Irish walkers to Czech progress at European Cup

A strong Irish team will compete at the European Race Walking Cup in Podebrady, Czech Republic this Sunday (May 21st).

The biannual event will provide a marker in preparation for the World Championships in August for the senior walkers.

The team will be spearheaded by Togher's Robert Heffernan who will compete alongside Alex Wright (Leevale)and Cian McManamon (Westport) in the 20km while Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley) gets action underway in the 50km – his first time to compete over the distance in the this event.

Live streaming will be available HERE from 7.00am Irish time with the men’s 50km walk and concluding with the women’s U20 10km walk at 6.00pm. Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC) and Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC) will compete in the women’s U20 race.

A total of 226 athletes from 26 countries have been entered for the event in the historic Czech Republic spa town, situated around 50km to the east of Prague.

High Performance Director Paul McNamara said: "Athletics Ireland is excited to give the opportunity to our emerging talent who are seeking to follow in the footsteps of greats such as Olive Loughnane, Gillian O’Sullivan and Deirdre Gallagher, while at the same time this event showcases our elite male walkers, who are already well established amongst the best in Europe and the World, as part of their preparation for London 2017."

Selections

Men's 50km Walk – 7am

Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley)

Men's 20km Walk – 3pm

Alex Wright (Leevale AC)

Robert Heffernan (Togher AC)

Cian McManamon (Westport AC)

Women's U20 10km Walk – 5pm

Orla O'Connor (Waterford AC)

Niamh O'Connor (Celbridge AC)