Second Irish Record of the day The opening day of the Woodies’s DIY senior championships has certainly been a memorable one. After Eileen O’Keeffe’s smashing record in the hammer we were treated to another massive record just a short time later. Paul Hession, just a week after claiming the 200m record for himself in Sheffield, he was back on track in his strongest event. With near perfect conditions in Santry he blasted out of the blocks and finished the proverbial mile ahead of his rivals. The timing clock at the side of the track did not work for that particular race, so it was a wait for the time from upstairs. 20.30!!!! Incredible running and a new Irish record for the Athenry man. And the promise of more to come. Well done Paul. The scene is set for a great 800m final tomorrow with David Campbell, Thomas Chamney and David McCarthy all qualifying easily. However, there was a big surprise when Campbell later lined up for a heat of the 1,500m, winning easily. Liam Reale also won comfortably, but there was no show today by James Nolan. Eileen O’Keeffe returned to the winner’s enclosure after adding the discus. Gary Thornton was waiting for no one in the 10,000m, leading from gun to tape for an impressive win. Closest race of the day was the women’s 200m. Here it was neck and neck all the way with Joanne Cuddihy having to pull out all the stops to win by the thickness of her vest from Ciara Sheehy. The women’s 800m is shaping up to be a tremendous final tomorrow with all the principals qualified. Mark Kirwan won the steeplechase in spite of falling into the water on the last round. Stephen Fleming won the long jump and Deirdre Ryan the high jump. Results Day 1