The 123.ie National Masters Indoor Championships returned to the TUS International Arena in Athlone today (Sunday, March 15th, 2026), featuring a strong turnout of athletes from across Ireland. Across every age category and event group, athletes delivered memorable performances, personal bests and fine examples of Masters athletics at its best.
Sprints and Hurdles
The sprint events produced thrilling finishes and high-quality performances. In the W45 60m, Lucianne Hughes (Kilcoole A.C.) successfully retained her title, clocking 8.48 to improve upon her 2025 winning performance. In the W50 age category, Adina Gheorghiu (DSD AC) successfully defended her 60m national title, winning in a time of 8.25. In the W40 60m, Sinead O’Connor (Metro/St. Brigids A.C.) delivered an outstanding performance to win in 8.07, with Snezana Bechtina (Clonliffe Harriers A.C.) finishing close behind to claim silver in 8.18, just ahead of Gemma Thompson (City of Derry Spartans), who also clocked 8.18 for bronze.
In the men’s 60m, David Miller (Strabane A.C.) took the M40 national title (7.26), building on his gold medal performance from the 2025 championships.
O’Connor continued her strong form in the W40 200m, securing the title in 26.36, with Bechtina once again taking silver in 26.64. Bechtina later returned to the track to claim gold in the W40 400m in 1:01.28, ahead of Bernadette Spillane (Moyne A.C.) and Sorcha Dineen (Lucan Harriers A.C.), who took bronze.
On the men’s side, the M45 200m produced a competitive finish, with Keith Pollard (St. Laurence O’Toole A.C.) taking gold in 23.96, just ahead of Brian Boyce (Milford A.C.), who claimed silver in 24.82. Boyce later returned to the track to dominate the M45 400m, securing gold in 54.27, narrowly ahead of Ross Miotti (Monaghan Phoenix A.C.) in 54.28. In the M35 category, John Kirby (St. Senans A.C.) completed an outstanding sprint double, winning the 200m in 22.79 before later taking the 400m in 51.44.
Over the hurdles, the technical standards were high across all categories. Avril Dillon (Dundrum South Dublin AC) impressed in the W45 60m hurdles with a winning time of 9.07. In the M45 60m hurdles, Ger Cremin (An Ríocht A.C.) secured victory in 9.27 seconds. The M50 60m hurdles saw a fierce battle for the podium, with Kevin Byrne (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) taking the title in 10.29 seconds, just ahead of silver medalist Kevin Leahy (Dundrum South Dublin A.C.), while Patrick Carr (Craughwell A.C.) completed the podium.
Middle Distance
Fiona Gettings (W45, Longford A.C.) lived up to expectations in the 800m, producing a strong run to take victory in 2:15.23, with Allison Duff (Newbridge A.C.) finishing second. In the M50 800m, Lea Fulcher (Plant Based A.C.) claimed gold in 2:08.57, with Kevin Gough (2:15.25) and Oliver Smiddy (2:15.35) close behind.
Caitriona Devine (Finn Valley A.C.) won the W50 1500m, while Mark O’Shea (Drogheda and District A.C.) secured the M50 title in 4:18.04. In the M65 1500m, Tom O’Connor (Liffey Valley A.C.) took gold in 5:18.05, followed by Diarmuid Doyle (6:00.65) and John J. Cannon (Tír Chonaill A.C.) in third. Cannon also added to his medal haul with bronze in the M65 800m, behind gold medallist Noel Murphy (Kilkenny City Harriers A.C.) and silver medallist Diarmuid Doyle.
In the W40 3000m, Fiona Kehoe (Kilmore A.C.) dictated the pace to finish in 10:15.56, while Annette Kealy (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) claimed W55 gold in 11:00.80.
Turning to the walks, Ross Alexander (Coolquill A.C.) successfully defended his M45 3000m walk title in 14:22.57.
Field Events
Athletes rose to the occasion in the field events, with many successfully defending their titles. In the shot put, Brendan Staunton (Mayo A.C.) reclaimed the M40 gold with a throw of 12.33m, in what was a crowded field. Damian Crawford (Lifford-Strabane A.C.) defended his M55 crown with 11.10m, while clubmate Mark Doherty improved on last year’s third-place finish to take silver with 9.97m, and Adrian Beare completed the podium with 9.22m.
Tom McKelvey (Tír Chonaill A.C.) showcased his versatility, securing double gold in the M50 long jump at 5.19m and triple jump at 10.04m. In the men’s high jump, Alan Delaney (M45, Killarney Valley A.C.) soared to 1.76m to defend his title, ahead of Tim Horgan (1.60m) and Xavier Hubert (1.55m).
On the women’s side, Lucy Moore (W65, Dundrum South Dublin A.C.) threw 5.55m to take gold in the weight-for-distance. Michelle During (W40) impressed with a high jump clearance of 1.56m, while Siobheal Murray (W55) reached 1.40m and Edel Maguire (W65) 1.35m. Barbara Tapia secured victory in the W50 pole vault with a clearance of 2.80m, capping a strong showing in the jumps.
Relays and Records
The day concluded with a historic performance in the Mixed O65 4x200m relay. The team of Shane Sheridan, Edel Maguire, Deirdre McFerran, and Shane Toolan combined to clock 2:00.85. This time, subject to ratification, eclipses the previous World Record. Sheridan, Maguire, and Toolan had already enjoyed multiple podium finishes earlier in the day, making it a truly standout day for the team.
The day’s atmosphere was a testament to the enduring competitive spirit of the domestic masters circuit, which continues to be fuelled by ongoing international success.
- Full list of Results Link
