The Woodie's DIY Senior Track and Field Championships take place next Saturday & Sunday July 23/24 at Morton Stadium. With the World Championships just two weeks later it represents the last opportunity for athletes to stake a claim for a place on the team for Helsinki. There a a number of intriguing battles in prospect with some younger athletes seeking to win their first titles. After twenty one years Terry McHugh will not be in action which will leave the way for the likes of Michael Allen or Ben Houghton. David Gillick's participation has yet to be confirmed as indeed has Sonia O'Sullivan's. Tomas Coman is entered for the 400 and he has a "B" standard of 45.91. David Gillick has run a career best of 45.93 this year. Rob Daly is on the ranking list at 46.07 this year. A fine race is in prospect if all three run. Thomas Chamney, Ciaran O'Connell and Liam Reale are among a group of younger athletes who will be in search of their first title over 800. James Nolan is entered for both 800 and 1500 where Mark Christie has run 3.41.91. Gary Murray's 3.41.02 is just behind Nolan's seasonal best of 3.40.08. Mark Carroll and Gareth Turnbull are also on the list. Paul Hession is expected to have recovered from a hamstring problem that forced him to withdraw from the European Under 23's and his battles with Gary Ryan and Paul Brizzel in the sprints should be one of the highlights. Anna Boyle has been improving all season but Ciara Sheehy has won six 200 metres titles and defends both 100 and 200. Karen Shinkins will be seeking to re-discover the form that brought her to 51.59 which is a "B" standard for the Worlds. With Sonia's participation yet to be confirmed her 13th track title may have to wait. Aoife Byrne will be seeking to retain her 800 title with Kelly Reid likely to provide the biggest challenge. After his fine jumping in Cork Ciaran McDonagh should attract interest on Saturday in the long jump. Derval O'Rourke's crisp hurdling should see her retain her 100 hurdles title with Antoine Burke the fastest of those entered for the 400 hurdles. The action begins on Saturday at 12 noon with the 10k walk and on Sunday the mens hammer opens proceeding at 12.30 with track events starting at 13.40. There will be live coverage on RTE 1 on Sunday at 4.30. Further information and assistance from Nick Davis @ 8167423(o) 087-2286913 01-8378814(h)