Three Podium Places for D.S.D!

A balmy spring afternoon on the ever-familiar Raheny circuit set the stage perfectly for the 2026 National Road Relay Championships. With a strong contingent of DSD’s senior athletes, freshly returned from a warm-weather training camp, expectations were high as the club set its sights on national medals in what promised to be fiercely competitive races.

The day got off to an encouraging start, with two master’s men’s teams proudly lining out.  In the M35 race, Mícheál Ó Meachair, Eoin Healy, and Robert Corbally delivered a solid performance to finish 8^th in a field of 23 teams. The M50 squad, however, stole the early headlines with a commanding victory.  Seán Browne led off strongly to keep DSD in contention, before two superb legs from Ruben Bartelink and Aidan Murphy powered the team clear.  Crossing the line 11 seconds ahead of hosts Raheny Shamrock AC, the DSD trio claimed a well-deserved gold and the club’s first podium finish of the day.

Attention then turned to the senior women, defending champions after their 2025 triumph and determined to retain their crown against a host of strong challengers.  Holly Carroll set the tone with a composed opening leg to keep DSD firmly in the mix. Emma McEvoy, making a welcome return from injury, battled gamely over the shorter two-lap leg – well outside her preferred distance – before handing over to Amy O’Donoghue who had a lot of work to do if DSD were to get on the podium. What followed was one of the standout performances of the day.  Amy produced a sensational anchor leg, slicing through the field and recording the fastest split by over 10 seconds.  Her remarkable run secured a superb bronze medal for DSD, behind Dublin City Harriers and St. Abban’s AC.

Not to be outdone, the senior men lined up determined to end a long wait for a podium finish – in what would be their first since 2018.  Killian Mooney led off with intent, staying right at the sharp end throughout before handing over to Tommy Paltzer in prime position.  Competing in his first Road Relays, Tommy ran a composed mile leg to keep DSD firmly in contention.  Paul O’Donnell, dropping down in distance after recent marathon efforts, produced a strong 3-mile leg, though Clonliffe had edged clear through Colm Rooney.  On the final leg, Aaron Donnelly fought bravely but was just edged out by the fast-finishing John Travers of Donore Harriers.  DSD secured a hard-earned bronze behind Clonliffe Harriers and Donore – bringing a welcome end to the club’s medal drought in this event and marking a third podium finish on the day.

There was also an impressive showing from DSD’s second senior men’s team.  Fionn Neville, George McGilton, Lochlann Hannon, and Jake Mathews all gained valuable experience in their first National Road Relays, finishing a commendable 15^th out of 28 teams. This young quartet looks sure to play a key role in future DSD successes.

All in all, it was a highly successful day for DSD, capped by multiple podium finishes and a host of strong performances across the board. Congratulations to all athletes who represented the club so well, and to Raheny Shamrock AC for hosting another excellent championship event.

(Thanks to Rob for report)