Ireland’s largest ever athletics squad has arrived in Tokyo ahead of the 20th World Athletics Championships, which take place at the Japan National Stadium from September 13th to 21st.

Over 2,000 athletes from more than 200 nations will compete, and Ireland’s 21 individual athletes, supported by two relay squads, mark a record level of representation at this global showpiece.

The team will be spearheaded by 2025 European Indoor medallists Sarah Healy (1500m) and Mark English (800m), both of whom arrive in strong form. European and World Indoor medallist Kate O’Connor will also draw significant attention as she tackles the heptathlon, beginning Friday, September 19th.

Five-time Olympian Fionnuala McCormack returns to the world stage in the women’s marathon on Sunday, September 14th, while Ireland’s proven internationals Sarah Lavin, Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, Nicola Tuthill, Eric Favors, Brian Fay, Sophie O’Sullivan, Cathal Doyle, and Andrew Coscoran will all chase strong individual performances.

Efrem Gidey lines up in the men’s 10,000m as the top-ranked European this season, while road duo Peter Lynch and Hiko Tonosa, the two fastest Irish marathoners of all time, will take to the streets of Tokyo on Monday, September 15th.

The inclusion of rising talents Laura Nicholson (1500m), Cian McPhillips (800m), and Darragh McElhinney (5000m) alongside established names reflects the increasing depth in Irish athletics. Ireland’s women’s and mixed 4x400m relay squads will also feature prominently in the schedule.

The record numbers are matched by rising standards.

At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Irish athletes secured a record 12 top-24 placings, building on their nine in Oregon the previous year. Replicating or improving that achievement in Tokyo would underline Ireland’s emergence as a consistent force on the international stage.

How to Follow

RTÉ will provide live coverage across all nine days of action, while Athletics Ireland’s official Instagram channel will deliver behind-the-scenes access and interviews direct from Tokyo.

Team Ireland Schedule (Irish Time)

Day 1 – Saturday, September 13th

  • Oisín Lane – Men’s 35km Race Walk Final – 00:00
  • Eric Favors – Men’s Shot Put Qualification – 02:55
  • Mixed 4x400m Relay – Heats – 03:55
  • Sarah Healy, Sophie O’Sullivan, Laura Nicholson – Women’s 1500m Heats – 11:50
  • Eric Favors – Men’s Shot Put Final – 13:10 *
  • Mixed 4x400m Relay – Final – 14:20 *

Day 2 – Sunday, September 14th

  • Fionnuala McCormack – Women’s Marathon Final – 00:00
  • Nicola Tuthill – Women’s Hammer Throw Qualification – 01:00/02:45
  • Andrew Coscoran, Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Heats – 01:35
  • Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Heats – 03:28
  • Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Heats – 11:25
  • Sarah Healy, Sophie O’Sullivan, Laura Nicholson – Women’s 1500m Semi-Finals – 13:05 *
  • Efrem Gidey – Men’s 10,000m Final – 13:30

Day 3 – Monday, September 15th

  • Peter Lynch, Hiko Tonosa – Men’s Marathon Final – 00:00
  • Nicola Tuthill – Women’s Hammer Final – 13:00 *
  • Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Semi-Final – 13:05 *
  • Andrew Coscoran, Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Semi-Finals – 13:30 *
  • Sarah Lavin – Women’s 100m Hurdles Final – 14:20 *

Day 4 – Tuesday, September 16th

  • Mark English, Cian McPhillips – Men’s 800m Heats – 11:35
  • Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Semi-Finals – 13:05 *
  • Sarah Healy, Sophie O’Sullivan, Laura Nicholson – Women’s 1500m Final – 14:05 *

Day 5 – Wednesday, September 17th

  • Andrew Coscoran, Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Final – 14:20 *

Day 6 – Thursday, September 18th

  • Mark English, Cian McPhillips – Men’s 800m Semi-Finals – 13:45 *
  • Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Final – 14:24 *

Day 7 – Friday, September 19th

  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon 100m Hurdles – 09:33
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon High Jump – 10:20
  • Brian Fay, Andrew Coscoran, Darragh McElhinney – Men’s 5000m Heats – 12:05
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Shot Put – 12:30
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon 200m – 13:38

Day 8 – Saturday, September 20th

  • David Kenny – Men’s 20km Race Walk Final – 01:50
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Long Jump – 03:30
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Javelin – 11:00
  • Women’s 4x400m Relay – Heats – 12:00
  • Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon 800m – 13:11
  • Mark English, Cian McPhillips – Men’s 800m Final – 14:22 *

Day 9 – Sunday, September 21st

  • Brian Fay, Andrew Coscoran, Darragh McElhinney – Men’s 5000m Final – 11:50 *
  • Women’s 4x400m Relay – Final – 12:40 *

(*denotes progression required)

 

Image Credit Athletics Ireland and Seb Daly, Sportsfile

 

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