Byrne to compete in Dublin

Irish cross-country champion Jolene Byrne has made a late decision to compete in Saturday’s Great BUPA Ireland Run in Dublin.

The 29-year-old American-born athlete was expected to miss the 10-kilometre event in Phoenix Park after competing in last weekend’s European Cup 10,000 metres track meeting. But Byrne, a creditable fifth in Barakaldo, feels she has recovered.

“We always wanted Jolene to be in the race, but the European Cup was always a priority for her,” said Matthew Turnbull, the meeting’s athletics director.

“We understand her reasons for leaving a decision to run on Saturday until the last minute as I’m sure she wants to do herself justice against a strong field.”

Byrne, who received approval from the International Association of Athletics Federations to compete for Ireland, could upset the odds.

European champion Hayley Yelling will start as favourite even though former Olympic 5000m silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan – who has concentrated her recent preparations on the Flora London Marathon on April 17 – is competing.

Charlotte Dale, the former European cross-country junior title-holder and third in 2003 behind O’Sullivan and Catherina McKiernan, is also a late addition to the field.

McKiernan, who claimed the title 12 months ago, will not defend her crown after retiring.