Irish interest at the World championships ended in the early hours of this morning when our two 50k walkers were in action. However, it was disappointment for both as Colin Griffin was DQ’d in the early stages, and Jamie Costin was forced to drop out with cramps in the last 10k. Overall the Irish team performed with distinction in each event. They return home with two sixth place finishes by Robert Heffernan and Eileen O’Keeffe – four semi final appearances by Paul Hession, David Gillick, Derval O’Rourke and Joanne Cuddihy – two final appearances by Roisin McGettigan and Fionnuala Britton – and one national record by Joanne Cuddihy in the 400m. For those of us at home the team had us glued to our televisions for the duration of the championships, gave us plenty to cheer about, and gave hope to every athlete in the country who will look with confidence to a successful future for Irish athletics. Well done to each and every member of the team.