Tullamore Harriers athletes shine at National Masters Track and Field Championships
Great performance for Ava at the World University Games
The 123.ie National Masters Outdoor Championships took place on Saturday, July 26th, at Tullamore Harriers Stadium. Almost 500 athletes from across the country competed in an action-packed programme of track and field events. With competitors ranging in age from 35 to 85, and on a perfect day for competition, there was no shortage of inspirational performances, resilience, and sporting spirit.
Representing the host club, Tullamore Harriers, athletes brought home medals across a range of disciplines -sprints, middle distance, relays, and throws.
Ladies first!
Pat Kelly, who travelled from the USA to don the blue and white vest, enjoyed a golden day in the W75 category. Pat competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m, claiming three National Masters titles.
In the 200m sprint, club legend Mary Walsh added to her impressive collection of medals with a superb silver, while Eileen Kenny, also competing in the W75 category, took gold in the 3000m with a strong and determined run.
Men on form
In the men’s sprints, Stephen Byrne produced an excellent series of performances, winning gold in both the M50 100m and 200m, and silver in the 4x100m relay. Stephen was joined in the relay by teammates Rory Deverell, Kevin Minnock, and Fergie Gorman, with Rory also finishing a solid 5th in the 100m and 200m.
Kevin Minnock produced one of the standout performances of the day. Enjoying an exceptional road racing season this year, Kevin carried that form onto the track in style. In a competitive M35 800m, he stormed to victory in a blistering 2:00, edging out his friend and fellow Cappincur native David Carroll (Liffey Valley AC) who finished in 2:01. Kevin then helped the 4 x 100m relay team to a silver medal before returning to the track for the 1500m, where another strong run saw him claim bronze - rounding off a superb triple-medal haul.
Jim Langan, a long-serving member of the club and a regular competitor at the National Masters, added to the medal tally with silver in the 1500m and bronze in the 800m in the M80 age category.
In the throws, Adrian Brennan was in excellent form, taking two national bronze medals in the M65 Weight for Distance (WFD) and Shot Put events.
Track Results
Master Women 100m
Pat Kelly (W75) 8.37 1st
Master Men 100m
Stephen Byrne (M50) 12.19 1st
Rory Deverell (M40) 12.35 5th
Master Women 200m
Pat Kelly (W75) 40.76 1st
Mary Walsh (W75) 43.24 2nd
Master Men 200m
Stephen Byrne (M50) 25.21 1st
Rory Deverell (M40) 25.50 5th
Master Women 400m
Pat Kelly (W75) 1:43.40 1st
Master Men 800m
Kevin Minnock (M35) 2:00 1st
Jim Langan (M80) 3:56.48 3rd
Master Women 3000m
Eileen Kenny (W75) 14:03.83 1st
Master Men 1500m
Kevin Minnock (M35) 4:16.46 3rd
Jim Langan (M80) 9:42.13 2nd
Master Men – 4 x 100m Relay 48.82 – 2nd place.
Above: Adrian Brennan at . & .
Field Events
Shot Put (5kg) M60-69
Adrian Brennan (M60) 8.73m 3rd
WFD (35lbs) M50-69
Adrian Brennan (M60) 5.31m 3rd
A fantastic day for Tullamore Harriers with medals across sprints, middle distance, relays, and field events. Congratulations to all who competed and proudly represented the club
Great performance for Ava at the World University Games
Tullamore Harriers athlete Ava O’Connor has had an incredible two weeks of international competition, proudly flying the flag for club and country.
Competing at the FISU World University Games in Bochum, Germany, Ava produced a brilliant run in the women’s 3000m steeplechase final on Sunday July 27th, finishing 9th in 9:51.07. She had earlier won her heat the previous Friday with an excellent 9:50.21 to qualify for the final.
This performance came hot on the heels of another major championship just a week earlier, where Ava finished 8th in the 3000m steeplechase final at the European Athletics U23 Championships, clocking 9:54.35.
These back-to-back top 10 finishes on the international stage are a testament to Ava’s talent, dedication, and hard work.
Wins for Murphy and Coughlan in the Gowran 8 Mile
Above: Eanna Gowran with daughter Ava and wife Maria at the Gowran 8 Mile.
Noel was there from the very beginning, way back in 1953 - planning and laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most vibrant and top-class athletics clubs in the country. From helping establish the club’s facilities, pavilion, and social club, to leading by example as a superb athlete himself, Noel’s tireless dedication shaped the very foundations of Tullamore Harriers AC.
Club Chairman Adrian Curley warmly welcomed Noel’s son, Éanna, who had the honour of officially starting the race. In his opening remarks, Adrian reminded long-standing members of Noel’s invaluable contributions and shared with newer members the inspiring story of a man whose legacy lives on in every corner of the club. Noel was not only a visionary founder but also an outstanding athlete, with a strong work ethic that carried over into his running career.
Éanna expressed his gratitude to Adrian and all those present for continuing to honour his father’s memory. He shared touching memories of his childhood in the club, often helping his father clean up after events and stressed how deeply embedded the club was in their family life.
