Domestic rivalries to ignite at this weekends National Senior Championships

Multi-event star Kate O’Connor has entered the javelin, shot put and long jump, fresh off her victory at the World University Games, while fellow Olympian Sharlene Mawdsley has entries in the 200m and 400m, with longtime relay teammates Phil Healy and Sophie Becker both focused on the 400m.

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025 - 06:37

Cathal Dennehy

With just six weeks left until the World Championships in Tokyo, this is the time of the season when Ireland’s best athletes will be keen to hit full stride. But before they take on the world’s best, it’s time to reignite some domestic rivalries, with several mouthwatering clashes in store at this weekend’s 123.ie National Senior Championships in Santry.

Chief among them is the men’s 800m, where Mark English could face the biggest challenge of his career in this setting. The 32-year-old has entered the 400m and 800m and if he lines up for the latter event, he will square off with Cian McPhillips, the 23-year-old Longford native who, after a decorated underage career, is now flourishing as a senior.

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