The Irish athletics community gathered at St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin today (August 6) to celebrate the remarkable 45-year legacy of Irish Runner Magazine, preview next week’s European Athletics Championships and witness the announcement of a new agreement between Athletics Ireland and the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club (IASC).
Hosted by Athletics Ireland and proudly supported by 123.ie and adidas, the special event brought together members of the Irish athletics community to celebrate the past, present and future of Irish athletics.
Celebrating 45 Years of Irish Runner Magazine
The opening section of the afternoon honoured Irish Runner Magazine, recognising its outstanding contribution to Irish athletics since its first edition was published in 1981.
For more than four decades, the magazine has chronicled the stories, achievements and personalities that have shaped athletics in Ireland, becoming an enduring record of the sport while inspiring generations of runners, athletes and athletics enthusiasts.
Frank Greally, Founder of Irish Runner Magazine, said:“Forty-five years ago I could never have imagined that Irish Runner Magazine would still be telling the stories of Irish athletics today. Looking around this room reminds me that athletics has always been about people, community and shared passion. It has been the greatest privilege of my career to tell those stories, celebrate our champions and support our clubs. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. The magazine’s story has always been the story of Irish athletics, and I’m excited to see the next chapter unfold.”
The event recognised the contribution of the many writers, photographers, contributors, advertisers and supporters who have helped the publication flourish over the past 45 years, together with the thousands of loyal readers who continue to support the magazine today.
Athletics Ireland and Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club Announce Official Agreement
As part of the afternoon’s celebrations, Athletics Ireland (AAI) and the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club (IASC) announced a new agreement to work together for the mutual benefit of both organisations and, most importantly, for the continued development and promotion of athletics throughout Ireland.
The agreement will see Athletics Ireland formally endorse and recognise the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club – an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to positively promoting the sport of athletics in Ireland – as the Official Supporters’ Club of Athletics Ireland.
The partnership represents an important step in strengthening engagement with supporters of Irish athletics and further enhancing the connection between athletes, fans and the wider athletics community.
Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, said:“Athletics Ireland is delighted to formally recognise the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club. Our supporters play a hugely important role in creating the atmosphere that inspires our athletes, whether they’re competing at home or representing Ireland on the international stage.
Together, we share a common goal of growing athletics, celebrating our athletes and strengthening the connection between our sport and the people who passionately support it. We look forward to working with Seamus and all in the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club as we continue to build a vibrant athletics community across Ireland.”
Seamus Carey, Chair of the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club, said:“This is a proud and significant day for the Irish Athletics Supporters’ Club. Since our formation, our mission has always been simple – to support Irish athletes, promote the sport and bring together people who share a passion for athletics.
This agreement strengthens our relationship with Athletics Ireland and provides a strong platform for future collaboration. Together, we can build an even stronger athletics community, inspire greater support for our athletes, and help the sport continue to thrive both at home and on the international stage.”
Eyes Turn to Birmingham
Attention then turned to the European Athletics Championships, with David Gillick hosting an engaging preview discussion featuring two of Ireland’s greatest international athletes, Thomas Barr and Phil Healy.
The pair reflected on their own championship experiences, discussed what it takes to perform on the European stage and shared their thoughts on Ireland’s prospects ahead of the Championships in Birmingham from August 10–16.
Athletics Ireland thanked everyone who attended the event and acknowledged the valued support of 123.ie and adidas, whose continued partnership helped make the occasion possible.
All eyes now turn to Birmingham, where the 2026 European Athletics Championships will take centre stage from August 10–16. Seven days of top-class competition await as Ireland’s athletes look to make their mark on the European stage. The Championships will be broadcast live throughout the week on RTÉ, bringing all the action from Birmingham to audiences across Ireland.
Further details relating to Birmingham 2026 will be available on AthleticsIreland.ie over the coming days.
