Final agony for Irish pair

There was no joy for Ireland’s two finalists at the European track and field championships in Helsinki yesterday as Brian Gregan, hit by a groin spasm 80m into the men’s 400m final, faded in the closing stages of the race and Jessie Barr, trying out a new stride pattern, never got into a striking position in the women’s 400m hurdles final.

The men’s 400m gold medal went to the pre-race favourite Pavel Maslak of the Czech Republic, who won in 45.24 secs from hungarian Marcell Deak-Nagy 45.52, but it was only a few strides from the line that Gregan (46.04), in the bronze medal position, faded and was overtaken by Yannick Fonsat of France, 45.82.

“I was okay going into the race but 80 metres in my groin went into spasm,” he said. “I just gritted my teeth and went for it. I could have medalled out there”