Race report: Walker Cup 4 Mile Track Race – Morton Stadium Santry. Sunday 18th October 2026. Sponsor: Philip Matthews
On Sunday morning the 18th of October 2026, the Walker Cup took place on a magnificent autumn day of bright skies, crisp air and ideal racing conditions. This was the 15th Race in the current GP Series, and 23 athletes competed.
Walker Cup – First three men and women
From the start Ray Dunne set off at a blistering pace on the 16 full laps plus 37 meters course. In second place and having a great season was Garret Enright. In third place and running a fine race was David Murphy followed closely by Fergal O’Shea. Maura Matthews was the leading woman as the race progressed followed by Clodagh Moriarty and Deirdre Fitzsimons. Lisa Grant was also having a fine run.
The first to get the bell for the last lap was Ray Dunne, and he completed the course in 0:22:55. Garret Enright crossed the line in 0:24:58 while David Murphy clocked 0:25:09. Maura Matthews running consistent laps finished in 0:30:01. Clodagh Moriarty finished in 0:30:14 while Deirdre Fitzsimons recorded a finishing time of 0:31:47.
Results:
Winner of Walker Cup – Declan Grant
As the Grand Prix is nearing an end for this year there was intense competition for valuable points. Given that this event is a sealed handicap, there was great excitement to see who would win the Walker Cup for 2026.
At the post-race prize giving there was a big cheer when the ever-popular Declan Grant was announced, by Liam Hennessy, as the winner of the sealed handicap and the Walker Cup. In second place was Clodagh Moriarty while third place was claimed by Deirdre Fitzsimons. Congratulations to all three The Walker Cup prizes were presented by Philip Matthews, the race sponsor.
- Declan Grant – 66 points
- Clodagh Moriarty – 65 points
- Deirdre Fitzsimons – 64 points
A big thank you to all who competed in the Walker Cup, to those who officiated and our sponsor Philip Matthews. A special thank you to Pamela and Leigh for the lovely post-race refreshments, especially the delicious croissants and Danish pastries which were hugely appreciated.
Final races in 2026 Grand Prix
There are now just two remaining races scheduled. Both of them are cross country races.
| Date | Day | Event | Distance | Location | Time |
| 7-Nov | Saturday | Irwin Cup | 6km | Trinity | 10:00 a.m. |
| 21-Nov | Saturday | Horan Cup | 6 Miles | Trinity | 10:00 a.m. |
| 5th Dec | Saturday | GP Gala Presentation Night | Clonliffe | Clubhouse | 19:00 |
Gala Presentation Night
The winners of this year’s Grand Prix will be announced at the Gala Presentation Night in the Clonliffe Harriers Club House on Saturday evening 5th December 2026 commencing at 7:00 p.m.