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.

The post Video – Irish Athletics Shines with Three European Medals in 30 Minutes at European Indoors appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

The post Ireland team named for European Athletics U18 Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

The post Ciara Mageean 4th in World 1500m Final appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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)

OR

• 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

The post Ireland Squad, Live TV & Schedule for World Athletics Championships in Budapest appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

The post European U20 gold medal for Elizabeth Ndudi appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

The post Nick Grigg wins European U20 Championships silver medal appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

The post 13th National title for Sarah Lavin appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The selections include 18 individual competitors along with men’s 4x100m and men’s and women’s 4x400m squads.

The squad includes Nick Griggs, reigning European U20 Champion over 3000m, who is selected in both 1500m and 3000m.

Elizabeth Ndudi goes into the championships as Ireland’s top ranked female athlete having recently bettered her own U20 Long Jump record with a 6.44 leap in Mannheim.

Name	Club	Coach	Event(s)
Anna Gavigan	Lambay Sports & Athletics	Enda Gavigan	Discus
Ava Rochford	Nenagh Olympic AC	Martin O’Grady	High Jump
Avril Millerick	Youghal AC	Noel Curtin	5000m
Elizabeth Ndudi	DSD AC	Julien Guilard	Long Jump
Louise O’Mahony	BMOH AC	Donnacha O’Mahony	5000m
Lucy-May Sleeman	Leevale AC	John Corr	100m, 200m
Maeve O’Neill	Doheny AC	Tony O’Neill	800m
Niamh Murray	Bray Runners	Aine Murray & Joe Ryan	400m, 4x400m
Victoria Amiadamen	Dooneen AC	PJ O’Rourke	400mh, 4x400m
Kate O’Connell	Lucan Harriers	Jeremy Lyons	4x400m
Hannah Murray	Finn Valley	Rosemary Finn	4x400m
Renee Crotty	Annalee AC	Damian Lalor	4x400m
Eve Noctor	Lucan Harriers	Niamh Fitzgerald	4x400m
Daisy Walker	Monaghan Phoenix	Brian Peppard & Damien Barry	4x400m Non-travelling Reserve
Adam Nolan	SLOT AC	Billy Delaney	110mh
Fintan Dewhirst	Tir Chonaill AC	Brian McGonagle	400mh
Jack Fenlon	St. Abban’s AC	Eamonn Kelly	3000m
Jonas Stafford	Ashford AC	Feidhlim Kelly	5000m
Lughaidh Mallon	Lagan Valley	Jim McKeown	1500m
Neil Culhane	Ace AC	Liam Cooney	800m
Niall Murphy	Ennis Track Club	Pat Hogan	3000m
Nick Griggs	Candour Track Club	Mark Kirk	1500m, 3000m
Oisín Joyce	Lake District AC	Padraic Joyce	Javelin
Seán Aigboboh	Tallaght AC	Daniel Kilgallon	4x100m
Nkemjika Onwumereh	Metro St. Brigid’s AC	Daniel Kilgallon	4x100m
Dannan Long	Enniscorthy AC	Chris St.-Claire Johnson	4x100m
Darragh Murphy	Limerick AC	Gwynne Ryan	4x100m
Max O’Reilly	Kinsale AC	Dave Keating	4x100m
Killian Curran	Blackrock AC	Mark Cafferky	4x100m Non-travelling Reserve
David Bosch	DSD AC	Ruaidhrí Kedney	4x400m
Joe Doody	Cabinteely AC	Brian Doody	4x400m
David Mannion	South Galway AC	Jim Phelan	4x400m
Stephen Mannion	South Galway AC	Jim Phelan	4x400m
Daragh Masterson	Ratoath AC	Peter Doherty	4x400m
Seán Doggett	Athenry AC	Stephen Doggett & Iain Shaw	4x400m Non-travelling Reserve

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The Portaferry athlete, who recently took silver in the event at the Commonwealth Games, chased home Laura Muir again on this occasion.

In an exciting final, the Irishwoman took up the early running before Muir took the lead with two laps of the three-and-three-quarter lap contest remaining.

With Scot Muir winning in 4:01.08, 30-year-old Mageean crossed the line in a season’s best time of 4:02.56. Poland’s Sofia Ennaoui took bronze in 4:03.59.

Scenes we won’t forget

pic.twitter.com/mP89heC7tF

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) August 19, 2022

The post Ciara Mageean wins European 1500m silver medal appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

After incredible performances in the heats and the semi-finals, the Donegal man had the performance of his career in the final. He cleared each hurdle with masterful technique and skill to cross the line and claim a silver medal. 

This is the sole medal secured by Ireland at this year’s Championships.

As well as winning a silver medal, Dewhirst secured a PB time of 51.65 seconds.

The post Silver medal for Fintan Dewhirst at European U18 Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.