Ireland's 400 metres hopefuls, Brian Gregan and Marian Heffernan, both had disappointing runs on the opening day of action in the European Indoor Championships.

Mary Cullen broke away from the field in the final 400 metres to win gold in the 1500 metres final at the Woodie's DIY Irish Indoor Championships in Belfast.

Celbridge sprint star David McCarthy missed out on his bid to make consecutive World Indoor finals this afternoon in Budapest, as he faded over the final lap to clock a poor 47.34s in fifth in the first 400m semi-final.