Carrying the colours of J.P. McManus, the Derek O’Connor-ridden seven-year-old hadn’t performed in the race last season, but produced a battling display on Monday evening.

Dublin handler Bill Durkan provided both the runner-up Holy See (40/1) and the fourth-place finisher Eagle Fang (13/2). The former, who had won at Gowran on his penultimate outing, was three-quarters-of-a-length behind the winner.

Galway specialist Teed Up (14/1), who has won four flat races and two hurdles contests at the Ballybrit venue was third, a half-length ahead of Eagle Fang in fourth.

O’Brien double

O’Brien quickly doubled up in the following race when Dylan Browne McMonagle guided the 13/8 favourite Dancing Saxon to a four-and-a-quarter length success. The bay daughter of Saxon Warrior, who was 16lbs well in after a Listed win at Naas in June, never looked in danger when heads turned for home in the straight.

Expert Dancer and Sam Coen (11/1) gave trainer Andy Slattery the runner-up spot, while Motta Alta (13/2) was third for yesterday’s German Group 1-winning combination of Shane Foley and Jessica Harrington.

Witches Familiar wins Novice Hurdle

As expected the two powerhouses of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot were to the fore in the opening Galmont Hotel & Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle – the opener of the 2026 Galway Races Summer Festival.

It was the former, with his French import Witches Familiar (13/8 favourite), who took the 5.10pm race as the Ballinrobe maiden hurdle conqueror in May ran out a ready eight-and-a-half length winner in the hands of Paul Townend.

An impressive victory for Witches Familiar in the @Galway_Races Summer Festival @TheGalmont opener@PTownend | @WillieMullinsNH pic.twitter.com/LW7R2Ms506

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

Another French-bred, Mino Des Mottes (8/1), from the Elliot yard, and ridden by Jack Kennedy, was runner-up, and Arouet (7/1), with Daniel King in the saddle, competed a trifecta for horses bred in France, coming home four-and-three-quarter lengths further back.

Timurshah completes hat-trick

Aidan Melia’s son of Mastercraftsman, Timurshah (12/1), completed a hat-trick of wins when taking the Easyfix Iggy Daly Handicap Hurdle. Ridden by seven-pound claimer Conor Smithers, the five-year-old, who had won this season at Clonmel and Sligo, had six-and-a-half lengths to spare over Whats New (10/1) and Darragh O’Keeffe at the line. Soldante (15/2) and Eoghan Finegan were three-and-three-quarter lengths behind the Andy Slattery-handled Soldier’s Call gelding.

Trean (11/4), in the colours of the Red Lily Racing Syndicate, ran out a four-and-three-quarter length victor in the Eventus Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden for Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey.

A disappointing tenth of 12 runners behind Abraham Lincoln on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend at The Curragh, the juvenile son of Ballylinch Stud’s Bayside Boy was prominent behind the pacesetter, City Of Gold (7/1), throughout, before scooting clear prior to the final bend. The Wayne Lordan-ridden City Of Gold, from Ballydoyle, was second, with another Aidan O’Brien inmate HMAS Perth (12/1) third. The Joseph O’Brien-handled favourite, One Number (5/2), disappointed to finish back in fifth place.

Following in the footsteps of Constitution River…

Trean (Bayside Boy) sheds his maiden tag comfortably under Billy Lee for @ptwomeyracing @IrishEBF_ | @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/LiFb1vBSMz

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

Colin Keane, fresh from his victory aboard Kalpana in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, took the Grá Chocolates Handicap for three-year-olds with Noel Meade’s Madbadanddangerous (11/2). The winner had a neck to spare over the Billy Lee-ridden Sharkeyboy (7/1), with race favourite Vantage Code (100/30) and Wayne Lordan next home.

The finale, the Ray Dooley Monami Construction Flat Race was won by Jim Bolger’s Teofil, who stayed on well under pressure to score by a neck at 7/2 from Which Flannerys (3/1), with Gordon Elliott’s Primer Contender (15/2) taking third.

“By this time next year you might be talking about the Arc…”

Great insight from Jim Bolger on his @Galway_Races bumper winner Teofil and exciting filly Sparan Nua pic.twitter.com/arC4K0wZjV

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2026

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Trainer Willie Mullins has taken this race three times in the past five years, with Farout (2021), Mystical Power in 2023, and Davy Crockett last year.

