All posts in Brother Clonliffe Schools XC

It was one of those days to savour. The enthusiasm of youth hit Santry today like a tidal wave. A tidal wave of joy, endeavour and yes that three letter word fun. The Brother schools XC brought young athletes in their droves to Santry Demesne on a beautiful autumnal day. As the event continues to expand 2019 saw the introduction of an additional two races both for fourth class primary schools, the schools and athletes responded with huge numbers taking part in the primary schools section. It was also particularly pleasing to see not only our old friends but also new schools coming to Santry and giving their youngsters a fantastic introduction to the sport of cross-country running. Once again Santry Park was in excellent condition, the fact that buckets of rain had fallen on the venue most of last week was a well-kept secret as perfect underfoot conditions greeted the athletes.

The first event of the day was the fourth class girls primary school race with almost 100 starters. These young girls many of whom had never raced, yet alone raced on the country, previously and all tackled the 1000m course like veterans with the pack led home by Rosie Stafford of Mount Anville.Second-placed Megan O’Leary led her Mary help of Christians team to a fine win. Mary help of Christians also took the team win in the fifth class girls race, this race was won by Evie Hayes of Lios Na NOg. Mary help of Christians made it a primary school girls clean sweep winning the sixth class race led home by race winner Niamh Bergin.

In the primary school boys races the team competition was much more evenly spread, there were huge numbers in these races, in particular the six class race which had over 250 starters. The fourth class race was won by Darragh Murphy of Scoil Mhuire as he led his school to victory. Victor in the fifth class race was Bill Donovan of St Mary’s BNS, Bill leading his team to a fine win. The six class race was won by William Breathnach with St Malachy’s from Belfast taking the team win from St Patrick’s of Armagh, first time visitors to the Brother schools XC taking second place.

On then to the secondary school programme which was led off by the minor girls also running over 1000, there was a one two in this race for Lucan community college with Saoirse Fitzgerald taking the win from Maggie Jez, Ella  Carey of Loretto Foxrock was third. Needless to say Lucan took the team win. In the junior girls race Castleknock’s Madeline Buckley was first home with Loretto Dalkey taking the team when. The inter-girls race was another fine race with the girls running over 2000m led home by Eimer Maher as Dominic’s Cabra took the team win. The final girls race of the day was the senior race and it was a classy affair led home by Holly Brennan, second was Faye Dervan with Roisin Treacy taking third. Dominic’s Cabra were again the victors in the team competition.

Moving on then to the boys races where there were huge fields in both the minor and junior races. Sean Cronin was a most convincing winner of the minor race winning by a cross country mile. St Colman’s of Newry won the team competition. Oliver Hopkins of St Declan’s won the junior boys race as brother schools newcomers Wesley College took the team win. The inter-boys race was won by Matthew Lavery of St Malachy’s leaving the Malachy’s team home to a fine win. Malachy is also recorded the win in the team event in the senior boys race by a substantial margin with Oisin Kelly a winner in a close finish as the top three could almost be covered by the proverbial blanket.

Results:
Primary school girls:
fourth class: 1  Rosie Stafford, 2 Megan O’Leary, 3 Sonia Vilkyu. Teams: 1 Mary help of Christians 21, 2 Mount Anville 40, 3 Scoil San Carlo 70.
Fifth class: 1 Evie Hayes, 2 Erin Byrne, 3 Sofia Corbett. Teams: 1 Mary help of Christians 30, 2 Mount Anville 35, 3 Vincent de Paul 60.
Sixth class: 1 Niamh Bergin, 2 Ella Moynahan, 3 Charlotte Croke. Teams: 1 Mary help of Christians 29, 2 Vincent de Paul 41, 3 Mount Anville 42.
Best girls primary school: Mary help of Christians.

Primary school boys:
Fourth class: 1 Darragh Murphy, 2 Myles McMahon, 3 Connor Tynan. Teams: 1 Scoil Mhuire Marino 39, 2 St Brigids 50, 3 St Michaels 58.
Fifth class: 1 Bill Donovan, 2 Lucas Ryan, 3 Charlie Mooney. Teams: 1 St Mary’s BNS 19, 2 John Bosco 60, 3 St Joseph BNS 91.
Sixth class: 1 William Breathnach, 2 Billy Cosgrove, 3 Eoin McConnell. Teams: 1 St Malachy’s 43, 2 St Patrick’s Armagh 52, 3 St Bridget’s BNS 70.
Best boys primary school: St. Brigids BNS

Secondary schools girls:
minor: 1 Saoirse Fitzgerald, 2 Maggie Jez, 3 Ella Carey. Teams: 1 Lucan community college 48, 2 Loreto Foxrock 62, 3 Dominic’s Cabra 64.
Junior: 1 Madeline Buckley, 2 Isabella Tdmkina Beddy, 3 Zoie Richie. Teams 1 Loreto Dalkey 31, 2 Holy Child 80, 3 Muckross Park 84.
Inter: 1 Eimer Maher, 2 Saoirse Ni Bhriain, 3 Roisin Kennedy. Teams: 1 Dominic’s Cabra 67, 2 Dominicins Griffith Ave 77, 3 Muckross Park 87.
Senior: 1 Holly Brennan, 2 Faye Dervan, 3 Roisin Treacy. Teams: 1 Dominic’s Cabra 38, 2. Santa Sabina 77, 3 Muckross Park 96.
Best girls secondary school Dominic’s Cabra.

