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European U.23 Championships, Bergen

1500m Heats It was 13.03, Friday 18th July when Eimear Maher stepped on the track in Bergen to compete in Heat 2 of the U23 European 1500m. The trackside temperature was 28degrees and the heat was intense.  A poor night sleep and a difficult morning of nerves led to a tricky race preparation. The gun went, the athletes charged for the first bend and Eimear slotted into a strong position in the front of the pack. As the pace picked up throughout the race Eimear was drifting to the middle pack however with 200m to go she produced a strong finish to claim 3rd place and an automatic Q to the final running a time of 4.13.8.   1500m final Sunday 20th July 16:15 12 girls took to the start line in the 1500m final with Eimear ranked 5th fastest on seasons bests.  With the leading pack running a blistering first 300 in 49 seconds Eimear slotted into the back of the field - managing her effort wisely. With the pace slowing to a 2.17 at 800 the athletes were bunched but Eimear, showing  a calmness that belied her relative inexperience at this level, stayed clear of trouble on the back of the group.  As the athletes approached the bell Eimear took advantage of a gap that appeared in the bunch in front of her and moved through into a position just behind the leaders - maintaining a position on the curb on the back straight, she surged with the leading two and moved into 3rd position with 200 to go. As they hit the home straight the challengers were gathering behind. A favoured GB athlete moved to Eimear’s shoulder to mount a challenge, a subtle drop of the head, and with gritted teeth, Eimear produced her trade mark kick and powered away to claim a superb 3rd place and Irelands 4th medal of the championship. Running 4.09 the second fastest time of her career. A tremendous achievement for an athlete who began running with DSD at the age of 11 and has slowly built her reputation as an elite athlete.  (report from the track by coach Donal)

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