CIARAN Ó LIONAIRD took another giant step forward in his fragmented athletics career yesterday when he finished sixth in his semi-final of the men’s 1,500m at the world championships in Daegu to qualify for tomorrow’s final.

Offaly runner James Nolan finished well outside of the qualification reckoning in his 1500m semi-final last night in the Olympic stadium, clocking 3:42.61 for tenth behind race winner Adil Kaouch.