The fifth race in the current Grand Prix Series took place in Trinity Sports Grounds, Santry on Thursday evening 29th May 2025. This was a 4 Mile race on grass. The race took place during a heavy downpour, which was a significant change from the recent pleasant weather enjoyed for previous races.
JJ O’Connor Cup – an historic race
This race commemorates, JJ O’Connor one of Clonliffe Harriers greats from the 1930s and 1940s. In 1935, JJ O’Connor won the National Senior Cross Country title for Clonliffe, becoming the fifth athlete to do so. He also won the Dublin Cross Country title that year. JJ has the unique distinction of winning the National Cross-Country title with three different clubs, Limerick, Ferran and Clonliffe. In the 1940s the O’Connor Cup was presented to the club, a club cup that is still to this day competed for as part of the Clonliffe Grand Prix Series.
Clonliffe were delighted to welcome JJ’s son Joe O’Connor and grandson Dave O’Connor to this year’s race. Clonliffe Harriers are indebted to Joe O’Connor and his family for their generosity in recently presenting to the club a fantastic collection of medals, an Irish International vest, photographs and cups won by Joe’s father, JJ O’Connor in the 1930s and 40s.
Top finishers in 2025 JJ O’Connor Cup
Despite the inclement conditions there was a great turnout for this historical race. The race consisted of a short lap and then a full five laps of the perimeter of Trinity Sports Grounds. The early leaders were Niall Sherlock, Ray Dunne and James Dunne. Sean Doran who normally leads from the start was back in fourth place in the early laps taking what seemed a breather. However, as the race progressed Sean gradually worked his way to the front and retained that lead to finish in a time off 0:21:11. In second place was Niall Sherlock in 0:22:49 with Ray Dunne in third in 0:23:06.
The first woman home and running a fine race was Maura Matthews with a time of 0:28:29. Catherine Harvey, in close pursuit, was second in a time of 0:28:41 while Elaine McLoughlin was third in 0:29:05.
Grand Prix Result – JJ O’Connor Cup
Given the inclement conditions it required a great performance to get the better of the handicapper. On this occasion it was none other than Yvonne McDonagh who navigated the course to claim victory. Yvonne has become a specialist at winning this race as she triumphed on two previous occasions 2016 and 2017. In second place with another fine run was Catherine Dempsey. And in third place was the ever-young Colm Doran.
Top 3 Grand Prix prize winners
- Yvonne McDonagh – 66 points
- Catherine Dempsey – 65 points
- Colm Doran – 64 points
Fastest times on the night
Sean Doran – 0:21:11
Maura Matthews – 0:28:29
Full results:
Prize giving
Having overcome the inclement conditions runners and officials made their way to the Clonliffe Clubhouse for the post-race presentation. Paddy and Dan provided the welcome refreshments.
Clonliffe were delighted to have members of the O’Connor Family at the prize giving
George Maybury, the race sponsor presented the race prizes. Joe O’Connor joined George to present the JJ O’Connor Cup to a delighted Yvonne McDonagh.
George thanked all the runners who took part and the officials who organized the race. Given the historic nature of the JJ O’Connor Cup George recalled his own family connections with Clonliffe making particular reference to a George Maybury who competed in the 1908 London Olympics in the Triple Jump. A special word of thanks to Trinity Sport for the use of the Santry facility.
Next race
Thursday 5th June 2025 – 7:45 pm – 5000m combined Club Championship and Grand Prix