Athletics Archives - SportsNewsIreland

Pentathlon Silver Medal for Kate O’Connor at World Indoors

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:07:05 +0000

Kate O’Connor has won a historic silver medal in the pentathlon at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete won her first global medal with a stunning performance of 4,742 points. It is Ireland’s first podium place at a World Indoor Athletics Championships since Derval O’Rourke’s gold in the 60m hurdles in 2006.

O’Connor’s performance comes just over a fortnight after her bronze medal success at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn. There she set a new national record of 4,781 points, achieving personal bests in four of her five events. Friday saw her improve on three of those personal bests once again, and this time on the world stage.

The Dundalk athlete got the competition off to a flying start with a personal best of 8.30 in the 60m hurdles. She followed with an impressive 1.81m clearance in the high jump. A second PB followed in the shot put, where she threw 14.64m.

The afternoon session saw O’Connor open with a personal best of 6.30m in the first of her attempts in the long jump. She improved on the mark mark once again in the second round with a leap of 6.32m. The final 800m event saw her reproduce another outstanding track performance, crossing the finish in a time of 2:14.19 which guaranteed her place on the podium.

Speaking after her final event, 24-year-old O’Connor, who is only the seventh Irish athlete to win a medal individually at a World Indoor Championships, said:

“I’ve just been on a bit of a run since the European Championships. I really wanted to come in here with a bit of confidence and just go out there and enjoy myself. I’ve been training really hard and I wanted to go out there and make my country proud.

“Winning this medal and the medal a couple of weeks ago will really push multi events forward in the country and let younger athletes see what other options are available to them in athletics.”

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Video – Irish Athletics Shines with Three European Medals in 30 Minutes at European Indoors

JoeNa Connacht — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:44:36 +0000

Irish Athletics Shines with Three European Medals in 30 Minutes at European Indoors

Irish athletics fans were treated to an unforgettable night as three medals were secured in just 30 minutes at the European Indoor Championships 2025 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.

Sarah Healy, Kate O’Connor, and Mark English all made the podium in a golden burst of success that signals a new era for Ireland’s track and field stars ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.

Sarah Healy Strikes Gold in 1500m Final

Rising middle-distance star Sarah Healy stormed to gold in the 1500 metres, delivering a composed and commanding performance. Her final lap surge left her rivals trailing, and she crossed the line to become European Indoor Champion.

“It was amazing… the best part is that my parents are here because they have seen me so sad so many times,” Healy said, her voice cracking with emotion after the biggest win of her career.

Sarah Healy #Apeldoorn2025 #IRISHATHLETICS #teamireland pic.twitter.com/Kj2y7WXBZ0

— Ger McCarthy (@germccarthy74) March 9, 2025

Healy’s victory confirms her status as one of Europe’s most promising athletes heading into the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, scheduled for 13–21 September.

Kate O’Connor Battles to Pentathlon Bronze

In a thrilling finale to the women’s pentathlon, Kate O’Connor threw caution to the wind in the final 800m race—clocking a personal best to clinch bronze.

“We had a plan, but halfway through the race I said ‘I’m going to run as fast as I flippin’ can’,” O’Connor laughed, after her gutsy run paid off.

"We had a plan, but halfway through the race I said 'I'm going to run as fast as I flippin' can' – Kate O'Connor tore up the script midway through the 800m race to secure bronze at the European Indoors.
Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #Apeldoorn2025 #IrishAthletics #rtesport pic.twitter.com/lLcBzFq9YJ

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 9, 2025

Kate O'Connor ran an aggressive final event in the pentathlon and it paid dividends as she ran an 800m personal best to secure a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships.

Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #Apeldoorn2025 #IrishAthletics #rtesport pic.twitter.com/xs4xGOOLJu

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 9, 2025

Her all-round consistency, mental strength, and aggressive approach in the final event highlight her as a serious contender for global success in 2025.

Mark English Adds Another Medal in 800m

Veteran middle-distance runner Mark English once again showed his class, digging deep in a tactical men’s 800m final to secure bronze—his latest in a glittering European career.

Battling all the way to the finish line, English’s experience shone through as he added another medal to Ireland’s growing haul on the European stage.

Mark English is THE championship performer

Sportsfile pic.twitter.com/PN3IIF4kVb

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 9, 2025

Eyes Now on Tokyo for World Championships

This remarkable half-hour at the European Indoors marks one of the most successful spells in Irish athletics history. With one gold and two bronze medals, Team Ireland now carries massive momentum into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, set for 13–21 September 2025.

