HP Unit Support Relay Programmes

The Athletics Ireland High Performance unit is committed to supporting and developing, Relay Squads to provide sprinters with a realistic pathway to represent Ireland at the major championships. Qualification of teams for this year’s European Track and Field Championships is seen as important stepping stone towards qualification of teams at the Rio 2016 Olympic. The long-term objective for Irish Relay Squads is in line with the core objective of the High Performance Strategic Plan; to deliver more medals on the World stage.

Three team Relay Co-ordinators have been appointed. Terrie Cahill who has vast experience both as a former International athlete and as a coach will head up the women’s 4×100m relay squad. Cahill coached the women’s relay squad to an Irish Record in 2010. Double European 400m Indoor Champion and Record Holder David Gillick will oversee the Men’s 4×400m team. While Daniel Kilgallon who looks after up and coming sprinting stars in Tallaght AC will coach and co-ordinate the junior men’s 4×100m relay squad.

Support will be provided to Relay Squads that have potential to run/or have achieved the standard set in the qualification policies for major championships. Depth and quality is needed in events with a minimum of five athletes that meet the Individual Relay Standards needed for support to be made available from the relay programme.

In 2014 support will be provided to Senior Women’s 4×100m and Men’s 4×400m with the target of achieving qualification for the European Track and Field Championships in Zurich in August. Both teams will need to achieve a top 16 European ranking to secure qualification. While the junior 4×100m men’s squad are targeting the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon with a qualification time needed of 40.10, the current Irish Junior Record stands at 40.60.

The relay team members are selected from the relays panels. The athletes pre-selected for the relay panels were selected based on the 2013/14 ranking lists, current form in 2014; relay experience and availability and commitment to the relay programme. To be added to the relay panel for 2014 athletes will have to achieve the Individual Relay Standard Click Here For Further Details