Rhasidat Adeleke to Headline Busy Weekend For Irish Senior Athletes Worldwide

It’s another busy weekend on the athletics calendar, with Irish senior athletes (see US colegiate preview here) competing across Europe, the United States and Australia. From indoor league finals at home to Challenger Tour racing in Germany and a major marathon in Spain, there is no shortage of action.

Here’s a chronological look at who is competing, and where, over the next few days.

Friday February 13th

🇩🇪 Erfurt Indoor Meeting

Two top class Irish athletes open the weekend in Germany at the Erfurt Indoor Meeting, part of the World Indoor Challenger Tour.

Luke McCann returns to action for the second time in less than a week. After a lengthy lay off, he made his comeback in Dortmund last Sunday, finishing sixth over 1500m in 3:40.85. Encouraging signs were there, and tonight he drops down to the sharper 800m as he continues to build momentum.

Emma Moore arrives in serious form. The young prospect has twice lowered the Irish U23 indoor 800m record in the space of three races this winter. Her run began with a superb second place finish at the CMCM Luxembourg Indoor Meeting in January before she went quicker again in Abbottstown. Erfurt is another chance to test herself at a high level as her progression continues.

🇺🇸 David Hemery Valentine Invitational

A strong Irish presence is also scattered across the non NCAA races in Boston.

Jack O’Leary of Mullingar Harriers lines out in the 3000m invitational.
Charlie O’Donovan of Leevale AC also competes in the 3000m.
Cillian Kirwan races over 800m.
Finn Boyle contests the 800m.
Oisín Ó Gailin of Finn Valley AC takes on the Mile.
As ever in Boston, depth is fierce and times tend to come thick and fast.

Saturday February 14

🇮🇪 National Indoor League Final Round

The domestic spotlight turns back to Abbottstown for the final round of the National Indoor League.
Round One was held in Abbottstown, Round Two in TUS Athlone, and the standings are finely poised heading into the decider.

In the Men’s League, Clonliffe Harriers lead on 201 points after Round Two, stretching their advantage through victories from Mark Murray in the 60m and Seán Carrigg in the 1500m. Ratoath AC sit just three points back on 198 following wins in the 400m and 4x200m relay, while DSD remain firmly in contention on 168 points after a string of strong placings.
With points margins tight and league titles on the line, every event will matter on Saturday.

In the Women’s League, Ratoath AC extended their lead to 202 points thanks to victory in the 4x200m relay and a series of strong second place finishes. DSD hold second on 193 points, bolstered by Ciara Wilson Bowen’s win in the 1500m Walk and consistent scoring across events. Dooneen AC have moved into third on 172 points, jumping ahead of St Laurence O’Toole after solid performances in the 60m and 400m.

🇦🇺 Perth Track Classic

While indoor action dominates Europe and America, Laura Nicholson races outdoors at the Perth Track Classic over 1500m.

Now training under Nic Bideau, Nicholson has been progressing steadily and picked up a meet win in New Zealand a few weeks ago. The move has clearly injected confidence, and this is another opportunity to test that development against quality opposition in the Australian summer.

🇺🇸 Sound Running Invite

The Sound Running Invite sees a sizeable senior Irish contingent in action:

Hannah Segrave – 800m
Emer McGlynn – 800m
James Gormley – 3000m
Darragh McElhinney – 3000m
Ronan McMahon Staggs – Mile

McElhinney in particular arrives in strong form after a commanding victory at the John Thomas Terrier Classic two weeks ago, where he clocked 7:38.96 over 3000m. That performance underlined his current sharpness and he will be looking to build again here.

🇺🇸 Don Kirby Elite Invitational / Tyson Invitational

All eyes, though, will be on Rhasidat Adeleke as she returns to competition in Albuquerque at the Don Kirby Elite Invitational over 60m.

The Tallaght sprinter is the second fastest on paper in the field and, on ability, is well capable of opening her season with a statement performance. Last year proved frustrating, with injuries disrupting her outdoor campaign and ultimately forcing her withdrawal from the World Championships to prioritise long term health.
The 60m offers a sharp reintroduction.

However, starting lists remain provisional. Adeleke is also currently listed for a 300m invitational at the Tyson Invitational in Arkansas on the same evening. She can only compete in one of those events, if either, and final declarations will clarify where she lines out. It is a reminder that early season entries can shift quickly.

Sunday February 15th

🇪🇸 Seville Marathon

The weekend rounds off on the roads in Spain at the Seville Marathon.

Irish representation includes:

Ryan Creech
William Maunsell
Paul O’Donnell
David Mansfield

As always, we wish every Irish athlete the very best.