Race report: Horan Cup – Sunday 30 November 2025. Morton Stadium Santry. Race sponsors: Jean Dunne, Mary Purdue Smith, Deirdre Fitzsimons
The 2025 Grand Prix Series concluded on Sunday 30 November 2025 with the holding of the Horan Cup. Due to circumstances outside our control, it was not possible to hold the traditional cross country associated with the Horan Cup. Instead, this year’s event was featured a 5k on the famous Morton Stadium track. While the weather has been generally kind with this year’s Series, the race start was delayed by 30 minutes due to icy conditions on the track.
Immediately prior to the start, a minute’s silence was observed for Brendan Pollard’s mother Marie and John McGuigan, both of whom passed away during the week. It was great to see Brendan competing in the race as well as members of John McGuigan’s family. John competed for Clonliffe in the 1940s. He won the Clonliffe 2 miles in 1947, 48 and 49. He set a course record in 1948, a time of 0:08:24, a record that still stands.
27 runners set off on the 12 ½ laps at 10.30am. Right from the start, Sean Doran took the lead. Sean won every Grand Prix race he competed in this year, and he was determined to ensure this race was no different. Sean finally crossed the line in first place in a time of 15:41. The first woman home was Paula Prunty who ran an excellent race in a PB time of 21:55.
Paula Prunty Wins Horan Cup
The winner of the Horan Cup for 2025 was Paula Prunty. Her time of 21:55, a PB, gave her first place in the race handicap. In second place was Sean Doran in 15:41 and third place went to Francis McEntee in 20:40. Congratulations to all three.
- Paula Prunty – 66 points
- Sean Doran – 65 points
- Francis McEntee – 64 points
A big thank you to our race sponsors, Deirdre Fitzsimons, Jean Dunne and Mary Purdue Smith.
Many thanks to all who competed, those who officiated and Pamela Cooper and Paddy Tuite for the post-race reception.
Results:
Grand Prix Presentation 2025
The Grand Prix Presentation night takes place this Saturday 6th December 2025 in the Clonliffe Club House from 7pm. The prize giving will commence at 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
The Grand Prix Series for 2025 has now concluded. The Series featuring 17 races commenced in March 2025 and concluded in November 2025. The Grand Prix Committee would like to thank
- All who participated in the Series
- All who sponsored GP races
- All who officiated at each race and those who provided the post-race refreshments.
- Clonliffe coaches and athletes who facilitated the use of Morton Stadium
- DCU staff in Morton Stadium
- Trinity College Sports Ground Staff