Thomas Barr and Marcus Lawler shine in Athlone

Athletics: Thomas Barr and Marcus Lawler starred at the Irish Universities Championships Indoor championships in Athlone yesterday.

Barr, representing UL, edged DCU’s Dara Kervick over 400m with a late surge in 47.22 seconds ahead of Kervick’s 47.28. Marcus Lawler (IT Carlow) showed a significant return to form to win the 60m in 6.83 and the 200m in 21.18. “I was third last year in the 60m and a little disappointed,” said a happy Lawler after his 60m win. “It was a big personal best for me. I’m happy with that.”

Steph Creaner was the star female performer when winning the 200m in 23.82 seconds. An Irish women’s distance medley relay team comprising DSD’s Claire Tarplee (1200m), Ballymena and Antrim’s Christine McMahon (400m), Lagan Valley’s Katie Kirk (800M), and UCD’s Ciara Mageean (1600m) will compete in the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston today.