Final places for World Championships up for grabs

There are more than just medals at stake at this weekend's National Track and Field Championships at Santry Stadium. There may also be a plane ticket to Beijing.

With the qualification window closing on Monday, there are still some places to be filled for the World Championships, which get underway in Beijing next Saturday week. Under the new qualification rules, athletes can also be selected if they fall within the IAAF quota for that particular event.

So, while the likes of Mark English (800m), Thomas Barr (400m hurdles), Rob Heffernan (50km walk), and Kerry O'Flaherty and Michelle Finn (both 3,000m steeplechase) have all secured the necessary A-standard which ensures their selection, several other Irish athletes fall within the IAAF quota.

These include the men’s 4x400m relay, and also Kelly Proper (200m), Ciara Everard (800m), Ciara Mageean (1,500m), Sara Treacy (3,000m steeplechase) and Ben Reynolds (110 hurdles). The men’s relay places will be largely decided on performances in Santry, while winning the national title would certainly help ensure the selection of the other individuals.

For English it’s all about gearing up Beijing, although he won’t have it all his own way: Declan Murray looks the most likely challenger, with Karl Griffin moving down for the 400m as he has an eye on a 4x400m relay spot. Others in contention over two laps are Niall Tuohy, Kieran Kelly and Mark Hoy.

There will be an hour’s highlights package on RTÉ 2 at 8.0 on Sunday evening.