Record-breaking week for Tullamore Harriers athletes in California!
Record-breaking week for Tullamore Harriers athletes in California!
It was a week to remember for Tullamore Harriers athletes competing on the international stage at the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational, hosted by Azusa Pacific University in California (April 17th – 19th). Our athletes delivered outstanding performances, breaking records, smashing PBs, and achieving international qualifying standards.
Ava O’Connor Sets New Irish U23 Record in Steeplechase
Ava O’Connor, wearing the colours of Adams State University, stole the spotlight on Wednesday night with an exceptional run in the 3000m steeplechase, clocking 9:46.22 - a new Irish U23 national record. Ava’s time of 9:46.22 is three seconds faster than the previous record, which was held by none other than Fionnuala McCormack (née Britton) who ran 9.49.20 back in 2006. Ava raced well tactically and was on record pace throughout the seven and a half laps. Her splits early on were for 76 and 77 second laps and though she slowed a bit with a kilometre to go her final lap of 76 seconds secured not only a new national record but also qualifying standards for the European Under 23 Championship’s and the FISU World University Games.
Ava Strikes Again in the 1500m
Just two nights later, Ava was back on the track for her 2025 outdoor 1500m season opener. Once again, she delivered a superb personal best of 4:15.31. The race went out hard, but Ava was sensible and sat back in the pack. As the race progressed Ava picked her way through the field and her last 800m was run in 2 minutes 14 seconds. Finishing in 4:15.31 Ava was delighted to have run a five second PB which is not only a new Tullamore Harriers club record but also a qualifying standard for the European Under 23 Championships to be held in Norway in July.
James Dunne Breaks Club Record in Men’s 1500m
Representing Georgetown University, James Dunne, also raced a 1500m and was near the front from the start. The speed of the race can be gauged from the fact that Dunne's last three laps were covered in 59, 58 and 57 seconds respectively, as he gradually pushed harder and harder. He finished third in 3:38.46, taking almost a second and half off the club record he set last year in Watford.
Back-to-Back PBs for Michael Murphy in the 5000m
Michael Murphy continued his great form with a standout performance in the 5000m, running 14:06.38 to finish 10th. This was a 12-second improvement on the time he ran just five days earlier at the Irish University Championships.
This marks two PBs in five days for Michael and bodes well for the track season ahead.
Battle of Clontarf 10 Mile
It was a fantastic day for Tullamore Harriers AC at the Battle of Clontarf 10 Mile Road Race, held on a bright Easter Monday morning in the scenic surroundings of St. Anne’s Park, Clontarf. Hosted by Raheny Shamrocks AC, the event doubled as the Leinster 10 Mile Championships, adding further competition to an already popular fixture on the road racing calendar.
The fast and spectator-friendly course, comprising 2.5 laps around the park, offered great vantage points for supporters to cheer on athletes as the race unfolded.
Tullamore Harriers fielded a strong and determined team, and their efforts were richly rewarded with a host of individual, club, and county medals, particularly among the women’s contingent,
Sarah Flanagan finished 4th woman overall, and claimed gold in the Over 45 category with a time of 1:05:03.
Rita Daly took gold in the O55 category, while Mary Daly secured bronze in the O60s.
In the team standings, the Tullamore women shone:
Senior County Team Silver: Sarah Flanagan, Rachel Henry, Evelyn Herlihy, Rita Daly, Michelle Mullaney, and Karen Nolan, who made an impressive return to racing.
Senior Club Bronze: Sarah, Rachel, and Evelyn
O35 Club Bronze: Karen, Rita, and Michelle
The men’s team put in solid performances, with Brendan Abbott, Glen Finlay, and Dave Dunican narrowly missing out on O50 category medals with a 4th-place team finish.
Full results:
Gary Whittle 1:04:03
Sarah Flanagan 1:05:03
Brendan Abbott 1:06:17
Glen Finlay 1:08:14
Dave Dunican 1:10:36
Liam Byrne 1:10:53
Alan Mitchell 1:10:54
Rachel Henry 1:10:52
Evelyn Herlihy 1:10:59
Karen Nolan 1:13:19
Rita Daly Ravenhill 1:13:41
Michelle Mullaney 1:15:03
Sean Spollen 1:15:12
Mary Daly 1:20:52
Club League – Round 3
Last Tuesday the 15th of April, round 3 of the Club League took place with a 3000m race on the tartan track. The weather was ideal for running, and all 50 club athletes tackled the 7-and-a-half laps in great form.
Jonathan Dunne led the field, crossing the line first in a time of 10:09. He was followed by Daniel Molloy in 10:48, with Sarah Flanagan securing third place in 11:01. A big well done to everyone who took part, a great evening of racing all around.
Results:
Jonathan Dunne 10.09
Daniel Molloy 10.48
Sarah Flanagan 11.01
Alan Heffernan 11.06
Padraig Berry 11.12
Nick McGowan 11.24
Glenn Finlay 11.31
Alan Mitchell Capt. 11.39
Jason McDermott Capt. 11.47
Lorcan Scally 11.51
Diarmuid Herlihy 11.53
James Fleming 11.53
Ciaran Muldowney 11.57
Evelyn Herlihy 12.02
Dave Dunican 12.13
Sean Spollen 12.35
Michelle Mullaney 12.50
Francis Mollen 13.00
Karen Nolan 13.06
Bryce Fraser 13.11
Liam Dunne 13.12
Tara McKinney 13.14
Rita Daly Ravenhill 13.40
Elysia McCormack 13.41
John Carroll 13.44
Brendan Carroll 13.49
Finian McDermott 13.52
Mary Galvin 14.08
Marie Donegan 14.13
Forest McCormack 14.18
Mary Daly 14.27
Matt Corcoran 14.28
Naomi Galvin 14.41
Annmarie McNamara 14.42
Hilary Duncan Capt. 14.54
Paul Hensey 15.09
Helene Rouget 15.33
Sharon Daly 15.38
Martina Lydon 15.45
Olive Mannion Capt. 16.03
Jack Ryan 16.04
Michael Kinsella 16.11
Denis Flynn 16.12
Ann Marie Larkin 16.38
Elma Ravenhill Quinn 18.33
Great Ireland Run
Congratulations to Matt Corcoran, who took part in the recent Great Ireland Run. This annual 10K event was held on April 13th in Dublin’s Phoenix Park and attracted over 2,000 participants. Matt completed the course in an impressive 53 minutes.
Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon
AnnMarie Larkin was also in action on April 13th, taking on the Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon in the sunny south-east. With over 2,000 finishers, it was another well-attended event. AnnMarie crossed the line in 2:17:41.
Fixtures
Sunday 27th April, Rhode 5k
Saturday 3rd May, Leinster Novice Road Championships, Gowran Co Kilkenny
Sunday 11th May – Ashling Murphy 4 Mile.
Senior Training
Training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.40pm to 8.30pm.
For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita 0868386687