Purcell impresses

Harry Purcell recorded an impressive victory in heat 2 of the men's 800m in 1:54.55 to lay down a marker ahead of tomorrow's semi-finals at the European Junior Athletics Championships in Eskilstuna. "I felt class," was the Trim AC athlete's immediate response after a tactically astute run. A slow opening 400m of 59 seconds didn't bother Purcell and he showed an impressive turn of speed with 200m to go. Cillian Kirwan nabbed the final qualifying spot as a fastest loser in 1:53.76 having finished 5th in heat 1 where Great Britain's Kyle Langford impressed in 1:53.28. You can get the results here and watch Harry Purcell's post race interview below. 

Behan the best of the rest

Matthew Behan was the best of the rest of the Irish athletes in the first session of day two's action in Eskilstuna. Despite clattering a few hurdles, Behan qualified for this evening's 110m Hurdles semi-finals with a third place finish in 14.37 seconds. Garbhan McKenna finished 5th in his heat in 14.41 and was "happy with the experience" he gained. Alice Akers finished 25th overall in the women's hammer qualifying with throws of 54.44m and 54.06m. For full results of the first session on day two click here