It’s a promising sign that Ireland could be on the verge of something special this autumn on the world stage.

For the latest on Ireland’s road to Tokyo, daily athletics news, and exclusive interviews with Irish stars, follow our coverage every day.

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Team Ireland Athletes & Full Schedule – European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:08:21 +0000

Team Ireland Athletes & Full Schedule – European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025

Team Ireland has officially departed for the 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships, taking place in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, from March 6th to 9th.

The event will feature 700 elite athletes from 50 nations, competing over four action-packed days at the sold-out Omnisport Apeldoorn stadium, which will host over 27,500 spectators.

Full List of Irish Athletes at European Indoor Championships 2025

Individual Events

• Sharlene Mawdsley – Women’s 400m

• Sarah Healy – Women’s 3000m

• Jodie McCann – Women’s 3000m

• Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles

• Kate O’Connor – Women’s Pentathlon

• Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 3000m

• Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m

• Mark English – Men’s 800m

• Cian McPhillips – Men’s 800m

• James Gormley – Men’s 3000m

• Bori Akinola – Men’s 60m

• Lauren Cadden – Women’s 400m

• Rachel McCann – Women’s 400m

Irish Athletes in Relay Events

• Mixed 4x400m Relay Team (Athletes TBD)

• Women’s 4x400m Relay Team (Including Olympic finalists Phil Healy & Sharlene Mawdsley)

Paralympic Athlete Representing Ireland

• Orla Comerford – Para 60m Mixed Classification

Full Team Ireland Schedule – European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025

Thursday, March 6th – Evening Session

• 18:55 – Men’s 1500m – Round One (Cathal Doyle)

• 19:50 – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Round One (Sarah Lavin)

• 20:50 – Mixed 4x400m Relay – Final

Friday, March 7th – Morning Session

• 10:05 – Men’s 800m – Round One (Mark English, Cian McPhillips)

• 10:55 – Women’s 400m – Round One (Sharlene Mawdsley, Lauren Cadden)

• 12:45 – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Semi-Final (Sarah Lavin) [If Qualified]

Friday, March 7th – Evening Session

• 18:58 – Women’s 400m – Semi-Final (Mawdsley, Cadden) [If Qualified]

• 20:15 – Men’s 1500m – Final (Cathal Doyle) [If Qualified]

• 20:43 – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Final (Sarah Lavin) [If Qualified]

Saturday, March 8th – Morning Session

• 09:20 – Women’s 3000m – Round One (Sarah Healy, Jodie McCann)

• 11:00 – Men’s 60m – Round One (Bori Akinola)

• 11:45 – Men’s 3000m – Round One (Andrew Coscoran, James Gormley)

• 12:17 – Para 60m Mixed Classification – Final (Orla Comerford)

Saturday, March 8th – Evening Session

• 18:10 – Men’s 60m – Semi-Final (Bori Akinola) [If Qualified]

• 19:13 – Men’s 800m – Semi-Final (English, McPhillips) [If Qualified]

• 20:40 – Men’s 60m – Final (Bori Akinola) [If Qualified]

• 20:50 – Women’s 400m – Final (Mawdsley, Cadden) [If Qualified]

Sunday, March 9th – Morning & Evening Sessions

• 08:00 – 18:50 – Kate O’Connor competes in the Women’s Pentathlon (All events)

• 15:50 – Men’s 3000m – Final (Andrew Coscoran, James Gormley) [If Qualified]

• 16:27 – Men’s 800m – Final (Mark English, Cian McPhillips) [If Qualified]

• 16:36 – Women’s 3000m – Final (Sarah Healy, Jodie McCann) [If Qualified]

• 17:50 – Women’s 4x400m Relay – Final

Why This Championship Matters for Team Ireland

The European Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 serve as an important stepping stone towards the 2025 outdoor season, the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and the longer-term build-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Stay tuned for live updates, results, and analysis as Ireland competes in Apeldoorn, Netherlands!

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Ireland team named for European Athletics U18 Championships

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 21:14:20 +0000

Athletics Ireland has selected an exciting team for the European Athletics U18 Championships in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, from 18-21 July 2024.

Ireland has enjoyed medal success at previous editions of the U18 Championships, most recently with Fintan Dewhirst taking silver in the 400m hurdles back in 2022. Other medallists have included Gina Akpe Moses (100m silver, 2016), Molly Scott (100mh bronze, 2016), Rhasidat Adeleke (200m gold, 2018), Sophie O’Sullivan (800m silver, 2018), and Sarah Healy (1500m gold and 800m gold, 2018).

