Roisin McGettigan and Fionnuala Britton kick off a potentially exciting future for Irish athletics at the World Championships beginning in Osaka on Saturday.

THE Irish women’s athletics team have retained their first division status in the European Cup.

Kelly Holmes is confident she has overcome a minor injury problem and will be in top shape before competing at the Cork BUPA Ireland City Games next weekend.

Paula Radcliffe has been given the all-clear to restart training after receiving treatment in Germany for a back injury.