Offaly athlete wins national 5-mile crown
Heather Murphy continued her impressive season with a second national title of 2026, adding the 5-mile crown at the Phoenix Park on Sunday to her National Half Marathon victory secured in Cork last month.
The St Michael’s AC athlete was assertive from the start and never relinquished control, crossing the line in 27:24.
Speaking after the race, the 22-year-old said: “I’m very happy with how it went. The goal was to win, so I’m delighted I came out and did it. The incline coming up Chesterfield was tough in the heat, but I kept my head down and told myself to keep working.
"I’m hoping to come back for the National 10 Mile next month, and we’ll see how the rest of the season goes from there,” added Murphy, who is from close to Portarlington on the Offaly side of the border with Laois,
Murphy was followed home by Nakita Burke (Letterkenny AC) in 27:44, while Fiona Roche (Raheny Shamrock A.C.) took third in 28:47.
Roche’s performance anchored Raheny Shamrock A.C. to the senior women’s team title, supported by Annette Kealy (31:25) and Molly Rickard (32:47), with the trio finishing well clear of their nearest challengers, Tullamore Harriers AC.
Meanwhile, Jake O’Regan produced a commanding performance to claim his first national 5-mile title, crossing in a winning time of 24:27. The St John’s AC athlete adds this crown to previous national successes over 10K (2023) and the half marathon (2025).
O’Regan and Ennis Track’s Dylan Casey ran stride for stride through the early and middle stages, with little separating the pair approaching the 4-mile mark. However, a decisive surge from O’Regan heading into the final mile proved to be the winning move as he pulled clear in the closing stages.
Casey followed in second place in 24:38, with Gerry Forde (Kilkenny City Harriers AC) completing the podium in 24:48.
Ennis Track secured the senior men’s team title thanks to performances from Liam Naughton (24:54), Padraig Nugent (25:44), and Jamie Kelly (27:08), backing up Casey’s runner-up finish.
Women's individual results
Heather Murphy (St Michael’s AC) – 27:24; Nakita Burke (Letterkenny AC) – 27:44; Fiona Roche (Raheny Shamrock AC) – 28:47.
Women’s team results
Raheny Shamrock AC – 1:32:59; Tullamore Harriers AC – 1:42:06; Brothers Pearse AC – 1:42:27.
Men's individual results
Jake O’Regan (St John’s AC) – 24:27; Dylan Casey (Ennis Track AC) – 24:38; Gerry Forde (Kilkenny City Harriers AC) – 24:48.
Men’s team results
Ennis Track AC – 1:42:24; Clonliffe Harriers AC – 1:47:42; Raheny Shamrock AC – 1:50:09.