Mawdsley: Ireland are now a relay force

Things have changed for Irish relay teams at major championships

BIG PLANS: Irish 400m star, Sharlene Mawdsley can now expect success, rather than hope for it. Pic: Sam Barnes, Sportsfile

In recent years, Irish relay teams have gone to major championships chiefly in hope, not expectation, their qualification for several global 4x400m finals typically met with surprise and elation.

But this year, things feel different. Beyond their record of securing several top-eight finishes at global level, there are two chief reasons: Rhasidat Adeleke and Sharlene Mawdsley.