Five Irish athletes competed during the opening session of the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam.

Competing in the heats of the 400 metres women's and men's heats, Sinead Denny and Brian Gregan both reached the semi-finals on Thursday evening.

Denny finished third in her heat to book her place in the semi-finals. The 23-year-old finished in 53.95 seconds. Claire Mooney finished sixth in her heat behind former Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogo. The Naas athlete finished in 55.66 seconds.

Sinead Denny ecstatic after qualifying for the women's 400m semi-final #ECH2016 pic.twitter.com/vUZ895bdDc

— Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) July 6, 2016

Gregan finished as a fastest loser in his heat to book his place in the semi-finals. The Clonliffe Harriers finished in 47.02 seconds.

There was disappointment for both Craig Lynch and David Gillick. Both athletes finished outside the qualifying spots in their heats, but will compete in the 4x400 relay later in the competition.

Ireland have six athletes competing in the evening session on Wednesday night, including Fionnuala McCormack and Tara Jameson, who are running in the 10,000 metres final