His `Dream Team' Strives to Renew Irish Tradition at Famous Meet   

NEW YORK, December 20, 2011 - Celebrated runner Eamonn Coghlan is coming back to the Millrose Games, this time as an ``adopted coach.'' The seven-time champion of the Wanamaker Mile is helping bring a talented Irish squad from Dublin City University to compete in the Byron Dyce College Men's Distance Medley Relay in the 105th Millrose Games, February 11, 2012 at the Armory.

``I've known these kids since they were young teenagers,'' said Coghlan, whose son, John, will be running the 1600m anchor. ``I've seen them grow up. The fact that they are all in school together, they can see what running in New York City is all about. It's exciting for their team from Dublin University to go to the Millrose Games and have a chance to do exceptionally well.

``The Irish used to come to the Millrose Games to support me, Marcus O'Sullivan (Wanamaker Mile champion in 1986, '88, '89, '90 and '92 and now head coach at Villanova) and Ron Delany (winner of four consecutive Wanamaker Mile titles, 1956-59). People are not aware of the talent coming out of Ireland. It might get them back on the scene again and they potentially could make the Olympic Team come next July.''

Recognized as Ireland's ``Dream Team'' and Gold Medal winner of the Irish Under-23 Cross Country team competition, the Dublin City squad consists of Irish Junior 800m record holder Mark English (1:47.09), Brian Gregan, Darren McBrearty and 2010 U-23 Irish 1500 meters champion John Coghlan.

Dublin City University coach Enda Fitzpatrick will make the trip.

Earlier this year Eamonn Coghlan introduced to Armory Foundation president Dr. Norb Sander the idea of bringing an Irish Team to the Millrose Games. ``He asked me if I would be in on the floor activities,'' Coghlan recalled. ``I said we need a bit of the Irish influence back in the Millrose Games again. I said, `what about bringing an Irish team over?' ''

Thus Coghlan, nicknamed the Chairman of the Boards for winning the Wanamaker Mile in 1977, '79-'81, '83, '85 and '87, will be in attendance to support the talented Irish outfit.

``My role there is as a parent, coach and a nervous dad,'' Coghlan said. ``I just want to be with Norb and help keep the Millrose Games going. Enda would like my influence to be with the kids the day before and calm them down, motivate them and help them get ready.

Irish/Millrose Games tradition to continue at the Armory, left to right: Millrose Games meet director Ray Flynn, Villanova coach Marcus O'Sullivan and honorary coach of the Irish Men's Distance Medley Eamonn Coghlan. Photo is from Miler's Night at New York Athletic Club, February 2010.

``The Millrose Games are close to my heart for obvious reasons. My success in the Millrose Games has been the making of Eamonn Coghlan. Not a week goes by when someone doesn't say something to me about winning the Wanamaker Mile.''

The Irish Team will be competing against the country's top college programs including Eamonn Coghlan's alma mater Villanova, Virginia, Duke, Providence, Columbia and Albany.

The week prior to the Millrose Games, the Irish Team will participate individually in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational (Feb 3-4) at the Armory.

MORE ABOUT THE MILLROSE GAMES: The country's top men's and women's track & field athletes along with the finest college and high school student-athletes will showcase their talents in the Millrose Games at the Armory.

The Armory recently announced 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner LaShawn Merritt will compete in the 500m event while eight-time Wanamaker Mile champion Bernard Lagat will be running in the 5000m.

Contender for the Olympic Gold medal and current Outdoor High Jump World Champion Jesse Williams and Olympic Gold Medal challenger and reigning Indoor and Outdoor Long Jump World Champion Brittney Reese join 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Allyson Felix and World Champion/2008 USA Olympian Jennifer Simpson as confirmed athletes in the nation's premier indoor track & field event. Felix will compete in the Women's 60m event and Simpson will participate in the Millrose Games' first New York Road Runners' Wanamaker Metric Mile for Women.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.armorytrack.com. Click on to Millrose Games for more information, including ticket prices and seating chart. Note: there is an 8 ticket limit for online sales. For group sales of more than 8 tickets please call the Group Sales at (818) 276-6790 (818-ARMORY-0).

For more information on the Millrose Games, click to  www.millrose-games.org.