There were some outstanding Irish performances at the British Milers Club Nike Grand Prix in Solihull on Saturday night writes Brendan Hackett. In the men's 800-B Brendan O'Shea had a most impressive win in 1.48.5. It was the second fastest time of the night. He moved away from the field with 300m to go and never looked in danger after that. Eoin Cummins of UCD ran a personal best (PB) in the same race with 1.50.0. He followed this up winning the U-23's 800m yesterday. In the 800-C race, David Campbell (Maynooth AC) continued to show his strength by taking it up at the bell as he did in Watford. He ran a seasonal best of 1.50.75 and just behind him in second was David Kelly in 1.51.14. Both were inside the standard for the European Juniors. David Campbell also won a National title yesterday when he captured the 800m at the Junior's for the first time.
In the women's 800 Maura Prendiville (UCC) ran a PB of 2.05.29. It seems only a matter of time before she reduces that further. She took on the field at the bell and was only caught close to home by Welsh international Emma Davies. In fourth place Aoife Byrne continues to show good form with 2.06.37. Unfortunately she was chasing the European U23 time of 2.06.0. Further back, Róisín Quinn was having her first experience of senior competition this season. She ran 2.10.88.
Maura Prendiville photo by Ricky Simms
In the women's 1500m, Maria Lynch took over 2 seconds off her PB when she ran 4.15.05 in her second race of the season. Just behind her Niamh Beirne is beginning to find her form with 4.16.61.
In the 5000m, Fiachra Lombard made his debut at the distance. In a very fast race won by Australian, Craig Mottram, Lombard clocked 13.54.58. In the B 5000, Martin Fagan ran 14.38.7. He was unfortunate to get delayed on the way to the meet and without a warm up he suffered in the last 1k. Up to that he was on course for the European Junior time of 14.30. Robert Wade ran 15.02. Both these Juniors athletes then returned to Tullamore to take the 1500 and 5000m titles respectively.
In the women's 5000m, Maria McCambridge had an off night. She was disappointed with her form on the night as she was chasing a time of 15.25. It was obvious after 6 laps that she was not going to do it and Maria took her foot off the pedal and saved herself for another attempt shortly.
British Milers Club Nike Grand Prix - Solihull
Norman Green Athletics Centre, Solihull, England
23rd June 2001
Men
- 800m B, 1st, Brendan O'Shea, Clonliffe Harriers, 1.48.5;
6th, Eoin Cummins, UCD, 1.50.0 - 800m C, 1st, David Campbell, Maynooth AC, 1.50.75;
2nd, David Kelly, Dundrum South Dublin, 1.51.14 - 800m E, 8th, Steven Carter, 1.57.36
- 1,500m B, 9th, Eugene O'Neill, 4.01.27
- 5,000m, 11th, Fiachra Lombard, Leevale, 13.54.58
- 5,000m B, 7th, Martin Fagan, Mullingar Harriers, 14.38.70
14th, Robert Wade, 15.02.4; 19th, Rory Byrne, 15.27.9
Women
- 800m A, 2nd, Maura Prendiville, UCC, 2.05.29;
4th, Aoife Byrne Dundrum South Dublin, 2.06.37;
9th, Róisín Quinn, Waterford, 2.10.88 - 1500m A, 5th, Maria Lynch, Dundrum South Dublin, 4.16.61;
6th, Niamh Beirne, Lucan Harriers, 4.15.05 - 1,500m B, 7th, Maria Skelton, 4.34.63
- 5,000m, 6th, Maria McCambridge, Dundrum South Dublin, 16.23.3