Falling level of interest

ATHLETICS: This afternoon's Belfast International cross-country will provide the only high-class race on these shores this season but will be without any notable Irish interest in the men's race.

A combination of illness, injury and unavailability has deprived the race of any member of the current men's national cross-country squad, a situation that also highlights the falling level of participation at senior level.

Seamus Power and Peter Mathews, who between them have dominated the sport at domestic level for years, pulled out through illness and injury respectively but the organisers have struggled to find a suitable replacement.

Cork's Fiachra Lombard and Dublin's Mark Kenneally both raced in Newcastle last weekend, while the likes of Noel Berkeley (on holiday), Martin McCarthy (injured) and Gareth Turnbull (unavailable) are also notable absentees. The only real Irish interest now rests with local athlete Dermot Donnelly, who is returning from a long lay-off through injury.

Among those taking to the course around Stormont Estate is triple European cross-country champion Sergey Lebid of the Ukraine, world 5,000 champion Richard Limo of Kenya, and world indoor 1,500 metre champion Rui Silva of Portugal.

The women's race was also hit by the withdrawal of Catherina McKiernan, but will at least provide two strong Irish challengers in Ann Keenan-Buckley and Maria McCambridge. Both athletes are looking to build on their high finishes in Newcastle last weekend but if anything the Belfast race promises to be even more competitive.

Among those taking part is World cross-country short course silver medallist Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia, long course bronze medallist Colleen de Reuck of the US, and several top Kenyans including Salina Kosgei and Naomi Mugo.

The women's 5km race starts at 2.05 p.m. and the men's 8km race at 2.35 p.m.