In the run-up to the Jameson Liffey Descent on Saturday, Irish canoeing is celebrating a number of fine results. Neil Fleming (17) won the junior kayaking title at the canoe and kayaking World Championships at Stockton-on-Tees on Saturday. In a sprint finish the Celbridge man had only a second to spare over Hungary's Balβzs Botond.

Gary Mawer, one of the eternal stars of Irish canoeing, fought from well down the field to take fourth in the men's senior K1 race.

Fleming will actually miss the Liffey Descent, as he is off the world junior sprint championships, which will be staged in Brazil next weekend.

In the Masters World Cup event in Stockton-on-Tees on Thursday, Eileen Murphy took gold.