IRELAND’S minute involvement in the world indoor championships at Valencia was short-lived as the two representatives, sprinter Ailish McSweeney and 1,500m runner James Nolan, bowed out opening day.

IRELAND’s Paul McKee must launch his European Championship campaign from lane nine when the first-round heats of the 400 metres get under way today.

Sonia O’Sullivan also produced a marvellous performance against reigning World 10,000m champion Berhane Adere in their BUPA 5,000m confrontation at today’s Balmoral Road Races..

The cream of British middle-distance talent will lock horns at Balmoral Castle next week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roger Bannister’s first-ever sub-four-minute mile.