Ciarán O’Lionáird produced a personal best of 7.50.40 to claim a bronze medal in the final of the Men’s 3000m at the European Indoor Championships in Sweden today.
O’Lionáird, who ran a tactical race throughout, looked like he might have had enough in reserve to take the gold with a lap to go.
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However, he was just outpaced over the final 100m by Hayle Ibrahimov of Azerbaijan and the veteran Spaniard Juan Carlos Higuero.
Still, a personal best and Ireland’s first medal of the games are just reward for a superb effort.
Earlier, 400m hopeful Brian Gregan crashed out of the Men’s 400m after picking up an injury in a collision early in the race.
To make matters worse, Gregan also lost his title as fastest man in Europe in the process.
There was mixed news for the Irish athletes in the Women’s 800m with Ciara Everard just doing enough to claim the last place in the final, out dipping Lenka Masná of the Czech Republic at the line.
However, there was disappointment for Rose Anne Galligan in the other semi-final as she could only finish fifth behind a dominant display from Great Britain’s Jenny Meadows who will surely now be favourite to win the even outright and defend her title.
The “Azerbaijan” runner is actually an Ethiopian who the great Mo Farah has had difficulty beating in the past so this medal was not easy to win. Well done Ciarán
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Well done lad
Very well done. Medals in Athletics are very hard to come by. You did yourself proud.
Congrats. Good news is good :)
The “Azerbaijan” runner is actually an Ethiopian who the great Mo Farah has had difficulty beating in the past so this medal was not easy to win. Well done Ciarán
Hon the Mullet!
Fair play. Did he not say he was finished during the Olympics??
Yes he did, he spoke to soon after the event had second thoughts later
Congratulations
Since when is Azerbaijan in Europe?
Looks like Gerry Kiernan’s love child.
Well done ciaran, glad you got reward for your hard work and long lonely hours training. Cork Abu
Congratulations and best wishes. Thanks for keeping Ireland on the athletics map.
Fair play. {Mad head of hair :) }
If only there was a medal for worst hairstyle…
Very well done!
Well done great effort
Brilliant result
Well done!
An oul makeover wouldn’t go astray on him! He’s some rake!
Azerbaijan, we can’t even beat them
Good man Anders.. Very intelligent comment !
Clown
Idiot.
flock of seagulls.
btw well done ciaran.