Tullamore Harriers runner finishes eight in European U23 final

On Saturday, July 19th, Ava O’Connor of Tullamore Harriers took to the track for the 3000m steeplechase final at the European U23 Championships in Bergen, Norway.

After a cautious opening kilometre, the pace lifted as Spain’s Marta Serrano surged to the front. Ava found herself boxed in during this critical phase, limiting her ability to respond as the leaders pulled away. Once she got a clear run, she started to close in on Turkey’s Sila Bayir.

Despite her efforts, the gap to the front pack proved difficult to close.

Ava O'Connor, above

On the final lap, Ava kicked hard, moving into sixth position, However, a stumble before the final water jump disrupted her rhythm, and she was overtaken by two late challengers. Ava crossed the line in eighth place, clocking 9:54.35 which was indeed a gritty and commendable performance on the European stage.

Gold for Eileen at Biofreeze Irish Runner 10 Mile

The 2025 Biofreeze Athletics Ireland Race Series concluded this morning with the Biofreeze Irish Runner 10 Mile, held once again in the surrounds of the Phoenix Park. The event drew nearly 2,000 competitors and served at the National 10 Mile Championships.

Ryan Creech (Leevale AC) and Megan Ryan (Dundrum South Dublin AC) claimed the National Senior Titles, crossing the finish line in 49:54 and 57:56 respectively.

Tullamore Harriers was represented by four athletes delivering solid performances:

Eileen Kenny earned a National Title, taking gold in the Over-75 category in a time of 1.20.28.

Jamie Malone had a brilliant run, finishing 66th overall with an impressive time of 1:01:09.

Rita Daly followed with a strong performance, clocking 1:15:46 and Una Mullen, competing in the same category as Rita, crossed the line in 1:22:13. Rita was 4th in the O55 age group and Una was 11th.

James Saunders shines at Irish Para Athletics Finals

James Saunders delivered outstanding performances at the Irish Para Athletics Finals held at Morton Stadium, Dublin, on Saturday, 19th July.

Competing in three demanding disciplines; Shot Putt, Javelin, and Discus, James had a busy but rewarding day, returning home with two All-Ireland medals.

In the Shot Putt, James debuted a new technique and while slightly below his personal best, he showed impressive consistency throughout his series of throws, earning him a well-deserved bronze medal.

The Javelin, a brand-new event for James, saw him rise to the challenge, and with a strong and confident series of throws, he claimed the silver medal, an exceptional achievement for his first national competition in the event.

James wrapped up his day in the Discus with six solid throws, one of which came close to his best ever throw, rounding out an excellent day of competition.

Congratulations to James on a fantastic performance and to the IWA for hosting a well organised event. Best of luck to James for the rest of his season.

S.I.A.B. Track and Field Championships

Well done to Patrick Duffy, Ronan Keaney and Rachel Keaney, who represented the Irish Schools Team on Saturday the 19^th of July in the 1500m Steeplechase at the S.I.A.B. Track & Field International Championships in Moorways Stadium, Derby. The trio were part of a superb second placing for Team Ireland. Patrick finished a highly credible 5th, with Ronan right behind him in 6th, in a very competitive field. Great performances from both. Twin sister Rachel was running strongly until an unfortunate fall in the water jump but showed great determination to get back up and finish her race. A proud day for our club to see all three wear the Irish vest.

National Juveniles B Championships & Relays -

A scorching day at the Tullamore Harriers stadium marked the final chapter of a packed Outdoor Juveniles Track and Field programme for 2025 on the 4^th of July, where our U16 Juvenile Ladies delivered a fantastic series of performances throughout the day. Roisín Cotter kicked things off in style, securing Silver in the Girls U16 Long Jump with a superb PB of 4.68m.

Next up, the U15 & U16 100m heats saw strong performances from Madeline Deverell and Fayth Byrne, both advancing to their finals:

Maddie was 1st in her heat and 3rd in the final with a PB of 13.37 seconds.

Fayth was 3rd in her heat and 5th in the final with a season’s best of 13.58 seconds.

Above: Fayth Byrne, Maddie Deverell Chloe McGowan and Roisin Cotter at the All Ireland Track and Field Championships.

As the evening rolled in, Roisin, Maddie, Fayth, and Chloe McGowan teamed up for the U16 4x100m relay. From lane 8, with slick baton exchanges and teamwork, they secured 2nd in their heat to qualify for the final, where they finished with a strong 53.66 seconds. To be among the top 8 relay teams nationally is a superb achievement. Well done to all athletes, parents and coaches.

Fit4Life Summer League Finale

Richie Faulkner took part in the final round of the St. Abban's Fit4Life Summer League last evening.

Race 6 was held in Monavea, Co. Laois, where Richie completed the 4000m race in an impressive time of 15:05.

Fixtures

Tuesday 22nd July - Gowran 8 Club Race

Saturday 26^th July, -National Master Track & Field –Tullamore.

Friday 1^st August – Birr AC 5K

Saturday & Sunday August 2^nd & 3^rd - National Senior Track & Field Championships, Morton Stadium!

Tuesday 5^th August – Dysart 4 Mile, Mullingar Harriers AC

Saturday 30^th August – BnM Tullamore Harriers Half Marathon

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Senior Training

Training Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.40pm to 8.30pm.

For any enquiries contact club captains Glen 0868275228 or Rita

0868386687