On Thursday evening, the Hilton Hotel in Kilmainham hosted a special gathering for the launch of a book that has been 130 years in the making.
The Story of Donore Harriers chronicles the rich history of the club, meticulously compiled by Maurice Ahern and Pat Cassidy, with Mary Ahern overseeing the editing and collation of this long-awaited publication.
For Donore Harriers, founded in 1893 and proud producer of 13 Olympians, the book’s release marks a milestone moment. Four of those Olympians were present at the launch, underscoring the club’s enduring legacy.
The book traces the club’s journey from its origins in 1893, through key milestones such as the admission of female members in 1982, and its relocations from Kilmainham to Islandbridge and finally to its current home in Chapelizod.
The idea for the book first emerged during the centenary celebrations in 1993, when an exhibition sparked interest in preserving the club’s story. More than three decades later, that vision has finally come to life. Athletics Ireland president Brid Golden opened the event with remarks celebrating the achievement.
Co-author Maurice Ahern inspecting his hard work in print
Highlights of the evening included Jack Raftery sharing childhood memories of growing up in the club, and three-time Olympian and world champion Eamonn Coghlan officially launching the book while also having the honour of writing the foreword.
Coghlan recalled some of his most cherished moments in the iconic black-and-white vest – including a last-minute flight from San Diego to help Donore secure team gold at the National Cross Country Championships.
Donore Harriers boasts a storied tradition in distance running, particularly during its golden era from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, when the club claimed the Men’s National Senior Cross Country team title an astonishing 18 years in a row.
Today, the club continues to thrive, with athletes like Raftery, John Travers, Louis O’Loughlin, Abdel Laadjel, Aoife Lynch, and Lara O’Byrne proudly carrying forward its legendary legacy.
You can buy the book through the club website HERE.
An overview of the book designed by Colin Moore