This year’s team has strength in depth right across a range of track and field events with 15-year-old Conor Penny (Craughwell AC) and 16-year-old Thomas Williams (Shercock AC) heading to these championships as the top ranked athletes in their respective high jump (Penny) and hammer throw (Willaims) events.

There is no shortage of talent selected for the track events with Joe Burke (Templemore) in the 200m and Conor Kelly (Derry Track) in the 400m looking exciting.

Saoirse Fitzgerald of Lucan Harriers continues to impress and will benefit from more championship experience in the 800m, while Jennifer O’Leary (Nenagh Olympic) will join Emily Bolton (Donore Harriers) in a strong Irish representation in the 1500m. Clodagh Gill (Moy Valley) has continued to impress this season and will be another looking to chase down a top 10 in the 3000m.

Noah Harris (Parnell AC) has performed superbly this season, earning him selection in the 3000m and 2000m steeplechase, while Ethan Dewhirst (Tír Chonaill) will look to channel memories of brother Fintan’s success in the 400m hurdles when he takes to the track in Banska Bystrica.

Ireland has arguably never sent a stronger walks selection to a European Championships with Séamus Clarke (Moy Valley) and Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) both ranked inside the top six in the 5k race walk. Newall’s clubmate Savanagh O’Callaghan (Tuam) will lead the way for Ireland in the women’s 5k race walk, with the 16-year-old sure to revel on the big stage as she looks to gain more top-level racing experience following her prestigious win in the US earlier this season.

There is also a strong representation in the women’s high jump with the in-form Tara O’Connor (Dundalk St Gerard’s) and Siún Quinn (Brothers Pearse) set to take their respective places with realistic hopes of top 12 finishes.

Caoimhe Gallen (Lifford Strabane) will be eying a top 10 finish in the hammer, while Ratoath’s multi-event star Enya Silkena will be another looking for a bold showing in the heptathlon and javelin (500g) competitions. European Youth Olympics bronze medallist Cian Crampton (Edenderry AC) will have sights on a top 10 finish in the discus.

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Ciara Mageean 4th in World 1500m Final

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:51:37 +0000

Ciara Mageean delivered the performance of her career to break her own Irish record in a time of 3:56.61 to take 4th place in Tuesday evening’s World Athletics Championships 1500m Final in Budapest.

The City of Lisburn AC athlete, ranked ninth on her season’s best, ran a tactically superb race throughout to put herself right in contention for a medal at the bell in what was one of the best 1500m fields ever assembled for a championship final.

NATIONAL RECORD AND 4TH IN THE WORLD FOR CIARA MAGEEAN

An outstanding run from one of the stars of Irish sport Ciara left it all out there and did us proud once again A national record in a global final!!

3:56.61 NR@Ask123ie #IrishAthletics pic.twitter.com/KvMvPjXfOD

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 22, 2023

Ciara Mageean went with the leading athletes in the race defining move with 300m to go but unfortunately could not reel in the front three of hot favourite Faith Kipyegon from Kenya (3:54.87), Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji (3:55.69), and Sifan Hassan from The Netherlands (3:56.00).

Speaking after the race, the Portaferry runner said:

“To be honest, to be disappointed with 4^th is probably a good thing. I came in with the aim of a medal because it’s the best I’ve ever felt coming into a championships. To come away with 4^th is bittersweet but I’ve had the season of my life.”

"To come away with fourth is so bittersweet. I'll probably have a wee bit of a cry.

"But many years ago I wouldn't have dreamt of fourth in the world.

"I just know that I have it, it's there. Another year to Olympics."

– @ciaramageean. #TeamIreland #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/sO5fa1OLlD

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 22, 2023

The European silver medallist added:

“Many years ago I wouldn’t have dreamt of 4th at a global senior final and I’m standing her disappointed with 4th and a national record so I know I can do it. It’s another year to the Olympics, and I’m putting myself in with a fighting chance with the best 1500m athletes in the world”.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝟭𝟱𝟬𝟬𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹! @ciaramageean runs a brilliant 3:56.61 to claim fourth in the world and a new National Record!

