Dermot preparing for another athletics extravaganza In IT Sligo
ATHLETICS in Sligo is booming in recent times and another major event with world- class runners is taking place in late June. It’s the brainchild of coach Dermot McDermott, the Sligo athletics fanatic, who is bringing world- famous athletes to the renowned IT Sligo track in a bid to break world records on June 21st.
Top names such as Ciara Mageean and Mark English will be coming to the Northwest to compete in the 800m and 500m respectively. Not only that, this athletics feast will also be of interest to young athletes across various disciplines, with Dermot eager to have all abilities catered for.
Last summer, thousands of spectators turned up to cheer on local lass Mary Cullen as she attempted to qualify for the Rio Olympics. Unfortunately she didn’t make the time but the Drumcliffe native is back again this year to encourage young kids to take up running with a mile challenge.
Dermot told the Sligo Champion: “There’s a mini decathlon ahead of the big race on June 14th in the IT. That’s a kids competition with a decathlon style so it levels the playing field for kids who are good at various disciplines.
“Take some kid might be good at long jump, others at 60m or 80m or a distance thrower, this competition balances out the sports and then on the night of the 21st they will be competing in the 800m race.”
Back to the big guns and both the women’s and men’s races should see some top quality performances Dermot added.
“We are delighted to have some fantastic women’s athletes coming to Sligo.
“Ciara Mageean, European bronze medallist, is a superstar in the 800m she broke Sonia O’Sullivan’s record when she was younger and is a real promising athlete in Ireland at the moment.
“We also have Roseanne Galligan, Claire Tarpey, Katie Snowdon and Emily Dudgeon from Scotland competing.
“All of them are fantastic athletes and it should be a great race, it is a field of eight,” Dermot said.
In the men’s 500m on the night, European bronze medallist Mark English will be attempting to break the world track outdoor record in the 500m.
The 24- year- old Donegal man reached the semi- finals of the 800m in Rio and will be attracting a large crowd in Sligo for the sports night.
“Mark is Ireland’s top middle distance athlete with an outdoor PB of 1.44.84 over 800m. He’s a man with serious gears having the 16th fastest 400m time posted by an Irish Man. With a pb of 46.56 over 400m, English will be right on the money to lower the track 500m World Record of 59.32 on the night,” Dermot explained.
“He’s a smart and tactical racer and is a multiple Irish National Champion. His support of Sligo City Sports will bring serious inspiration to the county and to all the up and coming athletes in Sligo.”
The coach said he hopes even more crowds will be there this year. “There is going to be a real carnival atmosphere and marquees and all that will be set up.
“The pre- programme starts at 4pm with primary school relays. This is about promoting athletics for clubs, a way to keep the kids interested. It’s good for them and we’re all looking forward to it,” Dermott added. For more, check out www. sligocitysports. com