Fintan Dewhirst breaks Donegal record to hit World U20 qualifying standard

Fintan Dewhirst set a new Donegal record to qualify for the World Athletics U20 Championships as his brother Ethan hit the qualification mark for the European U18s.

The Dewhirst brothers from Tir Chonaill AC were first and second over the 400m hurdles at the May Open in Morton Stadium on Sunday.

Fintan Dewhirst, the 2022 European U18 silver medallist won in 51.19 seconds.

That time lowered the previous Donegal best of 51.49 clocked at the 2023 European U20s in Jerusalem last August.

Dewhirst's time – the eighth fastest in the all-time Irish list - also sees him meet the qualification standard for the World Athletics U20 Championships, which take place in Lima, Peru in August.

Around Morton Stadium, he was followed by younger brother Ethan, who clocked 53.82 for second in a time that reached the qualification standard for the European U18s, which will be held in July in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.

Finn Valley AC's James Kelly returned to competitive ways with a fine 17.27m throw to win the shot put.

Lifford-Strabane AC sisters Caoimhe Gallen and Adrienne Gallen had a one-two in the hammer with Caoimhe winning with a 56.91m throw and Adrienne launching out to 52.03m.

Janine Boyle of Finn Valley AC was second in a 100m in 12.61 seconds while Geraldine Stewart of Tir Chonaill was third in the shot, going out to 10.90m.