Ó Lionaird takes final step in Daegu

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.

The 23-year-old Leevale athlete again ran with a confidence that belied his age as several of the big contenders including the defending champion and the world leader fell by the wayside.

This time the young Macroom man’s tactics were different to the first round heat as he settled into a top five position early on — the only time he was outside it was crossing the finish line.