JUST when Irish spirits needed a lift at the European championships in Paris yesterday, young Darren McBrearty stepped up with one of the most courageous performances of the afternoon to claim his place in today’s semi-finals of the men’s 800m.

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.

IN anticipation of a long day at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, where the European athletics championships get under way this morning, a room has been booked for Derval O’Rourke at a nearby hotel.

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.

The 2011 Woodie's DIY Irish Indoor Championships got underway at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast today. The highlight was the women's 3,000 metres walk which was won by Laura Reynolds from Mohill AC.

CRAIG Murphy (Douglas Community School) ended two years of frustration when winning the senior boys’ title at the KitKat Irish Schools Cross-Country Championships at Dartfield Equestrian Centre, Loughrea on Saturday.