McCarthy Wright and Heffernan Selected for World Championships

Cork Trio among Athletics Ireland Walks and Marathon Squad for World Championships

London

August 4th-13th 2017


Claire McCarthy (Leevale AC)	Alex Wright (Leevale AC)	Rob Heffernan (Togher AC)

Claire McCarthy (Leevale AC), Alex Wright (Leevale AC) and Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) are among those selected to represent Ireland at next August's World Athletics Championships, which will be held in London, from August 4th to 13th, 2017

Athletics Ireland Press Release - Feidhlim Kelly

Walks and Marathon Selections for World Championships in London

Heffernan to lead endurance squad in London

Athletics Ireland is delighted to announce initial selections for the race walk and marathon for the World Athletics Championships in London in August.

Robert Heffernan (Togher) will lead a strong team of 50km race walkers alongside Brendan Boyce (Letterkenny) and Alex Wright (Leevale).

There is a full complement of men in the marathon with Mick Clohisey (Raheny Shamrock), Paul Pollock (Annadale Striders) and Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham WSAF) selected.

On the women’s side Fionnuala McCormack (Kilcoole) and Claire McCarthy (Leevale) have been selected for the classic distance.

High Performance Director Paul McNamara was pleased with the selections and said:

“I’m delighted to see an increase in the number of athletes selected for the pure endurance events at World Championship level, and the earlier selection date in 2017 allows selected athletes to now turn the focus of their attention to specific preparation for August’s World Championship.

"The Walks have proved to be the most successful event group at major championships for some time now and Rob, Alex and Brendan are a world class trio of 50km competitors who will make a big impact in London.

"I’m excited that the men’s Marathon sees a full complement of three athletes selected for the second global championships in-a-row. Paul and Mick will have benefitted enormously from their experience in Rio while Sean deserves particular commendation for his breakthrough in London this past Sunday.

"On the women’s side, Fionnuala had a superb Olympic Marathon, but may yet choose to focus on 10,000m for London 2017, while Claire will make her first appearance on the global stage after her breakthrough in Berlin in September. It’s important to acknowledge the contribution of Marathon Mission as a factor in the rapidly improving quality and depth in Irish marathoning and Athletics Ireland look forward to supporting them in this regard and to a fruitful relationship for the benefit of our elite athletes and coaches going forward.”