Sarah Healy and Sophie O’Sullivan took diverging paths to the Paris Olympics yet both secured their national titles impressively at Morton Stadium on Sunday. Already with a place secured for the 1,500m alongside Ciara Mageean, who chose not to compete for the fifth successive year, Healy turned her attention to the 800m. Demonstrating remarkable pace, 23-year-old Healy pulled ahead in the final 100m, securing victory in 2:03.64, ahead of reigning champion, Louise Shanahan (2:04.17) and Jenna Bromell in third place (2:04.41).
Last year Healy pipped 22-year-old O’Sullivan at the post in the 1,500m, leading the runner from Cork to raise her game for gold this year, shooting to the front in the last lap and finishing first in 4:20.45 ahead of Carla Sweeny (4:21.13). Mother and former five-time winner of the same event, Sonia O’Sullivan, delivered her gold medal, harking back to her success ahead of the 2000 Sydney Olympics where she brought home a 5,000m silver.
Meanwhile, Mark English is on track for his third Olympics in the 800m, marking his achievement with his ninth outdoor title to align with his nine indoor wins after a tactically challenging race. His timing of 1:49.18 marks the culmination of a decade that began with his first title in 2011. Now 31-years-old, English was thrilled with his victory, acknowledging it’s been a long journey. As he approaches the twilight of his career, his goal achieved – to reach the Olympics and secure a national record in the process. He looks forward to the Paris Games, considering all else a bonus.
Passionate about strategic championship races, local Clonliffe Harriers member, Cathal Doyle secured his third consecutive 1,500m title in 3:44.15. Close on his heels were UCD’s Luke McCann (3:44.54) and Bantry’s Darragh McElhinney (3:44.67).
Utilising a cautious approach, Doyle expressed his assurance in any given situation, confident in both fast and slow-paced matches. Like fellow athlete McCann, he is comfortably placed within the quota for Paris. Upon entering the final straight, amidst a charged stadium environment, he felt a surge of certainty. Thomas Barr, on the other hand, acknowledged mistakes during his run but remains within the Paris quota thanks to his 400m hurdle national title – his 12th one at that. His timing of 50.61 was, however, not up to the direct Paris qualification requirement of 48.70.
Results of the 400m finals will shed light on the Paris relay positions. Notable performance included Sophie Becker, who successfully secured the title with a timing of 52.68, and this was following her participation in the women’s 4x400m relay team that won silver at the European Championships. She was closely followed by Rachel McCann and Lauren Cadden.
Despite a valiant effort, Chris O’Donnell was outpaced by Jack Raftery, who managed to clinch his first senior title, powered by a turbo finish at 45.95. O’Donnell, whose performance was hampered by recent illness, managed to secure second place at 46.07. The third position was occupied by Callum Baird, with Cillín Greene, an Olympian from Tokyo, taking the fourth spot.
Raftery expressed relief, reflecting on a year marred by injury and illness. He was pleased with his race and stated that it unfolded exactly as he had hoped.
In the field events, Nicola Tuthill from UCD performed exceptionally by throwing 68.54m in the women’s hammer, elevating her chances for the Olympics. Kate O’Connor, within the Paris qualifying quota for heptathlon, emerged victorious in Saturday’s javelin contest with a best throw of 48.73. However, she bagged a silver medal in the shot put with her best effort of 13.87.
Niamh Fogarty carried on her stellar season, securing the discus gold with a top throw of 54.64m. In the long jump event, gold medals were claimed by Reece Ademola (7.76m) and Elizabeth Ndudi (6.16m). Michelle Finn bagged yet another women’s 3000m steeplechase gold, finishing with a time of 10:05.25. Youngster from Kilkenny, Billy Coogan, triumphed in the men’s steeplechase, accomplishing the race in 9:11.69. This was followed by Jodie McCann clinching victory in the women’s 5,000m with a record time of 15:44.80.