Latest news with #PhilHealy
Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'Will this be my last one? Very well could be. That decision isn't made yet' - Phil Healy savouring final lap
Immediately after collecting 200m bronze, Phil Healy darted from the podium and down towards the final bend of the MTU track. Unbeknownst to Healy until she spotted them in between races, college housemates from her UCC days had shown up at Wednesday's Cork City Sports to offer support. Spread across West Cork, Waterford, Australia, and New Zealand, full reunions are rare enough occurrences any more. 'I used to live with them from 2013-17. I didn't know they were coming, so it is wonderful to see them here because they have followed my journey the whole way,' said the 30-year-old sprinter. The journey hasn't very many laps remaining. The journey, in all likelihood, is in its final lap. Phil's Cork City Sports debut was as a 17-year-old back in 2012. Of the 10 editions since, she's missed just one. It was on this track seven years ago that she became the first Irish woman to crack the 23-second barrier for 200m. Only Rhasidat Adeleke has since bettered that clocking. Wednesday may well have been Healy's last Cork City Sports outing. This track season might well be her last. Throwing out such forecasting statements is in no way an attempt to retire the former Irish record holder over 100m and 200m. It is simply listening to her words and attempting to pull meaning from them. 'I've come to Cork City Sports every single year it is on. No matter what shape I am in, I just love coming out here and racing. I am not doing Morton Games on Friday, but I wanted to do Cork,' she tells the Irish Examiner once the college reunion is complete and all group pictures taken. 'I know I am at the tail end of my career, and I know I am never going to get these home meets very often. I travel all over Europe to bronze and silver category meets, but to have your own supportive crowd in your own home city, it is very, very special. 'To have family and friends here, a great quality field, and a meet that for me is so enjoyable, it is just so special to come out here knowing that I've done so much in my career to date. Will this be my last one? Very well could be. That decision isn't made yet. But I obviously have to savour every single one that I do.' She reveals that Paris last summer was very nearly the last lap. With her 2023 season and form having been scuppered because of the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's disease, she rebounded in 2024 to reclaim her spot on the 4x400m relay team. The 50.94 she produced on the third leg of the Olympic final was the fastest of her career. And yet she found herself unable to hang up the spikes when they were within .18 of a medal. Too close to go now. Another lap, another push for a world podium. 'I've done every single major championship and been in the finals, and I suppose you are never going to beat fourth in an Olympic Games. Realistically, I've far more years done in my career than what's left. It is about going out on my terms. 'I did debate last year whether I was going to continue or not. For me always, Paris was going to be the end, but when you come fourth in an Olympic Games, it is very easy to continue. 'And so, it is just about coming out, enjoying it, and obviously you always have that competitive streak and you want to make the relay squads and championships. Before, maybe I took some of them for granted that you were automatically on them, whereas now you are fighting for your spot. 'I have been very lucky injury-wise, just had the broken foot, so I've gone to a major championship every year for 13-years. It does take its toll mentally and physically, but I want to end my career enjoying it and going out on my terms, knowing I've done it all. And if I stop right now, I have.' But she has no intention of stopping right now. Her 11.77 and 24.05 clockings on Wednesday were rust-busters after two months away from competitive racing. Her annual homecoming appearance done, full focus herein is on the 400m and holding onto her relay spot for the Tokyo World Championships in September. Adeleke's withdrawal from Friday's Monaco Diamond League is slightly concerning for both the individual herself and Irish relay aspirations. But the fact remains; if the Irish quartet show up in the Japanese capital injury-free and in-form, there's a medal there for them. 'What we have done as a team is mind-blowing and what the team can achieve is crazy. That was the same team that finished sixth at the 2022 Europeans [in 3:26.23]. Then to come fourth in an Olympic Games, the quickest time [3:19.90] to never medal at an Olympics. 'The squad is going to go on and on over the next few years, so Ireland will never again go to a major championship just to make up the numbers. 100% a medal is there for the taking when everything comes right and obviously everybody has to be at the top of their game. We got out there to perform, and if a medal happens, a medal happens.'
