Masters Magic in Dublin as Two Relay World Records Fall in One Night

Two national indoor Masters records fell at the opening Track and Field Live meet of the 2025 2026 season at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena on Wednesday the 3rd of December.

The W40 squad of Sinead O’Connor of MSB, Snezana Bechtina of Clonliffe Harriers AC, Bronwen McDonald of St Laurence O’Toole, and Annette Quaid of Leevale AC delivered a remarkable run of 3:57.61 in the 4x400 metres. Their time carved a massive six seconds off the previous world record held by the United States.

The M80 4x400 metres relay brought another moment of history. Mike Kiely of Mallow AC, Tom Durcan of Bohermeen AC, Hugh McSweeney of Eagle AC, and John McDermott of Sligo Athletic Club combined for a time of 5:26.61, cutting a staggering thirty seconds from the previous world record held by Germany.

Both teams ran their record breaking efforts during a timed heat, giving the evening an extra spark. You can relive the action in the video here, with every leg of both relays captured from start to finish.

Both marks are subject to ratification, but the performances hail a superb start to the indoor season for Ireland’s Masters athletes.

Image: Courtesy of Michael Cornyn