Irish get ready for Tallinn test

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Always take the weather

Close your eyes in the Kadriorg Stadium and you might just think you are in Morton Stadium. The Irish athletes took to the mondo track in Tallinn this morning to some hazy rain, light breeze and a moderate temperature of 18 degrees – much like an Irish summer. 

The stadium has been host to many international competitions including the 2011 European Athletics Junior championships and Ireland have also competed her in the European Team Championships. There's nothing the Irish like to do more than talk about the weather and you can take a look at the weather and the stadium where the Irish will do battle over the next four days below. 

Healy and Manning first up in the sprints

Strides, drills, block work and various warm-ups and light sessions were conducted depending on the discipline today. Cliodhna Manning (KCH) and Phil Healy (UCC) will be first up for the Irish on the track in the 100m heats at 8:55am Irish time (10:55am Estonian time). Manning goes in heat one while Healy will be in the third and final heat. You can check their startlists here. Below is Phil Healy practicing her block start ahead of the action. 

McGuigan set for magic of the field

"The magic of the track and the magic of the field," is etched on the volunteers t-shirts and Dempsey McGuigan will be hoping to produce some magic in hammer circle at 8:05am Irish time in the first group of the qualifying section. The Ole Mississippi and Finn Valley athlete was happy with his practice throws and wil be looking for a good performance.

Dooney and Hargreaves to go the distance in first final

Kevin Dooney (Raheny Shamrock) and Brandon Hargreaves (DSD) will run in the 10,000m – the first final of the championships. They will pit their wits against Turkey's red-hot favourite Ali Kaya who boasts a 27:24.09 pb. The race is set for 4:30pm Irish time and the startlist is here

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