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday in Wicklow: Seven super events to enjoy over the long weekend
The June bank holiday is only just around the corner and time is running out to make plans. With that in mind, here are our top seven things to do in Wicklow for you and your family to enjoy this June bank holiday weekend. Live music in Wicklow town Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, May 30-June 2 All events free at various venues Whether you're into dance beats or trad music, or anything in between, Wicklow town's bars have got you covered this June bank holiday weekend. At the centre of it all is the 'Here comes summer party' at the Bridge Tavern on Saturday night, with live music from Feilim, followed by an after-party at Phil Healy's until 2.30am. Entry is free and ice-cold drink specials are promised all night. Live trad sessions are taking place at the Black Castle Bar in Wicklow town on Sunday, June 1 from 7pm to 9pm and on Monday evening from 7.30pn at Fitzpatrick's. There will also be live music at O'Shea's Corner on Friday, May 30 from 8pm until late. Comedy in Greystones Thursday, May 29 at Mrs Robinson's Tickets €6.34 at Tallaght's Joe Dowlin, with gigs at Vicar Street and Electric Picnic to follow, will headline at Mrs Robinsons Comedy Club on Thursday, May 29. Hosted by Keego, who just spent two weeks touring New York, the stage will also welcome newcomer Claire Roche, who used to be a Power FM DJ, Elizabeth Redmon from Houston, Texas and Dane Frisby, an award-winning local, who started his career in Estonia. Ticket's cost €6.34 and there is a waiting list open for the event at Mrs Robinson's in Greystones. It starts at 8pm. Leslie Dowdall and Revival Gospel Choir in Bray Friday, May 31 at Cornerstone Church Tickets €22 at Renown Irish rock singer Leslie Dowdall returns to her home county for an emotive performance at the Cornerstone Church in Bray. Kicking off the June bank holiday proper from 8pm on Friday, May 31, the lead singer of In Tua Nua will be accompanied by the Revival Gospel Choir from Arklow. The group started in 2005 and has become a passionate force within their local community, driving vocal music forwards and building a vibrant community of singers. They will be joined by international jazz guitarist, Hugh Buckley for this special night. Tickets cost €22.50 and are available on Ancient east walking tour in west Wicklow Saturday, May 31 with Tir na Glass Tickets €28 at This full tour will walk you through the history and engaging legends associated with Kilranelagh, in west Wicklow, "the real ancient Ireland", where you'll escape the bank holiday crowds and find the Ireland you've always dreamed of. The guide will start at Kilranelagh graveyard, which is the second oldest graveyard in Ireland. There we will visit the hero of the Irish rebels, Sam Mac Allister's grave; as well as the mysterious Gates of Heaven; and St Brigid's holy well where you can get to drink her healing waters. Other stops along the way will include the Boleycarrigeen stone circle, Crossoona Rath with its Ogham stone, the battle place of Michael Dwyer and the Irish rebels and St Brigid's chair and headstone (know to cure headaches and backpain!). These sites are not easily accessed without guidance, and the walk is about 3.5 to 4 hours long and is a hill walk on uneven ground, so do wear appropriate footwear for hiking, warm waterproof clothing in case of bad weather, and a packed lunch. Bluegrass BBQ in Donard Saturday, May 31 at Donard Community Hall Tickets €20 from Toomey's Bar or O'Keeffe's shop Americana is coming to west Wicklow this June bank holiday weekend as the village of Donard hosts a host of bluegrass, country and americana musicians, alongside a summer barbecue. The line up featured the Dublin Bluegrass Collective, The Blueberry Pickers, Whistle and Redwood plus special guests, with the barbecue starting from 5pm and the music live from 6pm to 11.30pm. This is an adults-only event and tickets exclude food. Gymkhana and field day in Coolgreany Monday, June 2 in Coolgreany village Free to attend The 44th Johnstown/Coolgreany gymkhana and field day is taking place on June bank holiday Monday in Coolgreany village, with all proceds going to St David's Church, local schools and the local senior citizens group. On the day there will be horse and pony jumping, a series of classes for the smalles of riders, a 14-class dog show, rode bull, tug of war and an assortment of food and drink offerings, including the tea tent, a barbecue and some home baking stalls. To enter the tug of war competition or any of the numerous equine events head to . Trio of south-west Wicklow markets Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 29-31 Free to attend in Aughrim, Knockananna and Tinahely A series of craft, car boot and farmer's markets are taking place across the south west of County Wicklow over the June bank holiday weeked. From 10am-4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Tinahely Craft Market will be open to all, with sellers offering a range of locally produced crafts that focus on sustainable and local materials. These include baby blankets made from wool produced down the road in Carnew, soya candles and soap and upcycled and recycled quilts, cushions and bags. On Saturday the regular Knockananna car boot sale will be open in the hall from 8am to 1pm. Iti is €10 to pitch and table are provided to all sellers, with buyers attending for free. Up the road in Aughrim, the weekly Town and Country Market is open from 10am to 1.30pm at the Pavilion on Rednagh Road with a farmer's market vibe to the day and plenty of local produce.
