The Clonliffe Harriers cake race and awards presentation took place yesterday, December 20. Youth certainly won the day in Santry Park.
As per the long established tradition the cake race was run on an open handicap basis. There was a field of 55 that assembled just before dusk at the monument in Santry Park, the first athlete released was Yvonne McDonagh, with the field being sent underway in accordance with the handicaps right down to the scratch man Colm Rooney who started some 5 and 1/2 minutes later. The race distance was approximately 2 miles – 3 x 1 K plus laps, was a great sight to see the runners spread out across the entirety of the lap, heading into the final lap the advantage was held by Gareth Enright however Mick Fogerty’s gang of 4 were bearing down at a rate of knots and at the finish youth prevailed as Dominic Vaitulionis took the win. First Lady was also one of the junior athletes Lucy McFetridge who finished 7th overall. Gareth Enright was rewarded in 5th place by being the 1st master man, Jenny Johnston in 15th was the 1st master woman and in the senior ranks Paul Keenan was 1st man with Ailbhe Morgan 1st woman.
Fastest man with a time of 9.25 was Colm Rooney and fastest woman was Lorraine O’Connor (11.06).
Results:
There was a great turnout of officials to assist and spectators, sincere thanks to all for supporting.
The presentation took place in the clubhouse later that evening, women’s captain Ciara O’Regan made the presentation of cakes to the 6 winners and to the fastest man and fastest woman. Spot prizes was next on the agenda with almost every 2nd competitor in the race getting a prize!
Following the cake race presentation Noel Guiden, club captain, outlined the key performances by the club’s teams and athletes over the course of 2025, he thanked the athletes for their dedication and paid tribute club’s coaches for their outstanding work. The club president Mick Kearney made the presentation to the clubs athletes of the year:
Junior athlete of the year – Sean Cronin.
Master athlete of the year – Edel Maguire.
Women’s road/cross country athlete of the year – Helena Butterly.
Men’s road/cross country athlete of the year – Efrem Gidey.
Women’s track and field athlete of the year – Grace Casey.
Men’s track and field athlete of the year – Cathal Doyle.
The Harrier of the year – Colm Rooney
The president then made two special presentations, the first to Brian Gregan, in absentia, to mark his retirement from competition after a brilliant career with Clonliffe. The second special presentation for outstanding services to Clonliffe Harriers in 2025 was made to Eugenia and Stephen Bateson.
It was a another great Clonliffe club night in the clubhouse, was great to have so many of our members in attendance and in particular those home from overseas for Christmas holidays: Emer Treacy, Eoin Taggart, Sean Cronin and Liam Roarty.
