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.

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.

The post Kate O’Connor on Verge of History – Irish Star Set to Deliver First-Ever Global Medal in Heptathlon appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The post Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Kate O’Connor Eyes ‘Something Special’ at World Championships

Kate O’Connor is ready to deliver another big performance for Ireland as she heads to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Dundalk star has already enjoyed a year to remember – winning gold, silver and bronze across three major international events – and believes there is more to come.

“I Think Something Special Could Happen”

The St Gerard’s AC athlete has gone from rising prospect to national headline act in 2025. She took European Indoor bronze, followed by World Indoor silver, and then capped it off with a sensational World University Games gold in July.

“At the start of the year, World University Games was my main goal – to go there, try to medal, maybe try to win gold,” O’Connor said. “Then what happened at Indoors happened, and suddenly the World University Games became more about opening my outdoor season. I managed to win it by almost 400 points – it was such an enjoyable event.”

Her focus now shifts to Tokyo and the seven-event challenge of the heptathlon.

“I think I have a great chance of finishing really high,” she smiled. “I’m not even putting a number out there – but if I can put together a series like I did at Indoors, something special could happen.”

From Spotlight to Starting Blocks

O’Connor admits the spotlight has been brighter this year than ever before, but says she has embraced it:

“Since winning that medal at European Indoors, life has changed completely. Every week there’s something – an interview, an event – which is lovely, but it took time to adjust. I’m learning to enjoy it all and take it in my stride.”

Her first event – the 100m hurdles – takes place on Day 7 of the Championships, with all coverage live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

Three Medals, Three Stories

O’Connor is quick to point out that each of her 2025 medals carries its own unique significance.

“The bronze at Europeans – I’ve never worked so hard for a medal in my life. The silver was Ireland’s first World medal in years, and suddenly people were mentioning me alongside Sonia O’Sullivan and Derval O’Rourke – that was surreal. And to win a gold outdoors in my favourite event, the heptathlon, that was the perfect way to finish the set.”

Her journey has captured the imagination of Irish fans and raised expectations ahead of Tokyo – but O’Connor is embracing the challenge with the same calm determination that has brought her this far.

Whatever happens in Tokyo, Kate O’Connor has already made 2025 a year to remember – and the best may still be to come.

The post Kate O’Connor Targets Big Finish at World Athletics Championships appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Ireland team will include a number of World and European medallists and Olympians for the championships which take place at the Japan National Stadium from September 13th to September 21st.

Among those named on the Irish team are Sarah Healy (Women’s 1500m), Kate O’Connor (Women’s Heptathlon), Mark English (Men’s 800m), Sarah Lavin (100mH), Nicola Tuthill (Hammer), Andrew Coscoran (1500m), Cathal Doyle (1500m), Sophie Becker (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay), and Sharlene Mawdsley (Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay and Women’s 4x400m Relay).

Third World Athletics Championships for Sarah Healy

For Sarah Healy (UCD AC), Tokyo will be the 24-year-old’s third appearance at the World Athletics Championships. The Dubliner, who is based in Manchester training with M11 Track Club, will compete in the Women’s 1500m having won the European indoor 3000m title in March.

Healy will be joined in the 1500m by fellow Olympian Sophie O’Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC), and Laura Nicholson of Bandon AC. 

Finn Valley’s Mark English, a bronze medal winner in the Men’s 800m at the European Indoor Championships, clocked the six fastest ever times of his career in the last three months, lowering his Irish record down to 1:43.37 in Budapest. English will be joined in the 800m by UCD’s Cian McPhillips , who ran 1:44.34 last month in Oordegem.

Sarah Lavin will take to the World outdoors on the back of semi-final appearances at the two previous editions in Eugene (2022) and Budapest (2023). The Emerald AC sprinter will be hoping to progress through the rounds in one of the most high-class events in Tokyo.

Kate O’Connor among field events’ competitors

Irish field events will also be well represented in Tokyo. European and World Indoor medallist and World University Games champion Kate O’Connor (Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC) will aim to continue her outstanding season in the Women’s Heptathlon. O’Connor improved her Irish record in the seven-discipline event to 6487 points back in July.

