Cian McPhillips is a 'fantastic ambassador for Longford and Ireland'

An unforgettable few days last week in the life of Cian McPhillips. The young boy that had joined Longford Athletics Club’s Little Athletics group as an 8-year-old in 2010 had gone on to truly announce himself on the world stage of elite men’s middle-distance running.

Saturday’s final of the 800 metres saw a large crowd assemble at the Longford Athletics Centre to watch the race on the big screen. Those present, young and old, watched on with so much pride as Cian represented Longford and Ireland with distinction. 

Whether it was his brilliantly executed racing performances or his manner when speaking so well in post-race interviews, Cian showed everyone the class act that he is.

The final was the culmination of a memorable few days with Cian giving everyone so much enjoyment with his displays on the track. He began the World Championships as a relative unknown in men’s 800m on the world elite stage and he finished it as a force to be reckoned with.

It concluded a hugely progressive and positive year of racing for Cian. As well as appearing at the Worlds, which was his first global championship, the 23-year-old also competed at March’s European Indoors in the Netherlands. 

Also read: Longford County Council Sport Bursary 2025 recipients announced

During 2025, he lowered his lifetime best at the 800m distance by almost four seconds which is astounding. His 1:45.92 standard going into the year was respectable at European level and placed Cian just outside the top ten fastest Irishmen ever. 

To end the season with an Irish record of 1:42.15 to his name makes him the 16th fastest man ever in the world and the 5th quickest European. 

Claiming victory in Tuesday’s heats had set the tone and the nature of Cian’s performance would have made many track and field observers take note. He powered down the finishing straight clear of American Bryce Hoppel who claimed the gold medal at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.

Thursday’s semi-final saw Cian’s status grow even further. Once again, he left athletes of much pedigree in his wake including a former World Champion and the current European Champion. 

With both races, the manner of Cian’s victories was so impressive. Smart positioning is key in elite level track races and his shrewd tactical approach paid off. The semi-final saw him move into lane two with 250m remaining before using his speed to edge up to second place on the final bend. 

Down Memory Lane | Style and glamour as Longford students have a ball at their graduation

Cian’s finishing turn of pace over the final 100m was very evident in Tokyo with his closing sprint in the semi-final seeing him run clear of the field beating his chest in delight as he crossed the line. The emotion and passion were there for all to see.

Saturday’s final had the highest quality group of 800m runners ever assembled in a World Championship final. Cian’s national record of 1:43.18, set in the semi-final, still only ranked him seventh of the eight finalists which was a measure of the task he faced. Six of the field that contested last year’s Olympic final took to the start line in Tokyo for the decider.

The pace was blistering from the off as Kenyan Emmanuel Wanyonyi, the gold medalist in Paris, led through halfway which was covered in just 49 seconds. Cian found himself at the back of the pack but not detached from the group.

It appeared that with 200m to go Cian would have to settle for a minor place at best as Wanyonyi continued to control proceedings at the front and Cian had a lot of ground to make up.

Moving into the home straight, Cian had to move out into lane three to find a clear path. With his now customary fast finish, he powered past four men in the closing 50 metres before dipping for the line. 

A fourth-place finish in a World final for Ardagh’s Cian McPhillips and another national record to his name clocking a time of 1:42.15. His previous record had lasted all of 48 hours. It was one of the finest ever performances by an Irish athlete at a major championship event. 

Also read: RIP: ‘Gifted’ Longford teacher and guidance counsellor ‘enriched many lives with her wisdom’

The podium places were occupied by the same three men that claimed the medals in Paris last year as Wanyonyi backed up his status as pre-race favourite to complete a ‘gun-to-tape’ win in 1:41.86. 

Ahead of Tokyo, Cian was placed 44th in the rankings of the 66 men that had qualified for the 800m. In one sense, he approached the championship as a complete outsider. To finish the week as fourth in the world is nothing short of sensational. 

It was a clear sign of how well he had prepared for the event with his support team, led by coach Joe Ryan, having played such an important role. Joe is one of the most respected coaches in Irish athletics. A native of Kilbeggan, he has guided many middle and long-distance runners to national and international successes.

Aged just 13, Cian joined up with Joe’s training group in Mullingar. For that coach athlete pairing to still be in place a decade later is very special and Joe’s contribution to Cian’s achievements throughout the juvenile, junior and into the senior ranks has been immense.

A notable feature of Cian’s performances in Tokyo has been the smooth running style that he showed. Martina McCarthy, the Strength and Conditioning lead at the Sport Ireland Institute in Dublin, has had a major influence on Cian’s progression in recent years. A former international sprinter herself, Martina is also Cian’s speed coach and it’s very clear that the preparation done in the gym and on the track was top class. 

In one of his post-race interviews on Saturday, Cian outlined the crucial role played by cross-training in his weekly schedule with hours spent on the elliptical. Three heavy gym sessions per week also form part of his routine. That is all even before he steps onto the track, but it shows the importance placed on efficient running mechanics. His weekly running sessions come mostly in the form of three double workout days.

Physiotherapist Ciara McCallion, another former Irish international athlete, is also a key factor in Cian’s support network. Although not a full-time runner, his approach to training is as professional as it gets.

There’s been great support also from parents Paddy and Laura and sister Sarah who were so proud watching the action back home fully aware of Cian’s dedication and commitment which enabled him to perform on the world stage.

Paddy was Chairperson of Longford Athletics Club for many years and played a key role in the resurgence of the Club in the past 15 years. He and Sarah are among the current coaching team of the club’s juvenile section guiding the next crop of young Longford sprinters. 

The family travelled from their home post-race to join those in attendance at the Longford Athletics Centre on Saturday last and their pride in Cian’s achievement was evident for all to see.

Cian and Sarah joined Longford Athletics Club as young children when they attended St Mel’s NS Ardagh. One of Cian’s earliest successes in athletics came when winning the 2011 Co Longford Primary Schools Cross Country. 

The podium at the 2014 event featured Cian as gold medalist and Oisín Lane winning silver. It is remarkable that eleven years later both Cian and Oisín wore the green singlet of Ireland at this year’s World Athletics Championship. A past pupil of Colehill NS, Oisín finished in a highly commendable 28th position of the gruelling 35km race walk event last week in Tokyo.

This year’s school’s cross country takes place on Friday, September 26, at Moyne Community School and maybe there might even be future world championship finalists among those racing!

With such a brilliant showing in Japan, Cian will now be able to secure opportunities to race in top level meets on the professional track and field circuit next season. Last Saturday’s final featured men that have been regulars at Diamond League meetings in recent years. Until now, Cian has not had the opportunity to experience such events.

Having taken a well-earned break, the focus of Cian’s winter training will be preparing for the World Indoors taking place next March in Poland. He has already achieved qualification for the European Championships in Birmingham which will be the main event of the outdoor track and field season in 2026. All going well, there will be plenty of big days ahead!

Away from the track, Cian returns to UCD next week to continue his studies in Financial Maths as normal life resumes to an extent. His exploits in Tokyo mean that his profile has been greatly enhanced with him and Heptathlon silver medalist Kate O’Connor now the two new stars of Irish athletics.

The past week has seen Longford’s Cian McPhillips emerge as an international athlete of real quality. He has shown shrewd tactical awareness being able to place himself in the right positions. When dealing with the media, he has shown poise and assurance. A class act and a fantastic ambassador for Longford and Ireland. 

WATCH | Relive the drama as Longford's Cian McPhillips sets new Irish record in World Final