Irish Open Victory, A Vuelta stage Win and a Solheim Cup Celebration

Golf

Lowry Creates More Irish Open History

Shane Lowry produced one of the most memorable performances of his career to claim a stunning victory at the Amgen Irish Open, ending a four-year wait for a professional win.

The Offaly native described the triumph as one of the biggest moments of his career as he stormed to an emphatic 11-shot victory over the field. Seventeen years after famously winning the Irish Open as an amateur, and following his Open Championship success on Irish soil at Portrush, Lowry added another remarkable chapter to his story with a dominant display in front of home crowds.

An emotional Lowry said afterwards that “this feels as big as it gets”, underlining just how significant the victory was.

Europe Retain Solheim Cup as Maguire Plays Her Part

Leona Maguire was once again part of a successful European Solheim Cup team as Europe defeated the United States 15-13 at Bernardus Golf Club in the Netherlands.

Maguire entered the final day with a perfect singles record in Solheim Cup competition but was unable to extend it, falling to a 2&1 defeat against Lauren Coughlin. However, the result did little to dampen celebrations as Europe successfully defended the trophy.

With the contest tied 8-8 heading into the singles matches, Europe delivered when it mattered most. Carlota Ciganda secured the decisive point on her eighth Solheim Cup appearance, sparking celebrations as the hosts retained the cup.

Cycling

Dunbar Claims Third Vuelta Stage Victory

Eddie Dunbar won Stage 19 of the Vuelta a España in spectacular fashion.

The Cork cyclist surged past Colombia’s Santiago Buitrago with just 350 metres remaining on the gruelling 211km stage from Vélez-Málaga to the climb above Estepona.

The victory marked the sixth professional win of Dunbar’s career, with three of those victories now coming in the Vuelta following his double stage success in 2024. His teammate Thomas Gloag played a pivotal supporting role and crossed the line in third place after helping control attacks from the breakaway throughout the day.

Lara Gillespie Podiums at A Travers les Hauts de France

Lara Gillespie claimed third place at A Travers les Hauts de France, a 130.5-kilometre race in France from Quéant to Écourt-Saint-Quentin.

The race came down to a sprint, with Dutch rider Nienke Veenhoven taking the win ahead of Belgian champion Shari Bossuyt and Lara Gillespie.

Sailing

McMahon Climbs the Standings at Home World Championships

Ireland’s Eve McMahon delivered another strong performance at the Women’s ILCA World Championship in Dún Laoghaire.

Starting the Medal Series in ninth position and facing a sizeable points deficit to the medal positions, McMahon overcame a challenging opening race where she finished eighth. She responded impressively in the second race, leading at the bottom gate before securing third place.

The result lifted the Irish sailor to seventh overall in a highly competitive world championship held on home waters.

In the Gold and Silver Fleets, Annalise Murphy (National Yacht Club), Sienna Wright (Howth Yacht Club) and Irish Sailing Development sailor Lucy Ives (Royal St George Yacht Club) sailed a final race to determine their overall positions ahead of the Medal Series.

Olympic Silver Medallist Annalise Murphy placed 24th overall, with Sienna Wright claiming 57th and Lucy Ives finishing 83rd.

Equestrian

Irish Show Jumpers Finish Second in Canada

Ireland’s show jumping team secured a runners-up finish at the prestigious BMO Nations Cup in Spruce Meadows, Canada.

The Irish team featured brothers Daniel and Jordan Coyle, alongside Conor Swail and Denis Lynch. Lynch delivered Ireland’s only first-round clear aboard Vistogrand before Daniel Coyle matched the achievement on Farrel in the second round.

Germany claimed victory with four faults, while Ireland finished second on 17 faults, comfortably ahead of Belgium in third on 21.

Canoeing

Strong Finish to Canoe Slalom World Cup Campaign

Ireland enjoyed a positive conclusion to the 2026 Canoe Slalom World Cup series at La Seu d’Urgell in Spain.

Olympian Liam Jegou finished sixth overall in the men’s C1 standings following a consistent season across the World Cup circuit.

In the kayak cross competition, Georgina Cochrane progressed through the repechage rounds to reach the heats before ultimately finishing 30th overall.

3×3 Basketball

Valuable Experience for Ireland at FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup

Ireland competed at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup in Antwerp for a second consecutive year, taking on Latvia and Lithuania in group-stage action.

Although Ireland suffered defeats in both matches, head coach Darren McGovern highlighted the significance of competing against Europe’s elite nations.

“Playing at the highest level of European international 3×3 is a massive achievement for this group,”

“We have put in a good body of work on and off the court to keep 3×3 building in Ireland. It’s a sport we can certainly develop and knock down some doors to one day win games here at the FIBA 3×3 Europe Cup.”

Athletics

English Sets new PB in Budapest

Mark English continued his excellent season by setting a new personal best in the men’s 800m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

The Donegal athlete clocked 1:42.78 to finish sixth in a high-quality final, improving on the first sub-1:43 performance of his career that he achieved in London earlier this summer.

The time also secured the qualification standard for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, joining fellow Irish athletes Sarah Healy, Kate O’Connor and the women’s 4x400m relay team in already achieving the mark.

A strong run from Rhasidat Adeleke saw her finish in 5th place, just outside of the automatic qualification spots for the women’s 200m final with a time of 22.81.

Sharlene Mawdsley, on her comeback from a hamstring injury, finished seventh in her 400m semi-final running 51.28 at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.