Revitalised Ó Lionáird ready to ‘give it a lash’ in Istanbul

CIARÁN Ó LIONÁIRD is among the Irish athletes with preliminary entries for the world indoor championships in Istanbul in March and the Corkman, who turned in a series of stunning outdoor performances last season, is ready to answer the call if things go to plan.

The Leevale man’s US collegiate career was fragmented by illness and injury but it took on a new dimension after a final-year switch to Florida State.

He still struggled with his confidence but that, too, was about to change. He had hammered at 3:40 for 1500m until he lined up for an attempt at the Olympic qualifying standard in the Belgian town of Oordegem.