THE stars turned up and performed and the others all exceeded what was expected of them as Ireland not only retained First League status but reinforced their position in the table at the European Team Championships in Budapest over the weekend.

On the second day of competition at the European Team Championships 1st League event in Budapest, Paul Hession staged a strong finish to win the 200 metres in a season's best time.

Ballymena woman Anna Boyle and Cork's Derval O'Rourke set new Irish senior records at the 2006 Irish Indoor Athletics Championships in Belfast this evening.

James Ellington failed to get a medal in last night’s 100m final at the IAAF World Junior Championships, but left the stadium in Grosseto with his head held high.