Cork City Sports International meet has given so much to Irish athletics 

WITH the Cork City International Sports thankfully back as a central part of the summer conversation, the birthday candles are being readied for the celebration cake in year 70 on tomorrow, Tuesday, July 9. 

The sporting fraternity on Leeside have been in the box seats for many decades when it comes to viewing some of the world's greatest athletes. Current chairman Tony O'Connell is proudly carrying the torch, which has burnt brightly since day one, heading up a group of officials who have moved into the legendary status when it comes to organising an event of this magnitude.

After a few postponements in recent times, those with passion for top class sport will be delighted to have athletics royalty in their presence again. 

Annually forming part of a triangle of fixtures, which also include the Morton Games and National Championships, the return of the event this year is a hugely significant milestone. 

Every birthday brings a chance to reminisce - and there's so much to look back on. This year's meet seems extra special following the interruptions due to the covid years and the problems with the CIT track. 

There's a collective sigh of relief that all is now well.

Current Athletics Ireland Chairperson, John Cronin has no doubts about the significance of the fixture on the national calendar and the magnificent work which has been done by so many people.

"It's just great for everyone to have the Cork City Sports back on the immediate horizon. 

"It would take a very long time to recall the great memories we have enjoyed, when you just consider the wonderful individuals that have taken part over the years. 

"It's a credit to the administrators that each year they begin from scratch and end up putting together such a wonderful line up. 

"I've been lucky to work with many of the committee, names such as Tony O'Connell, Frank Walley, Liam O'Brien, Joe Hartnett and many more who are custodians of the sport. 

"For several years Liam O'Brien had been involved with him as part of his technical directors team and in the recent times he has been very active in making sure that the stadium is up to the very highest standards of hosting this event."

Names roll off the tongue freeley, when John recalls some of the world's best that he and the Cork sporting public have seen in the flesh.

"It's been a real hall of fame - John Walker, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram. - Sonia', Marcus O'Sullivan, Eamonn Coughlan. 

"Devrla O'Rourke Mark Carroll, Frank O'Meara, Tommy Moloney, John Hartnett. amongst the very best we have produced in Irish athletics all starred at the Sports. 

"Now Cork has stars like Phil Healy and upcoming names like Nicola Tuthill."

Anyone with any interest in sport should appreciate the magnificence of the Cork City Sports event.

We all saw the excitement that the European Championships generated. 

It shows the value of top class competition and there is no doubt that the Cork City Sports should do the same for the local people and surrounding areas. 

The meet has attained World Athletics status and is also very important for gaining points for various events".

John feels that the Sports can continue the feelgood factor that currently exists in athletics and is hopeful that on the broader front the success story will continue.

"Ireland ranked number 10 in the European medal table and the fans have certainly been captivated by what they have seen with many set to travel to the Olympic Games in Paris.

"It's 100 years since we competed in our first Olympics - Ireland has won seven athletics medals from six different individuals. 

"No doubt it's a huge step. Those numbers show the difficulty in getting medals, but we have chances this time."

For now though everybody in Cork should relish what awaits tomorrow at 6pm in MTU. 

"The committee and participants deserve the appreciation of the local public," concluded John.