[7] The time qualified Cian for the 2019 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival in Azerbaijan although injury would ultimately prevent him from competing.

[9] These impressive performances landed Cian an invite to the Millrose Games in New York by event director, and fellow Longford man, Ray Flynn.

[10] In February 2021, McPhillips set a new Irish junior 800m record in a time of 1:46.13 when finishing in second place just behind Mark English.

[13] He placed himself perfectly through the race on the shoulder of the leader before finishing strongly to win in 3:46.55 ahead of Dutch athlete Rick van Riel (3:46.69).

The following week, Cian set a new Irish Under 20 record for the 1500m when running a time of 3:40.56 at the AAI Summer Games in Carlow.