Irish team for Euro U-23 athletics championships announced

Athletics Ireland have announced their team for the upcoming European Under-23 Championships in Hungary.

The six-strong team will compete at the Championships in Debrechen, Hungary from July 12-15.

There is a strong middle distance emphasis on the team squad with Mark Christie of Mullingar Harriers entered in both the 1500m and the 5000m.

Andrew Ledwith, who runs with the Fr Murphy’s Club in Meath, is entered in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, while Dundrum clubman Joe Sweeney will race in the 5,000m.

Linda Byrne and Rose Anne Galligan will represent Ireland in the Women’s 1500m, with Sharon Heveran from Westport competing in the High Jump.

Gareth Devlin, High Performance manager for Athletics Ireland said: "This is the next step for these athletes on their pathway to World and Olympic Championships. We look forward to some excellent performances from the team in Hungary."

Irish Team – European U-23 Championships - Debrechen, Hungary

July 12-15, 2007

Mark Christie - Mullingar Harriers - 1500m/5000m

Andrew Ledwith – Fr. Murphy’s A.C. - 5000m/10,000m

Joe Sweeney - Dundrum South Dublin - 5,000m

Linda Byrne - Dundrum South Dublin - 1500m

Rose Anne Galligan - Newbridge A.C. - 1500m

Sharon Heveran - Westport A.C. - High Jump