Upbeat Irish camp eyeing record Euro medal haul

NEVER before has an Irish team carried so many medal hopes intoa major athletics championship – hopes that were reinforced by an air of optimism as the squad of 33 began to assemble at their base in Barcelona yesterday for the European championships.

“Everyone was nice and calm and there is a great atmosphere here,” team manager, Patsy McGonagle, said.

“Some of the athletes have been here since Saturday and others – like Derval (O’Rourke) won’t arrive in until Monday – but they all appear to be happy and that has to be a good sign.”