Brendan Mooney

HAYLEY YELLING, the European cross-country champion, will join Sonia O’Sullivan for the women’s 3,000m at the BUPA Cork City Sports on July 2 at The Mardyke.

MARK CARROLL has confirmed his participation in the men’s 3,000m at the BUPA Cork City Sports on July 2 while his fiancée, Amy Rudolph, after a sensational 10,000m debut, drops back in distance to oppose double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes in the women’s 1,500m.

SONIA O’SULLIVAN has been travelling a familiar path along the Olympic route and this weekend could see her repeat her Sydney 2000 strategy should she double up over 800m and 1,500m at the Woodies DIY National Championships at Morton Stadium.

The Olympic Council of Ireland last night sensationally extended the Athens qualification deadline for Irish track and field athletes to 5pm on July 20, in the wake of Athletics Ireland's case pleaded on behalf of those close to the A standard.

GARY RYAN won the admiration of the fans at the BUPA Cork City Sports on Saturday and is now hoping he can get the nod from the OCI should he post the Olympic qualifying standard between now and the Athens Games.