Gold goes to the phenomenal Faith Kipyegon. #TeamIreland #WorldAthleticsChamps #Budapest2023 pic.twitter.com/fW2cDvcaOZ

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 22, 2023

“I ran the race perfectly and did the best I could so I’ll walk away with my head held high. The dream lives on and I’ve many races ahead of me next year and the year after”, said Mageean.

This evening’s excellent performance continues a remarkable period for the Irish record holder who achieved Commonwealth Games and European silver medals in the last 12 months.

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Ireland Squad, Live TV & Schedule for World Athletics Championships in Budapest

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:17:07 +0000

Athletics Ireland has named a squad athletes for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest from August 19th – 27th 2023.

Event is live on Virgin TV

The Irish squad is the largest ever selected for a World Athletics Championships and will compete alongside over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries at the new 35,000 capacity National Athletics Stadium in Budapest.

Leading the Irish challenge across the busy nine-day schedule will be European Championship medal winners Ciara Mageean (City of Lisburn AC), Mark English (Finn Valley AC), Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) and Rhasidat Adeleke (Tallaght AC).

The Championships, which start on 19th August, will see Virgin Media present live coverage across all nine days.

Morning – Saturday August 19th

David Kenny – Men’s 20km Race Walk – Final – 07:50 (08:50)
Eric Favors – Men’s Shot Put – Qualification – 09:30 (10:30)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon 100m Hurdles – Heats – 09:35 (10:35)
Mixed 4x400m Relay – Round One – 10:05 (11:05)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon High Jump – 10:45 (11:45)
Ciara Mageean – Women’s 1500m – Round One – 12:15 (13:15)
Sarah Healy – Women’s 1500m – Round One – 12:15 (13:15)
Sophie O’Sullivan – Women’s 1500m – Round One – 12:15 (13:15)

Evening – Saturday August 19th

Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m – Round One – 18:02 (19:02)
Luke McCann – Men’s 1500m – Round One – 18:02 (19:02)
Nick Griggs – Men’s 1500m – Round One – 18:02 (19:02)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon Shot Put – 18:05 (19:05)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon 200m – Heats – 19:30 (20:30)
Men’s Shot Put – Final – 19:35 (20:35)
Mixed 4x400m Relay – Final – 20:47 (21:47)

Morning – Sunday August 20th

Rhasidat Adeleke – Women’s 400m – Round One – 08:35 (09:35)
Sharlene Mawdsley – Women’s 400m – Round One – 08:35 (09:35)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon Long Jump – 08:50 (09:50)
Christopher O’Donnell – Men’s 400m – 09:25 (10:25)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon Javelin – Group A – 11:00 (12:00)

Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon Javelin – Group B – 12:05 (13:05)

Evening – Sunday August 20th

Women’s 1500m – Semi-Final – 16:05 (17:05)
Men’s 1500m – Semi-Final – 16:35 (17:35)
Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon 800m – 17:00 (18:00)

Evening – Monday August 21st

Women’s 400m – Semi-Final – 20:10 (21:10)

Evening – Tuesday August 22nd

Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles – Round One – 17:40 (18:40)
Mark English – Men’s 800m – Round One – 18:20 (19:20)
John Fitzsimons – Men’s 800m – Round One – 18:20 (19:20)
Men’s 400m – Semi-Final – 20:00 (21:00)
Women’s 1500m – Final – 20:30 (21:30)

Morning – Wednesday August 23rd

Louise Shanahan – Women’s 800m – Round One – 09:05 (10:05)

Evening – Wednesday August 23rd

Women’s 100m Hurdles – Semi-Final – 19:40 (20:40)
Men’s 1500m – Final – 20:15 (21:15)
Women’s 400m – Final – 20:35 (21:35) *

Morning – Thursday August 24th

Brendan Boyce – Men’s 35km Race Walk – Final – 06:00 (07:00)

Evening – Thursday August 24th

Brian Fay – Men’s 5000m – Round One – 18:00 (19:00)
Men’s 800m – Semi-Final – 19:50 (20:50)
Women’s 100m Hurdles – Final – 20:25 (21:25)
Men’s 400m – Final – 20:35 (21:35)

Evening – Friday August 25th

Women’s 800m – Semi-Final – 19:25 (20:25)

Evening – Saturday August 26th

Women’s 4x400m Relay – Round One – 18:55 (19:55)
Men’s 800m – Final – 19:30 (20:30)

Evening – Sunday August 27th

Men’s 5000m – Final – 19:10 (20:10)
Women’s 800m – Final – 19:45 (20:45)
Women’s 4x400m Relay – Final – 20:47 (21:47)

