O’Rourke ruled out of European Team Championships

Cork athlete fails to shake off lung infection as Sarah Lavin called up

Derval O’Rourke will miss the  European Athletics Team Championships in Santryo with a lung infection. Photograph:   Stu Forster/Getty Images
Derval O’Rourke will miss the European Athletics Team Championships in Santryo with a lung infection. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Derval O’Rourke has failed to shake off a lung infection and has been ruled out of the European Athletics Team Championships 1st League in Santry this weekend.

The Leevale AC athlete was due to take part in the 100 metres hurdles, but following medical advice the Irish record holder withdraw from the Irish team.

O'Rourke will be replaced by rising sprint talent Sarah Lavin of Emerald AC, who recently broke the Cork runner's national junior record with a time of 13.45 seconds in Geneva on June 1st.

“I am deeply disappointed for Derval as I know she would have relished the chance to compete in front of the home crowd,” said Irish team manager Patsy McGonagle.

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“We are fortunate to have a good substitute in Sarah Lavin who has been in excellent form this season setting personal bests and national junior records.”