Secondary school boys:
minor: 1 Sean Cronin, 2 Dirmuid McCoy, 3 Don Ring. Teams: 1 St Colman’s 39, 2 St Aidan’s 57, 3 St Declan’s 72.
Junior: 1 Oliver Hopkins, 2 Jamie Byrne, 3 Liam Fitzgerald. Teams: 1 Wesley 46, 2 Belvedere 62, 3 St Malachy’s 64.
Inter-: 1 Matthew Lavery, 2 Alex VBW, 3 Dara Donoghue. Teams: 1 St Malachy’s 23, 2 Belvedere 61, St Aidan’s 64.
Senior: 1 Oisin Kelly, 2 Adam Ferris, 3 Michael McCaul. Teams: 1 St Malachy’s 40, 2. St Aidan’s 61, 3 BlackRock 78.
Best boys secondary school St Malachy’s.

Best overall Secondary School and winners of the Lar O’Byrne Shield: St. Malachy’s.

Clonliffe Harriers would like to thank sincerely our wonderful sponsor Brother for their outstanding generosity and support. Clonliffe also like to thank Fingal County Council for the use of Santry Demesne Park, Morton Stadium, St John’s ambulance and the Gardai. We would also like to thank all the schools and the athletes for participating in today’s event we hope you enjoyed your time in Santry. We look forward to seeing you all back here again in 2020.

To view photos from today’s event click: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHAiUEm

This Wednesday (October 9th) will see Clonliffe once again host and promote The Brother Schools XC . This continues to be one of the most popular events on the school`s athletics calendar with another bumper entry for Wednesday’s event. Entry has now closed, the only exceptions are individuals who can enter on the day at the Clonliffe clubhouse. Clonliffe are once again indebted to Brother for their continued sponsorship of this wonderful day.

Primary School`s races get the programme underway with the 4th class girls at high noon. The Secondary schools continue proceedings from 1.00pm with the senior boys winding up the day at 2.50pm.

Please see instructions below, and please follow these.

Date: Wednesday, 9^th of October – HAIL, RAIN OR SHINE!!

Venue:  Santry Demesne Parkland at rear of Morton Stadium Santry.

Timetable:

• 12.00 – 4^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.10 – 4^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.20 – 5^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.30 – 5^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.40 – 6th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.50 – 6th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.00 – Minor girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.15 – Minor boys 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.30 – Junior girls 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.45 – Junior Boys 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.00 – Inter girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.15 – Inter boys 3000M (2 big laps
• 2.35 – Senior girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.50 – Senior boys 4500M (3 big laps)

Sponsor: Brother, Boeing Road, Airways Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 17.

Parking:   Morton Stadium Santry.   Buses/coaches must park at the Clonliffe Harriers end of the stadium – gate number 3.   For health and safety reasons it is not permissible for buses to allow passengers to alight until such time as the bus has actually parked.   Please obey the directions of the parking attendant.

Number collection:     Your School’s race numbers can be collected in the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse – in the hall. There will be an envelope with your School name on it and the envelope will contain your School identification numbers which must be fixed to the FRONT of the athlete’s running vest/t-shirt. Please note that athletes must wear race numbers.  Any athlete arriving to the start without a race number will not be permitted to take part.

Individuals:    Individuals may enter, with the permission of their School, and run as individuals. There are no pre-entries for individuals.  Individuals must arrive at check-in at the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse and pay an individual entry fee of €3.00.  Individual entries will then be given a race number which must be fixed to the front of the racing vest. Registration for Individuals closes at 11.00 for Primary schools and 11.30 for Secondary.

Age Groups:  There are no age groups in the Primary School races. The Primary School races are for 4th, 5^th class and 6^th classes (separated races!)

Age groups for secondary school`s races:

Minor born on or after 01/07/06.

Junior born on or after 01/07/05.

Intermediate born on or after 01/07/03.

Senior born on or after 01/01/01.

Toilet facilities: Are located under the stand at the Clonliffe side of the stadium. Toilets are also located at the play ground in the Park.  Please note that the indoor section of the stadium is closed.        

THE TRACK MUST NOT BE ENCROACHED UPON BY ANYONE.    THIS IS TO PROTECT THE TRACK WHICH WILL SUFFER SEVERE AND PERMANENT DAMAGE IF SOMEONE WAS WEARING CROSS COUNTRY SPIKES.   THEREFORE, THE TRACK IS CLOSED.    IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ADVISE YOUR ATHLETES THAT THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRACK.

 Entry to Venue:  Via Morton Stadium. Please use the gate at the 100m start line at the phoenix monument.

School Colours:  If available must be worn. We would also encourage you to bring flags or suchlike to be placed around the course.  Supporters are most welcome.

Awards:  First three individuals in each race – presentation will be made to the individuals immediately after each race.

Team awards: First three in each race.   A team is a minimum of four athletes with a maximum of 15.  The team result will be calculated by the addition of the place finishings of the first four athletes from that school and the school with the lowest score will be declared the winner.   In the event of a tie the winner will be decided on the basis of the highest finish of the 4^th scoring athlete from the tying schools.    Please note that there is only one team permitted per school per event.   Although up to 15 athletes can run, however, please note that there are only 10 team medals available per set.

Souvenir T-shirt: There will be a souvenir T-shirt for all athletes which will be presented at the finish of each race.  In the event that there are insufficient t-shirts on the day a reprint of t-shirts will be made and sent separately.

Best Schools:Our sponsor Brother will make arrangements to make a presentation of a piece of Brother office equipment to the best boys primary school, best girls primary school, best boys secondary school and best girls secondary school. In addition the Lar Byrne Memorial Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the best overall secondary school.    

