Athletics Ireland have named an exciting 25-strong team for the upcoming European Athletics U18 Championships which take place in Rieti, Italy from July 16^th to 19^th.

The European Athletics U18 Championships were created to promote higher-level competition among the most talented members of this age group in Europe and provide a stepping stone to the U20 age group.

Ireland had its most successful edition of the championships two years ago in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia winning a record five medals including a gold medal for Thomas Williams in the Boys Hammer Throw.

Other previous Irish medallists at the championships include Gina Akpe-Moses (100m silver, 2016), Molly Scott (100m Hurdles bronze, 2016), Rhasidat Adeleke (200m gold, 2018), Sophie O’Sulllivan (800m silver, 2018) and Sarah Healy (800m and 1500m gold, 2018).

This year’s Irish team has strength in depth across a range of track and field events with several athletes ranked in the top ten in Europe for their events this season.

Amongst them is European U20 Cross Country bronze medallist Emma Hickey (United Striders AC) who will compete in the 1500m in Rieti. Two other exciting young middle-distance talents, Freya Renton (Westport AC) and Ava Colreavy (Sligo AC) have opted to compete in the 3000m.

Over two laps, Isabelle Gaffney (West Waterford AC) has had a huge breakthrough year running two 2:06 performances in May and winning gold at the 123.ie National Juvenile Track and Field Championships just last weekend at U17 level. She will be joined in 800m by Tara-Rose Smith (Finn Valley AC). Jack Collins (Tralee Harriers) competes in the Boys 800m.

Lucie Cawley (Sligo AC) gained invaluable experience at the European Youth Olympic Festival last year and has lowered the Irish U18 2000m Steeplechase record to 6:41.13 this season, the third fastest in Europe in the age-group. Ally Duffy (Tullamore Harriers) will also compete in this event.

Charlie O’Neill (Donore Harriers) has also showed impressive form this year running a sub-3:50 1500m in Brussels in May. He will be joined in the 1500m by Luke Merrigan (Leevale AC)

400m hurdlers are well represented on the team with Elle-Kate McRae (Midleton AC) set to race in the girl’s event, while Daniel Downey (Portlaoise AC) and Arron Whelan (Dunboyne AC) compete in the boy’s event.

Hoping to emulate the performances of their older counterparts, two young walkers will compete in Rieti, Leah O’Gara (Finn Valley AC) and Daniel Glennon (Mullingar Harriers).

Tiffany Nwaedozie (Belgooly AC) and Christopher Olatunde (Ratoath AC) lead the charge in the shorter sprints, both set to race over 200m after strong seasons. Evelyn Kwik (Dundrum South Dublin AC), Aisling Shevlin (Ratoath AC) and Ethan Carr (Ballymena & Antrim AC) will all compete in the 400m. These athletes will also feature in two strong Irish medley relay teams.

Undoubtedly inspired by trailblazing Irish heptathlete Kate O’Connor, Emer Purtill (Dooneen AC) will be in action in the gruelling seven-event competition across two days in Rieti.

Two field-eventers are also amongst the team; Tara Laverty (Carrick Aces AC) who will compete in the Discus Throw and Kevin O’Shea (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) will throw in the Javelin Throw.

Commenting on the selection Athletics Ireland Performance Pathway Manager, Jacqui Freyne, said:

“The European Athletics U18 Championships are an important step on the performance pathway. For many of our athletes, it’s a first taste of major international competition – a chance to learn, and to challenge themselves against the best in Europe.

“I wish to congratulate all the athletes and their personal coaches on their selection. I am really looking forward to seeing this talented group embrace the opportunity.”

TEAM SELECTION:

• Athletics Ireland’s European Athletics U18 Championships selection policy is HERE
• European Athletics U18 Championships website is HERE
• European Athletics U18 Championships timetable is HERE

This was posted @ 4pm on 01.07.2026