Victories in the last two events of the European Cup Division 2 for men at Banska Bystrica enabled Ireland gain promotion to Division one for 2007.After the women retained their position in Prague both teams will now compete together in the higher division next year. It was all so nerve wracking in Banska Bystrica with the hosts Slovakia out in front with 129.5 pts and Ireland 2nd 109 pts with Israel and Denmark one point behind with 128pts . It was the 3000 metres victory of Mark Kenneally and the 4x400 win by Brian Murphy , Antoine Burke, Paul McKee and David Gillick that clinched it . Results

• 200 metres 2nd Paul McKee 21.15 (+0.3 )
• 800 metres 2nd Tom Chamney 1.50.96
• 3000 metres 1st Mark Kenneally 8.23.44
• 110 Hurdles 5th Ian McDonald 14.84 (-0.6 )
• 3000schase 3rd Mark Kirwan 9.04.88
• 4x400 1st Ireland 3.07.06
• Pole Vault 7th Anthony McCreery 4.40
• Triple Jump 6th Leslie Leung 13.72
• Discus 7th Ger Nagle 46.06
• Javelin 8th Paul Marry 49.24

The Irish mens team were in 2nd place ( 61 pts )behind the host nation Slovakia ( 64.5 pts ) following the first days competition of the European Cup Division 2 in Banska Bystrica. There were five individual successes for Ireland in the 100 metres Paul Brizzel ; 400 David Gillick; 1500 metres David Campbell; 400 metres hurdles Antoine Burke; 4x100 relay Darragh Graham, Paul McKee, Caolan Flanagan, Paul Brizzel. Results

• 100 metres 1st Paul Brizzel 10.68 SB
• 400 metres 1st David Gillick 46.49
• 1500 metres 1st David Campbell 3.49.71 PB
• 5000metres 2nd Keith Kelly 14.17.52 SB
• 400 metres H 1st Antoine Burke 52.28 SB
• Long Jump 5th Steve Fleming 6.87
• Shot 6th John Leahy 15.94 SB
• Hammer 5th Padraig White 57.68 PB
• 4x100 relay 1st Ireland 40.69 SB

Meanwhile, Colin Griffin who had a recent disqualification at the World Cup of Racewalking due to injury problems bounced back to good form in Leamington at the weekend to take 4th place in the 20K walk in 85.09. Jamie Costin finished 7th in 89.35. In the women's 20K Ann Loughnane was 4th in 95.54