Campbell cruises to historic Santry double

David Campbell claimed an historic double at the Woodie's DIY National Senior Track & Field Championships in Santry by becoming the first man to win both the 800m and 1500m titles since Eamonn Coghlan achieved the feat in 1981.

Campbell beat defending champion Thomas Chamney into second in an ultra-competitive 800 final. The Maynooth man came home first in a time of 1 minute, 49.45 seconds, leaving Chamney and the third-placed David McCarthy in his wake.

Showing great form ahead of next month's World Championships, the Osaka-born Campbell then dethroned Liam Reale of his 1500 crown with a superb finish. Colm Rooney of Clonliffe Harriers also finished well to take second place.

Asked how he felt after his stunning double, Campbell beamed: "Could nine comes to mind...I'm delighted. It's a massive achievement for me. It's what I set out to do at the start of the year. You just put your head down and win the race on the day.

"I've never won a national title. Its a big deal for me and I'm just delighted with how the championships have gone for me," added the 25-year-old.

After his record-breaking heroics in the 200 metres yesterday, Athenry flyer Paul Hession 'doubled up' by cantering to the 100m gold in a time of 10.45 seconds.

Hession, who had never won 100 title previously, is the first man to achieve the double over the short sprints since Gary Ryan did so in 1999.

Kilkenny's Joanne Cuddihy showed great strength to win the 400 metres final in 51.86 seconds, a very quick time considering the wet conditions. It follows her 200 win yesterday and for the second successive year, the UCD medical student has a 200-400 double to celebrate.

Double European Indoor champion David Gillick also retained his 400m title by easing home in a time of 46.34 seconds. Gordon Kennedy of Tullamore Harriers unfortunately false-started when the one-lap finalists were on a warning and had to be disqualified.

Cork's Derval O'Rourke was attempting a double of her own this afternoon but could only manage silver in the 100m final. Kilkenny woman Emily Maher won in a very close finish with O'Rourke slipping and falling over the line as she attempted to outdip her rival. It was Maher's first 100 gold since her victory over the distance in 1999.

A freshly-bandaged O'Rourke regained her poise by later retaining her 100m hurdles crown, securing the title for the sixth time in seven years.