FIRST, THIRD AND fourth placed finished for Donegal’s competitors showed the county’s stars in a bright light in the 800m final of the National Athletics Championships this evening.
Mark English from Letterkenny, who is preparing for the World Championships in London next month, wore the vest of UCD and won the event for the sixth time in a time of 1:50.89 at the Morton Stadium.
Second placed went to Kieran Kelly of Raheney Shamrocks in 1:52.07 with Donegal Town native Karl Griffin, also at UCD, third in 1:52.44. Fourth place went to Letterkenny Athletic Club’s Darren McBrearty in a time of 1:52.62.
“I was happy given the injury I had all season and that bodes all well going to the World Championships,” English said afterwards. “The plan was to stay off the pace to start. I just wanted to get the win. Karl Griffin was in there, Darren McBrearty was in there and Kieran Kelly as well. My work was cut out but I’m happy to come away with the win.
“I was running well in May and then had a quad injury before the Diamond League in London, so it hasn’t been perfect so today hopefully will stand me in good stead for the World Championships. I’m very excited.”
