Morton Games launched by Mayor of Fingal

On Wednesday, June 11, the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Brian McDonagh launched Morton Games, World Athletics Continental tour which will take place in a month’s time, Friday July 11 at the Morton Stadium Dublin.

The launch was attended by Clonliffe Harriers international athletes Efrem Gidey, European 10,000 Cup champion, and Cathal Doyle, Olympic Games 1500 semi-finalist, both of whom will be competing in this year’s Morton Games, indeed Doyle is the defending Morton Mile champion.

Speaking at the launch the Mayor said: “ I am immensely proud to see our county host such a prestigious meet like this, because it showcases the very best of track and field right here on our doorstep.

“Our ongoing support for the Morton Games is a testament to our belief in the power of sport to unite, excite and leave a lasting positive legacy for all our citizens.

“What’s more, the games provide a tangible pathway for our young, aspiring athletes to dream big and to witness world-class athletes in action.”

Noel Guiden, the meet director of Morton Games acknowledged the support of Fingal and all the partners in the meet saying: “Morton Games is a true collaborative partnership between Fingal, Athletics Ireland, Sport Ireland, Dublin City University and Clonliffe Harriers that brings some of the world’s best athletes to compete in this annual sporting occasion.

This year’s meet will see athletes representing more than 30 countries from all parts of the globe competing against Ireland’s top athletes including not only Cathal Doyle and Efrem Gidey but the members of Ireland’s 4 x 400 relay squads in what will be a brilliant occasion in Santry on July 11.”

Morton Games is again part of the World Athletics Continental tour bronze and will see the return of many of the favourite events that have proved to be such a spectacle over these past 15 years, there are however a couple of notable additions to the card.

Fans will be delighted to learn that this year’s meet will see the return of the women’s 400.

Sarah Lavin winning the 2024 Morton Games 100m Hurdles.

With the strength of Irish women’s 400 running in recent years this is a most welcome development, the organisers have confirmed that several of the Irish women’s relay squad have confirmed their intention to take part this year including Sophie Becker and Lauren Cadden.

They will face top international athletes including Hannah Kelly (GBR), an Olympic 4 x 400 relay bronze medallist, Germany’s Karolina Pahlitzsch , Jada Griffin (USA) and Lisanne DeWitte, part of the Netherlands crack 4 x 400 relay squad.

Likewise the men’s 400 has the commitment of many of Ireland’s top 400 men including the 4 x 400 relay team of Cillin Greene, Conor Kelly, Jack Rafferty and Chris O’Donnell.

The opposition will include top Ukrainian athlete Oleksandr Pohorilko and Terrell Thorne (AUS) a finalist in last year’s U/20 World Championships.

A superb field is being gathered for the Albie Thomas 5000, Efrem Gidey will enjoy plenty of support from the Clonliffe faithful.

Efrem has had an extraordinary season to date, setting national records on the road at 10K and on the track at 10,000 and at the end of May won Ireland’s first ever gold-medal at the European 10,000 Cup. Charlie and George Wheeler are both confirmed along with fellow Britain Ellis Cross, Jack Bruce (AUS), Anthony Camerieri (USA) and multi Norwegian distance recordholder Sondre Moen.

Field event fans are in for a treat – the women’s discus will on the face of the entry, rewrite the Stadium record, currently 59.62 – as the field includes several athletes who are throwing in excess of 60m including the defending champion Antonia Kinzel (GER), Ieva Gumbs (LTU) and Kirsty Law (GBR).

Also confirmed is Ireland’s national record holder Niamh Fogarty (Raheny). There will also be yet another top class men’s shot put competition and women’s high jump.

Other Irish International athletes confirmed include Sarah Lavan, going for her 3rd Morton Hurdles win in a row, in the men’s 100 Israel Olatunde, Bori Akinola and Marcus Lawler, Sophie O’Sullivan in the 1500, Louise Shanahan in the 800, Eric Favors in the shot, Cian McPhillips and John Fitzsimons, both on the comeback trail from injury.

Another first for Morton Games is a women’s international 800 wheelchair race that will open the main program at 7 PM.

The big-name in the field is Hannah Cockroft (GBR), a multi-decorated Paralympian in the T34 class: an extraordinary 9 Paralympic gold medals dating from London 2012 to Paris 2024 over 100, 200, 400 and 800 and if that’s not enough, 16 world championship golds making her by far the most decorated athlete ever to grace the Morton Games stage.

Ireland’s Shauna Brocquet, in the T 54 class, is also a confirmed starter, Brocquet has this year competed at diamond league level.

Both of these athletes are well capable of times of sub 1.45!

The Morton mile is the finale of Morton Games. It will be an intriguing battle between Ireland’s top milers: Cathal Doyle, Brian Fay, Nick Griggs, Darragh McElhinney and James Gormley.

The Irish will face world-class opposition in particular from the Australian trio of Stuart McSweyn, Jude Thomas and Matthew Ramsden.

The Morton mile will be a fitting end to what promises to be another brilliant Morton Games night.

The main program will get underway on Friday July 11 at 7 PM however those getting to Morton Stadium early can enjoy the pre-programme of events featuring juvenile relays and the always impressive women and men’s U/20 mile races.

Tickets available purchase online costing only €10 plus service fee with u/16s free: https://eventmaster.ie/event/Dx4yFmAcJr

More information from https://www.mortongames.ie/