Irish athletes can medal and grab headlines in Rome

Looking at the Irish team selected for the upcoming European Championships in Rome (live on RTÉ, starting on Friday), it's hard not to be excited about what can be achieved.

There is so much potential in this team, both from a medal perspective and in terms of national records, PBs and progression through rounds.

It’s continuing that good vibe around Irish athletics at the moment, and it’s a good stepping stone for some towards the Olympics.

It’s another championship where we can take medals and grab headlines.

That being said, with the Olympics on the horizon, it does make things tricky from the perspective of the athletes and coaches.

At the best of times, it’s not a straightforward planning process, but with two major championships on in such close proximity, as well as the qualification processes involved, it can create a complex dynamic. It’s hard to focus on both, peaking in June and then late August.

Still, there’s no doubt there’s opportunities for Irish athletes to get on the podium.

Rome will be a reduced timetable, down from 10 days to five in an effort to make it appealing to the global stars in an Olympic year.

Some big names have still decided to bypass the Europeans. In the women’s 1500m for example, Laura Muir, has opted to concentrate on training, and this will only boost Ciara Magean’s prospects.

Having led home Sarah Healy in an Irish one-two in Ostrava recently, the Portaferry woman joked that gold is the only colour medal she doesn’t have at the Europeans.

She will know this is an opportunity to get top of the podium.

Rhasidat Adeleke will also spearhead Irish medal prospects.

People were wondering if she would compete in the Europeans, possibly keeping her powder dry for Olympics. She even hinted that 200m