PAUL HESSION was deprived of a new 200m national record by a wind that gusted to 4.7 metres per second as he beat a star-studded field in 20.43 secs, while Joanne Cuddihy ran her best race of the season to win the women’s 400m in 52.26 secs at Cork City Sports on Saturday.

Brendan O’Brien

Alistair Cragg will head Ireland’s bid for medals at the European Indoor Championships taking place in Madrid from March 4-6.

MARK CARROLL is almost certain to take his place alongside Alastair Cragg in the 3,000m at the European Indoor Championships in Madrid next month and will also take part in the BUPA Great Ireland Run on April 19.

Four Olympians lead a strong Irish team for this Saturday's indoor international match between Ireland, England and Wales in Cardiff.