PB gives Ciara Mageean perfect Rio send-off

Ciara Mageean gave herself the perfect send-off ahead of the Olympic Games by running a lifetime best of 2:00.79 at the Morton Games in Santry last night, the third fastest time in history by an Irishwoman.

The 24-year-old finished second in the women’s 800m behind Britain’s Alex Bell, who won in 2:00.53.

“That’s a huge positive before Rio,” said Mageean. “I’m a bit disappointed with second place and I was hoping to go a little bit faster there’s more to come. I know I can go a little bit faster. Sub-two is what it’s all about. That’s what I want.”