Apr 28, 2007 [Noel Guiden] Last night`s special presentation night was a wonderful occasion. Clonliffe Harriers paying tribute to our men`s National title winning teams and also making a very special presentation as a mark of appreciation for his part in these successes to Peter McDermott.
There was a great gathering of the clan. Athletes, club members old and new, friends and supporters. In attendance last night we had Clonliffe Olympians Jerry Kiernan, Lar O`Byrne and Paddy Marley. Other great Clonliffe athletes from the recent past Padraig Keane and back on home turf again Eamon Tierney. Frank Greally of the Irish Runner was also in attendance as was Helen Flynn on behalf of our club sponsors Hireco.
The President Paddy Marley outlined the achievements of our men over these last 6 months or so : National Half Marathon Champions, National Cross Country Champions, on that never to be forgotton Spring day in Sligo and National Road Relay Champions. He paid tribute to the lads and their dedication to their sport, and to our club Captain Joe Cooper, and the senior team coaches Peter McDermott and Tony Murphy.
Joe called the teams up (Cian, Sergiu and Gary for the Half Marathon. Mark, Killian, Colm, Cian, Sergiu, Aidan, Robert and Gary, Cross Country and Sergiu, Connor, Killian and Colm for Relay) where the presentation was made by Helen Flynn.
There was then the highlight of the night as Clonliffe showed our appreciation for the work of Peter McDermott with this club. Paddy outlined Peter`s impact on the club for the last 35 years, as an athlete, helping Clonliffe to National Cross Country titles, Club Captain for 10 years leading to the capture of more National Titles and then as the club`s senior coach, coaching teams to National titles time and time again, coaching Niall Bruton all the way from Santry to the Olympic Games.
In accepting his award Peter paid tribute to the guys ,his “Bobby Robson” Tony Murphy, Joe and Gladys Cooper and all his extended Clonliffe family where he has been extreamly happy since arriving in Santry back in 1972.
It was once again another wonderful Clonliffe night, may there be more to come!