Double Gold Delight for Limerick Emerald AC stars at National Senior Track & Field Championships

Sarah Lavin of Emerald AC celebrates after winning the women’s 100m hurdles final during day two of the 123.ie National Senior Track & Field Championships 2026 at Morton Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Emerald AC star Neville defends sprint crown as Lavin extends remarkable hurdles reign with record 11th national title

Limerick’s outstanding tradition in athletics was once again on full display at the 123.ie National Senior Track & Field Championships as Ciara Neville and Sarah Lavin produced gold medal-winning performances to spearhead a memorable weekend for the county at Morton Stadium in Dublin.

Representing Emerald AC, the international duo once again demonstrated why they remain among Ireland’s premier track athletes, claiming national titles in the women’s 100 metres and 100 metres hurdles respectively. Their victories, coupled with an excellent bronze medal from Limerick Track AC’s Alex O’Neill in the women’s 800 metres, ensured the county enjoyed another highly successful championship campaign.

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Ciara Neville successfully defended her National Senior Women’s 100 metres title with an assured display of sprinting excellence, crossing the line in a winning time of 11.44 seconds. It was the third senior outdoor national title of her career and another reminder of the consistency that has made her one of Irish athletics’ most accomplished sprinters.

Never seriously threatened throughout the final, Neville produced one of her trademark fast starts before maintaining her advantage over the closing stages to retain her national crown in convincing fashion. The Emerald AC athlete has been a dominant figure on the domestic sprinting scene for several seasons, and her latest success further reinforces her standing at the top of Irish women’s sprinting.

The celebrations continued for Emerald AC shortly afterwards as Sarah Lavin once again stamped her authority on the women’s sprint hurdles.

Lavin powered to victory in the 100 metres hurdles in 13.34 seconds to claim an unprecedented 11th National Senior Outdoor title in the event. The victory also marked her sixth successive national championship triumph, extending one of the most remarkable winning streaks in Irish athletics.

Few athletes have enjoyed such sustained excellence at national level, and Lavin’s latest championship success further enhances an already glittering career that has seen her proudly represent Ireland on the European, World and Olympic stages.

Her consistency, professionalism and competitive drive continue to set the benchmark for aspiring athletes, while her latest title serves as another chapter in one of the finest careers produced by Irish athletics in recent years.

The double gold haul was richly deserved for Emerald AC, whose athletes once again delivered on the biggest domestic stage. The performances also reflect the continued strength of coaching and athlete development within the club, which has become synonymous with producing elite performers capable of competing at the highest level.

Limerick’s medal success did not end there.

Alex O’Neill of Limerick Track AC produced a determined performance in the women’s 800 metres to secure the bronze medal after an impressive tactical race. O’Neill remained in contention throughout before finishing strongly to claim a deserved place on the podium against a quality field.

Her achievement added another national medal to Limerick’s tally and highlighted the growing strength of middle-distance running within the county.

The performances of Neville, Lavin and O’Neill ensured Limerick athletes once again featured prominently among the country’s best, with the county continuing to produce competitors capable of excelling on the national stage.

With two national champions crowned and another athlete earning a podium finish, it proved to be another memorable championship weekend for Limerick athletics. The success reflects not only the dedication of the athletes themselves but also the invaluable work of coaches, clubs and volunteers who continue to nurture talent across the county.

As attention now turns towards the remainder of the season and forthcoming international competitions, Limerick athletics can look ahead with confidence, buoyed by another outstanding display at Ireland’s premier domestic championships and further evidence that the county remains one of the country’s leading athletics strongholds.