It is with a great sense of sadness that we to-day mourn the passing of lifelong Clonliffian Frazer Walker.
Frazer was the last link of the Walker family who have had a direct association with the club since his grandfather George Frazer Walker joined in 1893, just 7 years after our foundation. Frazer had 4 uncles who all competed in the famous black and amber singlet. Indeed 3 of these Wasps were on the Clonliffe team which won the 1925 Senior Inter Clubs CC Championship. George and Charles were also members of the Irish team which finished second to England in the World CC race at Baldoyle, also in 1925.
Just like his forebearers, Frazer continued the remarkable Walker family record, and was on the team which took gold at the 1953 National Senior Championships. He was also on the Irish team at the World CC in 1955 and 1958.
However it was as a marathon runner that he made his greatest impact. Frazer was crowned Irish Marathon Champion on no fewer than 3 occasions when he won gold in 1957, 1958 and 1959.
When his active career ended Frazer continued to be a regular attendee at club events and every summer he looked forward to renewing friendships with his fellow club members at the National T&F championships in Santry.
His family’s long connection was permanently bound up with Clonliffe Harriers when they presented the Walker Cup, to be competed for in a four mile track race, to the club in 1966.
Frazer was one of the last direct links with the legendary club committee, who, under the leadership of Billy Morton, purchased the land and built the stadium which is now the home of Clonliffe Harriers. His passing also brings to an end the longest single family connection with the club, stretching back 122 years.
May he rest in peace.
Nil Desperandum.
Dominic Branigan.
Funeral arrangements:
(Kilnamanagh Road, late of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs and lifelong member of Clonliffe Harriers) (peacefully) at T.L.C Centre, Citywest beloved husband of the late Nuala and loving father of Brian, monica, Gerard and Maria; sadly missed by his loving sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, sisters, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. Reposing at T.LC. Centre, Citywest today (Friday) from 4 o’c. to 7 o’c. Funeral tomorrow (Saturday) after 10 o’c. Mass in Church of the Assumption, Walkinstown to Mount Jerome Cemetery. Enquiries to Brian McElroy’s Funeral Directors, Crumlin Village Ph. 4559101.