After yesterday’s feature with the lads, it’s only right we give the spotlight today to the women who lit up the track and field during the Ireland's 2023 European Athletics Team Championships Division 3 victory in Silesia.
From Sharlene Mawdsley breezing home in the 400m to Sarah Lavin storming through the 100m hurdles (and European Games bronze to boot), Louise Shanahan holding her nerve in the 800m, and Ruby Millet flying in the long jump, this was three days when Ireland’s women delivered in style.
And of course, we’ve included the all-important mixed 4x400m relay, where Sharlene Mawdsley's final leg capped victory for Ireland, finishing a whopping 20.5 points ahead of Austria.
So grab a cuppa, settle in, and relive the best of the action through our carefully curated youtube videos. Here’s how it all unfolded:
Sharlene Mawdsley came home first in the 400m
Sarah Lavin won the 100m Hurdles & European Games Bronze (3rd fastest Time)
A composed performance from Louise Shanahan sealed the 800m victory
Ellie McCartney soared highest in the Pole Vault
Ruby Millet flew furthest in the Long Jump to take max points
A senior debut to remember for Sophie O’Sullivan as she took the 1500m in style
Last but not Least: The mixed 4x400m relay team sealed the deal for Ireland’s Division 3 triumph
And there you have it.
The best of Ireland’s Division 3 triumph in Silesia back in 2023, three day where everything clicked and, dare we say, looked almost too comfortable at times. Not to take anything away from the competition, of course, but Ireland did look a class above.
This Saturday, though, it’s a different story. The team heads to Maribor, Slovenia for the Division 2 championships, a clear step up in quality, and one that’ll demand even more from the squad.
As always, we wish every Irish athlete every success as they step onto the track.
