The Lord Mayor of Cork John Buttimer officially launched the 62st Cork City Sports International meet in front of fellow councillors, Cork City sports committee members, athletes and sponsors at the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Speaking at the official launch, Cork City Sports chairman Tony O’Connell stated that this year’s event looks like being the best yet with so many top athletes looking to run in Cork.
Among the top international athletes to feature in Cork will be Cornel Fredricks (South Africa), who captured the prestigious American Trophy last July; Colis Birmingham (Australia); London Olympic silver medallist Manteo Mitchell (USA);
Kim Conley (USA), Zoe Buckman (Australia), Ben True (USA), leading non-African finisher at the World Cross Country Championships in Jim O’Donovan, director Poland.
Leading Irish athletes who will compete include Derval O’Rourke, Robert Heffernan, Ciaran O Lionaird, Kelly Proper, Ailis McSweeney, Marian Heffernan, Fionnuala Britton and Brian Gregan.
Former world indoor champion and multi-medallist Derval O’Rourke will be looking for a home win over the 100m hurdles following her brilliant performances at the recent European Indoor Championships in Gothenberg. Up-and-coming new Irish Junior record holder Sarah Lavin and rising British Hurdler Yasmin Miller will ensure some stiff opposition for the Leevale star.
Following his magnificent performances at last year’s London Olympics where he finished fourth, local hero Robert Heffernan will be a major attraction for home spectators for the 3,000m walk, where the Togher athlete will attempt to set new national record for the distance.
The mile, an event synonymous with Cork City Sports is shaping up to be the event of the meet. A star studded field, including Ciaran O’Lionard, the European In- door bronze medallist, will take on leading Americans Ben True. Will Lear, Jordan McNamara. Liam Boylan-Pett, Bartoz Nowieki, Poland, James Kaan, Australian Champion. They will be joined by local athletes Mark Hanrahan, Paul Robinson, Eoin Everard and current schools’ champion Sean Tobin.
The return to the Tuesday evening meet is proving to be a hit with athletes and spectators alike. Don’t Miss it.
