Race Report: Irwin Cup 6km Cross Country Race. Trinity Sports Ground – Saturday 7th November 2026
Race sponsor – Jean and Paul Dunne
The Irwin Cup took place yesterday, Saturday 7th November 2026, with a total of 32 runners completed the 6km course. The course was in excellent condition, and the weather was ideal for cross country running. The race itself consisted of 6 laps of the perimeter of the Trinity Sports Ground. This race has established itself as a long-standing club tradition and has continued annually for more than 90 years as the Irwin Cup.
As the 2026 Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series comes to a close, this race was keenly contested. The excitement was heightened as runners were advised of the current top 20 athletes prior to the start.
From the get-go Ray Dunne set the early pace completing the first lap in under 4 minutes. In close pursuit was James Dunne competing in his first race in the current Series. Running a fine race and fresh from his exploits in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon was Brian O’Reilly. Dara Peyton and David Murphy were also running strongly. As the race progressed Ray Dunne maintained his lead and came home first in a time of 0:23:41. James Dunne finished second in 0:23:57. Brian O’Reilly was third in 0:25:00.
In the women’s race, Peigi Allen took the lead from the start. Maura Matthews settled comfortably into second place and Aimee Ahern was running a consistent race in third place. Clodagh Moriarty and Siobhan McCarthy were holding fourth and fifth place respectively. Peigi Allen maintained her lead crossing the line in 0:30:05. Maura Matthews was second woman home in 0:31:19. Aimee Ahern completed the course in third place, posting a time of 0:31:40.
Grand Prix Result – Brian O’Reilly wins Irwin Cup
When the race was completed runners were anxiously waiting for the post-race prize giving and to discover who would lift the Irwin Cup. When the result was finalised this year’s winner was Brian O’Reilly. In second place was Aimee Ahern and in third place was Robbie Burns.
Brian O’Reilly – 66 points
Aimee Ahern – 65 points
Robbie Burns – 64 points
Congratulations to all three.
At the post-race prize giving Jean and Paul Dunne, race sponsors, presented the Grand Prizes.
Clonliffe Harriers would like to thank the staff of Trinity Sports for permission to use the Santry facility. A big thank you to Jean and Paul Dunne, to all who took part and those who officiated.
Results:
Next Race
The final race in the 2026 Grand Prix Series is scheduled to take place on Saturday 21 November 2026 at 10:00 a.m. In the Trinity Sports Ground. This is the Horan Cup and is a 6-mile cross county event.