Friday 13th October brought “The Harriers Family” together for a Gala Night in Langtons, John Street. The reason – to celebrate 70 years of Kilkenny City Harriers. Former athletes, former coaches and current athletes, coaches and families all joined in acknowledging the progress made. Thanks to Nicholas Dunphy and the Gala Committee for the organisation of the event.
The evening got under way at 7.00pm with a drinks reception. Club chairman, John Maye, welcomed everyone – particularly Michael Doyle, Chairman Kilkenny Co Co; Martin Brett, Deputy Mayor; and John Cronin, President Athletics Ireland.
MC for the evening, Kieran Cuddihy, interviewed six of in clubs Olympians in two panels. First group were Sinead Delahunty, 1500 in Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000; Emily Maher, Relay in Sydney 2000 and Cliodhna Manning2020 Relay(held in 2021 because of covid) in Tokyo. The second group interviewed were Joanne Cuddihy, 400m in Beijing 2008 and London 2012; Caitriona Cuddihy, Relay in London 2012 and Eileen O’Keeffe, Hammer in Beijing 2008.
As part of the celebrations Nicholas Dunphy presented long time club volunteer, Sean Lynch, with a specially commissioned Lifetime Achievement Award.
Following the four course dinner, expertly prepared and served, the three tier birthday cake was wheeled in and distributed.
With all the guests suitably catered for the music started and continued into the early hours. Guests departed with a top quality booklet which outlined the history of the club and re-counted many of the achievements of club individuals and teams.
Let’s hope most of us will be around in 2053 for the centenary celebrations!!!!