This year’s race was especially meaningful, with Éanna’s daughter Ava and her boyfriend Charlie, (home from Melbourne) lining out with the other club members to run the 8 miles in Noel’s memory. Meanwhile, some of Noel’s other family members marked the occasion from around the world:
* Ben and Cian (grandsons) ran in Sydney.
* Sean (son) completed the 8 miles in Singapore.
* Ide (daughter) and her daughters Caoimhe, Niamh, and Eimear jogged and walked the route in Dingle.
* Colum (son) walked the distance in Munich.
A truly global tribute highlighting the deep bond between Noel’s family and the club that meant so much to him.
As the starting whistle blew, the 44 participants set off from the club stadium, heading left onto Charleville Road. The single-loop course wound its way through Killurine, Derrybeg, and Clonminch, before bringing runners back for a final lap of the track.
Above: Race winners Evelyn Coughlan and Stephen Murphy with Eanna Gowran after the Gowran 8.
Stephen Murphy -Male Novice Winner
Evelyn Coughlan -Female Novice Winner
The other top finishers were:
2nd Female: Maeve Larkin
3rd Female: AnnMarie McNamara
2nd Male: David Hollywood
3rd Male: Gaelan Elliffe
Congratulations to all who took part, and sincere thanks to those who helped organise this very special evening. The Gowran 8 Mile continues to be more than just a race; it is a celebration of a man whose spirit, dedication, and love for Tullamore Harriers still inspires.
Results:
Micheal O'Brien 46.26
Stephen Murphy 46.45 1st Male Novice
Evelyn Coughlan 49.20 1st Female Novice
Padraig Berry 49.41
Darren Butler 51.19
Jody O Reilly 52.22
David Hollywood 53.48 2nd Male Novice
Gaelan Elliffe 54.07 3rd Male Novice
Nick McGowan 54.30
Sarah Flanagan 55.05
Cian Keogh 55.07
Alan Heffernan 55.29
Lorcan Scally 55.44
Alan Mitchell 55.47
Diarmuid Herlihy 56.02
Seamus Hoey 56.52
Evelyn Herlihy 57.55
Michelle Mullaney 59.00
Liam Dunne 59.09
Francis Mollen 59.20
Paul McGowan 59.45
John Donegan 60.22
Finian McDermott 61.27
Maeve Larkin 61.45 2nd Female Novice
Enda Golden 62.04
Elysia McCormack 62.14
John O'Connell 63.18
Bryce Fraser 63.23
Annmarie McNamara 63.48 3rd Female Novice
Paul Hensey 64.39
Mary Daly 64.52
John Carroll 65.42
Ava Gowran 66.57
Mary Galvin 67.21
Matt Corcoran 68.38
Naomi Galvin 69.10
Hilary Duncan 70.07
Sharon Daly 72.27
Noreen Hunt 73.15
Michael Kinsella 74.13
Charlie Healy 74.32
Mary Guest 76.19
Olive Mannion 81.07
Melissa Hogan 2.39.51
Jamie and Darren at Kilkee Half Marathon
Tullamore Harriers was well represented at the Kilkee Half Marathon on Saturday, 26th July, with Jamie Malone and Darren Ghee taking on the challenging 13.1-mile course along the spectacular but very challenging Loop Head Peninsula in Co. Clare.
Jamie produced yet another superb performance, finishing in the top 10 with a time of 1:22. Fresh from a strong 10 Mile race in the Phoenix Park just a week earlier, Jamie showed his continued progress and promise over middle-distance races, handling the tough coastal course with ease.
Also proudly wearing the blue and white was Darren Ghee, who ran strongly throughout and crossed the line in 1:54, another solid result on a demanding route.
BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon
On Saturday, 30th August, Tullamore Harriers will host the annual BnM Tullamore Harriers AC Half Marathon.
Since its inaugural running in 2013, this race has grown in stature and popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after events on the athletics calendar. This year’s edition sold out in record time, highlighting the huge demand among runners to be part of this special day in Tullamore.
Headline sponsor once again is BnM, and Tullamore Harriers AC is very appreciative of the continued support from Offaly County Council, Tullamore Gardaí, Offaly Civil Defence, sponsors, supporters and the many volunteers who make the event possible.
The race starts at 10am on the Charleville Road at the junction with Dillon Street. Runners will be on the course until approximately 1:30pm. For the safety of all participants, temporary road closures will be in place along the route, and the club thanks the public in advance for their cooperation.
We look forward to welcoming athletes and supporters for another fantastic day of running in Tullamore.
Condolences
The chairman , committee and members extend their condolences to the Conlon family on the sad passing of John Conlon.
John represented the club for several years and is fondly remembered by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Fixtures
Friday 1st August – Birr AC 5K
Saturday & Sunday August 2nd & 3rd - National Senior Track & Field Championships, Morton Stadium!
Tuesday 5th August – Dysart 4 Mile, Mullingar Harriers AC
Sunday 17th August – Neville 10 Club Race
Saturday 30th August – BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon
Senior Training
Training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.40pm to 8.30pm. For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita 0868386687