EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY champion Fionnuala Britton will lead the Irish challenge when the European Track and Field Championships get underway in Helsinki later this month.
The Kilcoole AC star has hit the “A” qualifying standard in the 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m but will focus on the latter as she continues her Olympic preparations in Finland from 27 June – 1 July.
Britton is joined by seven other London-bound athletes in Ireland’s 26-member squad, including Joanne Cuddihy (400m), Jessie Barr (400m hurdles), Ciara Mageean (1,500m), Stephanie Reilly (3,000m steeplechase) and Tori Pena (pole vault).
Paralympian Jason Smyth and Olympian Paul Hession go in the men’s 100m and 200m sprint events respectively while national record holder David Gillick, who is yet to qualify for London, is named as part of the 4x400m relay team.
However high jumper Deirdre Ryan and world silver medallist Derval O’Rourke will skip the championships to continue their own preparations for this summer’s games.
Ireland squad
Jason Smyth (100m); Amy Foster (100m & 200m); Steven Colvert (200m); Paul Hession (200m); Brian Gregan (400m); Joanne Cuddihy (400m); Ben Reynolds (110m hurdles); Thomas Barr (400m hurdles); Jason Harvey (400m hurdles); Jessie Barr (400m hurdles); Paul Robinson (1500m); Ciara Mageean (1500m); Orla Drumm (1500m); Stephanie Reilly (3000m steeplechase); Mark Kenneally (10,000m); David Rooney (10,000m); Fionnuala Britton (10,000m); Tori Pena (Pole Vault); Joanne Cuddihy, Claire Bergin, Marian Heffernan, Michelle Carey, Catriona Cuddihy, Joanne Mills (all women’s 4x400m relay); David Gillick, Brian Gregan, Brian Murphy, Thomas Barr, Jason Harvey, Tim Crowe (all men’s 4x400m relay).
