Paul McKee finished second to David Gillick at Morton Stadium

McKee was beaten by the 2005 European indoor champion David Gillick in the final of the Irish Championships at Santry but was heartened by his time.

The Belfast schoolteacher dipped under 46 seconds for the first time in years when he clocked 45.96.

"My times are gradually coming down and that will help confidence," said McKee.

"The decision now is whether I should take in another race or just train before Gothenburg.

"I have my indoor medal but want to get to a major outdoor final. That is my dream."

Gillick's winning time was 45.67, a personal best by .13 of a second.

Paul Brizzel, winner of the 200 metres on Saturday, was denied the chance of a sprint double when he was disqualified for a false start in the 100m.

Eva Massey retained her Irish shot putt crown

Darragh Graham won the race with Londonderry's Jason Smyth second in 10.94 seconds.

In the men's 1500 metres Liam Reale beat Alistair Cragg into second place with a winning time of three minutes 43.26 seconds.

Eva Massey successfully defended her shot putt title with a winning distance of 15.45 metres.

Ballymena and Antrim athlete Claire McAleese secured third place with 11.20.

Gary Murray of Donegal edged out Martin Fagan to win the 5000 metres in 14 minutes 14.21 seconds, the pair finishing well ahead of third-placed James Nolan.

Anna Boyle won the women's 100m in 11.77 with Amy Foster taking third.

Chris Quinn, who like Foster is in the Ireland team for the World Juniors in Beijing, was third in the 400 metres hurdles with a time of 53.90 seconds.

Quinn's Lagan Valley team-mate Mandy Gault was runner-up in the long jump with a best of 5.96 metres. Triple jump champion Mary McLoone from Donegal was third with 5.82.

The best women's performance of the weekend was Joanne Cuddihy's triumph in the 400 metres.

The UCD runner clocked a championship record and personal best of 51.28 seconds.