Ger O’Donnell claimed national 110m hurdles silver at the national championships in Dublin.
O’Donnell was just 100th of a second off gold with James Ezeonu taking gold in 14.28 seconds. Carrick man O’Donnell clocked 14.29 second for silver.
Ezeonu claimed gold with a dramatic dip for the line, capturing his first national senior title. While, Dubliner Matthew Behan took bronze in 14.95 seconds.
What a moment for James Ezeonu (Leevale A.C.) as he takes his first National Senior Title in the Men's 110mH in 14.28👏
🥈Gerard O'Donnell (Carrick-on-Shannon) 14.29
🥉Matthew Behan (Crusaders A.C.) 14.95@sportsfile 📸#123Nationals #AthleticsIreland @Ask123ie pic.twitter.com/wLbthDzCRc— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 29, 2023
World final Sarah Lavin was a convincing winner of the 100m hurdlers posting 13.13 seconds. Over a second clear of Katherine O’Connor of Dundalk St. Gerards.
Elsewhere, Raheny Shamrock sprinter Mark Smyth made it back-to-back 200 metre titles posting 20.87 seconds for victory. Smyth was well clear of Leevale’s Colin Doyle.
Longford’s Aaron Kelly finished fifth in heat one, posting 24.23 seconds.
While, Katie Bergin landed the women’s 200m title posting 24.60 seconds for gold. Laura Nally took second place in 25.18 seconds.
Olympian Michelle Finn took the only other track title of the day in the 3000m steeplechase. Finn was made produce a solo run of 10:00.14. Well outside her best this year of 9:34.76.
Eleanor Foot of Bray Runners took silver in 11:17.04.
While in the field Eric Favors stole the show with a new championship shot put record of 19.91 metres. Raheny Shamrock athlete Favors is set to make a second appearance at the World championship later this year.
The national record holder, produced five throws over 19 metres, with his best coming with his last throw. Rival James Kelly was some three metres behind Favors for silver.
Tomorrow's action
Meanwhile, Cian McPhillips booked his place in the 800m final, winning his semi-final in 1:50.75. McPhillips final takes place at 7:15pm on Sunday.
