On Thursday evening 7th August 2025 the Pat O Hara Memorial Cup was held in Morton Stadium. Every year this race attracts a very strong entry, and this year was no exception. To accommodate the entry two 3000m races were held. While the weather was dry it was a little on the chilly side.
The Pat O’Hara Memorial Cup is held in honor of a great servant of Clonliffe Harriers who was Club Captain in 1949. The race this year was particularly special as one of Pat’s daughters Joan came all the way from Chicago to present the Memorial Cup.
3000m race 1
The first race of the night was started by Peter McDermott at 8pm. A strong field of twenty-five runners took part. After two laps it was clear that three runners would contest the top three places. Niall Sherlock ran a determined race and came home first in a time of 00:09:48. Running an equally determined race and in second place was Mick McMahon with a time of 00:09:50. And in third place running a stormer was James Dunne coming home in 00:09:51. James’s performance on the night resulted in him winning the handicap and the Pat O’Hara Memorial Cup.
3000m Race 2
The second race got underway at 8.18pm. From the start Sean Grimes took the lead and he maintained this throughout the race. His winning time was 00:12:27. There was an exciting battle for second and third place with Mel Curran, Dave Doran and Paula Prunty battling it out. As the race entered its final laps Paula Prunty proved the strongest coming home second in 00:12:50 with Dave Doran taking third in a time of 00:12:55.
Grand Prix Result
At the post-race reception, a delighted James Dunne was presented with the Pat O Hara Memorial Cup by Pat’s daughter Joan accompanied by race sponsor Declan Hetherington. In second place was Niall Sherlock and in third was last year’s winner Sean Grimes. Declan Hetherington presented each athlete with their Grand Prix prize. The Grand Prix Committee are very grateful to Declan Hetherington for his continued sponsorship of this event.
First three in Grand Prix
- James Dunne. – 66 Points
- Nial Sherlock – 65 Points
- Sean Grimes – 64 Points
The Grand Prix Committee were delighted to see so many representatives of Pat O Hara’s family in attendance for both the race and the prize giving ceremony.
Clonliffe Harriers were delighted to welcome Joan, Pat O’Hara’s daughter and twin sister of the late Janice Hetherington, who came all the way from Chicago for this race.
It was fitting to have Joan in attendance, as Janice was an enthusiastic supporter of this athletic event.
Many other family members were in attendance including Declan’s daughter Ciara, cousin Ann and some enthusiastic great grandchildren of Pat O’Hara.
Many thanks to all who participated, those who officiated and provided the post-race refreshments.
Upcoming races
Thursday 21st August 8pm – Cooper Lawler Place – Sponsor: Shane Rooney & Co
Thursday 4th September 8pm – Joe Cooper Mile – Sponsor: Cooper Family