Athletics: The Irish challenge in the World Indoor Championships in Valencia ended in disappointment tonight after James Nolan failed to qualify from his 1500 metre heat.
Nolan joined fellow Irish athlete Ailis McSweeney in bowing out of the championships after finishing sixth in a time of three minutes 42.12 seconds.
The time was five seconds of his personal best.
Ethiopian Deresse Mekonnen took the first of two qualifying positions from the heat in a time of 3.39.74.
Earlier today, Cork sprinter McSweeney missed out on tomorrow's 60-metres final.
The 24-year-old from Leevale, who progressed smoothly from this morning's heats, finished seventh in her semi-final having clocked a disappointing time of 7.46 seconds, almost a second outside her season's best.
Many top athletes are focused on the Beijing Olympics in August and that's why Ireland is only represented by two track athletes in Spain this weekend.
Derval O'Rourke had been expected to defend her 60m hurdles title but opted to concentrate on her outdoor training. That gave McSweeney - friend and club-mate of O'Rourke's in Cork - the opportunity to compete in Valencia.
"I was delighted to get the chance to go to Valencia. It is funny that it was because of Derval I have gotten to go as she is a good friend of mine."