There is a fine entry of young athletes in the U/20 mile races at Morton Games on July 10. These future stars of track will benefit greatly from the experience a big international meet at home. The U/20 mile races are generously supported by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation and also by John Buckley Sports.
There is a strong bond between the Jerry Kiernan Foundation and Morton Games. The late great Jerry Kiernan was a member of Clonliffe Harriers, the Morton Games promoting club, and indeed before his untimely death in January 2021 he had coached several of the great Irish middle distance athletes who performed with distinction in Morton Games, Ciara Mageean and John Travers to name but two.
The Jerry Kiernan Foundation was established to continue Jerry's life work of supporting young athletes in the pursuit of their sport. Since its founding the Foundation has supported more than 30 Irish athletes.
Morton Games is proud to continue its association with the foundation and the legacy of Jerry Kiernan.
Last year's U/20 mile winners were Lucy Foster (Willowfield Harriers) and Lorcan Benjacar (Clonliffe Harriers). Past winners have included Ava O'Connor in 2022, this year the Tullamore Harrier athlete ran an Irish U/23 3000 steeplechase record and Fergal Curtin who won the men's U/20 mile back in 2016, Curtin set the then national marathon record lof 2:07.54 in 2025.
The organisers are delighted with the response of Ireland's young athletes, lead entries include:
Eimear Cooney: An elite international talent who represented Ireland at the U20 European Cross Country Championships. Cooney is the 2025 National U/19 1500m Champion, 2026 National schools bronze and holds a blazing 4:25.76 1500m PB. She proved her world-class pedigree on the global stage, clocking 4:55.92 in the Mile at the prestigious New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in the Spring. Will Cooney improve on her 3rd place finish from the 2025 Morton Games?
Emer McKee ,the 2025 National U/20 5000m Champion and Morton Games junior mile 4th place finisher last time out. Emer is already mixing it with the best, securing a stellar 6th place finish at the 2026 National Senior Indoor Championships. She boasts a rapid 4:27.23 1500m lifetime best.
Leia Ryan, the reigning All-Ireland Schools 1500m Champion and a newly selected star on the 2026 Athletics Ireland Performance Pathway. Ryan possesses lethal speed, holding a blistering 1500m personal best of 4:23.56 alongside her 2025 National U/18 and 2026 National Schools 1500m titles.
Likewise the U/20 men’s mile is loaded with talent:
Jamie Wallace is in the form of his life, delivering a spectacular 3:50.57 1500m PB and a 4:08.39 Mile only last month. Jamie holds a national indoor U/20 3000m bronze, 2025 National U/19 3000m gold and U/19 XC silver.
Odhrán McBrearty , an excellent championship racer who handles high-pressure fields with ease. McBrearty captured the National U/19 Indoor 1500m Gold and recently clocked a scorching 3:53.71 1500m PB. In March he took All Ireland Schools Senior Cross Country Silver.
Caolán Gilbride , a great Ulster prospect who earned international selection for the 2026 Celtic Cross Country Championships. Gilbride is a fierce tactical competitor, bringing his 1500m personal best down to an impressive 3:55.91 to claim the 2026 All Ireland Schools 1500m Silver medal.
As of today (June 13th) there are 2 places currently available in the U/20 women’s race, standard is sub 4.55 1500. Don’t miss out e mail us now: juniormiles.mortongames@gmail.com . Once full a wait list will be in operation. The men’s race is ful, a wait list is available through the same email. Don’t forget to include: name, club, 1500 pb and contact.
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