Athletics Ireland Name Formidable Squad Ahead Of European Championships

Athletics Ireland have announced a strong squad which includes 18 women ahead of the upcoming European Athletics Championships in Munich on August 15-21.

Previous European championship medal winners Ciara Mageean (City of Lisburn AC) will spearhead the Irish contingent alongside world indoor finalist Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC).

The Irish relay teams have enjoyed tremendous success in global competition over the past 12 months and the women’s 4x400m team looks particularly strong with Rhasidat Adeleke (Tallaght AC), Phil Healy (Bandon AC), Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrock), Sharlene Mawdsley (Newport AC), Cliodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers), and Roisin Harrison (Emerald AC) all confirmed to travel to Munich.

Four-time Olympian Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole AC) heads up a strong women’s marathon team which also includes Aoife Cooke (Eagle AC) and Ann Marie McGlynn (Letterkenny AC).

McCormack will be joined in Munich by fellow Tokyo Olympians, Sarah Healy (UCD AC), Louise Shanahan (Leevale AC), Eilish Flanagan (Finn Valley AC) and Michelle Finn (Leevale AC).

The team also includes an excellent blend of developing athletes including Kate O'Connor (Dundalk St. Gerards AC).

Speaking at today’s team announcement, Athletics Ireland Director of High Performance, Paul McNamara said:

“ With 31 individual athletes selected this is the largest cohort we have ever sent to a major championship, despite the higher qualification standards than any previous edition of this championships, and with 25 athletes inside the A standard.  This team includes multiple athletes, both seasoned campaigners and rising stars, that are primed to make an impact, demonstrating both enhanced depth and breadth in our athlete cohort. It’s been a busy season with World Championships and Commonwealth Games for many of this squad, but the European Championships has been the primary focus for 2022”.