The second annual Joe Cooper Memorial Night of Miles took place in Morton Stadium on Thursday evening 3 September 2026. The conditions were particularly challenging with all the races taking place in a heavy downpour. Nevertheless, this did not deaden the enthusiasm of the Clonliffe faithful who turned out in large numbers to compete, officiate or spectate. The fact that Efrem Gidey was lending his support in memory of Joe Cooper also enhanced the occasion. A total of six-mile races were held to accommodate the large entry.
MILE RACE REPORTS
MILE RACE 1
The evening got underway at 7.45pm with the starter for the evening Maurice Ahern calling the 10 entrants for the first mile race to the start line. It was clear from an early stage that three athletes would dominate the top three places. Dylan Gaynor had a commanding lead which he maintained and won in 0:06:35. Orla Deighan put in a strong performance to come second in 0:06:54. Running a steady race, Trevor Wisdom came third in 0:07:06. It is notable that the winner of the Grand Prix came from this race, namely Dylan Gaynor.
MILE RACE 2
The second race of the night was eagerly awaited. The race attracted fifteen athletes. From the outset, Sean Carrig, who had a great track season, set the early pace. It was clear as the race progressed that Sean had settled into top gear and had a commanding lead. Meanwhile the battle for second and third was proving to be very competitive. Sean O’Leary, making a welcome return to the track, was running strongly. Colm Rooney fresh from breaking numerous running records over the past few months, was close behind. Lee Duddy was having a competitive run followed closely by a solid performance from Niall Sherlock. Taking the bell Sean Carrig was flying and coming up the finishing straight he powered across the line, finishing first, in the fastest time of the night 0:04:31. Sean O’ Leary held second place posting a time of 0:04:45. Colm Rooney crossed the finish line in third in 0:04:46
MILE RACE 3
Fourteen runners took part in the third race of the night. This proved to be a very competitive race. Brian O ‘Reilly took an early commanding lead in this race. In second place Mark O’Sullivan was making steady progress in second place. Further back there was a royal battle between Peter Bissett, Dara Peyton, David Connolly and Fergal O’Shea. As the runners came into the finishing straight Mark O’Sullivan was continuing to gain on Brian O’Reilly however Brian had the stamina to hold on to first place winning in 0:05:21. Mark was in second place in 0:05:23 and a strong finishing Peter Bissett claimed third in 0:05:27. Also of note in this race Alannah Cooley held off the challenge of her two training partners Niamh Kelly Laura Tuite to post a time of 0:05:38.
MILE RACE 4
Race four proved to be another exciting race with ten competitors. This race belonged to Chloe Halpin who ran an outstanding race right from the start. She was followed by Robbie Burns, Philip O Doherty and Noel Cullen all chasing a podium finish. At the bell it was clear that this would be Chloe’s night and sure enough she stormed down the finishing straight finishing first in 0:05:32 the fastest women’s time of the night. Robbie Burns, finishing strong, claimed second place in 0:05:41. Philip O’Doherty had an outstanding race dashing to the finish in a record time for the mile for his age group of 0:05:44.
MILE RACE 5
In the fifth and penultimate mile race, a further ten runners took to the start line. The contenders for the top spots in this race were Alex Eustace, Fran McEntee, Peggi Allen and Ella O’Sullivan. In the driving rain it was Alex Eustace who took the early lead. Fran McEntee was giving his all in second place. A young Ella O’Sullivan was having a brave run with Peggi Allen in hot pursuit. At the bell Alex Eustace had the edge over Fran McEntee. Alex maintained this lead to the finish winning in a time of 0:06:03. Fran finished a close second in 0:06:09. Peggi Allen claimed third place in 0:06:13 with a brave run by Ella finishing fourth in 0.06:19
MILE RACE 6
In the final Mile race of the night, nine competitors braved the elements to take their place on the start line. As the race got under way, five runners were in contention for podium places; Declan Grant, James McDaid, Philip Richards, Peter Cahill and Dave Reilly. As it transpired, this was the order that they finished. Declan Grant showing great composure powered to the finish in a time of 0:06:22. An equally strong performance saw James McDaid come home in second place in 0:06:27. There was a very close battle for third place with Philip Richards holding off Peter Cahill in a time of 0:06:31. Maura Matthews had the best women’s time in this race 0:06:46.
FULL Results:
Grand prix result – Dylan Gaynor wins the Joe Cooper Memorial Cup
The Joe Cooper Memorial Miles also featured Round 12 of the 2026 Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series. This event was kindly sponsored by the Cooper Family. A wonderful trophy has been commissioned by the family for the winner of this Grand Prix Race.
There was a wonderful turnout of Members of the Grand Prix for this 12th event. Despite the heavy downpour, there were some exciting races and outstanding performances from all the competitors.
The winner, on this occasion, of the second Joe Cooper Memorial GP Mile was Dylan Gaynor making his competitive debut in the Series. Dylan’s winning time was 0:06:35. In second place was Brian O’Reilly. In third place was Robbie Burns.
Congratulations to all three.
1 Dylan Gaynor – 66 points
2 Brian O’Reilly – 65 points
3 Robbie Burns – 64 points
POST RACE RECEPTION
The Clonliffe Club House was packed to capacity for the post-race prize giving. There was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere as members and friends waited for the results to be announced.
Prior to the prize giving the opportunity was taken to recall the great contribution the late Joe Cooper made to Clonliffe Harriers. Joe enjoyed unprecedented success in numerous athletic competitions. He was a wonderful mentor and coach and acknowledged as such by his peers.
Its a wonderful testament to his memory that despite the heavy downpour so many athletes waited for their turn in the rain to compete in the six separate miles over a one-hour period. He has left a lasting legacy for Clonliffe Harriers which we will treasure for years to come. Joe’s family continues his good work making and an outstanding contribution to Clonliffe Harriers.
Prize giving presentations
Sean Carrig was presented with the fastest men’s time of the night. Chloe Heaslip had the fastest time women’s time; her prize was accepted on her behalf by Noel Guidan.
Declan Grant accepted the wonderful Joe Cooper Memorial Cup on behalf of Dylan Gaynor. Brian O’Reilly and Robbie Burns were presented with their prizes.
The Cooper Family were thanked for sponsoring tonight’s event.
Many thanks to all those volunteers who officiated on the night and to Gladys and Family, Paddy, and Tom for the post-race refreshments.
The Club also got the opportunity to make a special presentation to Sean Callan who has given outstanding service to Clonliffe Harriers since the early 1980s. Sean was made a life member of Clonliffe Harriers last year for his services to the Club.
Next Grand Prix Race
The O’Connor Cup is scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2026 on the Morton track. There is a likelihood that this will now take place either on Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 September off track. The exact date will be confirmed shortly.