O'Sullivan to increase collection

SONIA O'SULLIVAN will make the first of two appearances on home soil this season when she competes in the National Senior Track and Field championships in Morton Stadium, Santry today and tomorrow. Next weekend's Cork City Sports, at the Mardyke, will be the other outing for O'Sullivan.

An added incentive for those who garner titles over the weekend is the proviso that, assuming they have attained the necessary qualification standard, they will be guaranteed selection for next month's Olympic Games.

O'Sullivan has entered three events - the 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m - but on her last visit to Dublin O'Sullivan stated that the 1,500m would probably be the main focus of her attention as she continues her build up to Atlanta. Regardless of what event she contests she will almost certainly add to her tally of titles.

Even in the expected absence of O'Sullivan the 5,000m is certain to command much attention. At the moment six athletes have the achieved the necessary A standard and that in itself must be unique in Irish athletics with only three certain to travel. Those qualified are: O'Sullivan, Catherina McKiernan, who will probably only compete at 10,000m in Atlanta, Marie McMahon, Brid Dennehy, Sinead Delahunty and American born Katy McCandless. With O'Sullivan almost certain to be nominated that leaves only two places open for consideration.

McKiernan is a late entry and her appearance on the start line is certain to add considerably to the event. She is almost certain to win, given the composition of the other, athletes to accompany O'Sullivan at 5,000m in Atlanta and is certain to provide the selectors with plenty to mull over. Their job may be made easier if Delahunty decides to compete at 1,500m.

Nick Sweeney slipped quietly into Dublin during the week and he too will be in action. It will not be an idle weekend for the Dubliner, who is currently well placed in the world seasonal rankings for the discus. As well as his main event Sweeney will put his talents band fitness in the shot and 56lbs for both height and distance.

But the discus is the main focus of his attention and he will, no doubt, be anxious to get a good series of throws over the 63 metre mark.

One notable absentee from the list of those aiming for Atlanta is Mark Carroll. The Corkman, who began his season in fine style at the Grand Prix in Atlanta, has again been affected by injury and has journeyed to London for treatment. The problem is not regarded as serious and his absence is more of a precautionary move.

In Carroll's absence Niall Bruton will be anxious to get back on track at 1,500m after his less than satisfactory performance last weekend. With Marcus O'Sullivan also in the field Bruton will need to be at his best. But Bruton will be running on one of his favourite tracks and will be favoured to come out on top. Cormac Finnerty is now coming into form and he will take the opportunity to hone his speed at the distance while Ken Nason will lead the charge of the younger brigade.

At 800 metres James Nolan has impressed many with his performances this season and his clubmate David Matthews will need to watch him carefully. Nolan has all the attributes to reach the top at the event including the ability to sprint at the end. Matthews will, however, be anxious to maintain his supremacy at both club and domestic level and will ensure a fast early pace to take the sting out of those with greater speed down the home straight. Daniel Caulfield and David Brosnan are others who may be involved in that battle down the home straight.

Neil Ryan is another to have served notice that his clubmate Gary will not have matters all his own way in the sprints, while several of the Northern sprinters like Ian Craig and John McAdorey should not be ignored either.

T J Kearns and Sean Cahill will again battle in the high hurdles with Kearns, after injury prevented him from defending last year, back to regain his crown and maintain his domination of the event. But Peter Coghlan, who ran 14 seconds in Tallinn last weekend, may push them all the way.

Another intriguing contest will be the men's high jump. Mark Mandy has added consistency to his jumping this season while Antoine Burke, after some injury scares earlier on, has bounced back. Add in Kevin Keane, who has been jumping well in the USA, and the stage is set for some intense moments with only Mandy having achieved the qualification standard.

Terry McHugh has been abroad training and will be back in action in the javelin trying to add to his almost countless titles at the discipline. With the weather set to play its part the stage is set for two day's of exciting competition.