Litter:  As we have use of Santry Demesne Parkland thanks to the generosity and co-operation of Fingal County Council we would implore you to appoint an individual/individuals to be responsible for the removal of all litter generated by your athletes. Please bring a sack for litter. Your co-operation in this connection is vital.

Results:  A race report together with photographs (by taking part in this event you are consenting to photographs being published – photographs will not identify any individuals) and the team results and top three individual results will appear on www.clonliffeharriersac.com on Wednesday evening.

Health and Safety:      Please obey the instructions of all marshals at the venue. Marshals will be clearly identifiable as they will be wearing high vis vests.  Please note that on health and safety grounds all athletes must avail of footwear.  No athlete is permitted to race barefoot.

Medical Emergencies:  St. John’s Ambulance will be in attendance.

Officials: Course builders meet at 8.00am. Check in team please arrive for 10.00am. Other officials please report at 11.00am. All to be in position by 11.45am.

 On behalf of Clonliffe Harriers A.C. and our sponsor Brother we would like to thank you sincerely for taking part in the Brother Schools X.C. and we sincerely hope that you and your athletes thoroughly enjoy the day.

Course Map:

With a little over a week to go to the tenth anniversary of the Brother Schools Cross Country entries are flooding in. Already entries have been received from schools throughout the greater Dublin and Leinster area and indeed further afield with a number of schools in Northern Ireland also entering and looking forward to the trip to Santry.

Entry closes in the coming days – schools, therefore, if you have not submitted your entry form you must do so immediately. Entries are by post but with the shortness of time you can scan in and email the entry form to us: clonliffeschoolsxc@gmail.com.  Likewise if you have not received an invitation but would like one please contact us NOW.

Finally on October 9^th the organisers need assistance from our club members.  So far the response to requests is best described as “slow”.  Please increase the pace!  If you are available on Wednesday of next week please text your name to the Race Director – Noel Guiden – 087 9599 888 before this weekend.

Invitations have now gone out to schools for this year’s recently launched 2019 Brother Schools cross-country which this year takes place on Wednesday, October 9th.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Brother Clonliffe schools cross-country. Clonliffe are delighted that Brother are once again are our sponsor of this fantastic addition to the schools cross-country season. In 10 short years the event has grown and has seen the numbers participating double to some 2000 in 2018 with the likelihood of this number being exceeded on October 9. Clonliffe are much obliged to Brother and of course Fingal county Council for use of Santry Demesne Park.

Mr Tony Jackson, CEO of Brother Ireland at the recent launch of this year’s event said: ‘Brother are delighted to support this fantastic event it is particularly important to see our young people involved in such a healthy activity as cross-country running. The fact that they are representing their schools makes it even better. Brother are delighted to see how the event has grown these past 10 years and are proud to support the growth of athletics in Irish schools.’

This year’s event will once again see races for both primary and secondary schools. The event is being expanded this year to provide a 1000M race for fourth class primary schools, this means that there will be a total of six primary school races and eight secondary school races on the programme. Once again the event will start at 12 noon and will conclude with the senior boys race later in the afternoon.

If you are connected with a schools and would like an invitation for your school simply email clonliffeschoolsxc@gmail.com. (we need the name of the schools and an e mail contact, invitations and all correspondence is by e mail only)

Once again all runners will receive their Brother Schools Cross Country t shirt once they cross the finish line.

From an organisational point of view the club are requesting that any club member, or parent of club member, who is available on October 9 please text Noel Guiden on 0879599888 with your name. We need course markers to be available from 8 AM and then a huge number of stewards, it is a massive undertaking with over 2000 kids taking part, to help steward and officiate with the event itself. Those people will be required from 11 AM until approximately 3:30 PM. We are requesting that people please given early commitment to help your club, your clubmates or indeed your children.

An unbelievable day in Santry Demesne for today’s Brother Schools Cross Country drew in excess of 1,800 young athletes to take place in this tenth annual event. With certainty it was not 12mm spikes required but it was factor 20 sun cream. The most brilliant of days!

Since the introduction of the primary schools races huge crowds have taken part in these races and 2018 proved to be no exception with the primary schools between the 5^th and 6^th class races bringing almost 1000 young athletes to race over 1000 on the iconic Santry Euro cross circuit.

All four primary school races had some 200 plus young athletes competing. It was a sight to behold as they thundered down the start straight to make the first turn and despite the shouts of ‘steady, steady’ the unrelenting pace was kept up for most of the 1000m loop.  Our first winner of the day was in the 5^th class primary school race Philipa McGlynn of St. Attracta’s, Philipa leading her team to silver, however, taking part in the Brother Schools for the first time Lios na nÓg were dominant as they won the team race on 35 points.

Gareth Hayes of St. Joseph’s was the winner of the 5^th class primary school boys but a fantastic performance by St. Brigid’s squad led home by Mark Gill in 3^rd place saw them win the team event.

In the 6^th class races Caoimhe Keegan of San Carlo won San Carlo’s first ever individual prize at this Meet.  The Teresian School, however, took the team title.

The final primary school race of the day was the 6^th class boys races which was won by Finn Diver who had travelled all the way down from Belfast with St. Malachy’s.  He led St. Malachy’s to a fine win.

Winner of the best boys primary schools were St. Brigids with Lios na nOg winning best girls.

At 1 p.m. the secondary school programme got underway. The early races being run over 1000 and the races gradually went up in distance until the Senior boys completed three 1500 circuits totalling 4,500 metres.

