Kilkenny City Harriers celebrate 70th birthday

Friday, October 13 marked a significant night in the local athletics calendar as the Kilkenny City Harriers (KCH) celebrated their 70th birthday. 

Hosted in Langton's Hotel on John Street, the night welcomed some of the club's highest achievers, as broadcaster and MC for the event, Kieran Cuddihy, spoke to the Harriers representatives on the Irish Olympic Team.

The occasion, led by Nicholas Dunphy and the Gala Committee, gave members the opportunity to celebrate years of hard work.

Mr Cuddihy chaired two panels on the night; panel one featured Cliodhna Manning, Sinead Delahunty and Emily Maher, while the second panel consisted of Joanne Cuddihy, Caitriona Cuddihy and Eileen O'Keeffe.

The occasion was special for everyone involved, none more so than Sean Lynch and his family, as the former school teachers contribution to the club earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Lynch thanked the club for all the support he's received down through the years and spoke of his affection for the athletes the club has produced since its inception.

Chairman of the Kilkenny City Harriers John Maye paid tribute to the club stalwart, describing him as an 'icon', 'irreplaceable' and 'the very best of all of us.'

Mr Maye went on to pay a glowing tribute to athletes and volunteers.

"We are now one of the biggest athletics clubs in Ireland, with almost 600 members. We're an ambitious club with a can do attitude and hundreds of volunteers."

"We are a community centred around our colours, our love of the sport and the bonds forged in our efforts on behalf of the club. I hope the 1953 members would judge us kindly."

"I encourage our political friends here in the room to continue to work towards the provision of a home for the club. I hope to be celebrating in 2053 in that home. I think the 1953 members would wholeheartedly agree," Mr Maye concluded.