Dublin International free!!

Pherekydes

According to the AAI, the International on Saturday next is free. It could be a great day's athletics if the weather holds up.

Paul Hession makes a welcome return to competition at the Dublin International in the Morton Stadium on Saturday running the 200 metres. Paul who has a best time this season of 20.75 missed last weekends national championships due to injury.

This weekend will provide an indicator to his current form prior to heading to Gothenburg for the European Championships.

Once again the Morton Mile looks like being a high-quality event in Santry. Many of the athletes have excellent current form and if the pacemaking is good several athletes should be well under 4 minutes. The favourite is probably South African Johan Cronje who has recently run 3.36.73 and has alos run 1.45 for 800 metres this year. Anthony Famiglietti, USA with a 3.55.71 for the mile this year will clearly be a strong contender. Last years winner Abdi Youcef, Australia who nhas a lifetime best of 3.35 for 1500 metres ran 8.21.98 for the steeplechase last weekend and is obviously in top form. Luke Watson USA, Chris Moss England, James Thie Wales are all sure to feature. Colin Costello heads the irish challenge at this stage.

Some exciting racing is expected in several other events including the 400 metres with Ofentse Mogawane South Africa leading the field with a time of 45.40; Joanne Cuddihy who had a fantastic national championships runs the 200 metres and will be opposed by Annabelle Smith Australia and hopefully a fully recovered from injury Ciara Sheehy; Morne Nagel the hugely talented South African sprinter runs in the 100 metres will be a big attraction.

The meeting starts at 2.45 and finishes at 5.05.

DaveH

Down in Santry last night. just saying how could they promote the Dublin international, when no in irish athletics knows whose competing???

Dublin international always seems to be a bit of a joke!