Barr clears first hurdle on marathon day

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Barr through to semi as Clohisey and McCarthy excel

Thomas Barr (Ferrybank) lived to fight another day as he qualified for the 400m hurdles semi-final while Mick Clohisey had an excellent 22nd in the men’s marathon at the IAAF World Championships in London (August 6).

Barr was first up for the Irish on day 3 of the championships and eventually finished fourth in his heat in 49.79 after Kyron McMaster (British Virgin Islands) was disqualified for a lane infringement.

“I know where I can make up the time,” said Barr who wasn’t his usual bubbly self post-race. “That was a little disappointing but I’ve a second bite at the cherry.” The Waterford hurdler goes in the first semi-final at 20:20 tomorrow evening (https://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-championships/iaaf-world-championships-london-2017-5151/results/men/400-metres-hurdles/semi-final/startlist#resultheader) in lane 9 and includes Olympic champion Kerron Clement (USA).

Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock) put in his best championship performance finishing 22nd in the men’s marathon in a season’s best of 2:16:21.

“I’m happy to get myself back on track with a strong, solid performance,” said Clohisey who struggled in the Olympic marathon in Rio and subsequently at the London marathon last April. “I wanted to get as high a place as possible and I got my tactics right.”

There wasn’t such joy for Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF) who finished 63rd in 2:27:33. The Clare man was in no mood to make excuses despite struggling to take on his drinks from 15km into the race.

“It was a tough day at the office but great credit to Mick Clohisey,” said Hehir afterwards. “I’m not going to make excuses, championship running throws curveballs at you. The support out there was incredible. I’m so humbled by their support. I feel like I let myself down and the flag down. I really hope it’s not going to be my last opportunity to run for Ireland.”

Claire McCarthy (Leevale) was another good performer in the women’s marathon finishing 33rd in 2:38:26. The 41 year-old mother of four was pleased with her efforts and just 26 seconds outside her personal best on a championship course. “I would have liked to have run a pb but there was a lot of twists and turns that took their toll later on. I gave it my all.”

Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers) bowed out in his red hot 400m semi-final in 6th in 45.42 – a very positive championship for the Tallaght man.

“I went out there and I had all the best guys in the world around me. It was tough but I'm fairly satisfied. It’s the best event in athletics right now.”

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