Cathal Dennehy: Cian McPhillips' talent was hiding in plain sight, now everyone can see it

At events like the World Championships, it's easy to tell when an Irish athlete is making a big impact: journalists from other nations start asking about them. He goes in the 800m final at 2:22pm on Saturday. 

Cian McPhillips has learned from each of his mistakes in recent times. “I’m kind of glad I made all those mistakes because I haven’t come close to making them again," he said. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

He made it look easy. That was what was most striking. And it’s not easy. Not remotely. What Cian McPhillips achieved at the Japan National Stadium on Thursday – reaching the world 800m final – was so extremely difficult, such a rare and precious achievement, that no Irishman had ever done it.

And we’ve had some very, very good ones.