Team selections as of 10.08.2023

Athlete Name	Event(s)	Club	Coach
Rhasidat Adeleke	400m, W4x400m	Tallaght AC	Edrick Floreal
Sharlene Mawdsley	400m, Mx4x400m, W4x400m	Newport AC	Gary Ryan
Louise Shanahan	800m	Leevale AC	Phil O’Dell
Ciara Mageean	1500m	City of Lisburn AC	Helen Clitheroe
Sophie O’Sullivan	1500m	Ballymore Cobh AC	Mauricia Powell
Sarah Healy	1500m	UCD AC	Trevor Painter
Sarah Lavin	100mH	Emerald AC	Noelle Morrissey
Kate O’Connor	Heptathlon	Dundalk St. Gerald’s AC	Michael O’Connor
Sophie Becker	Mx 4x400m, W4x400m	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell
Roisin Harrison	Mx 4x400m, W4x400m	Emerald AC	Eoghan McNamara
Niamh Murray	W4x400m	Bray Runners	Aine Murray & Joe Ryan
Kelly McGrory	W4x400m	Tir Chonaill AC	Drew & Hayley Harrison
Chris O’Donnell	400m, Mx4x400m	North Sligo AC	Benke Blomqvist
John Fitzsimons	800m	Kildare AC	Joe Ryan
Mark English	800m	UCD AC	Feidhlim Kelly
Andrew Coscoran	1500m	Star of the Sea AC	Feidhlim Kelly
Luke McCann	1500m	UCD AC	Thomas Dreißigacker & Clark McCann
Nick Griggs	1500m	Candour Track Club	Mark Kirk
Brian Fay	5000m	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Feidhlim Kelly
David Kenny	20km Walk	Farranfore Maine Valley AC	Rob Heffernan
Brendan Boyce	35km Walk	Finn Valley AC	Rob Heffernan
Eric Favors	Shot Put	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Dane Miller
Jack Raftery	Mx 4x400m	Donore Harriers AC	Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell
Callum Baird	Mx 4x400m	Ballymena & Antrim AC	Ian Neely

* Selection subject to medical clearance.

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European U20 gold medal for Elizabeth Ndudi

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:08:56 +0000

Elizabeth Ndudi of Dundrum South Dublin AC has won gold for Ireland in the women’s long jump at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Jerusalem today.

The Irish national senior champion put in an outstanding round of jumps with her best leap of 6.56m (+1.4) smashing her own Irish U20 record of 6.44m which she posted just last month.

The result moved the newly crowned European champion to second on the Irish all-time list behind Kelly Proper’s national record of 6.62m set in 2010.

Reacting to her historic achievement of becoming Ireland’s first ever field event champion at European U20 level, Ndudi said:

“I’m in shock, I’m amazed how well the event went for me. I was confident in myself coming in here but it’s a huge improvement and to do it in such a high competition makes the national record so special.”

The Dundrum South Dublin athlete continued:

“I really focused on my mental preparations as well as the physical side coming in here. I made sure to really get in the zone in the morning and evening before sessions. Last year I was a bit nervous and I think that’s why I didn’t post a big jump but today I came in here full of confidence, so I was mentally prepared.”

Bulgaria’s Plamena Mitkova took bronze in a season’s best of 6.54m, with German Laura Raquel Muller completing the podium with her bronze medal in a season’s best of 6.51m.

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Nick Grigg wins European U20 Championships silver medal

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 17:44:30 +0000

Candour Track Club’s Nick Griggs won a silver medal in the 3,000m at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Jerusalem.

Griggs clocked 8:45.69 in a brave defence of the 3,000m title he won two years ago.

The Tyrone native took the bell well positioned before unleashing a run for home with 300m to go. Swede Jonathan Grahn was the only athlete to stay on Griggs’ and both athletes rounded the final bend side by side. The Swede managed to pass the defending champion in the final 80 metres to cross in a winning time of 8:44.67. Briton Bradley Giblin claimed the bronze medal in 8:47.26.

Speaking after his silver medal win, Griggs said:

“This was driving me all season, to come here and defend my title, so I’m disappointed. I’ll take some time to reflect, and I’ll head to Budapest in ten days which I’m really excited about. I’ll go out there and give it a go, there’s no pressure on me so I can just go out and see what happens”.

Grigg will represent Ireland at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest over 1500m.

