,ssdaMeath’s Ciarán Caulfield on Royal transformation: ‘The7zwa Dublin game was probably the big one … from the belief side’

You would think there would be a bigger crowd in Paris. Its like rent a crowd at the moment.

Diamond League 1 Grand Slam Track 0.

As a senior athlete Mark English has won 9 indoor and 8 outdoor National titles. He has won Internatioal medals both indoor and outdoor. He is the first Irishman to break 1.44 and the last person to tell anyone all that would be Mark himself.

Athletes need their coaches most when things are not going well. Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows have shown great patience with Sarah Healy who is now fulfilling the talent that was always believed to be within her. Credit is also due to her training group and their support.

With 2 Stars and solid back up Ireland qualify 2 relay teams for Tokyo. The best part is that neither qualificatio is a surprise.

I would say Andrew Coscorans toughest opponent this year could be the Tax man.

It a lash. Over the last two laps she broke the spirit of O'Dowda to finish four seconds clear to give her the Bronze medal. A memorable and historical 35 minutes in Irish Athletics.

Next up we settled in to watch a gallant but ultimately frustrating result for Kate O'Connor in taking 4th place. This was based on the fact that both Kate and Jade O'Dowda both had similar PB's over 800m. Kate had other ideas. Midway through the race she decided to give.

Raised arms in the air. This may well prove to have been a defining moment in Sarah's career. The monkey well and truly off her back.

total concentration. Sarah showed great maturity in dealing with the many incidents in the race. With 2 laps to go she was running second with Mellisa Courtney Bryant in front on the inside. Coming into the straight she edged to the front and went on to cross the line first.

That Sarah Healy is very talented is without doubt but her achilles heel seemed to have been her mindset. Both Athlete and Coach had worked hard on this but going into the final as a contender for a medal was going to be a big test. The race was a muddled affair and required . .

to his plan of taking the inside track only moving out to Lane 2 on the last it was down to who could finish strongest. Mark worked his way into 3rd to secure Bronze and Irelands first meadal in Apeldorn.

First up was Mark English. A proven Championship performer with 4 previous European medals he had qualified for the final by mainly sticking to an inside route. Looking his usual unflappable self Mark was in with a good chance to add to his medal haul. Once again Mark stuck.

The photographers must love Sean Tobin for the finish line drama he provides

The Cultural melting pot that is Irish athletics is a great tribute to the inclusivity of the sport. If you are new to this country there are few places more wecoming.

This is how you inspire the next generation

Every viewing point taken up

Saw Sarah Lavin interract with some children after her victory in Abbotstown today. What a role model she is.