The Closutton handler, and his main jockey Paul Townend, will be represented by the French-bred Witches Familiar, who won a fillies’ maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe on her last racecourse appearance in May.

The highest-rated runner in the field, at 123, is the Gordon Elliott handled Mino Des Mottes, winner of a Bellewstown Novice Hurdle last time under Josh Williamson.

Three in-a-row for O’Brien & Lordan?

In the seven furlong Eventus Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at 6.10pm, Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Fairyhouse fifth placer City Of Gold, the mount of Wayne Lordan.

The son of Wootton Bassett will try to emulate his half-brother Constitution River in breaking his maiden at Ballybrit, with the  latter subsequently winning the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly as a three-year-old.

O’Brien, who is bidding to win the race for the third year in-a-row, may find his son Joseph’s American-bred One Number as his main challenger, having finished third in the Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes at Naas at the start of June.

Recent Mullins domination of Monday feature

The opening night feature race, the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap over 2 miles and 179 yards has 23 runners declared. This race has been won by a Mullins-trained horse eight of the past nine years – Willie 5 times, Emmet twice and Tony once.

Willie Mullins will be represented by Sirius – a 50/1 winner of the race in 2024 – Too Bossy For Us and Tounsivator this year, while Emmet has last year’s winner, Filey Bay, and Teed Up. Only three favourites have won this race in the past 12 years.

Power Of Knowledge to debut

Power Of Knowledge, Annie Power’s third foal, will make his racecourse debut in the Ray Dooley Monami Construction Flat Race at 8.20pm – the final race on Monday’s card.

Carrying the colours of J.P. McManus, the Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old son of Camelot is still a colt, and will be the mount of the handler’s son, Patrick, who won this bumper in 2024 aboard My Great Mate.

Primer Contender, a son of Nathaniel, has changed trainer since his Dromahane Point-to-Point victory in April. Prepared on that occasion by Seán Doyle, the gelding is now handled by Gordon Elliott and will likely provide stiff competition for the race favourite.

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There will be four evening starts this week – Monday (5.10pm), Tuesday (4.40pm), Wednesday (5.05pm) and Friday (5pm).

The cards on Thursday (2.10pm), Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (2pm) will all begin in the early afternoon.

The Tote Galway Plate on Wednesday, worth €270,000, and the Guinness Galway Hurdle on Thursday (Ladies’ Day) are the week’s features. The latter, at €300,000, is the richest hurdle race run in Ireland in the season.

Monday evening’s feature contest is the €110,000 Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap, won last year by Alan O’Sullivan aboard Filey Bay for trainer Emmet Mullins. The 90-rated son of Fame And Glory is among the field again this year.

Colm Quinn BMW is the main sponsor on Tuesday, with the €120,000 Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap, won by Dunum for Natalia Luipini and Séamie Heffernan in 2025, the second day feature on an all-flat card.

The Grade 3 Tote Galway Plate, a race Closutton handler Willie Mullins has won nine times in the past twelve years, will highlight a mixed flat/jumps card on Wednesday.

Thursday is Ladies’ Day

Ladies’ Day on Thursday, one of the busiest racing days in Ireland each year, will feature the €300,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle. Willie Mullins has taken the Grade 3 contest five times in the last dozen years, while Tony Martin has been the winning trainer four times in that period, most recently when Tudor City won for a second time in 2022.

The €110,000 Guinness Handicap over a mile and a half on Friday evening has seen seven different winning trainers in the past seven years.

The Weekender

Boyle Sports sponsor the featured Handicap Hurdle on Saturday afternoon. This Listed race has been claimed by Willie Mullins on four occasions in the past 10 years, and twice by his great rival Gordon Elliott.

On Mad Hatters Fun Day (Sunday) – the final day of the 2026 festival, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap over seven furlongs is the closing-day feature.

Ado McGuinness-trained horses are often worth watching in this as the Lusk handler has been triumphant three times in the last decade – each time with Current Option (2020-’23).

Various ticket options and packages are still available for each of the seven days, with cash accepted at the turnstiles.

Further ticket information is available on the Galway Races website.

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O’Sullivan breaks mother’s record

Ballymore Cobh AC’s Sophie O’Sullivan produced one of the performances of the weekend in winning the women’s 1500m title. She stormed to victory in a Championship Record of 4:05.62, breaking the previous mark of 4:07.09, set by her mother, Sonia O’Sullivan, in 1995. Laura Nicholson (Bandon AC) clocked 4:08.27 to take silver, while Jodie McCann (Dublin City Harriers AC) completed the podium with bronze in 4:09.54.

