DERVAL O’ROURKE WITHDREW from the national finals of the 100 metre hurdles at Santry on Sunday to raise fears about her participation in the London Olympics.
The Cork athlete is one of Ireland’s best medal hopes on the track in the upcoming games. Athletics Ireland confirmed on Sunday afternoon that O’Rourke pulled out of the final due to an ‘injury concern’.
The withdrawal ended her hopes of capturing a 10th national title.
The Irish Examiner reported that O’Rourke may have suffered a back and hamstring injury during her warm-up. The report added that she sought immediate treatment.
RTÉ reporter Jacqui Hurley was present at Morton Stadium when the drama unfolded and tweeted about the incident.
Mairead Murphy of Ferrybank won the female 100m hurdles with a time of 14.47 seconds.
Rainy day in Dublin
Conditions in Dublin were not conducive for any record-breaking attempts as rain and wind swept through the largely un-sheltered arena.
Other results on the day of athletic action at Morton Stadium include a 100m win for Paul Hession, who ran a time of 10.37 seconds, Joanne Cuddihy in the 400m and Brian Murphy of Crusaders won the Mens’ 400m.
Crusaders also captured the 4x400m relay in the men’s section while Dundrum South Dublin won the female equivalent.
