are very thankful to Richie Barr the race sponsor. His continuing sponsorship of this event is greatly appreciated.
Next Race
There is a break now until after the Morton Games. On Thursday July 17th the 1500m Byrne Cup (Ben Lawler sponsor) is scheduled to take place at 08:00pm in Morton Stadium.
Morton Games
We are now less than 3 weeks away from the Morton Games on July 11th, hosted and promoted by the club. This is the biggest annual date in the club calendar. We appeal to all members of the club to support this event by spreading the word, please help in promoting Morton Games amongst your friends, family and acquaintances. It really is a great night’s entertainment. We are also asking all club members, regardless of whether you are helping out on the night, to buy a ticket. This will assist with the costs of running the event, even if you don’t use the ticket yourself maybe you can pass it on to a friend to ensure a bumper crowd. The bigger the crowd, the better the atmosphere, the better the night. Tickets only cost €10 plus service fees, U/16’s free. This is, without a doubt, the best value in town. Link to purchasing tickets: https://eventmaster.ie/event/Dx4yFmAcJr