With Ireland set to compete this weekend at the European Athletics Team Championships Division 2 in Maribor, Slovenia, we’re rewinding to their last outing, and what a statement that was.
Back in 2023, Ireland didn’t just win Division 3 in Silesia. They dominated it. Across three days of competition, the team racked up points from all corners of the track and field. The final winning margin? 20.5 points clear of second-placed Austria, the only nation to even keep them vaguely honest.
If you’re not familiar with the format of the European Athletics Team Championships, we covered that in an explainer last week here
Today and tomorrow, we’re bringing you the best of the Irish victories from Silesia ’23, a celebration of the individual track and field wins that helped seal Ireland’s promotion in emphatic style.
So today we start with the men. From Thomas Barr’s smooth sailing in the 400m hurdles to Eric Favors' monster throw, it was a team effort through and through, proving Ireland were more than ready for Division 2.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and enjoy this first batch of highlights from the lads who made it happen.
And don’t worry, the women’s winning moments are landing tomorrow. You’ll want to see those too.
Thomas Barr breezed through the 400m Hurdles, never looking troubled
The men’s sprint relay team brought home the goods in style
Mark Smyth powered around the bend to take the 200m
David Cussen cleared the bar when it mattered to top the High Jump
Favors launched the Shot Put out past the competition to take first
That’s your lot for the men, a collection of victories that helped pave the way for Ireland’s promotion to Division 2.
Of course, Saturday’s challenge in Maribor will be a sterner test. The step up in class means tighter races, tougher opposition, and far less margin for error.
We’ll be back tomorrow with the women’s victories from Silesia '23 and as ever, we wish every Irish athlete the very best this weekend in Slovenia.
