DAY4: THREE MORE IRISH ADVANCE AS BARR BOWS OUT WITH TOP 10 FINISH

The morning session of day 4 at the European Athletics Championships in Munich has been another hugely successful one for Team Ireland, with another 3 athletes progressing to the next stage of their respective competitions.

Mark English advanced safely through to tomorrow's 800m semi-final with a smooth 1.47.54 to claim first place in the second of the 800m heats. English looked in total control and a superb move with 250m to go secured automatic qualification for the Donegal athlete. The 2014 bronze medallist will return for the semi-finals tomorrow from 7.27pm.

There was a brave run from John Fitzsimons in the third 800m heat, crossing the finish in 7th in a time of 1.48.22. Fitzsimons was right in contention at the bell but interference on the final lap halted his momentum at a crucial part of the race.

Irish 800m record holder, Louise Shanahan, also advanced from her 800m heat with a brilliantly judged 3rd place finish in 2:02.80 to go through to tomorrow’s semi-final as one of the automatic qualifiers.

Thomas Barr was 3rd in the first of the 400mH semi-finals and unfortunately his 49.30, which was his second fastest time of the season, was not enough to progress to the final.

It was always going to be a big ask from lane 8 with fresh athletes entering the competition at the semi-final stage, but Barr still managed to secure another top 10 at a major championships, missing out on his place in the medal decider by just one position.

Steeplechasers Michelle Finn and Eilish Flanagan led out the Irish team on day 4 of these championships, with Finn securing her place in Saturday’s 3000m steeplechase final with a superb final lap to cross in 9:49.85 and qualify as one of the non-automatic qualifiers.

Flanagan ran another brave race in the second semi-final but became detached with a few laps to go and couldn’t reel back the leading pack. She crossed in 12th place in 10:00.72.

Marcus Lawler was the final of the Irish team in action this morning, the Tokyo Olympian finishing in 7th place in the heats of the 200m in a time of 21.10 which was not enough to qualify on this occasion.

DAY 4 EVENING SESSION

Andrew Coscoran takes to the start line in the 1500m final tonight (8.05pm), lining up in a quality field which includes Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Coscoran is no stranger to the big occasion and experience gained at a European indoor final, as well as World and Olympic semi-finals are sure to see the Star of the Sea athlete produce another gritty display.

Roisin Flanagan will be the final Irish athlete to take to the track later tonight, taking her place in strong looking women’s 5,000m final. Flanagan will look to carry in her recent form which saw her claim an outstanding 15:26.76PB at the Commonwealth Games earlier this month.

DAY 4: THURSDAY 15TH

Team Ireland European Championships

(Times listed in Irish Time)

Thursday 18th (Times listed in Irish time)

• 8.05pm Men’s 1500m Final: Andrew Coscoran (PB 3:35.66)
• 8.25pm Women’s 5000m Final: Roisin Flanagan (PB 15:26.76)

Entry Lists and lull results: HERE

Where to watch: HERE