Day 3 Euros Recap: Ciara Strikes Gold and More

By Phil Knox

June 9, 2024

Irish Athletes at the Euros: Day 3 Recap

At the outset of Day 3, the Irish half marathoners took the stage, with Hiko Tonosa competing in the men's category, and Shona Heaslip and Emily Haggard Kearney in the women's category.

Hiko Tonosa secured the 43rd position with a time of 1:05:42 in the men's event. Meanwhile, in the women's category, Shona Heaslip achieved the 34th position, clocking a season's best time of 1:12:19, while Emily Haggard Kearney followed behind, finishing 64th with another season's best time of 1:17:04.

Next up was Nicola Tuthill in the Women's Hammer throw competition. She finished second overall in her group with attempts: 65.76 - 69.04 - 69.85. This makes her the first Irish woman to make a major senior Championship final since Eileen O'Keefe in Osaka in 2007!

The spotlight then shifted to Thomas Barr, who out in a solid performance in the Men's 400m Hurdles. With a season's best time of 49.31, Barr secured victory, securing his place in the semi-finals to be held tomorrow afternoon.

As the evening descended, Rhasidat Adeleke continued to captivate audiences with her stellar performance in the Women's 400m semi-final. Crossing the finish line with a time of 50.54 seconds, Adeleke clinched victory, edging closer to a potential second medal at the Euros, with the final looming tomorrow.

Next up was Sophie Becker, despite a commendable effort, fell short in the Women's 400m competition, finishing 4th in her Semi Final with a time of 51.54 seconds.

On a brighter note, Sharlene Mawdsley impressed, securing her place in the Women's 400m Final. Finishing 2nd in her semi-final with a time of 50.99 seconds, Mawdsley's will contest the final night at 8.30pm Irish time, alongside fellow Irish athlete Rhasidat Adeleke.

However, the evening brought disappointment for Chris O'Donnell in the Men's 400m Semi final. O'Donnell's journey came to halt, as he finished 4th with a time of 45.72 seconds, only to be later disqualified.

Mark Smyth's Euros campaign concluded despite his valiant effort in the Men's 200m Semi Final, where he finished 5th with a season's best time of 20.86.

The climax of Day 3 for Irish athletes unfolded in the highly anticipated Women's 1500m final, featuring Ciara Mageean and Sarah Healy. Mageean showcased a magnificent performance, clinching gold and adding another gold medal to Ireland's haul. However, Healy's journey ended outside the podium, settling for 7th place with a time of 4:06.77.

Day 3 Results

Morning Session

Hiko Tonosa - Men's Half Marathon - 43rd - 1:05:42

Shona Heaslip - Women's Half Marathon - 34th - 1:12:19

Emily Haggard Kearney - Women's Half Marathon - 64th - 1:17:04

Nicola Tuthill - 2nd in group - 65.76 - 69.04 - 69.85

Kelly McGrory - Women's 400m Hurdles Heat 3 - 7th - 57.10 PB

Thomas Barr - Men's 400m Hurdles Heat 1 - 1st - 49.31 SB

Evening Session

Rhasidat Adeleke - Women's 400m Semi Final - 1st - 50.54

Sophie Becker - Women's 400m Semi Final - 4th - 51.54

Sharlene Mawdsley - Women's 400m Semi Final - 2nd - 50.99