Following an unforgettable Olympic Games, focus now shifts to Team Ireland in the World Masters Athletics Championships (WMA) in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event, which commenced today, August 13th, will run through August 26th, drawing a record-breaking 8,000 athletes from 111 countries. With such unprecedented participation, the anticipation is high for another memorable showing by Team Ireland.
Team Ireland returned from the European Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun earlier this year with an impressive haul of 62 medals. The collection included 23 gold, 18 silver, and 21 bronze, propelling Ireland to a brilliant 7th place out of 38 nations. The momentum from this success, combined with the recent Olympic achievements, sets a hopeful tone for Ireland’s performance on yet another global stage.
The roster of athletes representing Ireland is brimming with potential medalists across a range of disciplines. Here’s a look at some of the key competitors who are expected to make waves in Gothenburg:
Women’s Events:
- Anne Gilshinan (W60): Competing in the 800m and 1500m.
- Mary Horgan (W35): Set to race in the 800m.
- Annette Quaid (W45): Will contest the 400m and 800m.
- Laura Frey: Entered in the 400m Hurdles and Heptathlon.
- Michelle Kenny (W45): Running the 5000m.
- Michelle Lannon (W50): Also in the 5000m.
- Ciara Kearns (W40): Competing in the Long Jump.
- Edel Maguire (W65): Scheduled for the 200m, 400m, and High Jump.
- Fiona Kehoe (W40): In the 1500m race.
- Kelly Neely (W45): Entered in the 800m.
- Geraldine Finegan (W55): Participating in the 80m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, and Heptathlon.
- Rachel Akers (W35): Competing in the Hammer, Discus, and Weight Throw.
- Zoe Quinn (W45): Set to race in the 5000m.
- Sinead McConnell (W55): Running the 5000m Race Walk.
- Tina Gallagher (W60): In the 300m Hurdles and Heptathlon.
- Annette Kealy (W55): 10k Road & 8k Cross-Country.
- Eileen Kenny (W70): 10k Road.
Men’s Events:
- Brian Lynch (M70): Competing in the 1500m and 5000m.
- Joe Gough (M70): Entered in the 800m.
- Mark O'Shea (M50): Running the 800m.
- Kieran Kelly (M35): Set for the 5000m.
- Sean McMullin (M75): In the 5000m Race Walk.
- John MacDermott (M80): Competing in the 80m Hurdles, 200m Hurdles, and 400m.
- John Dwyer (M40): Scheduled for the Hammer, Weight Throw, and Discus.
- Mick Priest: Entered in the 300m Hurdles and 2000m Steeplechase.
- Shane Sheridan (M65): Competing in the 100m and 200m.
- Carlton Haddock (M50): In the 400m.
With such a diverse and talented team, Ireland’s participation in the WMA Championships is eagerly awaited. The blend of athletes provides a strong foundation for further success. Fans and supporters are watching closely, hopeful for another chapter of remarkable achievements and unforgettable moments for Team Ireland on this grand international stage.
Update: Linda Nally (W50) has just qualified for the semi-final of the 100m, as well as Leanne Wellings who has also qualified for the W50 100m semi-finals. An exciting development for Team Ireland already on Day 1 in Sweden.
Featured Image: by Ronan Gately