Heffernan on way home after tragic loss

IRISH race walker Robert Heffernan (Togher A.C) was yesterday on a flight home from the World Championships in Dageu following the sudden death of his mother, Maureen, at her Cork home.

Heffernan, who had high hopes of a top placing in the championships which begin at the weekend, learned of the tragic news from Athletics Ireland team management in the early hours of the morning and, along with his wife, Marian, made immediate plans to return to Ireland.

Last summer Heffernan performed heroically to finish fourth in both the 20km and 50km races at the European Championships in Barcelona.