Kelly Proper breezed into the semi-finals of the women’s 200m at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich this morning, taking an automatic qualifying spot by coming fourth in her first-round heat.

It was a case of relief with Mark English qualifying for the final of the men’s 800m as a fastest loser in 1:46.23 at the Letzigrund Stadium last night while Thomas Barr unfortunately couldn’t replicate that in the 400m hurdles.

Mark English put to bed a glum night for Ireland at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, by qualifying for Friday ngiht’s final of the men’s 800 metres – but it was a close-run thing.

A morning of rain contributed to possibly the most eventful race of Christine McMahon’s career.

Rob Heffernan will lead an Irish team of 25 athlete’s to Zurich for next months Europeans, which take place from August 12 – 17.

BEN KIELY (Ferrybank AC) produced another sensational, record-breaking performance in the final of the boys’ 400m hurdles to claim a second gold medal for Ireland at the European Youth Olympics in Trabzon, Turkey, yesterday.

PAUL HESSION believes David Gillick has a superb chance of claiming a bronze medal at next month’s IAAF World Championships in Berlin.

IRISH ATHLETICS legend Sonia O’Sullivan is set for an Olympic return – but not on the track.

Athletics Ireland has announced that double gold medallist David Gillick will defend his 400m European Indoor title in Italy next month.

Athletics Ireland has announced a 12-strong team to compete at the European Indoor Track and Field Championships in Turin, Italy next month.

ROISÍN McGETTIGAN, who broke one of Sonia O’Sullivan’s old records when she finished fourth in the Reebok Women’s Mile at the Boston indoor meeting on Saturday, has been included in the Irish team for next month’s European Indoor Championships in Turin.