Ireland’s next generation of athletics stars return to Tullamore this weekend for the first two days of what promises to be an exciting feast of athletics action at the 123.ie National Juvenile Track and Field Championships which take place across June 27th, 28th, and July 11th.
Athletics fans can look forward to enthralling head-to-heads, battles for national titles, and the emergence of new stars as hundreds of talented young athletes from across the country descend on Tullamore.
Further excitement will be added to proceedings as athletes make their final push to secure qualification standards for the upcoming European U18 Championships, adding extra significance to what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive weekend of action.
Key Information:
- 🎟 Tickets: Purchase Here – U16s go free (no ticket required)
- 📺 Live Stream: Watch Live via YouTube
- 📊 Results & Entries: Click Here
- Day 1 (June 27th) & Day 2 (June 28th): Timetables
- Day 1 Track Check-In Timetable for Nationals 2026
- Day 1 Field Check-In Timetable for Nationals 2026
- Day 2 Track Check-In Timetable for Nationals 2026
- Day 2 Field Check-In Timetable for Nationals 2026
Day 1 – Saturday, June 27th
Saturday’s programme gets underway at 10am with the 3,000m finals taking centre stage before a packed schedule of sprinting, quarter-mile action, and field event competition unfolds throughout the day.
The opening distance races should provide a fascinating start to proceedings. Several of the athletes who impressed over middle-distance and endurance events indoors will be eager to add outdoor medals to their growing collections, with the U16-U19 3,000m races expected to deliver the first national champions of the weekend.
Attention will then turn to the 400m heats from 11.45am where athletes begin their quest for a place in the afternoon finals. The one-lap events have produced some of the most memorable performances of the year already, with Isabelle Gaffney (West Waterford A.C.) breaking the U17 indoor championship record.
The girls’ U18 400m could be one of the races of the weekend with Kate Maher (Kilkenny City Harriers) and Aisling Shevlin (Ratoath A.C.) expected to feature prominently. Shevlin will also be one to watch in the 400m hurdles later in the season, while Ethan Carr (Ballymena & Antrim A.C.) looks a leading contender in the boys’ U17 400m.
Another athlete who enjoyed a hugely successful indoor campaign was Tiffany Nwaedozie (Belgooly A.C.), who secured national titles in the U18 60m, 200m, and long jump. She returns to outdoor action as one of the leading contenders in the U18 sprint events and will be aiming to continue her excellent form.
The long jump runway will once again attract significant attention thanks to John Paul Archbold (Newbridge A.C.) who posted a 7.02m championship record indoors.
Tara Laverty (Carrick Aces A.C.) will be one of the athletes to watch in the discus competitions, while the versatile Emer Purtill (Dooneen A.C.) could feature across multiple disciplines following her outstanding indoor double in the shot put and high jump.
The pole vault competitions are expected to provide another highlight. Meabh Corkery (Midleton A.C.) enjoyed an excellent indoor campaign, clearing 3.51m to claim the U19 title.
With 400m finals scheduled for 3.30pm and sprint finals from 4pm, Saturday evening promises a fittingly explosive conclusion to an opening day packed with national championship action.
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.
