National title secured by top Mayo athlete

Moy Valley AC's Seamus Clarke won a national title at the final national championships of 2025 – the 123.ie National Race Walk Championships.

Seamus was first over the line in the Under 20 10,000m walk with a personal best time of 43.17 for the distance. He was also first in the international field, which puts him on firm footing for the 2026 season.

Three of the Ballina-based club's athletes were in action on Sunday at the World Race Walking Tour and National Race Walk Championships, held in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin.

Pearl Sands put in a fine performance to finish fourth in the Under18 5,000m race, while Jake O’Brien lined up for his first race over the longer half-marathon distance.

“This was a great way to close out a very successful year for these three athletes, who all had the honour of donning the Irish vest and competing for Ireland in 2025,” said Moy Valley AC in a Facebook post highlighting the achievements of Seamus, Pearl and Jake.