Clonliffe's Eoin McDonnell ran 1.55.19 to edge under the 1m56s standard and qualify for the European Youth Olympics in July at the Dublin Board Graded Meeting in Irishtown Stadium last night. Running in the 5th. of seven 800m races on the programme the smooth running 16 year old McDonnell was always close to the front at the bell reached in 57s.He withstood the challenges of the more experienced Fintan McGee and Eoin Flynn down the back straight and came down the home straight strongly and held off the fast finishing Eoin Cummins. Following on last weeks womens 1500 qualifiers the popularity of the series is illustrated by athletes from Wexford, Carlow, Limerick, Louth,Donegal and Waterford eschewing the lure of T.V. soccer to compete in Irishtown . Full results www.dublinathletics.com N.B. Achieving the qualifying standard does not guarantee selection. The team will be selected after the KitKat All Ireland schools championships. A team of twelve will be selected - Webmaster