Cullen’s comeback to highlight Day 1 of national championships

Cullen to highlight Day 1

Mary Cullen makes her long-awaited return to the GloHealth National Track and Field Championships this afternoon with an eye on a world championships qualifying time with the ultimate goal of Olympic qualification for Rio next year. 

The North Sligo athlete goes into the women’s 5,000m in search of a world qualifying time of 15:20.00. Cullen, European indoor 3,000m bronze medallist in 2009, is running her first outdoor national championship since 2007. Her closest challenger looks to be Leevale's Michelle Finn. Below is a preview of the main action of day 1. You can get check the timetable here. 

Women’s 5,000m walk

The women's 5,000m Race Walk is the first final of the day and Lauren Whelan (Leevale) should strike gold if she is fit and healthy with Maeve Curley and Veronica Burke looking to have an impact.

Treacy targets 3,000m steeplechase

Dunboyne's Sara Treacy should retain her national title in the absence of Kerry O'Flaherty (Newcastle) and Michelle Finn (Leevale) – O'Flaherty is racing in the 1500m while Finn tackles the 5,000m. Annmarie McGlynn (Letterkenny) has focused on the 'chase this year and will be to the fore with Jessica Coyne (Dooneen) likely to round out the medal rostrum. 

10,000m men: Clohisey vs Christie

The 10,000m is set for a straight showdown between Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock) and Mark Christie (Mullingar Harriers). Clohisey has been to the fore on the road, cross and track and finished second in the national half marathon championships last weekend. He’ll be looking to go one better this weekend and retain his 10,000m crown. 

Men’s hammer

It will be difficult to choose the winner but Killian Barry (Crusaders) and Padraig White (Dunboyne) are among the lead entrants alongside Robert Moffett (Ballymena and Antrim). 

Triple jump contenders

An Riocht’s Denis Finnegan is the favourite in the men’s triple jump but will face competition from Eoin Kelly (St Abbans), Antonio Andujar (Clonliffe Harriers), Conall Mahon (Tir Chonaill) and Tullamore Harriers’ up and coming Jordan Hoang. 

Mary McLoone (Tir Chonaill), Laura Saulters (North Down), Sarah Buggy (St Abban’s) and Kate Farrelly (City of Lisburn) are among the lead entrants in the women’s triple jump. It’s hard to look beyond multiple winner McLoone for gold.  

Gunning and White look to retain javelin titles

Rory Gunning (Fr Murphy AC) will be looking to retain his javelin title with a best of 61.88m this year but is behind Sean McBride (Strabane) on the rankings who has thrown 62.23m. Added into the mix will be last year’s medallists Shane Aston (Trim) who won silver and bronze medallist Jaco Oosthuysen (Donore Harriers).

Anita White (DSD) looks to have too much for her rivals in the women’s javelin. White won the National League Final and has a best of 45m this year. World Youths starlet Michaela Walsh (Swinford), Denise Byrne (Clonliffe Harriers), Claire Fitzgerald (Tralee Harriers) and Olivia McDonald (St Peters) will battle it out for the medals. 

Fitzgerald favourite in the Discus

Claire Fitzgerald (Tralee Harriers) is the leading contender in the women’s discus with Anne-Marie Torsney (Fingallians) her most likely challenger. The event starts at 14:30.