The Pat O’Hara Memorial 3000m was held in Morton Stadium on Thursday evening 6 August 2026. This is an extremely popular event and attracted 43 runners. This race is held in memory of a great servant of Clonliffe Harriers, Pat O’Hara who was Club Captain in 1949. Pat had a distinguished running career with the club through the 1930s and 1940s, winning multiple road and cross-country events. The Club was delighted to see members of Pat’s family in attendance for this Memorial race including his sister Pat.
Race 1 – 3000m
Maurice Ahern got the first 3000m underway at 8pm with 20 runners competing. Matt Glitz set the early pace followed closely by Ray Dunne. Matt eventually crossed the line first in 00:09:02 with Ray in second place in 0:09:51. Dara Peyton had a fine run to come third in 0:10:36. Rachel McFadden had the fastest women’s time of 0:10.57.
Race 2 – 3000m
In the second race 23 runners went to post. Brian O’Reilly took the lead from the start and running consistent laps finished first in 0:10:38. There was a great battle between Aideen O’Connor and Ger Walsh for second place. However, it was Aideen who claimed second in 0:12:23 followed closely in third by Ger Walsh in 0:12:27.
Full results:
Grand Prix Result – Noel Cullen winner
This 3000m Grand Prix event was a highly competitive one this year. When all the results were tallied, the deserving winner on the night was Noel Cullen. This is Noel’s first season in the Grand Prix and a well-deserved win. Having an equally fine season in second place was Rachel McFadden. In third place also a newcomer was Mike Quigley.
- Noel Cullen – 66 points
- Rachel McFadden 65 points
- Mike Quigley – 64 points
Post race reception
At the post-race reception, Declan Heatherington, the race sponsor, presented the winning prizes. The Grand Prix Committee is grateful to Declan for his continued sponsorship of this memorial race. The Memorial Cup was presented to Noel Cullen by Pat O’Hara’s daughter, Pat.
Upcoming races
Thursday 20th August 8pm – Cooper Lawler Plate – Sponsor: Shane Rooney & Co
Thursday 3rd September 8pm – Joe Cooper Mile – Sponsor: Cooper Family