There was superb racing throughout, Cian O’Hare of St. Aidan’s was the winner of the minor boys race with St. Colman’s taking the team win. In the junior boys James Bolton was a clear winner for Belvedere from Sean Boyne of St. Aidan’s, St. Aidan’s prevailing in the team race over St. Malachy’s.  The inter boys race saw a dominant win by Sean Donoghue of St. Declan’s with Malachy’s winning the team event.  Malachy’s continued their domination in the senior boys race to win on 43 points with Jack O’Farrell the individual winner for St. Colman’s.

The minor girls raced over 1000m led home by Zoe Richie (Teresian) with Col Iosagain winning the team race.

The junior girls race was won by Sophie Quinn (Mount Sackville) with Mount Sackville taking the team title and in the inter girls race Holly Brennan (Sacred Heart Drogheda) winning with joint winners of Dominicans Griffith Avenue and St. Dominic’s Cabra.

In the Senior Girls Race Roisin Treacy (St. Gerard’s) was a clear winner from Grace Dervan (Wesley College) and Dora Medgyesy (St. Dominic’s) 3^rd, St. Dominic’s winning the team event from Dominicans Griffith Avenue.

In the secondary schools best boys school was St. Malachy’s Belfast with St. Dominic’s Cabra the best girls school.

In the race for best overall schools St. Malachy’s courtesy of 2 wins and a 2^nd place regained the Lar Byrne Shield.

2018 Brother Cross Country results:

Primary Schools

5^th class boys: 1 Gareth Hayes (St. Joseph’s), 2 Max Kovalevskis (San Carlo), 3 Mark Gill (St. Brigid’s)

Teams: 1 St. Brigid’s 35 points, 2 San Carlo 58 points, 3 St. Joseph’s 66 points

6^th class primary boys: 1 Finn Diver (St. Malachy’s), 2 Eoghan Dunne (St. Brigid’s), 3 Eoghan O’Donovan (Lios na nÓg)

Teams: 1 St. Malachy’s 40 points, 2 St. Michaels Juniors 52 points, 3 St. Brigid’s 56 points

5^th class primary girls: 1 Philipa McGlynn (St. Attracta’s), 2 Charlotte Croke (Mount Anville), 3 Sarah McDonnell

Teams: 1 Lios na nÓg 35 points, 2 St. Attracta’s 53 points, 3 Mount Anville Junior 56 points

6th  class primary girls: 1 Caoimhe Keegan (San Carlo), 2 Holly O’Brien (Mount Anville Junior), 3 Niamh Murphy (St. Andrew’s Ashbourne)

Teams: 1 The Teresian 58 points, 2 Lios na nÓg 60 points, 3 Mary Help of Christians 64 points

Secondary Schools

Minor Girls: 1 Zoe Richie (Teresian), 2 Niamh Murray (Loreto Dalkey), 3 Annie O’Sullivan (Loreto Dalkey)

Teams: 1 Colaiste Iosagain 57 points, 2 Holy Faith Clontarf 58 points, 3 Loreto Dalkey 62 points

Junior Girls: 1 Sophie Quinn (Mount Sackville), 2 Lucy Richie (the Teresian), 3 Christine Ni Mhorin (Colaiste Iosagain)

Teams: 1 Mount Sackville 27 points, 2 Teresians 43 points, 3 Colaiste Iosagain 64 points

Inter girls: 1 Holly Brennan, 2 Eimear Maher (Mount Anville), 3 Saoirse Ni Riain (Colaiste Iosagain)

Teams: 1 Dominican Griffith Avenue/St. Dominic’s (tie), 2 Our Lady’s College – 107 points, 3 Loreto Swords – 118 points

Senior Girls: 1 Roisin Treacy (St. Gerard’s), 2 Grace Dervan (Wesley College), 3 Dora Medgyesy (St. Dominic’s Cabra)

Teams: 1 St. Dominic’s 29 points, 2 Dominican Griffith Avenue 54 points

Secondary School Boys

Minor: 1 Cian O’Hara (St. Aidan’s, 2 Conal McKinley (St. Colman’s), 3 Jonathan Fitzsimons (St. Kevin’s)

Teams: 1 St. Colman’s 54 points, 2 Blackrock College 58 points, 3 Belvedere College 74 points

Junior boys: 1 James Bolton (Belvedere College), 2 Sean Boyne (St. Aidan’s), 3 Jevae St. Lewis

Teams: 1 St. Aidan’s 37 points, 2 St. Malachy’s 47 points, 3 Blackrock 52 points

Inter boys: 1 Sean Donoghue (St. Declan’s), 2 Niall McKnight (Lagan College), 3 Calum Morgan (St. Malachy’s)

Teams: 1 St. Malachy’s 21 points, 2 St. Colman’s 61 points, 3 St. Aidan’s 79 points

Senior Boys: 1 Jack O’Farrell (St. Colman’s), 2 Aaron Donnelly (St. Gerard’s), 3 Conal McGlynn (St. Malachy’s)

Teams: 1 St. Malachy’s 43 points, 2 Belvedere 44 points, 3 St. Colman’s 61 points

Best overall secondary school – St. Malachy’s.

Clonliffe would like to thank sincerely Brother for their continued sponsorship of this event which is most appreciated by all concerned. We would also like to thank St. John’s Ambulance, the volunteers from Clonliffe Harriers who gave so willingly of their time, we would also like to thank Mr. Hamish Adams the CEO of Athletics Ireland for attending the event.

Finally Clonliffe would like to thank the young athletes for making this such a successful day and we look forward to seeing you all at the 2019 Brother Schools Cross Country.

