The 56th Cork City Sports was officially launched at the Council Chambers of Cork City Hall this morning. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael Ahern did the business, with representatives of the sponsors, Spar, McDonalds, and FDC Financial Services, as well as Derval O’Rourke and David Gillick amongst the distinguished guests. The Press was well represented with newspapers, radio and television all in attendance. A lavish spread of food greeted guests for the 9am launch, with Spar’s ‘Signature’ selection of sandwiches impossible to resist! They tasted as good as they looked! Sports president Dick Hodgins thanked the various sponsors for their invaluable contribution to the continued success of Cork City Sports. He also paid tribute to Bupa Ireland whose valued contribution was very much appreciated. He also gave a run down on the athletes already signed up, and plans are well advanced with the various fields are coming together nicely. Topping this year’s bill will be Cork’s own Derval O’Rourke, World indoor champion and European 100m hurdles silver medallist. She will be joined by double European indoor 400m champion David Gillick, both of whom benefit from the sponsorship of Spar. Also in the line-up is Paul Hession who claimed the Irish 100m record over the weekend. All three will be competing in their ‘own’ events. Last year was supposed to be Mark Carroll’s ‘swansong’ for competing on the track, but such has been his recent form that he again returns to race over 3,000m. Joanne Cuddihy, who is bidding to become the first Irish woman to run under 51 seconds for 400m is another who will grace the famed Mardyke track. UK champion Sarah Claxton will again compete in the 100m hurdles, and, according to Derval, “she always seems to get a PB when she races against me”. Derval also made reference to Deirdre Ryan who competes in the high jump, saying she is set to have a great season. Incidentally, Derval has yet to record a win at Cork City Sports! Make no mistake, Cork City Sports is going to be the event to be at this year. It is also time that athletics followers everywhere came together to support Ireland’s top international track and field meet. It is time that they let our leading athletes know that they are behind them. Just imagine what a packed Mardyke would do for the leading Irish athletes. We are all more than aware how the Irish soccer and rugby teams react to crowd support. Isn’t it time we found out what the vocal backing of an Irish crowd could do for our athletes? Tickets are available from: Tony O’Connell, Public Relations Officer, Cork City Sports, 85 North Main Street, Cork. Tel: +353 21 427 6156 Fax: +353 21 425 1900 Mob: +353 86 238 5842 Adults - €10 * Students & OAPs - €5 * Covered Stand - €20 
