THE Spaniards tried to put down a marker but Alistair Cragg responded by throwing down the gauntlet in the semi-finals of the 5,000m at the European championships in Gothenburg last night where the Irish experienced a mixture of drama and heartbreak, as well as the promise of medal success.

LIAM REALE, in his first appearance at a major championship, qualified for the final of the men’s 1,500m with a never-say-die performance at the European Championships in Gothenburg last night, finishing eighth in 3:41.97 in a heat that produced all four fastest losers.