“I’m excited for the European Championships,” said Sophie O’Sullivan. “I’ll get back to training over the next couple of weeks and hopefully do something special.”

Sprint double for Richardson

Benjamin Richardson from Waterford AC stormed to the men’s 100m title in a Championship Record of 10.13 seconds to complete the weekend’s sprint double after taking the 100m on Saturday. Defending champion Bori Akinola (UCD AC) ran 10.21 seconds to win silver, while Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) claimed the bronze medal in a time of 10.26 seconds.

2025 runner-up McPhillips takes gold this year

Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) produced a commanding display to win the first senior outdoor 800m title of his career, going one better than his runner-up finish 12 months ago with a classy victory in 1:47.76. Cillian Kirwan (Raheny Shamrock AC), despite a strong effort, had to settle for the silver medal in 1:49.36, while Bobby More (Bray Runners AC) completed the podium with bronze in 1:51.05.

Speaking after the race, McPhillips said:

“I’m getting there, it was a good run. It was a very frustrating start to the year. I had to get surgery on my jaw, had to get a cyst removed and four teeth taken out. I’ve only been back running properly since May and, thankfully, it’s been smooth sailing since. It was a bit depressing for a couple of months, but hopefully this trajectory can continue.”

Coscoran reclaims title

Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) reclaimed the men’s 1500m title for the first time since 2021. He produced a superb performance to halt Cathal Doyle’s bid for a fifth consecutive outdoor crown. Coscoran crossed the line in 3:44.07 to prevail in one of the highest-quality races of the weekend, with Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers AC) taking silver in 3:44.79 and Nick Griggs (CNDR Track AC) completing a stellar podium in third with 3:45.02.

“It’s never easy in those tactical races; you just make the moves you think are right,” said Coscoran. “I had a really good turn of pace over the last 100 metres, which I’ve been working on. I’m flying in training again, I’ve turned things around and I’m in the perfect spot.”

Ciara Neville (Emerald AC) underlined her dominance in the women’s 100m, successfully defending her national title in 11.44 seconds to claim the third senior outdoor crown of her career. Mollie O’Reilly (Dundrum South Dublin AC) secured the silver medal in 11.63 seconds, while Molly Scott (St. Laurence O’Toole AC) completed the podium with bronze in 11.67 seconds.

Cork pair McElhinney & Allen win titles

Darragh McElhinney (Bantry AC) produced a decisive surge over the closing stages to reclaim the men’s 5,000m title, his first national outdoor crown in the event since 2020. The Bantry athlete clocked 13:31.71 after reeling in long-time leader Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers AC) over the final 1,000 metres to take the Tom O’Riordan Memorial Cup. O’Leary held on bravely for silver in 13:35.54, while Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) claimed the bronze medal in 13:45.29.

Niamh Allen (Leevale AC) successfully defended her women’s 5,000m title in style, producing a personal best of 15:26.54 to retain her national crown. Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) went with her all the way, claiming silver in 15:30.34, while Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC) completed the podium with brave bronze in 15:50.68.

Select Day 2 Results

5000m Women

Niamh ALLEN Leevale A.C. 15:26.54
Fiona EVERARD Bandon A.C. 15:30.34
Danielle DONEGAN Tullamore Harriers A.C. 15:50.68

Pole Vault Men

Michael KENT D.M.P. A.C. 4.60
Joshua FITZGERALD Leevale A.C. 4.30
Fionn NAUGHTON Leevale A.C. 4.15

Pole Vault Women

Clodagh WALSH Abbey Striders A.C. 3.65
Una BRICE Leevale A.C. 3.25
Meabh CORKERY Midleton A.C. 3.15

Long Jump Women

Ruby MILLET St. Abbans A.C. 6.47
Lauren CALLAGHAN Finn Valley A.C. 6.45
Elizabeth NDUDI Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 6.42

Hammer Throw Men

Rory Michael DEVANEY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 71.86
Seán MOCKLER Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C. 60.57
Simon GALLIGAN Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 58.36

Hammer Throw Women

Nicola TUTHILL U.C.D. A.C. 70.16
Margaret HAYDEN Tallaght A.C. 63.61
Kotryna PACERINSKAITE Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. 57.22

