Ó Lionaird in confident mood, despite sixth in Morton mile

A blanket finish to last night’s Morton Mile in Santry saw 10 runners break four minutes as American runner Will Leer led the field home in 3:56.39 from David Torrence, (USA) in 3:56.40 and Ryan Gregson, (Australia) in 3:56.45. Ireland’s Ciarán Ó Lionaird, (Leevale A.C), finished sixth in 3:56.02.

London Olympics bound Ó Lionaird was satisfied with his own performance and said he was confident of further improvement before he goes into action in London. “I still lack some sharpness that comes from doing speed sessions but I know that I am improving all the time after what has been limited training due to injury. I know I will have to look at my qualifying heat of the 1,500m in London as a final and go all out to qualify.”

Brian Gregan of Clonliffe Harriers raised a big cheer as he stormed to a personal best and a brilliant victory in the men’s 400 meters in 45.61 seconds ahead of Al Mirjabi Ahmed, (OMA), 46.55 and national champion, Brian Murphy, (Crusaders A.C) who placed third in 46.53.

Anderson Kenroy of Jamacia won the men’s 100 meters in 10.26 seconds and Stephen Colvert of Crusaders A.C placed third in 10.57 seconds. Amy Foster, (City of Lisburn) won the women’s 100m equivalent. Thomas Barr (Ferrybank A.C) was second in the men’s 400 meters hurdles in 50.45 seconds while the men’s 3,000 meters event was won by American Ben True in 7:44.40 — breaking the 25-year-old stadium record held by Eamonn Coghlan who attended last night’s meeting.