Thirteen of Ireland’s top youth athletes have been selected to represent Team Ireland in athletics at this year’s European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), taking place in Skopje, North Macedonia from 20 to 27 July.
The EYOF is a major stepping stone for emerging talent across Europe, with athletes born in 2008 and 2009 competing in a multi-sport environment modelled on the Olympic Games. For many, it’s the first time pulling on a green vest at international level and the start of something special.
Here’s the full Irish athletics team heading to Skopje:
🏃♀️ Lucie Cawley (Sligo AC) – 2000m Steeplechase
🏃♀️ Erin Friel (Letterkenny AC) – 400m & Medley Relay
🏃♀️ Emma Hickey (United Striders AC) – 3000m
🏃♀️ Destiny Lawal (Dooneen AC) – 100m & Medley Relay
🏃♀️ Ellis McHugh (Ferrybank AC) – 400m Hurdles & Medley Relay
🏃♀️ Molly Daly (Kilkenny City Harriers) – 200m & Medley Relay
🏃♂️ Joe Burke (Templemore AC) – 200m
🏃♂️ Lorcán Forde-Dunne (Ace AC) – 1500m
🏃♂️ Matthew Newell (Tuam AC) – 5km Race Walk
🏃♂️ Conor Penney (Craughwell AC) – High Jump
🏃♂️ Ben Sykes (Orangegrove AC) – 100m
🏃♂️ Isaac Vickers (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) – 800m
🏃♂️ Thomas Williams (Shercock AC) – Hammer Throw
The athletics squad will be supported by:
Jacqui Freyne – Team Leader
Niamh Fitzgerald – Coach
Dermot McGranaghan – Coach
Best of luck to the full team heading to Skopje, we’ll be watching closely.