Women’s Support Officer, Sarah Bateson reports: The Women in Sports Night at Clonliffe Harriers was a remarkable event that paid tribute to the incredible women who have shaped the club’s history over the last 62 years. The evening was filled with energy, excitement, and a deep sense of pride in the achievements of both current and future athletes.
Peter Bissett brought the atmosphere to life with his music, setting the tone for an evening full of competitive spirit, while Sarah took charge of the commentary, finding her feet with each race and keeping the audience engaged throughout the night.
The action kicked off with the Gladys’ group 100m, where both the boys and girls put on a fantastic display of speed and skill. Their performance showcased the promise of future stars, with some athletes already drawing comparisons to top-tier sprinters like Rhasidat Adeleke and Marcus Lawler.
The next highlight of the evening was the U13-U15 800m race, a clear indication that the future of middle-distance running is bright within the club. The top three finishers in each age category were as follows:
U15 Girls: 1. Kate Gill 2. Carragh Ní Fhloinn 3. Sophia Tennant
U14 Girls: 1. Hannah Ní Mhuircheartaigh 2. Julia Rzeszutko 3. Nessa Byrne
U13 Girls: 1. Ava Fagan 2. Adrianna Madrzynska 3. Maeva Edo Czechowska
Medals were presented by Juvenile Captain Eugenia Bateson, who congratulated the young athletes on their outstanding performances.
The senior women’s 800m races brought a thrilling conclusion to the middle-distance events. The A race saw Helena Butterly take the lead right from the start, with Katie Halpin and Julie Larkin hot on her heels. As they entered the final lap, it was still anyone’s race, but Butterly held her ground to finish strong with a time of 2:24. Niamh Ní Chuinn, a new addition to the group, surged through the field to claim second place, while Julie Larkin secured third.
The Junior women’s race was just as competitive, with Sophie Kiernan emerging victorious after a close challenge from Sarah Doherty. Mya O’Reilly rounded out the top three with a strong third-place finish.
The B race started with the junior women, Mae Rose Mayson and Paige Elliott, leading the pack. However, Catherine Harvey and Aisling Andrews staged an impressive charge from behind, moving into second and third place by the 200m mark. Despite their strong push, Mae Rose held her lead and secured a well-earned victory.
The evening was capped off with a social gathering at the club bar, where teas and coffees were served, and prizes were presented by Sarah Bateson and Women’s Captain Jenny Johnston. The prizes, kindly sponsored by Stephen Bateson, were a fitting way to recognize the dedication and hard work of all the athletes who participated in the event. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped make the night possible, as well as the coaches who have supported the athletes in their journey to this point.
The Women in Sports Night was a true celebration of talent, perseverance, and the bright future that lies ahead for women in sport at Clonliffe Harriers.
Results of senior races:
