Team Ireland depart for European Indoor Championships

Team Ireland will be spearheaded by a host of Olympians at the European Athletics Indoor Championships which take place in Apeldoorn, Netherlands from 6-9 March.

Sharlene Mawdsley (400m), Sarah Healy (3000m), Jodie McCann (3000m), Sarah Lavin (60mH), Kate O'Connor (Pen), Andrew Coscoran (3000m), and Cathal Doyle (1500m) are all included, while four-time European medallist Mark English also returns to international action in the 800m where he’ll be joined by the in-form Cian McPhillips of UCD.

James Gormley will make his senior Irish debut alongside the aforementioned Coscoran in the 3000m, while recent national 60m champion Bori Akinola will don the Irish singlet for the first time as a senior individual athlete.

Lauren Cadden (Sligo AC) and Rachel McCann (North Down AC) will earn their first senior international vests as individuals, while both athletes could also play important relay roles.

Both of the selected relay squads will look to be competitive in the mixed and women’s 4x400m. The teams will look to call upon the experience of Olympic finalists Phil Healy and Mawdsley as they bid for more major championship success.

Among the elite athletes competing, Paralympic bronze medallist Orla Comerford is set to line up in the Para 60m mixed classification race on Saturday. Comerford delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing a bronze medal in the T13 women’s 100m final.

Team Ireland Schedule: Irish Time (Local time in brackets)

Thursday, 6 March

Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m – Round One – 18:55 (19:55)

Sarah Lavin – Women’s 60m Hurdles – Round One – 19:50 (20:50)

Mixed 4x400m Relay – Final – 20:50 (21:50)

Friday, 7 March

Morning Session

Mark English – Men’s 800m – Round One – 10:05 (11:05)