Young Irish stars head for Ukraine

A small but elite band of athletes will represent Ireland at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Eight athletes have been selected for the competition which sees the best young athletes in the world compete.

Sligo’s Zak Irwin, who won the Irish schools intermediate boys 100m and 200m in June, competes in the half lap sprint and is excited about the marathon adventure that will see them fly via Berlin and Istanbul before arriving in Donetsk.

“I’m looking forward to mixing it up with the best in the world and seeing how I fare,” said the 16 year-old. “I’m not going to worry about anything. I’ll try and execute my heat well and see where that takes me.”

It will be a difficult challenge for the young Irish fledglings to make a mark at this level and early stage of development. Personal bests will be the main target for the next generation on this occasion. The competition runs from July 10-14

IRELAND TEAM: David Cussen (Old Abbey), High Jump; Alanna Lally (Galway City Harriers), 400m; Fellan McGuigan (Finn Valley), Hammer; John Kelly (Finn Valley), Shot Putt; Fiona Tuite (Fingallians), Shot Putt; Zak Irwin (Sligo), 200m; Alice Akers (Marian AC), Hammer; Kayleigh Cronin (Spa Muckross), Discus.