Olympian Eric Favors (Raheny Shamrock AC) will represent Ireland in the shot where he’ll look to continue the form that saw him throw a 20.75m late last month.

Irish Relays’ members

2024 European Mixed 4x400m relay champion Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC) starred at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, in May helping both the Mixed and Women’s 4x400m relay teams qualify for these championships. She has been selected for both relays, as well as the Women’s 400m alongside teammate Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock AC).

The Irish relay teams offer a blend of youth and experience across both the mixed and women’s 4x400m events with Rachel McCann (North Down AC), Jack Raftery (Donore Harriers), Conor Kelly (Finn Valley AC), Cillín Greene (Galway City Harriers), Clíodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers), Michelle Duggan (UCD AC), and Jenna Breen (City of Lisburn AC) completing the line-ups.

European U23 and World University Games silver medallist Nicola Tuthill (UCD AC) is also selected. The Cork native will compete in the Women’s Hammer Throw, an event where she has improved her personal best and Irish U23 record to 71.75m this summer. 

Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers) and Andrew Coscoran (Star of the Sea AC) will contest the men’s 1500m, while Coscoran will also join Brian Fay (Raheny Shamrock AC) and Bantry’s Darragh McElhinney on the starting line in the men’s 5000m.

Europe’s fasters 10,000m runner

Clonliffe Harriers’ Efrem Gidey, Europe’s fastest athlete over 10,000m this season, will be Ireland’s only representative in the men’s 10,000m. Marathon runners Hiko Tonosa (Dundrum South Dublin AC), Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers) and Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole AC) will also compete in Tokyo.

Walkers David Kenny (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) will compete in the 20km Race Walk, while Oisín Lane (Mullingar Harriers) will start in the 35km Race Walk.

The 20th edition of the World Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on RTÉ television.  

 Tokyo 2025 Ireland Team:

Sarah Healy

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Trevor Painter & Jenny Meadows

Sophie O’Sullivan

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Ballymore Cobh AC

Coach: Collis Birmingham

Laura Nicholson

Event: Women’s 1500m

Club: Bandon AC

Coach: Andrea McDonough

Mark English

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Justin Rinaldi

Cian McPhillips

Event: Men’s 800m

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Joe Ryan

Sarah Lavin

Event: Women’s 100m Hurdles

Club: Emerald AC

Coach: Noelle Morrissey

Sharlene Mawdsley

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Newport AC

Coach: Tony Lester

Sophie Becker

Event: Women’s 400m, Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Cathal Doyle

Event: Men’s 1500m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Jon Bigg

Andrew Coscoran

Event: Men’s 1500m & Men’s 5000m

Club: Star of the Sea AC

Coach: Helen Clitheroe

Kate O’Connor

Event: Women’s Heptathlon

Club: Dundalk St. Gerard’s AC

Coach: Michael O’Connor & Tom Reynolds

Nicola Tuthill

Event: Women’s Hammer Throw

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Killian Barry

Brian Fay

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Nic Bideau

Darragh McElhinney

Event: Men’s 5000m

Club: Bantry AC

Coach: Emmett Dunleavy

Efrem Gidey

Event: Men’s 10,000m

Club: Clonliffe Harriers

Coach: Andy Hobdell

David Kenny

Event: Men’s 20km Race Walk

Club: Farranfore Maine Valley AC

Coach: Jamie Costin

Oisín Lane

Event: Men’s 35km Race Walk

Club: Mullingar Harriers

Coach: Michael Lane

Eric Favors

Event: Men’s Shot Put

Club: Raheny Shamrock AC

Coach: Dane Miller

Fionnuala McCormack

Event: Women’s Marathon

Club: Kilcoole AC

Coach: Alan McCormack

Hiko Tonosa

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Gemedu Dedefo

Peter Lynch

Event: Men’s Marathon

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Alistair Cragg

Rachel McCann

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay & Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: North Down AC

