O'Sullivan ruled out of Irish Champs

Sonia O'Sullivan has been forced to pull out of this weekend's Irish Track and Field Championships in Dublin with a foot injury.

The 35-year-old, who finished third in both the 800m and 1500m at last year's national event, flew into Limerick today to receive treatment from world-renowned sports therapist Gerard Hartmann on the injury.

Hartmann, along with O'Sullivan's medical team, have advised the 2000 Olympic silver medallist to withdraw her entry for this weekend.

"It is disappointing as I was looking forward to the race. I always enjoy the championships," said O'Sullivan, who boasts the 'A' standard for both the 5000m and marathon for next month's World Championships.

Whether the Cork woman can return to full fitness in time for Helsinki remains to be seen now.