Athletes from over 30 countries heading to Cork for city sports event

Athletes from more than 30 countries are expected to attend this year’s 72nd Cork City Sports.

The event, taking place on July 8, was announced ahead of the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting at the MTU Athletics Stadium.

The launch was attended by several athletes and public representatives, including Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy, deputising for the county's mayor.

At the launch event, event director Mark Walk said the programme will feature 14 international events, alongside a strong schedule of developmental and community races.

Among the highlights will be a world-class women's hammer competition featuring local star Nicola Tuthill against Canada's Camryn Rogers, the reigning Olympic and World Champion and current world number one.

Mr Walk also highlighted the women's 800m, which may require two races due to demand, with leading Irish athletes Sophie O'Sullivan and Laura Nicholson among those expected to compete.

STANDOUT

The men's shot put is also expected to be one of the standout field events of the evening, with international competitors from Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, the USA and New Zealand joining Ireland's Eric Favors and John Kelly.

The mile will also see Nick Griggs leading a field where every athlete is capable of breaking the four-minute barrier.

The meeting will showcase many of Ireland's finest athletes, including Israel Olatunde, Molly Scott, Niamh Allen, Fiona Everard, Aoife O'Sullivan and Cathal Doyle, competing against top-class international opposition.

Mr Walk further noted that many athletes are returning to Cork for a second or third time, underlining the growing reputation of Cork City Sports on the international athletics calendar.

Organisers have said with Olympic, World Championship and European-level performers set to compete at MTU Athletics Stadium, the event promises another memorable evening of world-class athletics for competitors and spectators.