James McElroy of Ballymena, marked his promotion to Ireland's Europa Cup team in Lithuania at the weekend, by running his fastest 800 metres of the season in midweek.

Competing in the BMC meeting, McElroy successfully conceded all the advantages in experience to his opposition, to cross the line in one minute 47.41 seconds.

It was opportune encouragement for the Ballymena youngster who was nominated for the 1,500 metres position in the Europa Cup squad after Niall Bruton switched to the 3,000 metres to replace the injured Cormac Finnerty.

Ciara Sheehy, a talented sprinter from the West Dublin club, faces a busy weekend: she is among the favourites to win titles when the Nestle Irish schools championships are staged at Tullamore tomorrow; immediately after the meeting, she links up with Ireland's under-23 team in Leeds on Sunday.

Emily Maher (Kilkenny) and Derval O'Rourke (Cork) are others facing the same demanding schedule.

From an original figure of 16,000 for the preliminary tests in the provinces, the entry for the Nestle championships at Tullamore, has been reduced to more manageable proportions.

Among the highlights will be the senior boys 1,500 metres championship in which Colm McClean from St Malachy's in Belfast, has a big challenge ahead of him if he is to vindicate his high rating.

Lining up against him will be Enda Johnson (St McCartan's, Monaghan), a winner at Durham in January and the North Monastery athlete, Paul Carroll. McClean underlined his potential when winning the Ulster title in 3:46:50 last week but it still threatens to be a difficult assignment for him.