Cian McPhillips wrote himself into the history books landing his first national senior title in Dublin today.
McPhillips became the first Longford man since Ray Flynn in 1985 to win a national senior title. McPhillips landing the 800 metre title at the 123.ie National Senior Indoor Championships in Dublin.
The Longford man now running in the colours of UCD took victory in 1:52.79.
McPhillips sat patiently for much of the race before unleashing a race-winning-move with 200m remaining. The Longford man crossed the line ahead of Dara Donoghue from Lucan Harriers in 1:53.14.
Indeed, McPhillips UCD teammate Mark Milner took third place in 1:53.18.
An impressive performance from Cian McPhillips (UCD) in the Men’s 800m sees him claim his first ever Senior Indoor title 👏
🥈Dara Donoghue (Lucan Harriers)
🥉Mark Milner (UCD)📸 Eric Bellamy#NationalSeniors @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/p7Ec1e91FU
— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) February 18, 2024
Happy with the performance
“I’m happy enough” explained McPhillips. “It was good and slow at the start. I didn’t want to lead at the start. I don’t think anyone else did”.
“We were nearly offering money for someone to take it up to avoid that kind of burn out at the end. Luckily I should positioned myself well to take the win”.
“That’s my indoor season over now” explained McPhillips. “I’ll go to South Africa now for a training camp for a month. I’ll get back for the varsities and then get some races and some points (euro qualification) on the board.
“I’ve had an on-off couple of years. Just balancing college work load and just getting used to moving out of home. I seem to be over that hump now. It’s good to be back on track" added the Longford man.
Ray Flynn was the last Longford athlete to claim a national senior title in 1985. Flynn twice won the 1500m title in 1977 and 1985. Whereas, Flynn also won the 5,000m title in 1982.
