JUVENILE CHAMPIONSHIPS DELIVER THRILLING DAY 1

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JUVENILE CHAMPIONSHIPS DELIVER THRILLING DAY 1

27 June 2026

The opening day of the 123.ie National Juvenile Track and Field Championships delivered a thrilling showcase of Ireland’s emerging athletic talent in Tullamore today, with championship records and outstanding individual performances highlighting a packed programme of action.

Adam Noone (Donore Harriers A.C.) produced one of many superb standout performances during the early morning session, running a superbly controlled race to claim national U17 3000m gold in 8:57.82, finishing clear of Samuel Redmond (Templeogue A.C.) in 9:08.67 and Ethan Bramhill (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) who secured bronze in 9:09.67.

The U18 Girls 3000m title went to Emma Stewart (Dromore A.C.) following a powerful front-running display. Stewart’s winning time of 9:53.72 underlined her dominance as she added another national title to her growing collection.

One of the races of the day came in the U17 Girls 3000m where patience and tactics proved crucial. A chasing pack remained together for much of the contest before the pace dramatically increased over the final two laps. In a thrilling battle to the line, Freya Renton (Westport A.C.) edged victory in 10:23.86, just ahead of Ava Colreavy (Sligo A.C.) who crossed in 10:24.16. Holly Renton completed a memorable day for Westport A.C. by taking bronze in 10:31.47.

Ethan Carr (Ballymena & Antrim A.C.) stormed to U17 Boys 400m gold in an impressive 49.14. In the U19 Girls 400m, Erin Friel (Letterkenny A.C.) showed tremendous composure in difficult blustery conditions to secure the national title in 54.92. Sofia Granjo (St Laurence O’Toole A.C.) finished second with Emer Brennan (Clonmel A.C.) taking bronze.

Chidinma Adikaibe (MSB A.C.) captured the U19 Women’s 100m crown in 12.08, while Éanna Dunican (St Laurence O’Toole A.C.) exploded from the blocks to claim U19 Men’s 100m gold in a rapid 10.64.

Field event athletes also produced several exceptional performances, including a number of championship records.

John Paul Archbold (Newbridge A.C.), one of the pre-event favourites, secured the U18 Boys Long Jump title with a best leap of 6.82m. Eddie Raicevic (Finisk Valley A.C.) and Daniel Redmond (United Striders A.C.) both jumped 6.52m, with Raicevic taking silver on countback.

Tara Laverty (Carrick Aces A.C.) delivered one of the performances of the day in the U18 Girls Discus, setting a new Championship Record with a throw of 46.23m.

There was further record-breaking success in the field as Rahman Amusa Adekunle (Leevale A.C.) claimed U17 Boys Long Jump gold with a Championship Record leap of 6.77m, while Agnese Daves (Brothers Pearse A.C.) established a new U19 Girls Triple Jump Championship Record of 11.85m.

The pole vault also lived up to expectations with Meabh Corkery (Midleton A.C.) taking U19 Girls gold after clearing 3.45m.

In the throws arena, Thomas Williams (Shercock A.C.) produced a commanding display to secure the U19 Boys Hammer title with a best throw of 58.40m.

Day 2 – Sunday, June 28th
Sunday begins with hurdles finals from 10am before the programme transitions into what is traditionally one of the most anticipated days of the championships, featuring the 600m, 800m, walks, steeplechase, and another full programme of field events.

The hurdles events have consistently produced high-quality competition at juvenile level and will provide an immediate test for athletes looking to start Day 2 with a national title.

Middle-distance athletes will take centre stage for the 600m and 800m races from 2pm.

The event of particular interest could well be the boys’ U16 800m where Darragh Whelan (Limerick A.C.) returns after his record-breaking indoor performance of 1:57.67.

The girls’ middle-distance events are also loaded with talent. Freya Bateman (Belgooly A.C.) has enjoyed another impressive season and will be among the favourites in her events. Madison Welby (City of Lisburn A.C.) is another athlete capable of making her mark across multiple distances, while Jack Collins (Tralee Harriers A.C.) has shown the consistency to challenge in a highly competitive boys’ middle-distance programme.

The Renton sisters from Westport A.C. are sure to attract attention once more, with Freya Renton expected to be among the leading contenders in the U17 ranks after another strong season of performances.

The steeplechase races from 3.30pm should provide some of the most dramatic moments of the day.

The walks programme is another section of the timetable likely to attract attention.

Daniel Glennon (Mullingar Harriers A.C.) returns following his indoor national title success and will be a leading contender in the U18 5000m walk, while Matthew Newell (Tuam A.C.) is expected to feature strongly in the U19 walk competition.

The U19 girls’ 3000m walk promises to be particularly competitive with Savanagh O’Callaghan (Tuam A.C.), Robin Óg Murphy (Longford A.C.), and Lily Ryan (St. Joseph’s A.C.) all entered.

The U19 girls’ 200m and 400m races have the potential to recreate one of the most memorable contests from indoors where Molly Daly (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) edged Erin Friel (Letterkenny A.C.) and Sofia Granjo (St. Laurence O’Toole A.C.) in a thrilling national final. All three athletes have continued to produce impressive performances this season and another fascinating battle could be in store.

Athletics Ireland would like to wish all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters the very best of luck across the opening two days of competition in Tullamore. A preview of Day 3, which takes place on July 11th, will be released closer to the event.