TEAM IRELAND RETURN HOME FROM EUROPEAN U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

European U18 Championship silver medallist Fintan Dewhirst arrived home this afternoon, alongside his 19 teammates who represented Ireland at the third edition of these championships, to an emotional reception from family and friends at Dublin airport. 

Throughout the Championships Dewhirst produced stellar performances in the build-up to what was a spectacular 400m Hurdle final. Running a perfectly timed race, the 16-year-old set a new PB of 51.65, and a new U18 National 400m Hurdle record.

Upon his arrival home, Dewhirst of Tir Chonaill AC attended a reception with his family and former coach at the Athletics Ireland Head Office in Santry with Performance Pathway Manager Jacqui Freyne, High Performance Committee Chair Fintan O’Reilly and Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams.

Throughout the championships team Ireland produced a number of strong performances resulting in: 

• Ava Rochford (Nenagh Olympic AC) fourth in the Women’s High Jump Final, setting a new PB. 
• Oisin Joyce (Lake District AC) fourth in the men’s Javelin setting a National U18 Record and PB. 
• 10 athletes competing in a first European Championship final.
• 11 athletes competing in a European Championship semi-final. 
• 6 Personal Best Performances. 

“On behalf of the Athletics Ireland Board and the wider athletics community, I would like to extend sincere congratulations to Fintan Dewhirst on his silver medal at the European U18 Championships. To achieve such success at a European level, at this stage of his career is a monumental occasion for Fintan, his family, his club, his coach, Brian McGonagle, and the athletics community. Congratulations to the U18 team, athletes, management, and coaches on the many excellent performances achieved in Jerusalem.”

John Cronin, President of Athletics Ireland 

“Fintan Dewhirst’s silver medal in the 400m hurdles, 4th and PB’s in high jump and javelin for Ava Rochford, Oisin Joyce respectively and a number of other finalists at the European U18 Championships is testament to dedicated work by coaches in local clubs and supported by the performance pathway structure. It was great to see Ireland competitive in both the track and field events. 

Fintan Reilly, High Performance Committee Chair 

“The European U18 Championships represent a first step on the Performance Pathway , allowing these young athletes experience high level international competition. Overall, there was a great team performance with lots of PB’s and good performances, and several finalists, culminating in Fintan's superb silver medal"

Jacqui Freyne, Performance Pathway manager

Photos credit to Robert McDonnell