After a couple of away fixtures the Clonliffe Grand Prix Series returns to Santry on Thursday night, July 2nd for the half way point in the 2015 Series. Round 9 of 16, The O`Connor Cup, a 4 mile grass race in Santry Demesne.
The O`Connor Cup, traditionally a cross country race, but in recent years, became a Summer grass race in Santry Demesne. The O`Connor Cup is one of the long standing Clonliffe club races and is one of the jewels in the crown of the Grand Prix Series, having been part of the series since it`s inception over ten years ago. The O`Connor Cup was presented to the club by JJ O`Connor who in the late 1920s and early 1930s dominated Irish Cross Country running. He was National champion on four occasions, with several different clubs, but was clad in the black and amber when he won the Nationals in Thurles in 1935. Monday`s race is a 4 miler.
Things are finely balanced at the top of the leaderbord with Brian McCann holding the edge over Niall Markey with a two point advantage, 203 to 205, 3rd place is a three way tie between Sean Doran, Emma Dunne and Kevin Dowling on 182. No doubt all will change on Thursday!