Tullamore Harriers report – 6th July 2026

National Success for Tullamore Sprinters

Competing on home turf at the National U20 & U23 Championships on Saturday and Sunday, 4th & 5th July, Tullamore Harriers athletes produced several excellent performances.

Alisha Maher and Lucy Champ both competed in the 100m and 200m events, with each athlete producing outstanding performances.

In the 100m, Lucy ran strongly into a headwind to finish 6th in a time of 12.97 seconds. Alisha finished second in her heat before progressing to the final. Following a controversial finish in which the pre-race favourite, Gloria Oigboche of Tallaght AC, was initially disqualified but reinstated as the winner after an appeal, Alisha was awarded a superb bronze medal in a time of 12.43 seconds.

The 200m attracted a large field of 28 athletes. Lucy had a great run, finishing 5th in 26.07 seconds. Showing tremendous determination and speed endurance, she made up significant ground over the closing 100 metres despite running into a headwind.

Alisha was second in her heat in 25.55 seconds. She was called into the final as a replacement athlete and, despite having very little time to prepare, she finished 8th in a high-quality field.

In the 4x100m relay, the Tullamore Harriers ladies - Lucy, Alisha with Teagan Delaney and Eimear Cotter. produced another fine performance to claim the national bronze medals in 50.48 seconds. While just outside their club record of 48.42 seconds, it was another solid display against strong opposition.

For athletes across all sporting disciplines, finding the right balance between study, Leaving Certificate preparation and competing at the highest level is never easy. All of the Tullamore Harriers U20 women competing this weekend completed their Leaving Certificate examinations this year, and it was fantastic to see them out competing at national level and representing the club with pride and determination.

Ciaran Reynolds and Rachel Henry win Gowran 8.

Congratulations to Ciaran Reynolds and Rachel Henry, winners of the Gowran 8 for 2026.

The Noel Gowran 8 Mile is one of Tullamore Harriers' most treasured club races, held each year in memory of one of our founding members, Noel Gowran, who passed away in 2016. Noel was not only a visionary founder but also an outstanding athlete whose dedication, determination and strong work ethic will always be remembered.

From helping establish the club's facilities, pavilion and social club, to leading by example as a superb athlete, Noel's tireless commitment shaped the very foundations of Tullamore Harriers. He served as Club Chairman from 1970 to 1979 and Chairman of the Management Committee from 1979 to 2008. Regarded as one of Ireland's finest distance runners, Noel won numerous national and provincial titles, with one of his greatest achievements being the first Irishman to run a marathon in under 2 hours 30 minutes.

The Gowran 8 was founded by Noel himself and was first contested in 1980, making this year's race the 46th edition. The Gowran Trophies are awarded to the fastest man and woman who have never previously won the title.

Each summer, club members gather to honour Noel's legacy by taking on the challenging eight-mile course. The race starts in the stadium before heading onto the Charleville Road, out the Killurine Road, turning left after the Golf Club onto the Derrybeg Road, continuing onto the Killeigh Road and returning to the stadium for the finish.

On Tuesday the 30th of June, Club Chairman Adrian Curley welcomed Noel's son Brian, and grandchildren Rian and Freya, along with the 35 athletes, officials and supporters to the start line in the club stadium.

Adrian emphasised the importance of supporting the club races that honour our founding members and paid a fitting tribute to Noel. Noel's granddaughter Freya, herself a juvenile member of Tullamore Harriers, then blew the whistle to officially start the race.

After completing approximately 300 metres on the track, the athletes left the stadium and settled into the eight-mile route.

From the start, Kevin Minnock opened a comfortable lead and was first across the finish line in an impressive 43:50. Jonathan Dunne finished second in 46:23, with Michael O'Brien third in 48:28.

As all three athletes had previously won the Gowran Trophy, the title passed to the next eligible finisher. Ciaran Reynolds therefore claimed the 2026 Gowran Trophy in an excellent time of 49:21. Nigel Cunningham was second novice man, with Gary Whittle taking third novice honours.

In the ladies' race, Rachel Henry was the first woman home in 56:53. As a first-time winner, she claimed the 2026 Gowran Trophy. Rita Daly Ravenhill and Michelle Mullaney were the next women to finish, but as both had previously won the title, Emer Rigney was awarded second novice and Mary Galvin third novice. Rita received the award for Fastest Lady.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, volunteered and supported another memorable running of this special club event.

