Tullamore Harriers report – 8th June 2026

Colin Dunne Primary Schools Track and Field

On an unseasonally chilly morning, on Friday the 5th of June, the annual Colin Dunne Primary Schools Track & Field Championships once again proved to be a hugely successful event, bringing together more than 485 primary school pupils for a memorable day of athletics at Tullamore Harriers Stadium.

Organised by Tullamore Harriers under the leadership of Nita McLoughlin and the Colin Dunne Committee, this popular competition welcomed children from across a wide catchment area in County Offaly. On the day, 30 primary schools were represented, comprising of 98 teams - 51 boys’ teams and 47 girls’ teams.

Boys and girls took part in four disciplines – 100m, 600m, Long Jump and Shot Put. Teams consisted of four athletes, with one substitute permitted, drawn from 3rd to 6th class. One of the unique strengths of the Colin Dunne Championships is its team-based format, which encourages shared achievement. Every point earned contributes to the team's overall standing, ensuring that each child can make a valuable contribution to their school's success but easing the pressure of individual performance.

This year's championships took place on a particularly significant date for Irish athletics -exactly 150 years after the world's first international athletics match, held in Dublin between Ireland and England on 5th June 1876. While the focus of the Colin Dunne Championships is very much on teamwork and participation, it would be wonderful to think that some of those young athletes might go on to wear the green of Ireland in the years ahead.

Mick Gillespie was the MC for the event and did an excellent job. Adrian Curley, Chairman of Tullamore Harriers, extended a warm welcome to all schools, competitors and supporters before the action began and directed the proceedings to perfection as always.  From the kick off, the young athletes displayed a lovely blend of competitive action and fun. Of course, a chance to spend a day at the athletics track away from the classroom added to the excitement!

A sincere thank you is extended to the teachers, parents and the many volunteers whose dedication ensured the smooth running of the event. Special appreciation is also due to Tom and Bernie Dunne, parents of the late Colin Dunne, who have faithfully attended the championships each year since its inception to present the prizes.

Congratulations to all the children who participated. Their efforts and enthusiasm made the day enjoyable for everyone involved, including the many club volunteers for whom this event remains one of the highlights of the year.

Following a closely contested competition, the overall team results were as follows:

Girls
1st – Ballinamere NS Team A
2nd – Scoil Phádraig, Ballybryan Team A
3rd – Crinkle NS Team A

Boys
1st – Crinkle NS Team A
2nd – Scoil Eoin Phóil II Naofa Team A
3rd – Scoil Shinchill, Killeigh NS Team A

List of Schools:

Ballinamere NS

Cappagh NS

Clonbullogue NS

Clonlisk NS

Crinkle NS

Daingean NS

Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada Tullamore

Gaelscoil Eadandoire

Gaelscoil na Laochra, Birr NS

Geashill NS

Mucklagh NS

Scoil Bhride BNS Tullamore

Scoil Bhride Clara

Scoil Bhride Croghan NS

Scoil Charthaigh Naofa Rahan

Scoil Eoin Phoil II Naofa

Scoil Mhuire Tullamore

Scoil Naomh Colmcille Durrow NS

Scoil Naomh Eoin Rath

Scoil Phadraig Ballybryan

Scoil Phroinsiais Naofa Clara

Scoil Sheosaimh Naofa Ballinagar

Scoil Shinchill Killeigh NS

Seir Kieran’s Clareen NS

Shinrone NS

St Kieran’s Broughall NS

St Brendan’s Birr

St Ciaran’s Mixed School Boher, Ballycumber

St Cynoc’s Ferbane

Tullamore Educate Together

Leinster Juvenile Relay Championships.

3 teams from the Sprint Group travelled to SETU Campus, Carlow for the Leinster Juveniles Relays with all teams competing in the 4 x 100m competitions.

First out was the Boys U13 who were 3rd in their heat and 8th in the final.

The U17 Girls were next out on the track for the 4 x 100m event. Taking a break from their Junior Cert studies today, they executed their baton exchanges very well. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out on qualification for the National Championships, finishing in 4th place.

In the afternoon the U12 Girls lined up for their heat, finishing in a credible 6th place. Well done all the teams on the performance today in wet and blustery conditions.

U13 Boys team: Ben Mathews, Rian McAndrew, Sean Dunican and Eli Stokes.

17 Girls team: Madeline Deverell, Fayth Byrne, Samia Akbar, Roisin Cotter, Chloe McGowan, Ellie Finlay.

U12 Girls team: Laoise Kelly, Maeve O'Halloran, Eve O'Reilly and Evie Mahon.

Strong performances at Irish Milers Club Meet
Tullamore Harriers athletes produced a series of outstanding performances at the Irish Milers Club Meet in Irishtown Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 6th of June, with athletes securing podium finishes and personal bests.
Michael Murphy led the way in the Men's A 1500m, finishing in an excellent second place in a time of 3:51.82, his second-fastest ever performance over the distance. Michael was narrowly beaten by Matteo Mary of Waterford AC, who won in 3:51.10. This was an impressive run given that Michael's training focus had been on the 10k distance until just a fortnight ago.
Aaron Keane continued his excellent run of form by finishing second in the Grade A 400m in a solid 47.83 seconds. Aaron recently competed in France where he competed at the National de Seine-et-Marne meeting in Fontainebleau. There he clocked 10.73 seconds for 100m and 21.48 seconds for 200m, just 0.03 seconds outside his personal best despite slipping in the starting blocks.
In the Grade B 5000m, Cian Law had a super run to finish second in a highly competitive race. His time of 14:49 earned him a new personal best on the track.
Danielle Donegan also continued her excellent season with another personal best performance in the Women's A 1500m. Running in wet and windy conditions, Danielle recorded 4:23.38 to claim second place. In a thrilling finish she edged out Emma Hickey of United Striders AC and finished just behind race winner Kirsti Foster, who crossed the line in 4:22.11.

Portumna Half Marathon and 10K

Tullamore Harriers athletes were in action at the Portumna Half Marathon and 10K, held in the beautiful surroundings of Portumna Forest Park on the 6th of June.

Darren Ghee added yet another half marathon to his growing list when he took on the Portumna Half Marathon. The challenging course consisted of forest paths, trails and stretches of tarmac, all run over a 5km loop through the scenic forest park. Darren completed the race in a time of 1:54.

Also in action was Melissa Hogan, who competed in the Portumna 10K. Melissa completed 2 laps of the same course. While the stunning scenery provided plenty of encouragement along the way, the weather conditions were far from ideal for this time of year.

PB for Jack

Well done to Jack Donegan, who competed at the 10th PUMA NITRO Lange Laufnacht in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Saturday the 31st of May. Racing in this World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger meet, Jack produced an excellent run in the 1500m, clocking 3:59.89 to record a three-second personal best.

Condolences

The chairman, committee and club members wish of offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Conor McGrath. Conor was a very cherished member of Tullamore Harriers. May Conor Rest in Peace.