WORLD CHAMPION ROB Heffernan is once again the leading medal hope in Ireland’s 30-strong team for next month’s European Track and Field Championships in Zurich.
The Corkman is one of three race walkers in the squad with Heffernan joined by Brendan Boyce in the 50 km race with Laura Reynolds competing in the 20 km event.
Two-time European cross-country champion Fionnuala Britton will compete in the 5,000 and 10,000 metre events on the track.
Athletics Ireland will send seven Marathon runners and, for the first time since 1986, three representatives in the 1500 metre field where Ciarán O’Lionaird is joined by Paul Robinson and John Travers for the middle distance race.
The sprint distances will see Amy Foster and Phil Healy compete over 100m, Kelly Proper over 200m, with Brian Gregan and Richard Morrissey in the individual 400m.
Ireland’s men will race in the 4 x 400m relay where Gregan and Morrissey will be joined by Thomas Barr (400m hurdler), Mark English (800m), Craig Lynch and Brian Murphy.
Ireland’s women will compete in the 4 x 100m relay with the final list of athletes to be finalised this week.
Ireland squad for European Championships (August 12 – 17)
100m: Amy Foster, Phil Healy.
100m hurdles: Sarah Lavin.
200m: Kelly Proper.
400m: Brian Gregan, Richard Morrissey.
400m hurdles: Christine McMahon, Jason Harvey, Thomas Barr.
800m: Mark English, Declan Murray.
1500m: Ciarán O’Lionaird, Paul Robinson, John Travers.
5000 + 10,000m: Fionnuala Britton.
Marathon: Barbara Sanchez, Kevin Seaward, Maria McCambridge, Nicola Duncan, Paul Pollock, Sean Hehir, Thomas Frazer.
20km walk: Laura Reynolds.
50km walk: Rob Heffernan, Brendan Boyce.
Pole Vault: Zoe Brown.
4 x 400m relay: Brian Gregan, Richard Morrissey, Thomas Barr, Mark English, Craig Lynch, Brian Murphy.
4 x 100m relay: Women’s team TBC.
