DEAN CASEY WILL be flying the Clare and Irish flag at the World U20 Athletics Championships next week.
Ennis Track’s Dean is one of eight athletes chosen to represent his country in the 5,000m event in Colombia from August 1st to 6th.
While he has tasted success at European level, the world stage will represent his biggest challenge.
Other members of Team Ireland include Nick Griggs (3000m), Callum Morgan (3000m), Oliver Swinney (100m), Reece Ademola (long jump), Lucy-May Sleeman (100m & 200m), Nicola Tuthill (hammer) and Lucy McGlynn (100mh & 400mh).
Coached by Pat Hogan, Dean’s family are heavily involved in the club. His father Ger is a coach, his mother Maureen is the club’s PRO while he runs alongside his brother Dylan.
Earlier this year, Dean was part of the Ennis Track outfit that became Junior men’s champions at the ECCC Cross Country Championships in February. He finished first in this race with his brother Dylan securing second spot.
In May, he ran a time of 28.57.34 at the Highgate Harriers Night of 10,000m PBs Meet to set a new Irish 10,000m record.
At the beginning of July, Dean finished second in the Junior Men’s 1,500m in Tullamore, finishing less than five tenths of a second behind clubmate Mark Hanrahan.