Sherlock fastest in Grand Prix 3000 plus McDonald Cup presentation

Despite the fact that Sunday is the first day of Summer last night was a stark reminder that Winter still lurks in the shadows as a bitterly cold night greeted the Grand Prixers on the Morton Stadium track. The 3000m Grand Prix race attracted no less than 62 athletes meaning that three races were required. The race was generously sponsored by the Yohanan/Hetherington family who also introduced the Paddy O`Hara Memorial Cup, to be presented to the winner of the handicap in a few weeks time. Paddy O`Hara was a former Clonliffe athlete in the 1930s and 40s and was Club Captain in 1949 and his daughter Janice was present to witness the special occasion.

Fastest man on the night was Tom Sherlock who skipped around around the 7.5 laps making light of the conditions in a nippy 9.19, 2nd was T. Touhy 9.24 and Sean Doran 1 second in arrears in 9.25. Of the ladies fastest in 11.19 was Louise Caraher, 2nd Ciara Peelo 11.34 and 3rd Maura Matthews 11.50.

In the club bar post race the President of Clonliffe Harriers made the presentation of the McDonald Cup (held two weeks ago and sponsored by Trevor Wisdom) to the winner of the handicap Kevin Dowling, 2nd in that handicap was Evelyn Brennan and 3rd Emma Dunne.

Next up in the Series is round 4 incorporated in the 125th Clonliffe 2 on May 10th.

McDonald Cup 16

(pictured) P.Marley presents McDonald Cup to K. Dowling