NATIONAL champion, Sergiu Ciobanu shaved 20 seconds off the course record which he set last year to retain the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon title yesterday in 2:25:34 and now sets his sights on Olympic qualification.

The Irish Schools opened the defense of their Celtic Cup title with a 3-1 win over Wales schools at Aberdare.

The Republic of Ireland’s Schools team seven year unbeaten run over England ended last evening when they lost by a goal to nil in their annual fixture, which was played at Lowestoft.

The Football Association of Irish Schools International team opened their international campaign with a two nil win over New Zealand at Glebe North Balbriggan.