Mageean a late withdrawal as Akeleke and Lavin to take centre stage at National Championships

While Rhasidat Adeleke and Sarah Lavin should have little trouble blasting to gold in their respective events, the hardest work they’ll face is obliging the droves of selfie-seeking, autograph-hunting youngsters at the finish.

Fri, 28 Jul, 2023 - 07:00

Cathal Dennehy

On the 150th birthday of the Irish Athletics Championships, it’s fitting that two athletes will take centre stage in Santry tomorrow who typify just how things have changed for the sport – and the nation itself – in recent times.

Two sprinters – two female sprinters – will headline the opening day at Morton Stadium, and while Rhasidat Adeleke and Sarah Lavin should have little trouble blasting to gold in their respective events, the hardest work they’ll face is obliging the droves of selfie-seeking, autograph-hunting youngsters at the finish.