Photos click: https://flic.kr/s/aHskKkLEM5

Schools please note that no further schools entries can be accepted. The event is full. The Brother Schools XC continues to be one of the most popular events on the school`s athletics calendar with some 2000 athletes entered for tomorrow`s, Wednesday the 10th, for the 10th annual Brother Race. Entry has now closed, the only exceptions are individuals who can enter on the day at the Clonliffe clubhouse. Clonliffe are once again indebted to Brother for their continued sponsorship of this wonderful day.

Regarding ages for the races, please note that ages do not arise for the Primary School`s races which are simply 5th class and 6th class. For the Secondary schools it is the Irish Schools Athletics Association/Athletics Ireland rules that apply. Please see below, Minor, Junior, Inter and senior are determined by date of birth.

Please see instructions below, and please follow these.

Date: Wednesday, 10^th of October – HAIL, RAIN OR SHINE!!

Venue:  Santry Demesne Parkland at rear of Morton Stadium Santry.

Timetable:

• 12.00 – 5^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.15 – 5^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.30 – 6^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.45 – 6^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.00 – Minor girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.15 – Minor boys 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.30 – Junior girls 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.45 – Junior Boys 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.00 – Inter girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.15 – Inter boys 3000M (2 big laps
• 2.35 – Senior girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.50 – Senior boys 4500M (3 big laps)

Sponsor: Brother, Boeing Road, Airways Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 17.

Parking:   Morton Stadium Santry.   Buses/coaches must park at the Clonliffe Harriers end of the stadium – gate number 3.   For health and safety reasons it is not permissible for buses to allow passengers to alight until such time as the bus has actually parked.   Please obey the directions of the parking attendant.

Number collection:     Your School’s race numbers can be collected in the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse – in the hall. There will be an envelope with your School name on it and the envelope will contain your School identification numbers which must be fixed to the FRONT of the athlete’s running vest/t-shirt. Please note that athletes must wear race numbers.  Any athlete arriving to the start without a race number will not be permitted to take part.

Individuals:    Individuals may enter, with the permission of their School, and run as individuals. There are no pre-entries for individuals.  Individuals must arrive at check-in at the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse and pay an individual entry fee of €3.00.  Individual entries will then be given a race number which must be fixed to the front of the racing vest. Registration for Individuals closes at 12.00.

Age Groups:  There are no age groups in the Primary School races. The Primary School races are for 5^th class and a second race for 6^th class.

Age groups for secondary school`s races:

Minor born on or after 01/07/05.

Junior born on or after 01/07/04.

Intermediate born on or after 01/07/02.

Senior born on or after 01/01/00.

Toilet facilities: Are located under the stand at the Clonliffe side of the stadium. Toilets are also located at the main reception area at the stadium.  Access to the main reception area is through the outside doors.   Please note that the indoor section of the stadium is closed.        

THE TRACK MUST NOT BE ENCROACHED UPON BY ANYONE.    THIS IS TO PROTECT THE TRACK WHICH WILL SUFFER SEVERE AND PERMANENT DAMAGE IF SOMEONE WAS WEARING CROSS COUNTRY SPIKES.   THEREFORE, THE TRACK IS CLOSED.    IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ADVISE YOUR ATHLETES THAT THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRACK.

 Entry to Venue:  Via Morton Stadium. Please use the gate at the 100m start line at the phoenix monument.

School Colours:  If available must be worn. We would also encourage you to bring flags or suchlike to be placed around the course.  Supporters are most welcome.

Awards:  First three individuals in each race – presentation will be made to the individuals immediately after each race.

Team awards: First three in each race.   A team is a minimum of four athletes with a maximum of 20.  The team result will be calculated by the addition of the place finishings of the first four athletes from that school and the school with the lowest score will be declared the winner.   In the event of a tie the winner will be decided on the basis of the highest finish of the 4^th scoring athlete from the tying schools.    Please note that there is only one team permitted per school per event.   As up to 20 athletes can run, however, please note that there are only 10 team medals available per set.

Souvenir T-shirt: There will be a souvenir T-shirt for all athletes which will be presented at the finish of each race.  In the event that there are insufficient t-shirts on the day a reprint of t-shirts will be made and sent separately.

Best Schools:Our sponsor Brother will make arrangements to make a presentation of a piece of Brother office equipment to the best boys primary school, best girls primary school, best boys secondary school and best girls secondary school. In addition the Lar Byrne Memorial Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the best overall secondary school.    

Litter:  As we have use of Santry Demesne Parkland thanks to the generosity and co-operation of Fingal County Council we would implore you to appoint an individual/individuals to be responsible for the removal of all litter generated by your athletes. Please bring a sack for litter. Your co-operation in this connection is vital.

Results:  A race report together with photographs (by taking part in this event you are consenting to photographs being published – photographs will not identify any individuals) and the team results and top three individual results will appear on www.clonliffeharriersac.com on Wednesday evening.

Health and Safety:      Please obey the instructions of all marshals at the venue. Marshals will be clearly identifiable as they will be wearing high vis vests.  Please note that on health and safety grounds all athletes must avail of footwear.  No athlete is permitted to race barefoot.

Medical Emergencies:  St. John’s Ambulance will be in attendance.

Officials: Course builders meet at 8.00am. Check in team please arrive for 10.00am. Other officials please report at 11.00am. All to be in position by 11.45am.

 On behalf of Clonliffe Harriers A.C. and our sponsor Brother we would like to thank you sincerely for taking part in the Brother Schools X.C. and we sincerely hope that you and your athletes thoroughly enjoy the day.

Course Map:

Course builders:

Report at 8.00am

Officials/volunteers:

Report to the Club house for briefing at 11.00am.

