IFAM Flanders International Track & Field Meeting (Belgium):

NI athlete Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle AC) kicked off her 3,000m Steeplechase season last night (Saturday 26th May 2018) with a podium place and a European Athletics Championships ‘B’ standard in Belgium.

The Rio Olympian impressed with a 9:53.00 finish for 3rd place at the prestigious meet, which has attracted superb performances from local athletes in the past.

After the race, Kerry said, “Delighted to run a fastest season opener, 9:53.0 & a required European Championship time.  Always nice to make the podium too, especially in Belgium.”

On the night, there was also excellent performance by a number of other familiar faces.

Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games star Adam Kirk-Smith (Derry Track Club), clocked 8:44.98 in the 3,000m Steeplechase.  Jason Harvey (Crusaders AC) made a welcome return to competition with a 52.60secs finish over the 400m hurdles.

Up and coming star Lauren Roy (City of Lisburn AC) recorded 12.20 (-1.6) for 100m and 25.17 (+0.5) for 200m, while club mate Gareth Thompson also doubled up over 100m and 200m, running 11.46 (-0.2) for 100m and 23.18 (-2.0) for 200m.

Sprinters Michael McCauley (Ballymena & Antrim AC), Dean Adams (Ballymena & Antrim AC) and Christian Robinson (City of Lisburn AC) were in action over 100m, with Michael clocking a PB of 10.93 (-1.5), Dean running 11.05 (-1.2) and Christian breaking the beam in 11.28 (-1.0).

A mere 0.01 of a second split Andrew Mellon (Crusaders AC) and Craig Newell (Ballymena & Antrim AC) in the same 400m race, with Andrew leading the way in 47.82secs and Craig following in 47.83secs.

Full results for the event are available HERE.