Home favourite Rob Heffernan finished fourth in the 3km walk at the Cork City Sports meet tonight, but was pleased to set a new personal best over the distance as he continues his preparations for the European Championships.

Another masters world record for Robert Heffernan in the men’s 3,000m race walk and a sub 50 second 400m hurdles for Thomas Barr as an engaging 63rd Cork City Sports last night in Bishopstown gave a significant marker for what lies at ahead at the European Championships in Zurich in August.

Cork City Sports chairman Tony O’Connell yesterday described the entry list for next month’s event as “shaping up to be the best” in the event’s history.