Back in the 1970s Clonliffe Harriers held an invitational schools cross country event, won that year by St. Malachy’s College, Belfast. The event continued right through to the 1990s but in 1994, when coincidently St. Malachy’s again prevailed, with ongoing development work at Santry Woods the absence of a venue meant that the event was largely consigned to history.

Enter, however, Brother ten years ago when in 2008 Brother sponsored the Morton Memorial Meet which was an international Track and Field Meet held in the Morton Stadium to mark the 50^th anniversary of Herb Elliot’s world record set in 1958 in Santry.  By an extraordinary coincidence 1958 was also the year Brother came to Ireland so both the 1958 Herb Elliot mile and Brother in Ireland were marking 50 years.

Brother most generously commenced sponsoring the revived Clonliffe Schools Cross Country from 2009 and the Brother Schools XC was born.

In two week`s time, October 10^th for the 10th successive time Brother will sponsor this fantastic event. This will also mark Brother’s 60^th year in Ireland.

Santry Demesne Park, rear of Morton Stadium, Swords Road, Dublin 9 is the venue. Invitations have issued to schools. If you did not receive an Invitation but would like one please contact us now clonliffeschoolsxc@gmail.com

Since 2009 the event has grown from 800 competing to last year when almost 2000 young athletes from schools all over Ireland competed in the Brother Schools Cross Country.

In these last ten years the event has seen many of Ireland’s up and coming young athletes compete in that event many of whom have gone on to represent Ireland at the highest level including Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner who has competed for Ireland in both the European and World Championships.

This is an invitation only event and only schools who have been invited and who have confirmed their participation may compete, schools please note that entries must be with us by October 3rd (this day next week). Please note, however, that individuals, who are not part of a schools team, may enter on the day.

The Brother Schools XC is the first big schools invitational of the year and always provides top class entertainment within the beautiful surroundings of Santry Demesne Park which was the venue for the 2009 European Cross Country Championships. The course features the iconic finish through the avenue of trees, all of which remain standing having stood up to the best that storm Ali could muster.

Action will get underway at 12 noon with the 5^th class primary schools girls race.  There will be four primary schools races to be followed by the secondary school programme commencing at 1 p.m. with minor girls and in the schools programme there will be a total of eight races in all age groupings for both boys and girls. The iconic “Brother at Your Side” t shirt awaits all finishers.

Finally any club member or parent of a club member we need you! Please if you can come on the day text Noel 0879599888.

Invitations are now issuing to the schools who in the past have supported the Brother Cross Country event. Please note that this is an invitational only and it takes place in Santry Demesne Park on Wednesday October 10^th.  We are once again most generously sponsored by Brother, the event takes place in Santry thanks to the kind assistance and co-operation of Fingal County Council and is hosted by Clonliffe Harriers.

If per chance your school does not receive an invitation but you would like to be invited to the event please email clonliffeschoolsxc@gmail.com

From a hosting of the event perspective any club member or indeed parents of club members who may be available to help out on the day please email the Meet Director noel.guiden@behans.ie or contact him by text 087 9599 888.  All offers of help gratefully appreciated.

The weather gods served up a real mixed bag for today’s 9^th Brother Schools Cross Country at Santry Demesne.  The course builders endured rain all morning, however, by the time the event started the conditions had picked up considerably leading to a very pleasant, sunny, autumnal day.  An hour or so later, however, the rain came down again turning wintery but by the time the senior boys race took place the park was once again bathed in beautiful autumnal sunshine.

The turnout for this fixture was once again extraordinary some 1,800 or so young athletes with bumper fields in the primary school races and the younger age groups of the secondary schools in particular.

Proceedings got underway at 12 noon sharp with a field of some 200 fifth class girls in the primary schools race. It was a tremendous spectacle to see so many young athletes compete in what has become one of the essential races on the schools cross country calendar.  The winner of the 5^th class primary school race was Grace Prenter and in the team race a dominant St. Fiachra’s finished top of the pile on 58 points from Mary Help of Christians 63 and Mount Anville on 65.

Next race up was the 5^th class boys race again a huge field, there was over 250 starters in this race led home much to the delight of his teammates by Keane O’Neill of Star of the Sea. At the presentation the chants of Keano, Keano reverberated around the park.  Michael Riordan of St. Fiachra’s was 2^nd leading Fiachra’s to another win on 28 points ahead of Star of the Sea on 36 and Howth Primary School on 55.

The primary school 6^th class girls also raced over 1000 metres, again a huge field of some 200 starters. The winner was Mount Anville’s Anna Kearney as she led her school to victory on 32 points.

The 6^th class primary school boys again St. Fiachra’s were the dominant force as they produced a one two from Harry Page and Alex Sheridan, it was no surprise to see Fiachra’s again top the charts in the team race on 32 points from John Bosco on 63 and St. Michael’s on 66. The teachers at St. Fiachra`s are clearly doing fantastic work on the athletics front, with the school winning 3 of the 4 primary races.

With the primary school programme completed the action moved on to the secondary schools with the minor girls. This was again a huge field of some 200 athletes again running the 1000m loop. The huge field was led home by Sophie Quinn (Mount Sackville) as she led her team to victory on 36 points ahead of Our Lady’s College 48 and Dominicans College 61.

Next up it was the minor boys where the stampede was led home by T. McClone (Willow Park). The team champions were our Newry visitors, Colman’s College on 36 points from Ard Scoil Ris 56 and Willow Park on 64.

The junior girls were next up running over the bigger loop which took in the dreaded garden wall. The winner of this race was Sadbh Mohan from Eimear Maher and Saoirse Ni Bhriain.  The team race was won by St. Dominic’s of Cabra on 40 points from Mount Sackville 71 and Muckross Park on 73 points.

