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.