400mh Men

Fintan DEWHIRST Tír Chonaill A.C. 51.76
Jason O’REILLY Killarney Valley A.C. 53.52
Adam COURTNEY Ballymena and Antrim A.C.     53.75

400mh Women

Elle – Kate MCRAE Midleton A.C. 58.35 NU18R NU20R
Arlene CROSSAN Finn Valley A.C. 58.39
Cara MURPHY U.C.D. A.C. 58.98

Long Jump Men

Sam HEALY Leevale A.C. 7.61
Ryan ONOH Cork City A.C. 7.57
Shane HOWARD Bridevale A.C. 7.43

Discus Women

Anna GAVIGAN LSA A.C. 54.51
Tara LAVERTY Carrick Aces A.C. 48.16
Holly WRIGHT Crookstown Millview A.C. 42.64

100mh Women

Sarah LAVIN Emerald A.C. 13.34
Amy TIMONEY Finn Valley A.C. 14.11
Abigail FARRELL Donore Harriers A.C. 14.13

110mh Men

Adam NOLAN St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.01
Reuben MCCARTHY St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 15.95

5000m Men

Darragh MCELHINNEY Bantry A.C. 13:31.71
Jack O’LEARY Mullingar Harriers A.C. 13:35.54
Brian FAY Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13:45.29

100m Women

Ciara NEVILLE Emerald A.C. 11.44
Mollie O’REILLY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 11.63
Molly SCOTT St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 11.67

100m Men

Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 10.13 CR
Bori AKINOLA U.C.D. A.C. 10.21
Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 10.26

800m Women

Madison MOONEY Tullamore Harriers A.C. 2:04.38
Emma MOORE Galway City Harriers A.C. 2:04.59
Alex O’NEILL Limerick Track A.C. 2:05.50

800m Men

Cian MC PHILLIPS U.C.D. A.C. 1:47.76
Cillian KIRWAN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1:49.36
Bobby MORE Bray Runners A.C. 1:51.05

400 Women

Rachel MCCANN North Down A.C. 52.93
Sophie BECKER Raheny Shamrock A.C. 53.23
Michelle DUGGAN U.C.D. A.C. 53.72

400m Men

Jack RAFTERY Donore Harriers A.C. 46.12
Andrew EGAN Galway City Harriers A.C.46.16
Seán DOGGETT Athenry A.C. 46.89

1500m Women

Sophie O’SULLIVAN Ballymore Cobh A.C. 4:05.62 CR
Laura NICHOLSON Bandon A.C. 4:08.27
Jodie MC CANN Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:09.54

1500m Men

Andrew COSCORAN Star of the Sea A.C. 3:44.07
Cathal DOYLE Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 3:44.79
Nick GRIGGS CNDR Track A.C. 3:45.02

The post National Senior Track & Field Championships – Sunday Round-Up appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

O’Dwyer, the first Irish player to earn AFLW All-Australian honours, is one of six Brisbane Lions players selected for the inaugural match between the two nations.

The Brisbane Lions’ dual premiership star’s elevation to the captaincy recognises her outstanding contribution to AFLW, where she has become one of the most influential Irish players in the competition and is a respected figure among Ireland’s growing AFLW contingent.

The historic contest will showcase the best Irish and Australian talent in AFLW, with Ireland coached by Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O’Riordan and supported by Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership coach Craig Starcevich as senior assistant coach.

O’Dwyer said she is excited to run out with the other Irish girls and play with them in the spectacle.

“It is an incredible honour to captain Ireland and represent my country in such a historic game,” O’Dwyer said.

“Playing for Ireland means a great deal to me and to have the opportunity to lead this group against Australia in Sydney is something I will cherish.

“I can’t wait for this match to come around, it will be a special occasion for everyone involved.”

Ireland assistant coach and Lions AFLW senior coach Craig Starcevich said O’Dwyer has been an outstanding ambassador for Irish athletes in the AFLW.

“Orla is everything we want this team to represent. She leads through her actions, sets high standards and has earned enormous respect from her teammates. We could not think of a better person to captain Ireland in such a significant moment for our sport,” Starcevich said.

“Everyone at the Brisbane Lions is incredibly proud of Orla. We’ve seen first-hand the impact she has had on our club, not only through her performances but through her leadership and professionalism.

