Ireland put up a spirited challenge in the men’s distance medley relay at the Armory Invitational last night going under the old world record but had to be content with second in 9:25.37 behind a dominant US outfit in 9:19.93.

Matthew Centrowitz set the US well on their way with a 2:49.47 split with Ireland and the rest playing catch-up. Declan Murray (2:53.17) handed over to Brian Gregan (47.40) with Mark English laying in wait on the 800m leg. English got them into second with the fastest 800m split of 1:46.59 with Ciarán Ó Lionáird 20m adrift. He bravely caught up with Pat Casey but faded on the last 200m. His spirited effort may have fell short in the end but he was happy with his efforts.

Did it the hard way. Went out like a motherf***er. Couldn't be prouder of my teammates. Beat Kenya and the old World Record. WE ARE IRISH.

— Ciaran O'Lionaird (@GoCiaran) January 31, 2015

We’ll have more reaction later. Full results are below and you can watch the race here

You can watch the Irish team reaction with Cathal Dennehy below

Place Team Time

1 United States of America

M Centrowitz (2:49.47), M Berry (46.40), E Sowinski (1:47.60), P Casey (3:56.48) 9:19.93

2 Ireland

D Murray (2:53.17), B Gregan (47.40), M English (1:46.59), C O’Lionaird (3:58.23) 9:25.37

3 NJ-NY TC
M Rutt (2:52.62), S Lumax (47.75), B Scheetz (1:48.61), K Merber (3:58.20) 9:27.16

4 Kenya
J Mutai (2:54.33), C Nkanata (48.87), A Kipketer (1:51.69), L Lalang (3:52.33) 9:27.21

5 Columbia
B Fish (2:53.43), C Hammond (48.92), C Claflin (1:50.29), S Haik (4:02.39) 9:35.02

6 Duke
N McClafferty (2:52.05), C Hawkins (48.88), J Burton (1:51.91), B Schoepfer (4:03.63) 9:36.47

7 Mississippi
C Engels (2:55.60), D Morgan (47.72), H Sherrer (1:51.66), R Domanic (4:05.54) 9:40.51

8 Princeton
L Brahm (2:54.99), R Mennin (48.93), N Kauppila (1:53.00), B Paternostro (4:04.67) 9:41.58