Next up racing over 2000m, two of the smaller laps, was the junior boys. Local club St. Aidan’s were top of the pile on 39 points from St. Malachy’s of Belfast on 42 points and Colman’s College Newry on 51.  Race winner was Morgan Clarkeson (Col. Eoin).

The inter girls also raced over 2000m. Clocking up their second team win of the day were St. Dominic’s Cabra on 32 points.  The race was led home by Roisin Tracey (St. Gerard’s).

On then to the inter boys race where once again it was a keenly fought affair won by Sean Donoghue (St. Declan’s) from John Fanning of Belvedere and Michael McCaul (Colman’s). Colaiste Eoin won the team title on 42 points from St. Malachy’s on 51.

Then to the senior girls race which was led home in emphatic style by Abbey Taylor (Westley College) from Ailish Murtagh (Holy Faith) and Lucy Barret in 3^rd place.  St. Dominic’s took their 3^rd team race of the day.

The final race was the 4500m senior boys race, three laps of the demesne. A breakaway group of seven or eight was soon whittled down to three and on the sprint for the line St. Malachy’s Conall McClean proved fastest just clipping Efran Gidey in 2^nd place and Eoin O’Dwyer (Belvedere) 3^rd.  Malachy’s won the team race on 40 points from St. Aidan’s on 80 and Belvedere on 87.

Brother Schools X.C. Results

Primary Schools

Girls 5^th Class

1 Grace Prenter

2 Caoimhe Keegan (San Carlo)

3 Saoirse O’Connor

Teams

1 St. Fiachra’s – 58 points

2 Mary Help of Christians – 63 points

3 Mount Anville – 65 points

6^th Class Primary Girls

1 Anna Kearney (Mount Anville)

2 Hannah O’Brien (Carysfort)

3 Clodagh Ryan (Mary Help of Christians)

Teams:

1 Mount Anville – 32 points

2 Carysfort – 51 points

2 Vincent de Paul – 61 points

Boys Primary

5^th Class Primary Boys

1 Cian O’Neill (Star of the Sea)

2 Michael Redmond (St. Fiachra’s)

3 Geordy Lavin (Willow Park)

Teams

1 St. Fiachra’s – 28 points

2 Star of the Sea – 36 points

3 Howth Primary School – 55 points

6^th Class Boys

1 Harry Page (St. Fiachra’s)

2 Alex Sheridan (St. Fiachra’s)

3 Jack Joyce (St. Brigid’s BNS)

Teams

1 St. Fiachra’s – 32 points

2 John Bosco – 63 points

3 St. Michael’s – 66 points

Secondary School Boys

Minor

1 J. McClone (Willow Park)

2 Michael O’Rave (Ard Scoil Ris)

3 James Dalton (Belvedere)

Teams

1 Colman’s College – 36 points

2 Ard Scoil Ris – 56 points

3 St. Aidans – 64 points

Junior Boys

1 Morgan Clarkeson (Col. Eoin)

2 Matthew Lavery (St. Malachy’s)

3 Adam Condon (Ard Scoil Ris)

Teams

1 St. Aidan’s – 39 points

2 St. Malachy’s – 42 points

3 Colman’s College – 51 points

Inter Boys

1 Sean Donoghue (St. Declan’s)

2 John Fanning (Belvedere)

3 Michael McCaul (Colman’s)

Teams

1 Col. Eoin – 42 points

2 St. Malachy’s – 51 points

3 Colman’s College – 66 points

Senior

1 Conall McClean (St. Malachy’s)

2 Efren Gidey

3 Eoin O’Dwyer (Belvedere)

Teams

1 St. Malachy’s – 40 points

2 St. Aidan’s – 80 points

3 Belvedere – 87 points

Best boys secondary: St. Malachys

Secondary School Girls:

Minor Girls

1 Sophie Quinn (Mount Sackville)

2 Louise O’Riordan (St. Gerard’s)

3 Kate O’Connor (Mount Sackville)

Teams

1 Mount Sackville – 36 points

2 Our Lady’s College – 48 points

3 Dominican College – 61 points

Junior Girls

1 Sadbh Mohan

2 Eimear Maher

3 Saoirse Ni Bhriain

Teams

1 St. Dominic’s – 40 points

2 Mount Sackville – 71 points

3 Muckross Park – 73 points

Inter Girls

1 Roisin Tracey (St. Gerard’s)

2 Dora Meadgy (St. Dominic’s)

3 Jana Cid (Sutton Park)

Teams

1 St. Dominic’s – 32 points

2 Loreto on the Green – 47 points

3 Dominican College – 78 points

Seniors

1 Abbey Taylor (Wesley College)

2 Ailish Murtagh (Holy Faith)

3 Lucy Barrett

Teams

1 St. Dominic’s – 52 points

Best Girl’s Secondary School – St. Dominic’s.

Best overall secondary school and winners of Lar Byrne Shield – St. Dominic’s Cabra.

Clonliffe Harriers would like to thank sincerely our sponsor Brother for their support of this wonderful event. St. John’s Ambulance for their assistance on the day and all the member of Clonliffe Harriers who volunteered and spent a long day in Santry Demesne. We would also like to thank the schools for their continued support.

To view photographs click here

Schools please note that no further schools entries can be accepted. The event is full. The Brother Schools XC continues to be one of the most popular events on the school`s athletics calendar with some 2000 athletes expected to arrive in Santry Demise on Wednesday for the 9th annual Brother Race. Entry has now closed, the only exceptions are individuals who can enter on the day at the Clonliffe clubhouse.

