Saturday September 30, 2023 will go down in the annals as one of the most special nights in the storied history of Clonliffe Harriers as we celebrated 60 years of women’s athletics in our club with a gala ball in the Hilton Hotel. The event was meticulously planned by our extraordinary women’s captain Jenny Johnston and was attended by a huge gathering of current and past members of the club. Our special guests of honour were the Mayor of Fingal Counsellor Adrian Henchy, the president of Athletics Ireland John Cronin and those pioneering women members: Frances Mansfield, Jean O’Neill, Padraigin O’Dwyer, Kay Guy (O’Hare), Anne Cummins (O’Brien), Anne Manners, Patricia O’Cleirigh, in memory of Claire Walsh, RIP, and Johnny O’Leary representing Noreen O’Leary, RIP .
MC for the night was our great friend Liam Moggan who introduced the speakers: the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Henchy. Jenny Johnston and Clonliffe president Mick Kearney. A simply amazing, and emotional video presentation, had been put together by Cillian Sherrin highlighting 60 years of endeavour, achievement and friendship, which drew a standing ovation. There was also a standing ovation for the original Morton Marvels, who overcame the prejudice and barriers placed in their way in 1963 and whose spirit has been instrumental in making Clonliffe Harriers the club that we know and love today.
There was a special message from Boston Marathon heroine Katherine Switzer:
After dinner chat and dancing continued long into the night. It was truly a never to be forgotten event.
To view Cillian’s video click on link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t-GfTO-BgzW8tSYHQ7FpsrFTnAhkOfCO/view?usp=drive_web
Below you will find a link to a selection of the hundreds of photographs taken by Darren Horgan. Enjoy!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/146364500@N04/albums/72177720311611111/with/53225560162/