European Games Day 3: Ireland win Division 3

Ireland took victory in Division 3 of the athletics at the European Games in Poland.

The competition doubled up as the European Team Championships, with 44 athletes named on the Irish team.

Prior to the event, the main objective was to achieve promotion to Division 2 which was done in a comfortable fashion, with Ireland finishing nearly 20 points ahead of nearest challengers Austria.

The men's and women's 200m kick-started the Irish success on the final day of competition. Bandon’s Phil Healy who was one of two team captains for the event as chosen by Athletics Ireland finished second in the women’s race (23.79).

"It’s mad to think that I’m team captain," she said. It’s ten years since I made my senior debut and got my first Irish vest at the Team Championships in Dublin. I’ve come a long way since. It’s a wonderful team and it’s a privilege to be captain."

Mark Smyth produced a clinical performance to win the men’s 200m in 20.66. The Dubliner eased up before the line, clearly savouring every second of his victory.

"It was nearly as fast as my Indoor PB. I probably could’ve beaten it if I didn’t celebrate so early. I’m just happy to be part of this Irish squad, just doing my bit and getting the maximum number of points possible," he said.

Sophie O’Sullivan, daughter of Olympic medallist Sonia, impressed to win the women’s 1500m in 4.27.96 in what was her first senior international appearance for Ireland.

"It was what I wanted to do, get the points for Ireland and do my part to get them into the next division. I did the job so I’m pretty happy. It’s exciting to be back in the Irish kit, it’s been a few years," she said.

In the distance events, Laois teenager Ava O’Connor finished a respectable third in the women’s 3000m