The Clonliffe faithful came out in strength on Thursday evening 4th September 2025, the occasion the inaugural Joe Cooper Memorial Miles in Morton Stadium. The weather gods were kind with ideal conditions for this unique Mile event. There was a large entry, some 86 athletes, necessitating the staging of five separate mile races. The excitement was building from 7pm as athletes arrived for the check in. A mile race is always a great test of fitness, and some wonderful battles were to take place over the five mile races. The stage was set to honour the legacy of the late Joe Cooper.
Prize-winning performances
Joe Cooper Memorial Cup – Dave Connolly (Grand Prix winner)
Fastest Senior Man – Sean Doran
Fastest Senior Woman – Alannah Cooley
Fastest Junior Man – Matei Ursachi
MILE RACE REPORTS
MILE RACE 1
The evening got underway shortly before 8pm as Maurice Ahern called the field to the start line. It was clear from early on in this race that three athletes would dominate the top three places. Sean Carrig took out the early pace followed closely by Sean Doran with Steven Cashin in third place. However, as the race progressed Sean Doran’s ‘s turn of speed was the decisive factor as he came home in first place with the fastest time of the night 0:04:28. Sean Carrig was second in 0:04:33 with Stephen Cashin in third place in 0:04:34.
The first race also incorporated a Junior Mile. On the night it was Matei Ursachi who triumphed in a time of 0:04:49. In second place was Tom Breslin while in third was Lorcan Benjacar.
MILE RACE 2
This proved one of the most competitive races. Colm Rooney having missed his slot in the earlier race went to the line in this one. There were five athletes in contention throughout the race and these included Colm Rooney, Niall Sherlock, Arron Murray (Jnr), Aidan Benjacar (Jnr) and Cian Murray. Coming into the final straight it was anyone’s race. However, Colm found that vital gear to propel him over the line, in a time of 0:04:46. He was followed closely by Niall, Arron, Aidan and Cian all within a whisker of one another.
The fastest lady on the night also competed in this race. Alannah Cooley continuing her recent good form recorded the fastest time of 0:05:30 followed closely by Jess Gallagher.
MILE RACE 3
This was another fine race. The winner of this race was never in doubt. Jack Quinn (Jnr) ran a superb race and came home first in a time of 0:05:21. His fellow club mate Fiachra O’Donovan (Jnr) was second. There was a brave battle for third place between Dave Comiskey and Fergal O’Shea with Dave shading it at the line. Rachel McFadden continuing her good form came home in sixth place in 0:05:38. It was great to see Fergie Keenan making a welcome return to the track in this race.
MILE RACE 4
Nineteen runners competed in the fourth mile of the night. Katie Halpin had an outstanding run in this race winning in a time of 0:05:50. This was a strong individual performance. In second place was an impressive David Dineen. Also running a fine race and coming in third was Chloe Halpin. The ever-popular Philip Richards pipped Liam Ward for fourth place.
MILE RACE 5
Under bright floodlights eighteen runners took to the line in the final mile race of the night. Kieran Murphy ran an exceptionally strong race to finish in first place in a time of 0:06:16. Siobhan McCarthy had a superb run finishing in second place. And making a welcome return to the track running Jeremy Chapman put in a brave performance to finish third.
FULL Results:
Grand prix result – Dave Connolly wins the Joe Cooper Memorial Cup
The Joe Cooper Memorial Miles also featured Round 11 of the 2025 Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series. This event was kindly sponsored by the Cooper Family. A wonderful trophy was commissioned by them for the winner of this Grand Prix Race.
There was a large turnout of Members of the Grand Prix. Looking across the many mile races that took place there were many solid performances on the night.
The winner on this occasion of the inaugural Joe Cooper Memorial was Dave Connolly in a time of 0:05:22. In second place was Keith Lunders and in third place was Ger Walsh.
Congratulation to all three.
1 Dave Connolly – 66 points
2 Keith Lunders – 65 points
3 Ger Walsh – 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. Once Paddy Tuite got the mike ready the proceedings got underway.
Just before the formal prizegiving there was the opportunity to recall the great contribution the late Joe Cooper made to Clonliffe Harriers. Having been Club Captain for 18 years he enjoyed tremendous success in National Competitions both in Cross Country and in Track and Field. This inaugural event provided a fitting opportunity to recall the wonderful legacy he had left to Clonliffe Harriers. Joe would have been delighted with the number of athletes who competed in this inaugural mile event. He was a wonderful person, coach, mentor and athlete and it was appropriate to have an event of this kind to honor his memory.
Members of the Cooper Family who travelled specially for this event were warmly welcomed. They included Bernie (sister) and husband Richard from Cailfornia USA, Aileen (sister) and husband Dave from Wexford and James (brother) from Cavan. The Cooper Family were thanked for their contribution and for sponsoring tonight’s event.
Prize giving presentations
Sean Doran had the fastest men’s time on the night, and his prize was presented by Joe Cooper’s sister Aileen. Alannah Cooley had the fastest time, and she received her prize from Joe’s brother James.
In the Junior event the top three prizes were kindly sponsored by Peter McDermott. The top three were first Mateu Ursachi, in second Tom Breslin, and in third place was Lorcan Benjacar.
A delighted Dave Connolly, winner of the Grand Prix event, was presented with the wonderful Joe Cooper Memorial Cup by Gladys Cooper.
Many thanks to all those volunteers who officiated on the night and to Paddy and Dan in the Clubhouse. It was great to see so many Club Members in attendance.
Next Grand Prix Race
Pat Bonass 10k on the Track – Moron Stadium – 8pm Thursday 25 September 2025.