With great sadness we learned this morning of the passing overnight of Clonliffe Harrier Pat Bonass, after a long illness which he bore with dignity and fortitude.
Pat was a man who was passionate about his club, his sport and his music. He was a life member of the club, in particular he was extremely committed to the cause of master athletics. He was one of the early pioneers of international Masters competition, medaling at European and world Masters cross country and a great promoter of the Irish Masters Athletics Association.
In Clonliffe Harriers he was a man who befriended many an athlete, always willing to give advice and tips (including tips on horses!). He had strong views on many subjects – athletics and politics in particular – nor was he shy in sharing those views!
Pat was a founding member of the Clonliffe Harriers Grand Prix Series back in 2001, a series which revitalised many of the club races giving club athletes a new sense of purpose and a year long racing series on the road, track and country. A series which still thrives almost quarter of a century later.
Pat was the long term sponsor of the club 10,000 championship for the Bonass Trophy, the 2024 race was due to take place tomorrow evening (as a mark of respect that race is now deferred and a new date will be fixed). In recent years he expanded that sponsorship to the women’s club 10,000 championship. He could always be relied upon to volunteer for club races throughout the course of the year, in particular he loved volunteering for the club’s schools cross country events – he had a huge fondness for the Brother Schools Invitational.
Pat Bonass served Clonliffe Harriers with distinction and passion for over 50 years as an athlete, committee member, volunteer, ad hoc coach, adviser, organiser, training partner, companion and friend. He will be truly missed.
Arrangements: https://rip.ie/death-notice/richard-patrick-pat-bonass-dublin-ballyboughal-568940