Smyth brilliant in Budapest

"Smyth on fire in Budapest" was the headline on the story from Hungary, on the City of Derry speedsters second PB in a week as he carried the green Irish vest to an unprecedented International sprint victory at a major meeting.

He had run a new Northern Ireland record of 10.32secs a week earlier in Antrim but last weekend's effort - after the added tension of a restart - was a major breakthrough for the unassuming Eglinton lad, the double Paralympic sprint gold medallist from Beijing in 2008.

Competing in the European Division One Team competition he claimed Ireland's first ever maximum points in a 100m race at this level and for good measure beat a very strong field, including the runner up-on 10.28 seconds - Portugal's Francis Obikwelu, a sub 10 seconds man and reigning European 100m/200m champion!

The Spartan's brilliant run had a galvanising effect on Galway's Paul Hession who on Sunday became the fastest European over 200m this year when he clocked a winning 20.46 seconds to give the boys in green a rare top level sprint double and significantly boost their chances to retain their Division 1 status achieved only last year.

As we go to press the Irish team offically finished in eight spot of the twelve national teams in action,thus preserving their Division 1 status.

Hurdler Tom Carey and Javelin Thrower Aaron Crawford also contributed to the Irish effort with the unfortunate Strabane thrower severely hampered by an injury and unable to do no more than a standing throw.

Carey was in his less preferred 110m Hurdles and despite a seasons best of 14.52 seconds found himself in the bottom half of the finishers. Jason Smyth led off the sprint relay quartet who finished fifth overall with a 40.09 seconds clocking.