Mageean to miss Irish Nationals to focus on recovery

Ciara Mageean is to miss this weekend's Irish National Senior Track and Field Championships as she focuses on continuing her recovery from her gold-medal winning exertions at the European Championships in Rome earlier this month.

The Irish athlete picked up a gold medal in the 1500m and now has her sights set firmly on the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

Mageean has spoken of her disappointment at missing the Irish Championships but emphasised the importance of allowing herself to return to full health.

"After careful consideration and consultation with my coaches and support team, I have decided to withdraw from the upcoming national athletics championships. This decision was not made lightly, but it is crucial to prioritise my recovery at this time," said Mageean.

"Following the European Championships, where I experienced the brilliant high of winning gold, I have been dealing with fatigue and have not recovered fully.

"At this time, I need to focus on getting back to full health to ensure I can put in the hard training sessions necessary to compete with the best in the world."

The 32-year-old went on to say that she would "look forward to being back on track soon, with her sights set on "representing Ireland with pride in Paris".

Among those who will be in action at Morton Stadium in Dublin this weekend are European medallists Rhasidat Adeleke (100m), Thomas Barr (400m hurdles), Christopher O’Donnell (400m), Sharlene Mawdsley (200m), Sophie Becker (400m), Phil Healy (200m & 400m), and Lauren Cadden (400m).

Adeleke clinched silver for Ireland in the 400m in Rome in a new Irish record time and was also part of the 4x400m mixed relay team which secured a sensational victory at the championships, along with Barr, O'Donnell and Mawdsley.

Becker, Healy, Cadden and Mawdsley went on to win silver in the women's 4x400m relay final.