Irish teams make the A grade in Reykjavik

Athletics News: The primary goal of promotion was achieved by the Irish men's and women's teams at their European Athletics Cup second league in Reykjavik at the weekend. It ensures their participation in higher Group A grade next season, closer to where they belong on the European stage.

The women won out against the other seven nations with a strong second day effort, finishing almost nine points ahead of Norway with 118 points, Austria coming third. The men's team were second to Estonia with 121 points.

Among yesterday's individual victories was Paul Brizzel in the men's 200 metres, where the Ballymena sprinter came home just in front of Raimondas Turla (Lithuania) in 21.21 seconds. Ciarán O'Connell from Monaghan also showed his potential to win the 800 metres in 1:51.76 from Victor Martinez of the Association of Small Nations. These added to victories by Rob Daly (400 metres), Daniel Caulfield (1,500 metres) and Karen Shinkins (women's 400 m) on Saturday, when the Irish women also won the 4x100 metres relay.

Robert Connelly's finishing speed in the 3,000 metres was decisive in winning with 8:24.34. The men's 4x400 metre relay side won in 3:08.49, but that's a time they still need to improve upon to get to the Olympics.

Eileen O'Keeffe got the women's team off to a great start by winning the hammer with 61.13 metres and then came Derval O'Rourke's class showing in the 100 metre hurdles with 12.42 seconds to beat Daniela Wockinger of Austria. Freda Davoren won the 1,500 metres.