Athletics- European Championships Day 1

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Heffernan is fourth in Barcelona. Smyth through to semi's

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Robert Heffernan from Togher AC produced his best ever finish in a major championships when he finished fourth in the 20k walk at the European track and field championships which got under way early this morning in Barcelona. His time of 1:21.00 was an agonising 11 seconds off the bronze medal.

The Corkman was always well placed, opting not to go with the early breakaway group. By 14k he was in the bronze position but was unable to sustain the effort.

After the race he expressed his disappointment at not winning a medal but acknowledged that it was a superb performance on his part.

Jamie Costin from West Waterford AC was 20th

David Gillick won his heat in round one of the men's 400 metres in a time of 45.84 seconds to qualify for the semi-finals.

Gillick did all the hard running in the first 300 metres and was comfortable throughout, easing off towards the end.

Gordon Kennedy is also through to the semis thanks to his fast time of 46.63 in finishing sixth in heat one. Brian Gregan failed to qualify after finishing fifth in heat four.

There was disappointment for the Irish women in the 400m hurdles heats with all three competitors failing to reach the next round.

Justine Kinney (57.39secs) was eighth in heat one, Michelle Carey (57.58) fourth in heat two and Brona Furlong (58.13) seventh in heat three.

Kelly Proper (Ferrybank AC) did not register a jump in the Long Jump.

In the evening session the Irish team had two athletes in action.

Jason Smyth (City of Derry) looked strong in the 100m where in finished 4th in Heat 5 in 10.43 (-1.4) and secured qualification for the semi-final. Smyth looked comfortable and should have plenty in reserve for tomorrow.

Rose-Anne Galligan (Newbridge AC) was in the strongest heat of the 800m. Galligan paced herself well and secured a new personal best time of 2.01.76 which was well inside her pevious best. Unfortunately this time was not enough to secure qualification for Galligan in what was a very tough race.

20 km Walk Men Final
1 EMELYANOV, Stanislav RUS 1:20:10
2 SCHWAZER, Alex ITA 1:20:38
3 VIEIRA, Joمo POR 1:20:49 SB
4 HEFFERNAN, Robert IRL 1:21:00
20 COSTIN, Jamie IRL 1:26:05

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