Louise Shanahan breaks Irish 800m record in Belfast

Cork athlete Louise Shanahan has set a new Irish women's record of 1:59.42 after a stunning run at the Irish Milers Club meeting in Belfast.

The Leevale AC runner just edged out Ciara Meegan, who herself ran a hugely impressive time of 1:59.86, and in doing so also broke the Down runner’s previous record time of 1:59.69.

The 25-year-old finished seventh in her heat at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a time of 2:03.57.

It’s the first time in history that two Irish women have gone under the two-minute barrier in the same race.

The record-breaking performance of the Trinity and UCC physics graduate also secured the qualification standards for the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, as well as the 2022 European Championships in Munich.

Shanahan raced tactically from the gun, staying in touching distance of Mageean before unleashing her final challenge down the home straight.

Mageean fought back and ultimately crossed in a fine season opener of 1:59:86.

Other performances of note included a 10.35 for Israel Olatunde (UCD AC) over 100 metres.

Olympic mixed relay finalist Sophie Becker (Raheny Shamrocks) continued her early season form with a 52.24 PB over 400 to move into the top five on the Irish all-time list while Robert McDonnell (Galway City Harriers) secured a 200-metre personal best of 20.61 seconds.