Cork abuzz as athletes arrive for City Sports

With just a day to go to the BUPA Ireland Cork City Sports at Cork's Mardyke Arena, a host of international athletes have converged on the city.

Up to 200 athletes will be taking part this year, from about 40 countries - and they will all have arrived in Cork by 10pm tonight.

"Cork Airport is buzzing at the moment," said City Sports public relations officer Tony O'Connell.

"The athletes are coming in on a number of flights today, as well as more travelling down from Dublin."

Among them is Cork's Sonia O'Sullivan, competing this year in the 5000m.

The international athletes will be staying in Brookfield, the student accommodation village attached to University College Cork (UCC).

The City Sports will take place on July 3 at UCC’s Mardyke Arena. The event list includes high jump, long jump and a range of distance events which are attracting top talent.

The first event is the pole vault, which will start at 12.30pm. The opening parade will take place at 2pm and all events are expected to end by 5pm.

Tickets are €10 per adult (€15 for stands) and €5 for students and OAPs. Tickets are available at the gate, or from Tony O'Connell, PRO, 85 North Main Street, Cork (021 421275)