Coach: Ian Neely

Jack Raftery

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Donore Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell

Conor Kelly

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Finn Valley AC

Coach: Paul Miller

Cillín Greene

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay

Club: Galway City Harriers

Coach: Gerard O’Donnell & Aideen Sinnott

Clíodhna Manning

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: Kilkenny City Harriers

Coach: Peter Lyons

Michelle Duggan

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: UCD AC

Coach: Adam McMullen

Jenna Breen

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay

Club: City of Lisburn AC

Coach: Grant Barker

Érin Friel

Event: Women’s 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Letterkenny AC

Coach: Kathryn McDevitt

Ciaran Carthy

Event: Mixed 4x400m Relay – Non travelling reserve

Club: Dundrum South Dublin AC

Coach: Kenneth Kiernan & Ed Carthy

The post Ireland team for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Kate O’Connor is no longer just one to watch — she’s one to beat.

With European and World Indoor medals now in her collection, the 24-year-old heptathlete enters a new phase of her career: not just competing with the world’s best, but challenging them. As she prepares for two major summer events — the World University Games in Germany later this month and the World Championships in Tokyo in September — O’Connor is thinking big.

“My whole team focus has kind of changed,” she says. “Before, I’d go to championships looking up to the top girls. Now I’m going there to put it up to them.”

Belief Born from Breakthrough

O’Connor’s confidence is rooted in a sensational indoor season, where she claimed bronze in the European Indoors pentathlon and silver at the World Indoors. These were her first senior medals in an Irish vest, after earlier success as a European U20 silver medallist in 2019 and a Commonwealth Games silver medallist for Northern Ireland in 2022.

“I definitely feel like I’m in that bracket now,” she says. “It’ll take another couple of years to challenge for the very top, but that’s the ultimate goal.”

Monte Gordo Grind

Currently training in Monte Gordo, Portugal, O’Connor is putting in two sessions a day while juggling the final stages of a master’s degree in communication and PR. It’s a heavy workload, but one she’s handling with focus and ambition.

“I’ve always had something outside athletics – like university – to keep me grounded,” she says. “You never know when injury or setbacks can hit. It helps to have more than one identity.”

Backed by Adidas

Earlier this year, O’Connor signed a professional deal with adidas, giving her much-needed support in one of the most demanding events in sport. It marks another step towards her goal of becoming a full-time athlete after her degree wraps up in September.

“Financially, it’s getting better,” she says. “The support since indoors has really grown. Ideally, I’d love to bring my full coaching team to every event and not have to make decisions based on budget.”

Bigger Platform, Bigger Pressure

O’Connor’s success has brought increased public attention, and with it, new challenges. “At first, I said yes to everything — media, events, interviews — but it quickly got overwhelming,” she admits. “My dad’s been amazing, stepping in to handle the flood of emails so I can concentrate on training.”

“I thought three weeks off after indoors would be enough to reset everything, but I quickly realised the attention doesn’t just stop. You have to learn how to manage it.”

Record-Breaking Goals

O’Connor will open her season at the World University Games on July 23, where she hopes to surpass her own Irish heptathlon record of 6,297 points. Her target? Break 6,500 — a score that would place her among the world’s elite.

“I’ve focused hard on my speed this year,” she says. “If I can break 24 seconds in the 200m and improve on my javelin — my PB is from 2019 — I’ll be in a great place.”

With the World Championships just over 10 weeks away, her timing is spot on. “I’m in similar shape to indoors, maybe even better. If the body’s in good condition, anything’s possible when you put the events together.”

Powered by Partnership

Kate O’Connor was speaking at the launch of Athletics Ireland’s extended sponsorship deal with 123.ie, a six-figure partnership running until 2030. With big backing and even bigger ambition, the Dundalk native is ready to take on the world.

The post Kate O’Connor Sets Her Sights on Global Glory appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post Pentathlon Silver Medal for Kate O’Connor at World Indoors appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

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.

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.