Chest Infection rules O'Rourke out of European Team Championships

A lingering chest infection has ruled Derval O'Rourke (Leevale AC) out of action in her specialist 100m hurdles event at this weekend's European Athletics Team Championships 1st League. Following on from medical advice, Irish record holder O'Rourke has had to make the tough decision to withdraw from the Irish team.
O'Rourke will be replaced in the team by rising sprint talent Sarah Lavin (Emerald AC). Lavin has shown excellent recent form, breaking O'Rourke's National Junior record with a time of 13.45 seconds in Geneva on the 1st of June.

Irish Team Manager Patsy McGonagle has said "I am deeply disappointed for Derval as I know she would have relished the chance to compete in front of the home crowd. We are fortunate to have a good substitute in Sarah Lavin who has been in excellent form this season setting personal bests and national junior records."