Kieran Kelly became the 1st Raheny Shamrock athlete to win the Clonliffe 2 mile in Glasnevin this morning. The historic Clonliffe 2 relocated this year back to the traditional finishing post outside the premises of John Kavanagh ‘the gravediggers’, the long term sponsor of the race. There was a healthy entry, including many of the Clonliffe young juvenile athletes, which for safety reasons was capped at 200 gathering at the starting point close to the Met office on Glasvevin Hill.
The race was sent underway at 11 AM sharp, it is a tough 2 mile with an uphill start, the lead pack of Kelly and Clonliffe pairing Sean O’Leary and young Sean Cronin were together for the 1st mile however was here that Kelly struck for home as he opened a substantial lead and came back into De Coursey square well clear to ‘breast the tape’ in 9.10.54. A little over 15 seconds in arrears was Sean O’Leary 2nd in 9.26.06 with Sean Cronin running a fine 9.34.21 for 3rd.
Ellie Hartnett (UCD) was a clear winner of the women’s race in a time of 10.42.97,19th place overall, next in was Greta Streimikyte (Clonliffe) 10.54.15 with Laura Tuite, also Clonliffe, 3rd (11.14.21).
This was the 131st running of the Clonliffe Invitational, dating all the way back to its 1st running in 1898 when the race was won by PJ Lonergan. Clonliffe would like to thank the Kavanagh family for their continued support of the Clonliffe 2, Eugene Kavanagh having commenced his sponsorship of the race in the club’s centenary year of 1986 and the Kavanagh family have most generously remained as a sponsor ever since. We also like to thank the gardai for their tremendous assistance, St John’s ambulance and all the volunteers from Clonliffe Harriers and of course you the athletes for making the time to come to Glasnevin this morning.
Full results:
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAgTNu