Irish athletes get a last shot at European qualification Several of the world’s top athletes will be inaction alongside some of Ireland’s best this weekend at the Woodies DIY National Indoor Championships in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. The world’s top decathlete, Roman Sebrle from the Czech Republic, will be in action during the weekend. The 32-year-old, who holds the World record in the Decathlon and is also Olympic and European Champion, will compete in the 60m Hurdles, the 200m and the High Jump. The field for the 5000m Walk will also contain a truly world class athlete. European Champion and silver Olympic medallist Francisco Fernandez will be among those vying for the title. The Spaniard will be looking to put in an impressive performance as he aims to take the World title in Osaka at the end of the summer. The Championships will also give Ireland’s top athletes a chance to secure their place on the Irish team that will compete at the European Indoor Championships in Birmingham next month. With Derval O’Rourke and Alastair Cragg absent from the meet all eyes will be on the likes of David Gillick to perform in front of their home crowd. Gillick, who recently broke the Irish 400m record and currently holds the 200m Irish indoor title will compete across 60m in Belfast. Paul Hession is another Irish star to watch as he has recently broken the Irish 60m record, while Anna Boyle has also been in good form in the womens 60m. Olympic and European Team Manager, Patsy McGonagle, will have a keen eye on proceedings ahead of the Irish team announcement for Birmingham on February 26th. “This is a huge meet for our top athletes. For those who have not reached the qualifying standard for Birmingham then this is practically their last chance to do so. For those who have already made the standard then it is ideal preparation ahead of the Championships at the start of March”, McGonagle said ahead of the meet.