Joe Gough "delighted" with European Masters medal haul
West Waterford's Joe Gough with his gold and silver medals picked up at the European Masters in Maderia.
West Waterford athlete Joe Gough has returned home from Madeira, Portugal after a remarkable showing at the European Masters Championships, adding another chapter to an already stellar 2025 season.
Gough, a European Masters gold medalist, secured gold in the 800 metres, silver in the 1500 metres, and set two additional national records.
His achievements this year include two world medals, two European medals, three British Masters medals, and a host of Irish national records, making him one of Ireland’s most decorated masters athletes.
Gough’s 800-metre gold was a thrilling affair.
“In the final 40 metres, I saw a small gap between the front two runners and I just went for it,” he said. “I crossed the line first by inches—six, seven, eight inches—and it was such a relief and a thrill.” The finish was extraordinarily tight, with five athletes crossing within a second of each other. It was described by observers as the “race of the championship” for its intensity and drama, with competitors pushing themselves to the very limit over the home straight.
The European Masters Championships are demanding not only physically but logistically. Joe Gough competed across multiple events over a two-week period, often in different stadiums, requiring long bus transfers, careful planning of warm-ups, and strategic recovery between races. Temperatures in Madeira reached around 28 degrees Celsius, adding an extra challenge to managing hydration, nutrition, and rest. Despite these obstacles, Gough performed across a wide range of distances, demonstrating his exceptional versatility and endurance.
His performance highlights a broader trend in masters athletics.
“People are staying fitter for longer, and the level of performance at international events is extraordinary,” Gough reflected. “It’s inspiring to see athletes in their 70s and 80s competing at a high level. The standards have risen globally, and the competition has never been tougher.” This growing competitiveness, combined with the professionalism of preparation and attention to detail by athletes, has helped raise the bar for masters athletics internationally. Gough’s accomplishments are underpinned by decades of dedicated coaching. He has worked with coach Dick Murphy for 35 years, with Murphy tailoring programmes to help him perform across a range of events.
“He has guided me through every stage of my career, tailoring programmes to allow me to perform at my best. His dedication, without pay, is extraordinary, and he’s one of the unspoken heroes of Waterford sport,” said Gough.
The training regime balances speed work, endurance, and middle-distance preparation, allowing Gough to compete effectively in races ranging from 200 metres to the half marathon.
Reflecting on the scale of his achievements this year, Gough said, “I’ve had two world medals, two European medals, three British masters medals, and a host of national records. From the 200 metres sprint to the half marathon, I currently hold 23 Irish records.” This range of success demonstrates not just his talent but also the adaptability and dedication required to maintain peak performance across multiple disciplines and distances.
While Gough’s year has been extraordinary, he plans to take a well-earned break before returning to training.
“I love spending time in my garden,” he said. “When my racing is going well, the garden can go a bit wild, so now it’s time to give it some attention. My racing can take a pause for a little while, but I’ll be back at it in due course.” With an exceptional year behind him, Joe Gough knows his achievements have firmly cemented his status as one of Ireland’s standout masters athletes.
His dedication, versatility, and longevity in the sport serve as a reminder of what is possible with commitment and passion, inspiring the next generation of athletes in Waterford and beyond.
