Paraic Sweeney, Mayo AC, on the podium after claiming gold in the European Masters Athletics Championships M75 10k.

Mayo athlete wins two medals at European Masters Championships

Published: Mon 4 May 2026, 2:07 PM

Last updated: Mon 4 May 2026, 9:28 PM

Mayo AC's Paraic Sweeney won two medals over the weekend at the European Masters Athletics Championships Non Stadia in Catania, Sicily, writes Tom Hunt.

The Achill-based athlete won gold in the M75 category in the 10k race, his time of 44.22 just 13 seconds outside the Irish Masters M75 record for the distance.

Paraic also ran the half-marathon, in which he had a terrific battle with Italian M75 runners. In an exciting sprint finish over the final 500 metres, Paraic finished second – just two seconds behind the winner in 1:39.55.

Paraic Sweeney on his way to silver in half marathon in the European Masters Athletics Championships in the shadow of snow-topped Mount Etna in Sicily.

In the process, he knocked over two minutes off the Irish Masters M75 half-marathon record – an amazing achievement! It follows his medal-winning performance in the European Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, in March, making it a memorable year so far.

His Mayo AC team-mate Stephen Monaghan also competed in Catania and also took home a medal after being part of an Irish O55 mixed cross country relay team that won silver. Stephen ran the half-marathon too.

Mayo AC's Paraic Sweeney (left) and Stephen Monaghan celebrate winning medals at the European Masters Athletics Championships Non Stadia in Sicily.

Many more Mayo AC members were in action in road and cross country races at different locations, including Ballina, Limerick and Dublin.

There was a big turnout of members at the West of Ireland Women's Mini Marathon in Ballina on Sunday. Roxanne Sands of Moy Valley AC was the first runner across the line in 37:13, and winner of the Teen 10k. First in the adult race was Breege Connolly of North Belfast Harriers AC (F40), who ran a time of 37.31. Second was Ballina native Serena Tuffy in the Dundrum South Dublin AC colours (37.35), with Norah Newcombe Pieterse, Mayo AC, next across the line in 38.26.

There were other excellent performances by prize-winners Colette Tuohy (first Over 50) and Angela O'Connor (first Over 60).

At the Great Limerick Run on Sunday, over 11,000 took part in four events. There were eight Mayo AC finishers. Three ran the marathon: Thomas Reilly (2:59.33 – a brilliant sub three-hour run), Tony O'Malley (who had a great run also, crossing the O'Connell Street finish line in 3:03.23) and Steven Timlin (who ran an excellent first marathon, recording 1:29 at halfway and coming home in 3:11.57 – a great achievement).

Mayo AC trio Steven Timlin, Tony O'Malley and Thomas Reilly striding out in O'Connell Street during the Great Limerick Run Marathon.

Four Mayo AC members ran the half-marathon. They were: Tadgh Hanrahan (1:21.35), Mairéad Bristow (1:42.12 – a new PB), Monica Shelly (who knocked over five minutes off her previous best time with a brilliant 1:47.16 finish) and Finian Joyce (who completed the race in 2:30.33).

The biggest road race of the weekend was the Dublin City Half Marathon, with over 12,000 taking part. Mayo AC's three finishers were: Neil Carroll (1:26.49), Erika Ryan (1:57.12) and Carol McAlpine (1:57.58).

It was a great weekend for Mayo AC runners, with 31 competing in various locations. For full details, see www.mayoac.com.