A tremendous performance from the Irish team at the European Team championships in Banka Bystrica in Slovakia saw them finish in second place to guarantee promotion for next year’s event.
Leevale athletes Derval O’Rourke, Mark Hanrahan and Deirdre Murphy contributed to the team’s excellent performance. Derval looked very impressive in winning the 100m hurdles with her second fastest time of the season, 13.17, while Mark, making his European Cup debut, ran well to finish second in the 5,000m. Deirdre competed in the discus.
John Sheehan, director of speed with AAI, states he is extremely satisfied with the performance of the both the men and women’s teams. This is a very positive step for Irish athletics.
Final points Total after 40 Events
1. LTU 216,00
2. IRL 200,50
3. LAT 181,00
4. AUT 180,50
5. SVK 180,00
6. CRO 174,00
7. BUL 163,00
8. CYP 140,00
Derval O'Rourke - women's team captain