“To be named captain of Ireland in the first Australia v Ireland AFLW representative match is a fitting recognition of what she has achieved. She is a role model for young Irish athletes and will lead her country with distinction,” Starcevich said.

Ireland’s squad features many of the AFLW’s leading Irish stars, including several All-Australians and premiership players, highlighting the remarkable influence Irish athletes have had on the competition.

The Australia v Ireland match will be played at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August and marks a landmark occasion for women’s Australian Rules football internationally.

The post Orla O’Dwyer named Ireland captain for AFLW match v Australia appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the weekend.

In the men’s 200m, Waterford’s Benjamin Richardson won his first senior national outdoor title in 20.64 seconds. Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght A.C.) finished strongly for silver in 20.75 seconds, while Mark Smyth (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) and Ryan Mulholland (Tallaght A.C.) shared the bronze medal after dead-heating for third in 21.16 seconds.

Race Walks

David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley A.C.) successfully retained his men’s 10,000m Race Walk title in commanding fashion, crossing the line in 38:56.24 to claim a fourth consecutive outdoor national crown.

The women’s 5,000m Race Walk produced one of the best finishes in recent years, ultimately finishing with Kate Veale (West Waterford A.C.) securing her 24th national senior title across indoor and outdoors. Veale clocked 24:18.38 to hold off Aisling Lane (Mullingar Harriers A.C.) in 24:21.03, while Leah O’Gara (Finn Valley A.C.) completed the podium in 24:22.91.

3,000 Steeplechase

Abbie Sheridan (St. Peter’s A.C.) defended her women’s 3,000m steeplechase title with an impressive winning time of 9:55.60. Róisín Treacy (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) finished second in 10:20.53, with Dearbhla Allen (St. Peter’s A.C.) taking bronze in 10:46.02.

Finley Daly (Sligo A.C.) won his third men’s 3,000m steeplechase title in four years with an impressive victory in 8:59.70. Jack Dee (St. Peter’s A.C.) was second in 9:30.93, while Adam Kirk-Smith (Derry City Track Club) earned bronze in 9:44.48.

Field Events

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended his men’s shot put title with a best throw of 19.47m. Theo Hanlon (Suncroft A.C.) claimed silver with 15.81m, while Callum Keating (North Cork A.C.) took bronze with 14.72m.

Michaela Walsh (Swinford A.C.) won her seventh outdoor national shot put title – and first since 2023 – with a winning throw of 13.11m. Laura Frawley (Nenagh Olympic A.C.) finished second with 11.90m ahead of Alana Frattaroli (Limerick A.C.), who threw 11.53m.

Conor Cusack (Lake District A.C.) successfully retained the men’s javelin title with a best effort of 69.09m. Oisín Joyce (Lake District A.C.) finished second with 64.05m, while Michael Jordan (Naas A.C.) claimed bronze with 61.17m.

Kate Joyce (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) claimed her first senior outdoor national javelin title with a winning throw of 50.21m. Leanne Healy (Marian A.C.) took silver with 46.03m, while Ailbhe Gordon (Greystones and District A.C.) took bronze with 45.33m.

The women’s high jump saw Daena Kealy (St. Abbans A.C.) produce a lifetime best of 1.87m to secure the national title. Siún Quinn (Brothers Pearse A.C.) cleared 1.80m for silver, while Tara O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards A.C.) claimed bronze with 1.75m.

David Cussen (Old Abbey A.C.) added a sixth outdoor national high jump title to his collection after clearing 2.15m in the men’s high jump.

Daphni Doulaptsi Teeuwen (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) successfully defended her women’s triple jump title with a winning leap of 13.06m. Saragh Buggy (St. Abbans A.C.) claimed silver with 12.47m, while Caoimhe McDonagh (South Sligo A.C.) won bronze for the second successive year with 11.98m.

Joseph Gillespie (Finn Valley A.C.) won the men’s triple jump title with a best leap of 14.19m. Darragh Fahy (Loughrea A.C.) finished second on 13.91m, while Daniel De Antolin-Rodriguez (Ratoath A.C.) took bronze with 13.61m.

Select Day 1 Results

Shot Put Women
1. Michaela WALSH Swinford A.C. 13.11
2. Laura FRAWLEY Nenagh Olympic A.C. 11.90
3. Alana FRATTAROLI Limerick A.C. 11.53

10,000m Walk Men
1. David KENNY Farranfore Maine Valley A.C. 38:56.24
2. Jerome CAPRICE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 47:35.13
3. Evan WALSH St. Joseph’s A.C. 49:35.34

Shot Put Men
1. Eric FAVORS Raheny Shamrock A.C. 19.47
2. Theo HANLON Suncroft A.C. 15.81
3. Callum KEATING North Cork A.C. 14.72

Triple Jump Men
1. Joseph GILLESPIE Finn Valley A.C. 14.19
2. Darragh FAHY Loughrea A.C. 13.91 13.31
3. Daniel DE ANTOLIN-RODRIGUEZ Ratoath A.C. 13.61

High Jump Women
1. Daena KEALY St. Abbans A.C. 1.87
2. Siún QUINN Brothers Pearse A.C. 1.80
3. Tara O’CONNOR Dundalk St. Gerards A.C. 1.75

5000m Walk Women
1. Kate VEALE West Waterford A.C. 24:18.38
2. Aisling LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 24:21.03
3. Leah O GARA Finn Valley A.C. 24:22.91

Triple Jump Women
1. Daphni DOULAPTSI TEEUWEN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13.06
2. Saragh BUGGY St. Abbans A.C. 12.47
3. Caoimhe MC DONAGH South Sligo A.C. 11.98

Javelin Men
1. Conor CUSACK Lake District A.C. 69.09
2. Oisín JOYCE Lake District A.C. 64.05
3. Michael JORDAN Naas A.C. 61.17

Javelin Women
1. Kate JOYCE Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 50.21
2. Leanne HEALY Marian A.C. 46.03
3. Ailbhe GORDON Greystones and District A.C. 45.33

200m Women Final
1. Rhasidat ADELEKE Tallaght A.C. 22.80 CR
2. Lauren ROY Fast Twitch A.C. 23.49
3. Lorena HARRISON Ratoath A.C. 24.61

200m Men Final
1. Benjamin RICHARDSON Waterford A.C. 20.64
2. Seán AIGBOBOH Tallaght A.C. 20.75
3. Mark SMYTH Raheny Shamrock A.C. 21.16
4. Ryan MULHOLLAND Tallaght A.C. 21.16

3000m SC Women
1. Abbie SHERIDAN St. Peter’s A.C. 9:55.60
2. Róisín TREACY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 10:20.53
3. Dearbhla ALLEN St. Peter’s A.C. 10:46.02

High Jump Men
1. David CUSSEN Old Abbey A.C. 2.15
2. Lorcan MURPHY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 2.00
3. Patryk PUCEK Clongriffin A.C. 1.95

3000m SC Men
1. Finley DALY Sligo A.C. 8:59.70
2. Jack DEE St Peters A.C. 9:30.93
3. Adam KIRK-SMITH Derry City Track Club 9:44.48

The post National Senior Track & Field Championships – Day 1 Round-Up appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dubliner set a championship record time of 22.80 seconds in winning her first senior outdoor national 200m title at the 123.ie National Senior Track and Field Championships.

Amy Foster of Fast Twitch was second in a time of 23.49 seconds, with Lorena Harrison from Ratoath AC third in 24.61 seconds.

It’s mission accomplished for Rhasidat Adeleke who blasts to victory at the Irish nationals over 200m in 22.80 (-1.1m/s), securing the qualification standard (22.85) for next month’s Europeans.

A big step forward after a difficult year. pic.twitter.com/PHVUOgtnjI

— Cathal Dennehy (@Cathal_Dennehy) July 25, 2026

Newport AC’s Sharlene Mawdsley pulled up injured during the 200m final.

The ‘A’ standard for next month’s European Championships in Birmingham is 22.85 seconds.

Speaking to Athletics Ireland after the race, Adeleke paid tribute to the home crowd whose support helped inspire her performance.

“It’s been a rough year,” she admitted. “I didn’t really have any expectations coming in here. I just wanted to come out in front of a home crowd and show up, and whatever happened, happened.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without this crowd here, honestly. I knew that if I can do it anywhere, it’s at home, so thank you to everyone who supported me. So many sent me such nice messages. Sometimes you’re in a bad place and you think the worst of yourself, and then you see the amount of people showing you love and support. It just lifts my spirits.”

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McMahon secured her place on the podium after a composed performance in Friday’s Final Series in San Pedro, California, bringing to a close a week of racing against many of the world’s best Olympic sailors.

Racing took place inside the bay in ideal conditions of 10–13 knots of breeze, with both McMahon and fellow Irish sailor Finn Lynch having qualified for the new-look Final Series.

The Women’s Dinghy (ILCA 6) Final Series began after a short delay while the light morning breeze settled across the course. Starting the day level on points for third overall, McMahon delivered when it mattered most, finishing third in the opening Final Series race to strengthen her grip on a medal position.

She backed that up with a fourth-place finish in the final race to secure the bronze medal, ending the regatta just two points behind silver medallist Charlotte Rose (USA) and four behind Britain’s Hannah Snellgrove, who took gold after leading for much of the week.

World Championships in Dublin

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the multiple Olympic medallist added, “We’ll take a short break now before getting straight back to work preparing for the World Championships in Ireland in September. There’s still plenty to improve, but that’s where our focus is now. Racing for a world title on home waters is a huge opportunity and we’ll do everything we can to be ready.”

In the men’s Finals, Finn Lynch began the day in fourth position but an entanglement with two competitors at one of the marks resulted in a first final race finish of 10th putting the medal opportunity out of reach. Lynch finished the regatta with an eighth place that gave him a final position of seventh overall. The final result was bittersweet in that Lynch missed a medal but will now have the confidence to know he is a contender for the podium in two year’s time.

Paris 2024 Olympic champion Matt Wearn secured gold, with Cyprus’ Pavlos Kontides taking silver and Britain’s Michael Beckett completing the podium.

Attention now turns to the ILCA World Championships in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, with the ILCA 7 World Championship taking place from 23–30 August and the ILCA 6 World Championship following from 5–12 September. This will be the first time since 2001 that Ireland has hosted a World Championship for an Olympic sailing class, presenting the Irish sailors with a rare opportunity to compete for a world title on home waters.

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There will be live coverage on the Athletics Ireland YouTube channel over the two days.

 Adeleke aims for European qualification

With the Birmingham 2026 European Championships next month athletes continue their pursuit of European qualification.

Among the most notable will be Tallaght AC’s Rhasidat Adeleke who will bid for the qualification standard in the 200m. She will face stiff competition in the event this weekend with Lauren Roy (Fast Twitch AC), the fastest Irish female over the distance this season with 22.83 seconds, and Newport AC’s Sharlene Mawdsley, who is also entered in the 400m event.

Sarah Lavin goes for 11th title

A potential showdown between Mark English (Finn Valley AC) and Cian McPhillips (UCD AC) in the men’s 800m could be among the most anticipated events on the two-day schedule.

Clonliffe Harriers’ Cathal Doyle aims to secure a fifth consecutive outdoor 1500m title, though he will face stiff competition from the likes of Nick Griggs (CNDR Track) and Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC).

UCD AC’s Sarah Healy and Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC) hold entries in the 800m and 1500m, while Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC) will bid for an 11th outdoor 100m hurdles crown.

Defending 100m champion Bori Akinola (UCD AC) hopes to successfully defend his 100m title, but will face the in-form Seán Aigboboh (Tallaght AC) and Benjamin Richardson (Waterford AC) who also hold entries for the 200m. Richardson arrives at the Nationals with the fastest times over 100m and 200m this season, having clocked 10.06 seconds and 20.25 seconds respectively.

Tuthill one of field event stars

The field events will feature many of Ireland’s leading international athletes. Twenty-two year-old Olympian Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) is among the headline entries and has established herself as one of the country’s most consistent performers.

She has moved within touching distance of Eileen O’Keeffe’s national hammer record of 73.21m after improving her personal best to 72.73m this season. She will arrive at Morton Stadium seeking a fifth outdoor title.

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The J.P. McManus-owned gelding was one of three runners for the Carriganóg handler in the six-runner contest.

Ridden by Declan McDonagh, the son of Churchill was a three-quarters-of-a-length winner over Happy Pharoah (25/1), from the Donnacha O’Brien yard.

The Paddy Harnett-ridden runner-up had a further three-quarters-of-a-length advantage over the race favourite, Al Riffa (4/6 favourite), who finished in third in the hands of Dylan Browne McMonagle.

“He loves it!”

Declan McDonogh on Trustyourinstinct – winner of the Curragh Cup @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/AkcN27epBa

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 19, 2026

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