ATHLETICS: O’Lionaird makes track return indoors in Boston

Olympian Ciaran O’Lionaird returns to competition today 3,000m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in the Reggie Lewis Centre in Boston.

The Leevale man has been sidelined with a trouble achilles tendon which flared up during the London Games last August.

An extensive programme of cross-country action is promised for this Sunday at the Woodie’s DIY AAI Master, Intermediate & Juvenile Development Cross Country Championships in Gransha, Derry. In the master’s women’s race there is likely to be a battle between last year’s champion Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers AC) and Annette Kealy (Raheny Shamrock AC).

Defending champion Ciaran Doherty (Letterkenny AC) is back to defend his title after a commanding victory at last year’s event. Doherty performed exceptionally in 2012, which saw him become World Master Indoor Champion over 3,000m. Former champion David Morwood (Annadale AC) will be chief challenger while Mick Traynor (Raheny Shamrock AC), Paul Fleming (Rathfarnham WSAF) and Peter Mathews (Dundrum South Dublin AC) lead the charge from the capital.