Irish athletes got off to the best possible start at the World championships in Osaka overnight. Roisin McGettigan ran a confident race in the first heat of the women’s 3,000m steeplechase. She went into the lead from the gun and was in complete control, leading through 1,000m in 3:11.54, 2,000m in 6:22.81 before eventually finishing fourth in 9:39.41 and an automatic qualifying spot in the final on Monday. Fionnuala Britton was in heat three and the European silver medallist in the under 23 cross country championships had a much tougher assignment. However, she battled all the way and finished seventh in 9:42.38, just one second outside her PB, and good enough to go forward as a fastest loser. Interesting to note that competitors had to clear five barriers on each lap - including the first. A very positive start for the Irish team. Robert Heffernan goes into action tonight in the 20k racewalk and this is live on television starting at midnight.