WATCH: Lane 'happy enough' with performance in Rome

Mullingar Harriers' Oisín Lane finished 23rd in the 20km race walk in the European Athletics Championships in Rome yesterday evening.

Finishing in 1:25:02, the Ballymore native exceeded his rank in his first major senior championships.

Speaking after the race, Oisín said that he was “happy enough” with his performance as his preparations were far from ideal.

“It was a good experience really. I haven't really had a good season of training leading up to this. In February I got a chest infection which stayed with me for two or three months, so I didn't have the mileage coming into this. I knew I didn't have the fitness coming in but I was kind of like right, I will go for a PB pace and see how it goes. I think I kept the PB pace for roughly 8k, then I kind of died off a little bit, but I was happy that I kind of kept on the effort for the last 12k.

“I think I actually gained positions in the last 12k just through guys dying off, giving up, getting DQ'd [disqualified], so happy enough.”

The race took place in gruelling heat and Oisín paid tribute to his father and coach Michael for helping him cope with the “tough enough” conditions.

“My dad was a great help, I had freezing cold caps every lap, cold towels around my neck, water.

...I like to think I dealt with it better than most people.”

Oisín isn't the only local athlete representing Ireland at the championships. On Wednesday evening Cormac Dalton will be competing in the 10,000m.

This is the first time that Mullingar Harriers have two members competing in the European Athletics Championships.