Results:

1st Novice Winners: Rachel Henry and Cillian Reynolds

2nd Novice Winners: Emer Rigney and Nigel Cunningham

3rd Novice Winners: Mary Galvin and Gary Whittle

Full results:

Kevin Minnock 43.50

Jonathan Dunne 46.23

Michael O'Brien 48.28

Ciaran Reynolds 49.21

Nigel Cunningham 50.51

Gary Whittle 51.02

Ollie Neary 51.54

Liam Byrne 53.33

Gearoid McHugh 53.48

Padraig Berry 53.59

Alan Heffernan 54.01

Shane McGuinness 54.28

Jason McDermott 55.09

Rachel Henry 56.53

Darragh Rigney 57.04

Sean Reynolds 58.31

Rita Daly Ravenhill 1.00.06

Liam Dunne 1.00.08

Jonathan King 1.01.14

Michelle Mullaney 1.01.22

Elysia McCormack 1.02.52

Emer Rigney 1.03.32 2nd

Mary Galvin 1.05.38 3rd

Una Mullen 1.06.20

John O'Connell 1.08.59

Hilary Duncan 1.09.29

Naomi Galvin 1.10.45

Paschal Naughton 1.13.30

Olive Mannion 1.14.39

Mary Guest 1.16.20

Josie Lalor 1.17.18

Sharon Daly 1.18.04

Helene Rouget 1.19.18

Sandra Busteed 1.22.06

Melissa Hogan 2.20.38

Kevin Wins Clara 5K

Congratulations to Kevin Minnock on yet another victory in the Healthy Offaly Race Series. Kevin claimed first place in the Paddy Dolan Memorial 5K Road Race, hosted by Clara AC on Sunday the 5th of July.

With just one race remaining in the series, Kevin has put himself in a very strong position in the overall standings. The final round, the Birr 5K, takes place on 16 August.

Kevin was a convincing winner, crossing the finish line in 15:37. Mark Darby of Mullingar Harriers was second in 16:10, while Jonathan Dunne's 3rd place finish in 16.54 resulted in Tullamore Harriers having two athletes on the podium.

The Tullamore Harriers men's team of Kevin Minnock, Jonathan Dunne, Nigel Cunningham and Jack Marron claimed first place in the team competition.
Charlotte Abbott was the club's first lady finisher, placing 10th overall. Charlotte, together with Karen Nolan, Elysia McCormack and Maeve Larkin, secured fourth place in the women's team competition.
Well done to all 27 Tullamore Harriers athletes who took part, and congratulations to Clara AC on hosting another excellently organised event.

Tullamore Harriers results: 

Kevin Minnock 0:15:37

Jonathan Dunne 0:16:54
Nigel Cunningham 0:17:29
Jack Marron 0:19:39
Darren Butler 0:19:41
Brendan Abbott 0:20:24
Charlotte Abbott 0:20:56
Sean Reynolds 0:20:55
Bryce Fraser 0:21:09
Karen Nolan 0:21:50
Elysia McCormack 0:22:37
Maeve Larkin 0:22:37
Philani Moyo 0:22:57
Mary Galvin 0:23:58
Naomi Galvin 0:25:42
John O'Connell 0:25:43
Jack Ryan 0:25:39
Olive Mannion 0:26:00
Anne Daly 0:26:34
Martina Conlon 0:26:50
Paschal Naughton 0:27:04
Josie Lalor 0:27:05
Helene Rouget 0:27:15
Sandra Busteed 0:27:39
Michael Kinsella 0:27:50
Jim Langan 1:01:24 

Achill Half Marathon

The 21st Achill Half Marathon, one of Ireland's most popular road racing events took place on Saturday, 4th July. Renowned for its breathtaking Atlantic scenery, fantastic local support and wonderful atmosphere, the Achill Half Marathon is also known for its hilly course, featuring approximately 229 metres of elevation gain. This year's conditions were far from ideal, with wet weather and strong, blustery winds adding to an already challenging route. Despite the elements, the Tullamore Harriers athletes performed really well with some great times recorded. Congratulations to all our club members who travelled to Achill and represented Tullamore Harriers so well.

Gary Whittle 1.29.04

Liam Byrne 1.31.13

Alan Heffernan 1.32.42 1st O60. 

Jason McDermott 1.35.43

Lar Tierney 1.51.25

Mary Daly 1.54.44

John Carroll 1.56.39

Paul Hensey 2.04.31

Una Mullen competed in the 10k - 50.00

Ally Duffy selected on the Irish team for Rieti – The European Athletics U18 Championships.

The European Athletics U18 Championships will be held in Rieti, Italy from July 16th-19th. Rieti is a town which has played host to many significant athletic competitions over the years including the famous Rieti Meeting, in which 8 world records have been set, and the 2013 European Athletics U20 Championships. Tullamore Harriers' Ally Duffy will be one of almost 1200 young athletes from all over Europe who will be competing at the championships. Ally will take starters orders in the 2000m steeplechase an event which she has an impressive PB of 6:45.00 which she set in Milan in May. Just last week she set a new CBP in the event when she won the All-Ireland U17 race on her home track after a keenly fought contest.

Castledaly native Ally was coaxed into running for Moate Community School by Emer Gaffey in 2024 and after significant success in schools’ competitions decided to join a club. Since then, she has won a haul of medals at provincial and national level and represented Ireland twice already in 2026 in cross country. Ally who has been driven on by friendly competition from her siblings Eoin and Josh, along with support from her parents Tanya and Gordon, is eagerly looking forward to the championships.

Condolences

The chairman, committee and club members wish of offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late John Hennessey. May he rest in Peace.