A composed performance from medal hopeful Colin Costello on the track and a superb victory in ladies’ soccer proved the notable Irish highlights on the opening day of the European Youth Olympics. As expected, Costello progressed to tomorrow’s 1500 metre final with a mature effort, as he eased up across the line in just over four minutes.
Earlier at the Stade Dejerine, Casey O’Driscoll’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for Ireland over a physically imposing Icelandic side.
In the final track event of the day, Dublin’s Louise Kiernan qualified for the women’s 100 metre final after finishing fourth in her semi.
Later in the day in the Pool, Laura McDonnell won the B Final of the 100M Fly in a time of 1 min 6.06 seconds. And Shane Ahern won the B Final of the 200M Backstroke beating his personal best by 3 seconds and achieving the fourth fastest time of the day.
Elsewhere it was a difficult day for Ireland’s other competitors, as the standard demonstrated in several sports proved a little too hot to handle. There was crushing disappointment for Derry’s Elizabeth McWilliams, who crossed the line fifth in her 800 metres heat, her efforts were stymied by an inflamed throat.
In the men’s 400 metres, Kerry’s Denis Finnegan finished sixth in his heat with a time of 56.49 seconds, while winner Milton Dias of Portugal (51.87) comfortably providing the fastest time of the day.
Wicklow’s Des Earls also found the going tough in the 800 metres, finishing eighth in his heat in 2.05.59. The same was also true of Tralee’s Tony Barnett, who finished seventh in his 100 metres heat in a time of 11.67 seconds.
In a highly competitive long jump competition, Carlow’s Jennifer Reddy recorded a best of 5.35 metres, finishing tenth in her pool. Elsewhere, there was major disappointment for Ireland’s swimmers with none of the team progressing to their respective ‘A’ finals, while all five judo players were beaten in their opening bouts.
Filed by Johnny Proby