Regarding ages for the races, please note that ages do not arise for the Primary School`s races which are simply 5th class and 6th class. For the Secondary schools it is the Irish Schools Athletics Association/Athletics Ireland rules that apply. Please see below, Minor, Junior, Inter and senior are determined by date of birth.

Please see instructions below, and please follow these.

Date: Wednesday, 11^th of October 2017 – HAIL, RAIN OR SHINE!!

Venue:  Santry Demesne Parkland at rear of Morton Stadium Santry.

Timetable:

• 12.00 – 5^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.15 – 5^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.30 – 6^th class girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 12.45 – 6^th class boys 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.00 – Minor girls 1000M (1 small lap)
• 1.15 – Minor boys 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.30 – Junior girls 1500M (1 big lap)
• 1.45 – Junior Boys 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.00 – Inter girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.15 – Inter boys 3000M (2 big laps
• 2.35 – Senior girls 2000M (2 small laps)
• 2.50 – Senior boys 4500M (3 big laps)

Sponsor: Brother, Boeing Road, Airways Industrial Estate, Santry, Dublin 17.

Parking:   Morton Stadium Santry.   Buses/coaches must park at the Clonliffe Harriers end of the stadium – gate number 3.   For health and safety reasons it is not permissible for buses to allow passengers to alight until such time as the bus has actually parked.   Please obey the directions of the parking attendant.

Number collection:     Your School’s race numbers can be collected in the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse – in the hall. There will be an envelope with your School name on it and the envelope will contain your School identification numbers which must be fixed to the FRONT of the athlete’s running vest/t-shirt. Please note that athletes must wear race numbers.  Any athlete arriving to the start without a race number will not be permitted to take part.

Individuals:    Individuals may enter, with the permission of their School, and run as individuals. There are no pre-entries for individuals.  Individuals must arrive at check-in at the Clonliffe Harriers Clubhouse and pay an individual entry fee of €3.00.  Individual entries will then be given a race number which must be fixed to the front of the racing vest. Registration for Individuals closes at 12.00.

Age Groups:  There are no age groups in the Primary School races. The Primary School races are for 5^th class and a second race for 6^th class.

Age groups for boys and girls shall be as follows:

• Minor:  Under 14 on 1st July in the year of competition
• Junior:Under 15 on 1st July in the year of competition
• Intermediate: Under 17 on 1st July in the year of competition
• Senior: Under 19 on 1st January in the year of competition

(As per Athletics Ireland/Irish Schools Athletes Association rules)

Toilet facilities: Are located under the stand at the Clonliffe side of the stadium. Toilets are also located at the main reception area at the stadium.  Access to the main reception area is through the outside doors.   Please note that the indoor section of the stadium is closed.        

THE TRACK MUST NOT BE ENCROACHED UPON BY ANYONE.    THIS IS TO PROTECT THE TRACK WHICH WILL SUFFER SEVERE AND PERMANENT DAMAGE IF SOMEONE WAS WEARING CROSS COUNTRY SPIKES.   THEREFORE, THE TRACK IS CLOSED.    IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ADVISE YOUR ATHLETES THAT THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE TRACK.

 Entry to Venue:  Via Morton Stadium. Please use the gate at the 100m start line at the phoenix monument.

School Colours:  If available must be worn. We would also encourage you to bring flags or suchlike to be placed around the course.  Supporters are most welcome.

Awards:  First three individuals in each race – presentation will be made to the individuals immediately after each race.

Team awards: First three in each race.   A team is a minimum of four athletes with a maximum of 20.  The team result will be calculated by the addition of the place finishings of the first four athletes from that school and the school with the lowest score will be declared the winner.   In the event of a tie the winner will be decided on the basis of the highest finish of the 4^th scoring athlete from the tying schools.    Please note that there is only one team permitted per school per event.   As up to 20 athletes can run, however, please note that there are only ten team medals available per set.

Souvenir T-shirt: There will be a souvenir T-shirt for all athletes which will be presented at the finish of each race.  In the event that there are insufficient t-shirts on the day a reprint of t-shirts will be made and sent separately.

Best Schools:Our sponsor Brother will make arrangements to make a presentation of a piece of Brother office equipment to the best boys primary school, best girls primary school, best boys secondary school and best girls secondary school. In addition the Lar Byrne Memorial Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the best overall secondary school.    

Litter:  As we have use of Santry Demesne Parkland thanks to the generosity and co-operation of Fingal County Council we would implore you to appoint an individual/individuals to be responsible for the removal of all litter generated by your athletes. Please bring a sack for litter. Your co-operation in this connection is vital.

Results:  A race report together with photographs (by taking part in this event you are consenting to photographs being published – photographs will not identify any individuals) and the team results and top three individual results will appear on www.clonliffeharriersac.com on Thursday the 12^th of October.

Health and Safety:      Please obey the instructions of all marshals at the venue. Marshals will be clearly identifiable as they will be wearing high vis vests.  Please note that on health and safety grounds all athletes must avail of footwear.  No athlete is permitted to race barefoot.

Medical Emergencies:  St. John’s Ambulance will be in attendance.

Officials: Course builders meet at 8.00am. Check in team please arrive for 10.00am. Other officials please report at 11.00am. All to be in position by 11.45am.

 On behalf of Clonliffe Harriers A.C. and our sponsor Brother we would like to thank you sincerely for taking part in the Brother at your side Clonliffe Schools X.C. and we sincerely hope that you and your athletes thoroughly enjoy the day.

Course Map: