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.

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.”

The post Rhasidat Adeleke runs 22.80 to qualify for European Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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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Tara Laverty got Ireland’s European U18 Championships off to a positive start in Rieti, Italy, this afternoon, by breaking her own national U18 record in the women’s discus.

The Carrick Aces AC member qualified automatically, with a first round throw of 49.46m – surpassing the mark set to progress to Saturday’s final.

Speaking to Athletics Ireland, the Monaghan native now feels pressure is now off. I think it just eases the pressure for Saturday too. Very happy with the national record too,” she admitted. “I was just trying to stay as relaxed as possible and I guess it worked. I probably might have a few throws tomorrow and mainly relax.

Cawley & Duffy Qualify for Women’s 2000m Steeplechase

Ethan Carr from Ballymena and Antrim AC was rewarded for a gutsy run in the men’s 400m heats with non-automatic qualification to the semi-finals.

Carr finished fifth in the final heat, the fastest of the day, won by Jakub Marek of the Czech Republic in 47.67 seconds.

The Irish athlete went out hard in the opening 200m but held on well in the home straight to clock 48.89 seconds and claim the final non-automatic qualification spot. He will compete in the semi-finals in Friday’s evening session.

Kwik and Shevlin in action

There was success in the one-lap event for Evelyn Kwik, who secured automatic qualification for the semi-finals in the women’s event. Kwik finished third in heat four in a time of 55.58 seconds, which was won by Eleni Iakovaki of Greece in 55.01 seconds.

Aisling Shevlin had a nervous wait to find out if she had achieved one of the non-automatic qualification spots after clocking 55.87 to finish fifth in heat two. It was later confirmed that she was within the next 6 fastest qualifier spots after the six heats concluded. Kwik and Shevlin will go again in the semi-finals on Friday afternoon.

Collins misses out as Purtill lies 14th

Tralee AC’s Jack Collins narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 800m semi-finals, finishing fourth in heat four with a 1:55.57 clocking. Collins was just outside of the top three automatic places that progressed to the next round.

Emer Purtill (Dooneen AC) sits in 14th position after day one in the heptathlon on 3208 points. Purtill opened her competition with a personal best of 15.19 seconds in the 100m hurdles and backed it up with a 1.60m clearance in the high jump.

The 16-year-old then had an impressive outing in the shot put, throwing 15.26m, ten centimetres further than any other athlete. Purtill finished the day with a personal best clocking in the 200m (26.23) and sits in 14th position with three events left to complete on day two. The event is led at the halfway stage by Ambra Coriulo of Switzerland with 3540 points.

Day Two Irish in Action Schedule 

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The Irish women’s scoring team members of Niamh Allen (Leevale AC), Fiona Everard (Bandon AC), and Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC) combined well in extremely hot conditions at the Centro Sportivo Alessandro Montagna Stadium.

In the Final (A), the Irish women finished second to hosts Italy, claiming only Ireland’s second-ever medal in the history of the event – the country’s only previous medial was Efrem Gidey’s individual gold medal in 2025.

Women’s Team Standings 2026

Italy – 1:37:24.57
Ireland – 1:38:16.07
Spain – 1:38:42.07

Excellent performances

Leevale AC’s Niamh Allen produced another outstanding performance to finish sixth in 32:15.79, securing the European Championships B standard in the process to continue her excellent run of international form.

Bandon AC’s Fiona Everard continued her impressive season with a personal best of 32:41.28 to place tenth. Everard has enjoyed an excellent six months of racing, which included a top-10 finish at the European Cross Country Championships, a top-25 finish in the World Cross Country Championships, and a recent 31:58 PB victory in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, France.

Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill of West Limerick AC marked her senior international debut in style, finishing 20th in the A race with a season’s best performance of 33:19.00.

Women – Final A Results

5th Niamh Allen (Leevale AC) – 32:15.79 SB
9th Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) – 32:41.28 PB
20th Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill (West Limerick AC) – 33:19.00 SB

The post Silver for Ireland at European 10,000m Cup appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete began the final event of the day, the 800m, in Poland in a strong position.

O’Connor produced a personal best of 2:10.26 to take the bronze medal. She finished only 49 points behind gold medallist Sofie Dokter of The Netherlands on a score of 4,888. American Anna Hall took silver with 4,860 points.

𝐒𝐇𝐄'𝐒 𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍!!!

It's BRONZE for Kate O'Connor who continues her remarkable medal-winning-run at major championships The first Irishwoman to win two World Indoor medalsOutstanding!!!!

2:10.26 PB over 800m for a new 4839 National Record… pic.twitter.com/5ZDYtc4fw9

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Kate O’Connor’s reaction

Reacting to her achievement this evening, Kate O’Connor stated:

“I came here with very high expectations and although I maybe didn’t meet them, I’m coming away a world bronze medallist and I really can’t complain with that. I think it’s probably a good thing that I am walking away thinking I could do a little better, but ultimately I’m delighted.”

Hear from our World Indoor bronze medalist Kate O’Connor! #IrishAthletics #WorldIndoorChamps pic.twitter.com/UuAOuPQ8ch

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) March 22, 2026

Good start in 60m hurdles

O’Connor started the 60m hurdles strongly this morning as she clocked 8.23 seconds – just 0.02 outside her personal best set at the recent National Indoor Championships. She then achieved a best clearance of 1.81m in the high jump, achieved on her final attempt despite tripping on a cable during her opening run-up.

In the shot put, the final event of the morning session, the 25-year-old opened with 14.59m, improved to a 1cm personal best of 14.65m in her second round, and then extended that further to 14.70m with her final throw.

The Irish athlete began the evening session with a foul in the long jump before producing a best of 6.38m on her final attempt.

Array of medals

This result continues a remarkable run of success at major championships for O’Connor. In 2025, the Dundalk athlete claimed a bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships, took silver at the World Indoor Championships, struck gold at the World University Games, and silver at the World Outdoor Championships.

Only two Irish athletes, Sonia O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, have now won more individual global medals at senior championships.

Outlining her plans for this season, O’Connor explained:

“My plan is to do the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. I’ll open at the Commonwealths, and then the Europeans are the main aim for me. I want to try and win gold. It’s going to be a tough competition, but if you don’t go in with the mindset to win gold, you’re never going to do it. I’m going to work really hard for the next four or five months and put myself in the position to win that gold.”

Day 3 Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 60m Hurdles: 8.23
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – High Jump: 1.81m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Shot Put: 14.70m
• Sarah Lavin – 60m Hurdles Heats – 8.08 (5th, did not advance)
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – Long Jump: 6.38m
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – 800m: 2:10.26 PB
• Kate O’Connor – Pentathlon – BRONZE (4839 Points NR)

Team Ireland Results Summary

• Kate O’Connor – Women’s Pentathlon – BRONZE NR
• Nick Griggs – Men’s 3000m – Final – 9^th overall
• Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 3000m – Final – 13^th overall
• Mark English – Men’s 800m – SF Stage – 14^th overall
• Bori Akinola – Men’s 60m – SF Stage – 15^th overall
• Maeve O’Neill – Women’s 800m – SF Stage – 18^th overall
• Lauren Roy – Women’s 60m- SF Stage – 19^th overall
• Emma Moore – Women’s 800m – Heats – 22^nd overall
• James Gormley – Men’s 1500m – Heats – 29^th overall
• Ciara Neville – Women’s 60m – Heats – 31^st overall
• Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Heats – 32^nd overall

The post Bronze for Kate O’Connor at World Indoor Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

O’Connor produced one of the standout performances of the championships in the women’s long jump.

Her opening-round effort of 6.50m was both a personal best and a championship record. The jump pushed O’Connor up to third place on the Irish all-time list and capped a remarkable weekend following her personal best run in the 60m hurdles (8.21 seconds) yesterday.

Speaking after her record-breaking performance, Kate O’Connor said:

“I’ve be training well and I was never going to enter myself into something I’m not training well in. It’s one thing doing well in training, but another thing to come out and do it when you’re under the pressure of competition. You’ve three chances to put in a good attempt as a multi-eventer, so I’m delighted I put that jump in on my first attempt.”

First Senior Title for Nick Griggs

The men’s 3000m final saw Nick Griggs claim the gold medal. The win for a first Irish senior title for Griggs, who stopped the clock in 8:14.52. His victory came after a final lap battle with eventual second Darragh McElhinney (8:15.08), and third-place finisher Andrew Coscoran.

Commenting on his first senior title, Griggs stated:

“It’s special to win my first senior title in the circumstances where it was basically a race-off. Who knows what the selectors will do but I’ve secured my auto qualification for the World indoors. There was a lot more pressure on nationals this year, usually nationals you can go out and enjoy it a bit more, so I’m delighted I was able to deliver on my race plan.”

Women’s 3000m Gold for Shanahan

Louise Shanahan timed her finish to perfection in the women’s 3000m final as she came through in the final metres to clock 9:22.47, and add the 3000m indoor title to last year’s 800m indoor title. Shanahan crossed the finishing line ahead of CNDR Track AC’s Zoe Toland, wo clocked 9:22.59, with Leevale AC’s Michelle Finn claiming the bronze medal in a time of 9:23.03.

1500m Gold Medals for Holmes and Mallon

The 1500m finals were both very tactical affairs, with both the men’s and women’s finals producing late finishes.

Lucy Holmes took the women’s title in 4:31.10 – her first senior indoor title. In the men’s final Lughaidh Mallon launched a decisive move to pass Luke McCann in the final strides to capture gold in dramatic fashion in a winning time of 3:43.45.

400m Wins for Mawdsley and Doggett

Tipperary athlete Sharlene Mawdsley showed her dominance in the women’s 400m with a composed performance to claim a third consecutive national indoor title in 51.89.

The men’s 400m was decided in a tight finish as Seán Doggett held off Fintan Dewhirst to take his first senior indoor crown in 47.33 seconds.

Neville and Akinola are 60m sprint winners

In the short sprints, Ciara Neville returned to the top step of the podium in the women’s 60m, securing her third national indoor title and her first since 20120. Neville’s winning time was 7.27 seconds.

In the men’s 60m final, Bori Akinola was in excellent form as he successfully defended his title. His time of 6.60 seconds continues his strong early-season form as his attention now turns towards the World Indoor Championships.

Other National Indoor Title Winners

In the women’s 800m final Hannah Seagrave won her first senior indoor title, while the men’s 800m final winner, Cillian Kirwan, claimed a championship record of 1:47.68 in winning his title.

West Waterford’s Kate Veale delivered another masterclass to claim an extraordinary tenth consecutive national indoor title in the women’s 3000m walk. Oisín Lane from Mullingar Harriers produced a commanding performance to secure his first senior indoor crown in the men’s event.

Eric Favors broke the championships record in the men’s shot with 19.57m, while Michaela Walsh won a 9th indoor title in-a-row. Michael Kent retained his title in the men’s pole vault with a best clearance of 4.50m.

Day 2 Results 

Men’s 5000m Walk

1 Oisín LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 19:39.92

2 Séamus CLARKE Moy Valley A.C. 20:33.19

3 Matthew GLENNON Mullingar Harriers A.C. 21:09.38

Women’s 3000m Walk

1 Kate VEALE West Waterford A.C. 13:50.48

2 Aisling LANE Mullingar Harriers A.C. 14:07.13

3 Ciara WILSON BOWEN Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 14:21.79

Women’s 3000m

1 Louise SHANAHAN Leevale A.C. 9:22.47

2 Zoe TOLAND CNDR Track A.C. 9:22.59

3 Michelle FINN Leevale A.C. 9:23.03

Men’s 3000m (A)

1 Nick GRIGGS CNDR Track A.C. 8:14.52

2 Darragh MCELHINNEY Bantry A.C. 8:15.08

3 Callum MORGAN CNDR Track A.C. 8:16.30

Women’s 1500m

1 Lucy HOLMES Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:31.10

2 Niamh CARR Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:32.39

3 Madison MOONEY Tullamore Harriers A.C. 4:32.80

Men’s 1500m

1 Lughaidh MALLON U.C.D. A.C. 3:43.45

2 Luke MC CANN U.C.D. A.C. 3:43.51

3 Ronan MCMAHON-STAGGS Dublin City Harriers A.C. 3:44.77

Women’s 400m

1 Sharlene MAWDSLEY Newport A.C. 51.89

2 Arlene CROSSAN Finn Valley A.C. 54.12

3 Jenna BREEN City of Lisburn A.C. 54.39

Men’s 400m

1 Seán DOGGETT Athenry A.C. 47.33

2 Fintan DEWHIRST Tír Chonaill A.C.47.84

3 Hugo MAGEE Crusaders A.C. 48.92

Women’s 60m

1 Ciara NEVILLE Emerald A.C. 7.27

2 Precious AKPE-MOSES Blackrock (Louth) A.C. 7.33

3 Molly SCOTT  St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 7.37

Men’s 60m

1 Bori AKINOLA U.C.D. A.C. 6.60

2 Max O’REILLY Riverstick/Kinsale A.C. 6.69

3 Craig DUFFY  Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 6.71

Women’s 800m

1 Hannah SEAGRAVE Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 2:07.76

2 Emma MOORE Galway City Harriers A.C. 2:08.06

3 Pia LANGTON Kilkenny City Harriers A.C. 2:09.19

Men’s 800m

1 Cillian KIRWAN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1:47.68 CR

2 Callum HURLEY Ferrybank A.C. 1:48.37

3 Finn WOODGER Metro/St. Brigid’s A.C. 1:49.60

Men’s Pole Vault

1 Michael KENT SEN M D.M.P. A.C. 4.50                                                                            2 Shane POWER St. Joseph’s A.C. 4.40                                                                             3 Matthew ROSSITER St. Abban’s A.C. 4.00

Women’s Long Jump

1 Katherine O’CONNOR Dundalk St. Gerard’s A.C.  6.50 CR

2 Lauren CALLAGHAN Finn Valley A.C. 6.44

3 Anna MCCAULEY City of Lisburn A.C. 6.05

Men’s Long Jump

1 Sam HEALY Leevale A.C. 7.56

2 Reece ADEMOLA Leevale A.C. 7.49

3 Ryan ONOH Cork City A.C. 7.11

Women’s Shot Put

1 Michaela WALSH Swinford A.C. 14.15

2 Caoimhe GALLEN Lifford Strabane A.C. 13.02

3 Niamh MADDEN Nenagh Olympic A.C. 12.16

Men’s Shot Put

1 Eric FAVORS Raheny Shamrock A.C. 19.57 CR

2 John KELLY Finn Valley A.C. 18.19

3 James KELLY Finn Valley A.C. 15.49

The post Long Jump PB and Championship Record for Kate O’Connor appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Eighth title for Lavin

Emerald AC’s Sarah Lavin won her eighth national indoor 60m hurdles title as she beat world silver medallist Kate O’Connor of Dundalk St Gerard’s.

Lavin produced a smooth 60m hurdles run to win in 8.07 seconds, finishing ahead of Kate O’Connor who ran a huge personal best time of 8.21 seconds to go third on the Irish all-time list behind Derval O’Rourke and Lavin.

Commenting on her victory this afternoon, Sarah Lavin said:

“I’m happy, I would have liked a season’s best but to run sub eight is a difficult task. There were things I did really well there, and some things I need to tidy up but overall, it was a positive run. I want to carry the speed and intent through the race, sprinting is one thing, working on technique for the hurdles is another, and trying to bring those together”.

Orlaith Mannion (South Galway AC) rounded out the 60m hurdles podium in third in a time of 8.45 seconds.

Adam Nolan wins men’s 60m hurdles

The men’s 60m hurdles was claimed by Adam Nolan from St Laurence O’Toole AC, as he successfully defended his 2025 gold in a time of 8.03 seconds. Leevale’s Seán Carmody took second in 8.19 seconds, with 2025 high jump champion Ciarán Connolly of Le Chéile AC taking third spot in a time of 8.45 seconds.

Becker takes first senior 200m title 

Sophie Becker won her first national senior indoor 200m title with an indoor PB time of 23.43 seconds. Racing in the sixth lane, Becker utilised her opening 100m speed to break clear of the field to cross ahead of Molly Daly (Kilkenny City Harriers), who clocked 24.07 seconds for second place, with DSD’s Mollie O’Reilly finishing third in 24.14 seconds.

Becker spoke of her delight post-race in claiming the 200m title:

“I’m delighted with that. My first 200m title and an indoor PB to go with it so two boxes ticked and I’m thrilled to have taken the title. I’ve been lacking a little bit of confidence and the 200 really helps my 400 because I’m more of a speed-based athlete, so to know I have that time over 200 will give me plenty of confidence”.

Third national title for Mark Smyth

Raheny Shamrock’s Mark Smyth took a third national indoor title following a titanic tussle with defending champion Marcus Lawler of Clonliffe Harriers. The Raheny clubman held off the strong finishing Lawler to cross the winning time in 21.11 seconds. Lawler was second in 21.24, with Adam Murphy (Tinryland AC) third in 21.68 seconds.

Finals Results

Women’s 200m

1 Sophie BECKER Raheny Shamrock A.C. 23.43

2 Molly DALY Kilkenny City Harriers A.C. 24.07

3 Mollie O`REILLY Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 24.14

Men’s 200m

1 Mark SMYTH Raheny Shamrock A.C. 21.11

2 Marcus LAWLER Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 21.24

3 Adam MURPHY Tinryland A.C. 21.68

Women’s 60mH

1 Sarah LAVIN Emerald A.C. 8.07

2 Katherine O`CONNOR Dundalk St. Gerards A.C. 8.21

3 Orlaith MANNION South Galway A.C. 8.45

Men’s 60mH

1 Adam NOLAN St. Laurence. O’Toole A.C. 8.03

2 Sean CARMODY Leevale A.C. 8.19

3 Ciaran CONNOLLY Le Chéile A.C. 8.45

Women’s High Jump

1 Aoife O’SULLIVAN Liscarroll A.C. 1.75

2 Sommer LECKY Finn Valley A.C. 1.75

3 Lauren DUFFY Bohermeen A.C. 1.65

3 Maeve FLEMING Leevale A.C. 1.65

Men’s High Jump

1 Mohammed IBRAHIM HALIL Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1.93

2 Darragh KELLY Craughwell A.C. 1.90

3 Emmanuel OSAS Ratoath A.C. 1.90

Men’s WFD

1 Michael HEALY Leevale A.C. 9.11 NR

2 David TIERNEY Leevale A.C. 7.99

3 Robert HIGGINS Na Fianna A.C. 7.08

Women’s WFD

1 Kotryna PACERINSKAITE Fanahan Mc Sweeney A.C. 8.70 NR

2 Laura DOLAN Ferbane A.C. 6.46

3 Bridget MC DYER Finn Valley A.C. 6.29

Men’s Triple Jump

1 David ONWUDIWE Ennis Track A.C. 13.96

2 Darragh FAHY Loughrea A.C. 13.94

3 Joseph GILLESPIE Finn Valley A.C. 13.75

Women’s Triple Jump

1 Daphni DOULAPTSI TEEUWEN Raheny Shamrock A.C. 12.54

2 Caoimhe MC DONAGHSouth Sligo A.C. 12.21

3 Anna RYAN Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C. 11.4

The post Eighth National Indoor 60m Hurdles Title for Sarah Lavin appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Despite a knee injury during the long jump, O’Connor delivered five personal bests across seven events, including a gutsy 2:09.56 in the decisive 800m.

Another 2025 Medal for O’Connor

O’Connor has enjoyed an incredible 2025 season. She won a bronze in the pentathlon at the European Championships and silver at the World Indoors before setting a national record at the World University Games to claim gold outdoors.

The Tokyo silver medal is the first won by an Irish athlete in a multi-discipline event at the Worlds, and O’Connor is only the sixth Irish athlete ever to reach the podium.

“I expected big things from myself”

Speaking after her silver medal success, the Irish heptathlete said:

“It’s insane, words can’t describe the way that I feel or the year that I’ve had. My indoor season was a complete dream, and I wanted to carry that form into the outdoors. I’ve never come to a championship before and had as much pressure as I’ve had on my shoulders this week. I expected big things from myself, and I knew I was in with a shot of winning a medal.

“I enjoyed every single second of the competition yesterday, but today not so much as I hurt my knee in the long jump, and it was just a real fight to the line in every event. The team around me have filled me with so much confidence today and it was just pure grit and determination that I managed to pull myself through.”

Gold went to Anna Hall (USA) with 6,881 points, while O’Connor’s rivals Taliyah Brooks (USA) and Katarina Johnson-Thompson (GBR) shared bronze on 6,581.

PBs and National Record

Kate O’Connor’s competition included PBs in the 100m hurdles, high jump, 200m, and a superb 53.06m javelin throw, propelling her into medal contention.

National Heptathlon Record Summary (6,714 pts)
100m Hurdles: 13.44 PB
High Jump: 1.86m PB
Shot Put:14.37m
200m: 24.07 PB
Long Jump: 6.22m
Javelin: 53.06m PB
800m: 2:09.56 PB

O’Connor Joins Elite Group

Kate O’Connor now joins Eamonn Coghlan, Sonia O’Sullivan, Gillian O’Sullivan, Olive Loughnane, and Rob Heffernan as an Irish World Championships medallist.

1983 – Eamonn Coghlan, GOLD, 5,000m
1993 – Sonia O’Sullivan, SILVER, 1500m
1995 – Sonia O’Sullivan, GOLD, 5,000m
2003 – Gillian O’Sullivan, SILVER, 20km Walk
2009 – Olive Loughnane, GOLD, 20km Walk
2013 – Robert Heffernan, GOLD, 50km Walk
•025 – Kate O’Connor, SILVER, Heptathlon

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