Irish hammer record holder Eileen O’Keeffe heads a strong Irish challenge for the World University Games in Bangkok next month. She recorded a big win in the European Cup in Vaasa Finland last month and was a comfortable winner of the hammer event at the Lee Strand Riocht international on Monday. Thomas Chamney was just a tenth of a second off his best 800m time when he easily won the 800m in Belgium over the weekend, and should run a lot faster given a more competitive race. He was unlucky not to reach the final of the 800m at the European indoor championships in Birmingham in March. European under 23 cross country silver medallist Fionnuala Britton is entered for the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m, while Mary Cullen has slashed her PB’s over several distances so far this year. She chased Britton home in the Woodie’s DIY cross country championships in Sligo in March and is entered for the 5,000m. The Mullingar pair of Mark Christie and Martin Fagan will give a good account of themselves in the distance races as will Deirdre Byrne in the 1,500m. Sprinters Anna Boyle and Ailis McSweeney have built up solid experience of big championships over the past couple of years which will stand to them. David McCarthy is entered for the 400m and 800m, but has been concentrating on the longer distance this year. He filled the ‘half’ spot at the European Cup and also came close to making the final at the European indoor championships. Orla Drumm has reduced her 800m and 1,500m PB’s at almost every attempt this year, while Eoin Everard is making his first appearance on the ‘World’ stage. Sharon Heveran is making good progress in the high jump and recorded a season’s best in Birmingham over the weekend in a competition held in a downpour. Finally, Joe McAllister goes in the half marathon and will make a determined effort to climb the Irish road ranking lists. The management team of Br. John Dooley & Teresa McDaid, in co-ordination with Athletics Ireland and CUSAI have selected the squad for the upcoming World University Games. Anna Boyle (100m & 200m) Fionnuala Britton (Steeplechase & 5k) Deirdre Byrne (1500m) Thomas Chamney (800m & 1500m) Mark Christie (1500m & 5k) Mary Cullen (5k) Orla Drumm (1500m) Eoin Everard (800m) Martin Fagan (5k & 10k) Sharon Heveran (High Jump) Joe McAlister (Half Marathon) David McCarthy (400m & 800m) Ailis McSweeney (100m) Eileen O'Keeffe (Hammer