Irish Excellence at the European Masters Athletics Indoors
March 22, 2024
The European Masters Athletics Indoors has been a stage for remarkable performances, and Team Ireland has showcased its prowess with a stellar display so far. As the competition unfolds, Irish athletes have excelled across various disciplines, securing medals and setting new records.
Joe Gough, in the M70 category, delivered a masterclass in the 800m, clinching the gold medal while also establishing a new European record with a remarkable time of 2:23.41. Gough's performance exemplified his exceptional talent on the track.
Ann Wynne secured the bronze medal in the W35 800m event, showcasing her speed and endurance in a highly competitive field. Similarly, Edel Maguire demonstrated her prowess, earning the bronze medal in the W60 200m race, a testament to her skill and dedication to her craft.
In the fiercely contested W55 200m final, Moira Groome and Dara Carr showcased their talent, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, narrowly missing out on medals but displaying remarkable skill and determination. Gemma Thompson added to Ireland's medal tally with a bronze in the 200m event, further highlighting the depth of talent within the Irish contingent.
Alan Burke showcased his prowess in the M55 Pole Vault, finishing fifth with a commendable performance. Sinead McConnell's silver in the W55 5k Race Walk, along with the team bronze alongside Deirdre Doherty and Anne Gormley, added to Ireland's medal haul.
The 5k Race Walk also saw impressive performances from Sean McMullin and Michael O'Connor, who secured second and third place respectively in their respective categories, with the M70 team clinching the gold with these two men and David Kissane.
Kieran Kelly comfortably qualified for the M35 1500m, demonstrating his talent on the track. Elsewhere, Adina Gheorhgiu, representing Romania but based in Ireland, stormed to victory in the W45 200m.
Despite challenging lane draws, Shane Sheridan, David Hayde, and John Kirby displayed resilience and determination in their respective events, showcasing the spirit of Irish athletics.
As the competition draws to a close, Geraldine Finegan's impressive performance in the Pentathlon sees her poised for success with one event to go, highlighting Ireland's versatility across multiple disciplines.
With 47 total medals, including 17 gold, 13 silver, and 17 bronze, Team Ireland has demonstrated its strength and depth at the European Masters Athletics Indoors thus far.
Featured Image: Ronan Gately