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Cian Crampton wins discus bronze at European Youth Olympics

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 11:44:19 +0000

Cian Crampton threw a personal best of 59.32m to win a bronze medal for Team Ireland in the Boy’s Discus on the final day of competition at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Maribor.

In the qualifiers last Thursday, Edenderry’s Crampton threw a personal best on his first throw, achieving automatic qualification for the final.

His first throw in Saturday’s final was another personal best of 58.32m. This placed him in second place in the opening round of six throws. Over the following rounds, the Hungarian, Zsombor Dobo pushed him to third, and with two throws to go, Crampton dropped to fourth place, following a huge performance from David Jarolimek (CZE).

On his fifth throw, the Irish thrower moved back into the medal positions, throwing a metre further than his previous best, with 59.32m.

His final effort was disqualified, but he had done enough to secure the bronze medal, with France’s Samuel Conjungo-Taumhas taking gold.

Crampton said of the competition:

“I knew I had to go for it if I wanted anything, and I did, and I got the result I wanted. The last one that hit the cage I knew it would have gone out further, I could feel it, but it’s in the cage now anyway.”

Discussing his medal success, the second Ireland won at this edition of the EYOF, the Offaly native admitted:

“I’m ecstatic, to say the least. I knew I could do it all along, but going out and doing it is the hardest thing. I have seen in training that I can do those numbers and being able to do it in a competition is something else. To be able to do it for the whole Irish team and everyone else is just amazing.”

“I knew I had to do something to get it. I told my mother a few weeks ago that I would get a medal for her, and now I have, and I’ve made her very proud I think.”

Since 1991 Team Ireland has won 72 medals at the EYOF.

The next edition of the EYOF will be in Skopje, North Macedonia, in the summer of 2025.

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13th National title for Sarah Lavin

Breandán Ó hUallacháin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 11:33:26 +0000

Emerald AC’c Sarah Lavin won her 13^th national senior title on day 1 of the 123.ie National Track and Field Championships at a windswept Morton Stadium on Saturday.

The 2023 European Games bronze medallist showed all her class to take her 8th outdoor 100m hurdles title in a time of 13.13 seconds.

Lavin was followed across the line by Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards AC) in 14.14, and Lilly-Ann O’Hora (Dooneen AC) who took bronze in 14.29.

Titles for Ezeonu and Smyth

The men’s 110m hurdles saw a new name make his mark on the event with James Ezeonu (Leevale AC) coming out on top in a stride for stride finish with Gerard O’Donnell (Carrick-on—Shannon AC). The Leevale athlete made a winning dip for the line to cross in 14.28 ahead of O’Donnell in 14.29.

Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock AC) retained his 200m title in 20.87 performance. The Irish indoor 200m record holder stretched away from Colin Doyle (Leevale) who backed up his recent European U23 performances to claim silver in 21.17. Andrew Egan (Galway City Harriers AC) picked up the bronze in 21.51.

Wins for Bergin, Finn and Tuthill

Moyne AC’s Katie Bergin continued her excellent season in the women’s final, following up her recent U23 gold in the 100m to claim the senior 200m crown in 24.60. Bergin was chased home by Laura Nally (Galway City Harriers AC) 25.18 and Janine Boyle (Finn Valley AC) 25.21.

The women’s 3000m steeplechase saw Michelle Finn secure her 9^th national steeplechase title in a solo run. The Leevale athlete won in 10.00.14.

The women’s hammer saw UCD’s Nicola Tuthill produce another brilliant performance, claiming gold with a best throw of 67.67m which was just 18 centimetres off her own Irish U23 record. Margaret Hayden (Tallaght AC) 61.63m and Adrienne Gallen (Lifford Strabane AC) 56.05m joined Tuthill on today’s podium.

More winners

Seán Mockler (Moycarkey Coolcroo AC) won the men’s hammer throw with a best of 64.49m.

National record holder Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock, regained the shot put title he won in 2019 in style, posting a championship record of 19.19m.

Saragh Buggy’s 8^th straight outdoor triple jump title continued a remarkable year-on-year consistency of performance from the St Abban’s athlete, adding to her medal haul with her best and final jump of 13.03m.

In the women’s high jump, Sommer Lecky of Finn Valley claimed the gold medal with a best clearance of 1.80m. David Cussen (Old Abbey AC) won the men’s title with a jump of 2.15m.

The 4x100m relays saw Dundrum South Dublin AC claim gold in the women’s race (50.65), with Tallaght AC successful in the men’s in a time of 41.81.

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