Race report: Cooper/Lawler Plate 5000m: On Thursday evening 21st August 20205 the 2025 Grand Prix Series featured the Cooper/Lawler Plate 5000m in Morton Stadium. The weather conditions were ideal for running.
To accommodate the large entry two 5000m races were held.
5000m Race 1
Maurice Ahern got the first race under way at 8pm. 16 runners keenly contested this race. From the start Niall Sherlock set off at a blistering pace closely followed by Ray Dunne. As the race progressed Niall and Ray stretched their lead. The battle for third place was between David Connolly and David Mullen. With four laps to go Niall stretched his lead which he maintained to the finish line in a time of 00:17:12. Ray Dunne finished second in 00:17:27. In the battle for third David Mullen got the upper hand over David Connolly in a time of 00:18:01. Rachel McFadden ran an excellent race to claim fifth spot with a time of 00:18:47.
5000m Race 2
A total of 20 runners took part in the second 5000m race. As in the first race two runners took an early lead from the pack. Philip Matthews took out the early pace closely followed by Diarmuid Doyle. There were several exciting battles for places throughout this race. The third-place battle was intriguing. Sean Grimes, Philip Richards and Bren Pollard were all in contention. However, the upfront battle saw Philip Matthews come home in first place on 00:20:48. Putting in a brave battle Diarmuid Doyle was second on 00:21:02. Sean Grimes got the better of Philip and Bren crossing the line in third place in 00:21:19.
Grand Prix result
In the Grand Prix event all the top three runners came from the second race. In first place was Fionnuala Smith who originally joined the Clonliffe Fit4Life Group. It is great to see this type of progression in the Club. In second place was the ever-popular Evelyn Brennan. In third place was Lynsey Byrne who also progressed from the Clonliffe Fit4Life Group. At the post-race reception Jason Kernan, last year’s winner, was on hand to present the prizes. A delighted Fionnuala Smith was presented with the Cooper/Lawler Plate by Jason Byrne.
Cooper/Lawler Plate GP Result
- Fionnuala Smith – 66 points
- Evelyn Byrne – 65 points
- Lynsey Byrne – 64 points
Prior to the post race reception, a minute’s silence was observed following the passing of Peter Bissett’s mother Teresa Bissett RIP. The Club offers its sincere condolences to Peter at this difficult time.
Many thanks to all who competed, those who officiated and provided post-race refreshments.
Next Grand Prix race – Joe Cooper Memorial “Night of Miles”
This is a special event being organised in conjunction with the Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series. The event will celebrate the legacy of the legendary Clonliffe Captain Joe Cooper and takes place on Thursday 4th September 2025 commencing at 8pm. Several mile races will be held on the night. These races are open to all Clonliffe athletes.
TO REGISTER
Text WhatsApp or Email
Pamela Cooper
086 1503015
Registration closes on Thursday, August 28th