A great friend of Clonliffe Harriers has sadly passed away. Eugene Kavanagh of Kavanaghs “The GraveDiggers”, marathon runner, ultra runner and loyal sponsor of Ireland`s Oldest Road Race the Clonliffe 2.
Eugene had a long association with Clonliffe Harriers, the famed licensed premises John Kavanagh situated at the Old Gate, Glasnevin, in the early 1900s served as a meeting place for The Harriers, indeed the club availed of rooms in the public house as dressing rooms. Hanging in the clubhouse are photos of Clonliffe teams taken at The Old Gate, no doubt those Harriers pictured enjoyed a pint served by the Kavanaghs. In 1986 when Clonliffe celebrated it`s centenary the Clonliffe 2 returned to it`s traditional home starting in Finglas and finishing at the GraveDiggers, Eugene agreed to sponsor the race that year, on a one off basis. In May of this year for the 30th successive year Eugene was again our sponsor!
Eugene liked nothing more than engaging in discussion with any Clonliffe Harrier on his favourite subject, the many (over 100) marathons and ultras he completed, either in Clonliffe or in the bar of the GraveDiggers. He was a very fit man a non drinker, and news of his illness earlier this year came as a great shock to his friends in Clonliffe. He as any who knew him would have expected battled away bravely. But today his race was run. Glasnevin has lost a great man. Clonliffe has lost a great friend. Rest in peace Eugene.