Next Generation of Irish Stars Set for European U18 Championships Starting Tomorrow

Ireland's brightest young athletics talents are ready to hit the international stage as the European Athletics U18 Championships officially get underway tomorrow in Rieti, Italy. Athletics Ireland has named a formidable 25-strong squad for the four-day event, which runs from July 16th to 19th.

Team Ireland heads to Italy hoping to build on a memorable championships in Banská Bystrica two years ago, where the team returned home with a record five medals, including gold for Thomas Williams in the boys' hammer throw. The event has also helped launch the careers of some of Ireland's biggest names, including Rhasidat Adeleke, Sarah Healy, Sophie O'Sullivan, Gina Akpe Moses and Molly Scott.

This year's squad features athletes across the sprints, middle distance, hurdles, walks, throws, combined events and relays, with several arriving in excellent form after impressive performances during the domestic season.

Here is the full line-up of Irish athletes competing this week, along with their clubs and events:

Aisling Shevlin (Ratoath AC) – 400m, Medley Relay
Ally Duffy (Tullamore Harriers) – 2000m Steeplechase
Arron Whelan (Dunboyne AC) – 400m Hurdles, Medley Relay
Ava Colreavy (Sligo AC) – 3000m
Charlie O'Neill (Donore Harriers) – 1500m
Christopher Olatunde (Ratoath AC) – 200m, Medley Relay
Daniel Glennon (Mullingar Harriers) – 5000m Race Walk
Daniel Downey (Portlaoise AC) – 400m Hurdles, Medley Relay
Destiny Lawal (Dooneen AC) – Medley Relay
Elle Kate McRae (Midleton AC) – 400m Hurdles, Medley Relay
Emer Purtill (Dooneen AC) – Heptathlon
Emma Hickey (United Striders AC) – 1500m
Ethan Carr (Ballymena & Antrim AC) – 400m, Medley Relay
Evelyn Kwik (Dundrum South Dublin AC) – 400m, Medley Relay
Freya Renton (Westport AC) – 3000m
Harry McIlwaine (Letterkenny AC) – Medley Relay
Isabelle Gaffney (West Waterford AC) – 800m
Jack Collins (Tralee Harriers) – 800m
Kevin O'Shea (Farranfore Maine Valley AC) – Javelin Throw
Leah O'Gara (Finn Valley AC) – 5000m Race Walk
Lucie Cawley (Sligo AC) – 2000m Steeplechase
Luke Merrigan (Leevale AC) – 1500m
Tara Laverty (Carrick Aces AC) – Discus Throw
Tara Rose Smith (Finn Valley AC) – 800m
Tiffany Nwaedozie (Belgooly AC) – 200m, Medley Relay

Kate Maher (Kilkenny City Harriers) has been named as the non travelling reserve for the 400m.