His huge run was just 0.02sec outside the A standard for the world championships.
Kildare’s Paul Robinson also put in the performance of his life in the 800m to claim fourth in a new lifetime best of 1:45.86.
Reflecting on his victory, Letterkenny AC’s English said: “I just felt great out there tonight.
“I had a real burst of energy on the second lap and felt heavenly coming down the home straight. I’m just pleased after the disappointment of last week at the Euro Under-23 Championships.”