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Ireland just miss out on more medals after huge efforts

Diarmuid O'Connor finished fourth in the decathlon
Diarmuid O'Connor finished fourth in the decathlon

Ireland just missed out on more medals at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Tallinn despite a couple of heroic efforts.

In the decathlon Bandon AC's Diarmuid O'Connor set a new U20 Irish record as he finished finished fourth, 118 points off bronze.

It was a fine performance from O'Connor, who set eight event PBs on his way to gathering 7604 points.

In the women's 4x400m relay a jaw-dropping run from Rhasidat Adeleke almost earned Ireland what would have been a remarkable medal.

Lauren McCourt, Caoimhe Cronin and Maeve O'Neill got Ireland through their first three legs but Adeleke had enormous ground to make up on the breakaway group when she set off on the final lap.

The 18-year-old gobbled up ground and was actually third on the home straight before her exertions over the last few days finally took their toll and she faded to finish fifth, with Ireland setting a new national U20 record of 3:37.39.

That brought the curtain down on what's been a superb week for Ireland at the championships.

Nicholas Griggs [3000m], Cian McPhillips [1500m] and Adeleke [100m and 200m] gathered four golds between them.

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