Saoirse finishes fifth in U18 European Championships

A LOCAL underage athlete has come an amazing fifth in the European under 18 Athletics Championships in Slovakia on Sunday, reports Stephen Farrell.

Lucan Harriers athlete Saoirse Fitzgerald came fifth in a time of 2:07.41 in the Women’s 800m Final.

Her teammate Pia Langton from Kilkenny came eighth just under three seconds behind Saoirse.

In the final the race went out hard and fast in the first lap testing the stamina of the athletes. This was the girls third race in the 800m at these Championships, as they had previously run in the heats and the semi-finals.

Saoirse came second in her semi-final, having previously come third in her heat.

When speaking to Athletics Ireland after the race, Saoirse was humble about her achievement.

“I really can’t believe it!

“Coming into this year, it was a goal to get to the final but during the year you do doubt yourself in different races and it’s just great, it’s a great title to have, fifth in Europe.

“It sounds really good!” she said.

Saoirse said it helped to have Pia in the race with her.

“It definitely calmed the nerves having someone in the same boat as you.

“Yesterday evening and this morning we were hanging out together because nearly everyone else is finished, so it was great to have someone to ground you and calm the nerves,” said Saoirse.

Saoirse also reflected on the fact that two Irish girls were in the final.

“To have two Irish girls in a final, I’m pretty sure that hasn’t happened before at under 18s, so it’s pretty unbelievable,” said Saoirse.

Saoirse felt that this experience will also stand to her in her future athletics career.

“It’s great to experience the call rooms and the packed stadium and the high calibre of athletes, it really prepares for Senior Championships,” said Saoirse.

The Lucan Harriers athlete has been making steady progress over the last number of years and was awarded Dublin Juvenile Female Athlete of the year for 2022.

Saoirse’s club, Lucan Harriers Athletics Club, are naturally proud of her achievements.

“A massive run from Saoirse today… This is a reflection of all the hard work Saoirse has put in over the last number of years to get to this point,” the club posted on its Facebook page on Sunday, which also drew many comments of congratulations for Saoirse.