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ireland book Tokyo women's 4x400m qualification
Ireland secured women's 4x400m qualification for this year's World Championships in Tokyo as Rhasidat Adeleke's inclusion helped them win the repechage race at the World Relays in the Irish missed World Championship qualification in Saturday's opening heats, Adeleke, who finished fourth in the 400m at last year's Olympics in Paris, was drafted into the quartet in place of Phil Dubliner's inclusion gave Ireland their expected boost as her strong second leg helped the Irish take victory in 3: Becker led off from lane seven, delivering a strong opening leg before handing over to Adeleke, who maintained Ireland's lead against a fast-charging Australian athlete Rachel McCann, running the third leg, held the advantage until the final exchange, where Australia briefly edged ahead. However, anchor runner Sharlene Mawdsley timed her finish perfectly, kicking in the last 200m to seal victory with a commanding 15-metre lead at the line."We've solidified ourselves as one of the best relays in the world and we're just continuing that on," said Adeleke, who helped the Ireland finish fourth in the event at the Paris Olympics. "We'll get more opportunities to compete and I'm really excited to see what we can do at the World Championships now that we're qualified."Adeleke's inclusion in the women's 4x400m squad meant she missed out on the mixed 4x400m final in Guangzhou as the Irish quartet of Jack Raftery, Phil Healy, Aaron Keane, and Lauren Cadden finished eighth in 3:19.64. However, Saturday's qualification for the final had already booked Ireland's place in the mixed event at this year's World Championships in men's 4x400m relay squad's hopes of World Championship qualification were dashed by their seventh spot in their repechage as Conor Kelly, Cillin Greene, Chris O'Donnell and Raftery combined to clock 3:04.42.
Irish Times
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Can Ireland quartets maintain upward trajectory at World Athletics Relays?
It used to be that all Irish relay teams travelled to every championship, in hope more than expectation, relying on some good luck too and any extra jeopardy that comes with the sometimes perilous baton exchanges. Things slowly and then suddenly changed, and there are now high expectations for the Irish teams competing at this weekend's World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. The women's and mixed 4x400m teams are chief among them, with Rhasidat Adeleke set to play another starring role, just as she did last year. Remember, Adeleke first made a name for herself as part of the 4x100m relay team that won bronze at the European Youth Olympics back in 2017, and then 4x100m silver a year later at the World Under-20 Championships. At 22, the Dubliner has since been shattering Irish records at every distance up to 400m, which is now her specialist event. READ MORE Guangzhou presents the latest opportunity for Adeleke to show her pure talent and class in one-lap running. She's joined by three other members of the women's 4x400m who finished a close fourth at the Paris Olympics, just .18 of a second away from bronze, with Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, and Phil Healy also all listed for the mixed 4x400m. Ireland's Sophie Becker, Sharlene Mawdsley, Phil Healy and Rhasidat Adeleke ahead of the 4x400m women's relay final at the Paris Olympics. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho The 14-strong Irish team also includes a men's 4x400m relay, which features Chris O'Donnell from Sligo, also part of the mixed 4x400m team who won gold at the European Championships in Rome last June. Thomas Barr, part of that mixed relay gold quartet in Rome, has since retired. What exa c tly is at stake in Guangzh o u? The World Athletics Relays have been staged in various guises over the years. There are six events in all, including the addition of the new mixed 4x100m relay, and – as well as the championship medals and prize money – the top 14 teams in each event will qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo in September (except for the mixed 4x100m which is not yet a major championship event, but will be in the LA Olympics). There are two chances at Tokyo qualification. On Saturday, the top two teams in each of the four heats will advance to the final on Sunday while also securing their qualification for Tokyo. All other teams will compete on Sunday in the additional repechage round where the top two in each of the three heats will also qualify for Tokyo. After the top 14 teams are known, the remaining two places in each event will be awarded based on top lists during the qualification period. What will the co mpetiti on b e like? The final entries list 730 athletes (406 men and 324 women) from 43 national federations, including 33 medal winners from the Paris Olympics and 34 medal winners from the 2023 World Championships. Multiple World and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is entered, alongside her fellow Jamaican and two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson, world 800m champion Mary Moraa of Kenya, world 400m record-holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa, and all four members of Canada's Olympic gold medal-winning 4x100m team from Paris. Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Photograph:At last year's World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas, Adeleke played a major role in Ireland qualifying a women's 4x400m and mixed 4x400m for last year's Olympics, running sub-50 second splits on the second leg in both events. Ireland won their heats in both the women's and mixed 4x400m relay, Adeleke also running the second leg in the mixed 4x400m final in which the team claimed bronze, her 48.45 seconds the fastest 400m split time in the event. In the mixed relay final last year, USA won gold ahead of the Dutch quartet, anchored by their superstar Femke Bol. This time the Netherlands haven't entered a women's or mixed 4x400m, relying it seems on those last ranking qualification spots instead, which presents the Irish teams with the opportunity to move further up the podium. H o w are the Irish quartets likely t o line-up? Since Paris, Mawdsley, Becker and O'Donnell have joined Adeleke on the top Sport Ireland grant amount of €40,000, more evidence of the greater expectation on the relay teams. Becker hasn't raced competitively since the Olympics, where it turned out she was carrying a stress fracture in her foot. The women's 4x400m quartet clocked their Irish record of 3:19.90 in Paris, and will likely keep the same running line-up in Guangzhou; Becker, to Adeleke, to Phil Healy, with Mawdsley on the anchor leg. That was the same line-up that won silver at the European Championships in Rome last June. Rhasidat Adeleke passes the baton to Thomas Barr during the 4x400m mixed relay final at the 2024 European Athletics Championships in Rome. Photograph:for European Athletics With Barr retired, the mixed 4x400m line-up is a little less certain. Barr was on board when they clocked their Irish record of 3:09.92 to win gold in Rome, O'Donnell running the first leg, Adeleke the second, and Mawdsley the fourth. Cillín Greene, also part of the mixed 4x400m team that won bronze last time out in the Bahamas, is likely to feature again this time, with teenager Conor Kelly also in contention. What a bo ut the prize m on ey? The top eight teams in each event get something, with $40,000 for the winners, $20,000 for second, $10,000 for third, down to $2,000 for eighth. The prize money for the mixed 4x100m begins at $28,000. D o the men's 4x400m relay have a ch an c e o f making T o ky o ? It won't be near as straightforward as the other two events, but there is potential here too, with O'Donnell likely to be joined by Jack Raftery, Marcus Lawler and Callum Baird. Though qualifying three relay teams for Tokyo might actually exceed expectations. The World Athletics Relays will be live streamed on the World Athletics' website from 12pm to 3pm Irish time on Saturday and Sunday.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Rhasidat Adeleke storms to second in Shanghai Diamond League 200m thriller
IRELAND'S Rhasidat Adeleke delivered a powerful finish to claim second place in the women's 200m at the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday. The Advertisement 2 Rhasidat Adeleke finished second in Shanghai on Saturday 2 Rhasidat Adeleke of Team Ireland is now She's expected to reunite with Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, and Phil Healy in the women's 4x400m team Adeleke surged down the home straight, climbing from fifth to second behind American Anavia Battle. The Michigan ave won in a season's best 22.38 seconds. Adeleke clocked 22.72, while Norway's Henriette Jaeger took third in 22.86. Adeleke has also been named in Ireland's squad for next weekend's World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. She's expected to reunite with Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, and Phil Healy in the women's 4x400m team Advertisement read more on sport And the Irish star may also feature in the mixed relay. Earlier, in the men's 5000m, Ireland's Brian Fay ran a season's best of 13:12.10, finishing 10th in a blistering race. Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi took the win in a meeting record and season's best 12:50.45. Elsewhere, Mawdsley cutely remarked that The sprinter had previously kept Instagram followers abreast of how this week's trip was Advertisement Most read in Athletics But her latest photos confirmed she has touched down in Hong Kong safe and sound. Recapping the whole drama of having to dash to the Chinese Embassy in time to secure a visa at short notice, she admitted it had been a stressful few days. Rhasidat Adeleke beams alongside pop legend Rihanna as pair embrace at Fenty Hair event The Tipperary native said: "The last two days have been hectic. But got my passport back so I can fly to China today." In an Instagram story on Friday, she had explained: "A quick trip to the Chinese Embassy because I'm simply not organised lol. I can pick up my passport again on Tuesday (We fly on Tuesday). Advertisement "Also shout-out to Phil Healy because without her the visa would simply not be complete." The 400 metre specialist had only flown home the previous week having While back in the Premier County she Mawdsley doesn't get the chance to visit home as often anymore since uprooting and Advertisement
