Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Junior Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, have today paid tribute to Team Ireland athletes following a historic European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
Sarah Healy secured a gold in the 3000m and bronze medals were claimed by Mark English in the 800m and Kate O’Connor in the pentathlon.
Letterkenny’s Mark English (Finn Valley AC), now a five-time European medallist, surged through the final lap to claim third in 1:45.46.
Arlene Crossan of Finn Valley AC recorded a sixth-placed finish in the final of the 4x400m relay final with teammates Rachel McCann, Lauren Cadden and Cliodhna Manning.
Donegal Minister McConalogue said: “It has been a brilliant championships in Apeldoorn for Team Ireland, and I want to pay tribute to Sarah, Mark and Kate, who have seen the tricolour raised in their honour from the podium. Sarah Healy displayed remarkable composure to kick on and win the 3000m, while Mark English became a five-time European medalist with his bronze in the 800m.
“Kate O’Connor’s pentathlon medal makes her the first Irish athlete ever to reach the podium in a senior multi-sport event.
“It was a memorable final day in Apeldoorn, and I wish all of our athletes the best of luck, as many of them look to the World Indoor Championships in Dubai.”
Minister O’Donovan said: “I want to offer my warmest congratulations to Sarah Healy, who ran a stunning race to secure Ireland’s first gold medal at the European Indoor Athletics Championships since David Gillick in 2007.
“Heartfelt congratulations also go to medalists Mark English and Kate O’Connor, as well as the entire team.
“All of our high-performance athletes can be proud of their achievements, with many setting new personal best times and Irish records. This remarkable team performance underscores the importance of our investment in high-performance sport.”
Kate O’Connor will have a Dublin homecoming this afternoon. Mark English and Sarah Healy will not be returning to Dublin, as they are both travelling to Dubai ahead of the World Indoor Championships.
