Athletics:Ireland's Darren McBrearty bowed out of the 800 metres at the European Indoor Championship on Saturday afternoon, when finishing fifth in the first semi-final in Paris.
The Donegal teenager, just a few days shy of his 20th birthday, ran a brave race and sat comfortably in third for the first 600 metres.
He made his move with 200 to go and, after a a tussle with Spain’s Kevin Lopez, hit the front.
Eventual winner Andrew Osagie was never far away, however, and McBrearty was swallowed up by the Briton and then Poland’s Adam Kszczot, Lopez and Italy’s Mario Scapini.
Nonetheless, in a time of 1:49.78, he was less the second behind Osagie (1:49.02) and quicker than the entire field in the second semi-final won by Spain’s Luis Alberto Marco.
Ailis McSweeneyfinished seventh in the 60m semi-final, in a time of 7.43seconds.
Pole vaulter Tori Penaand long jumper Kelly Properalso failed to advance in their respective events.
Earlier, Mary Cullenwas forced to withdraw from 3000 metres heats with a stomach complaint.
The Sligo athlete became ill overnight and was advised not to run by the team doctor.
After a recent run of good form, Cullen was targeting an appearance in tomorrow’s final and another medal to add to her bronze from Turin in 2009.