CATHERINA McKIERNAN, as expected, has been chosen to spearhead the challenge of the Irish women's team in the World Cup Championships in Cape Town, South Africa, on the 23rd of this month. The Cavan athlete has just returned from a month's spell of altitude training in Albequerque, New Mexico and yesterday confirmed her current well being.

"Things went well out there and there are no problems," she said, in a reference no doubt to the fact that the injuries which afflicted her during the early part of the season are now a thing of the past. She has no plans to compete before the world tests.

Indeed, McKiernan has had only two races this season. Her first outing of the season resulted in victory in Paris in January, while she finished fifth in Tourcoing, also in France, two weeks later.

McKiernan always strives to be thoroughly prepared for major races, and will travel to South Africa on March 15th. Her aim will be to add a gold to the four silver medals she has already won in this competition.

Joining her on the team will be Sinead Delahunty, who won many new admirers with her positive running in the European Championships late last year.

Clare's Marie McMahon, a student at Providence College, Rhode Island will make her debut in the event. Like Delahunty, the fast course should suit her. The team will be captained by Teresa Duffy, and Ann Keenan Buckley, and Maureen Harrington complete the squad.

Unfortunately, Sonia O'Sullivan will not be travelling, because of injury which disrupted her training.

John Downes, who displayed exemplary cool headedness when taking his second national title in Santry on Sunday last, will head up the men's team. The first seven who crossed the line on Sunday will all travel.

Silver medallist Noel Cullen is certain to have gained much confidence from his positive attitude in that race and from the fact that he beat Cormac Finnerty, who will also travel. Gerry Curtis, Seamus Power, David Burke and Jamie Lewis also reached this standard.

The selectors have opted to nominate Keith Kelly for the junior race after his runaway victory on Sunday.