James Nolan's last appearance before the World Championships invests the finals of the Mazda-sponsored National inter-club leagues with unusual appeal at Tullamore tomorrow.
Nolan, who created something of a sensation by pulling out of the national 800 metres final after setting championship best figures in the semi-final the previous day, is set to renew rivalry with David Matthews in what is certain to be the race of the day.
Speculation that Nolan had picked up a potentially serious injury in his solo championship run at Santry was effectively dismissed by a fine performance in the European Junior Championships in Gothenburg.
There, with his place in the Seville squad hanging on the result, he produced his best run of the season to finish in the medals in the 800 metres final. That was an achievement to savour and it should set him up for another big display tomorrow.
Unfortunately, the illness which struck James McIlroy in the opening weeks of the season has forced him to withdraw from the World Championships, leaving Matthews as the only other Irish contender for the 800 metres.
There were signs earlier in the season, notably in the Cork City Sports, when Matthews, now being coached by Jim Kilty, showed unmistakable glimpses of the form which earned him such a high rating in other years.
Since then, however, the level of his performances has tapered, notably in the national championships in which he was caught stranded when Gareth Turnbull made his decisive charge at the bell.
Yet, at his best, Matthews remains a formidable competitor and with the pressure now all on Nolan, he is afforded a timely opportunity of proving that he is not merely going along to Seville for the jaunt.
Last year, the inter-club finals reached a new high with a glut of best performances and given the timing of tomorrow's marathon programme, all the indications are that the level of fare will be no less riveting.
Crusaders, seeking a repeat win in Division One of the men's competition, will look to Peter Coghlan to win the 110 metres hurdles while Paul Opermann (400 metres) and Nick Sweeney (shot and discus) should accumulate vital points for DSD.
Waterford, who have won promotion to Division One of the women's competition, will be keen to illustrate that their advance was achieved on merit alone when they seek to surprise the holders, Dublin City Harriers, and the equally powerful Dundrum South Dublin squad.
They will be aided in that challenge by the near certainty of a hurdles double for Susan Smith-Walsh and the probability of another convincing 1500 metres run by Elaine Fitzgerald, who made such a big impression when beating Sinead Delahunty in the national championship final.
Yet DCH, in particular, will not be easily dethroned with Karen Shinkins a strong favourite for the 400 metres and Emily Maher certain to be among the top finishers in the 100 metres dash.
