Murphy digs deep

Cork’s Brian Murphy showed true grit in the men’s 400m to win his third national title in a row in 47.14, as Kelly Proper was laden with gold and four national titles in monsoon conditions at the 141st Woodie’s DIY National Track and Field Championships in Morton Stadium over the weekend.

Facing a challenge from 800m specialist Mark English (UCD), Murphy (Crusaders) had to use all his experience — his 13th final in a row — to overcome the Letterkenny man.

“He’s perhaps the most talented track and field athlete in Ireland,” said Murphy of English, who ran an excellent 1:44.84 at the London Anniversary Games on Friday night to run an A standard for the World Championships in Moscow next month.