Killarney


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<p>by Adam Moynihan</p>



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<p><strong>Sarah Leahy’s rapid rise through the ranks of Irish athletics continues apace. The Killarney sprinter saw off stiff the competition at the National Indoor Championships in Dublin on Sunday, running a time of 7.30 seconds in the final to secure her first gold medal at this level.</strong></p>



<p>This remarkable performance makes the Killarney Valley AC athlete the fourth fastest Irish woman of all-time in the indoor 60-metre event.</p>



<p>The 23-year-old left herself with some work to do coming into the final 30 metres but she crossed the line just ahead of Leevale duo Joan Healy (7.33) and Lucy-May Sleeman (7.38) in what was a thrilling race.</p>



<p>Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week, Leahy said she was over the moon to walk away with the gold.</p>



<p>“For once I did actually feel confident heading into this race,” Leahy said. “Normally I tell myself that I’m going to be up against tough opponents and to just try my best. But I’ve been working on the mental side of things and this time I did feel like I had a chance of winning if I performed on the day.</p>



<p>“Thankfully, that’s how it turned out. It’s my first national title at any level so I’m delighted.</p>



<p>“In the video footage it looked like I was well behind coming into the final 30 metres, and I did feel like I was slightly behind, but apparently from the side the gap didn’t look that big.</p>



<p>“I’m really happy to run a personal best as well. It was a great weekend all-round.”</p>



<p>Leahy will now turn her attention to the outdoor season as she aims to improve her time in the 100-metre sprint.</p>



<p>Fellow Kerry athlete David Kenny of Farranfore Maine Valley AC also took home gold in the 5km walk. Kenny finished in a time of 19:11.42, over 28 seconds ahead of runner-up Brendan Boyce.</p>



<p>Leahy’s Killarney Valley clubmate Ciara Kennelly also made the podium. She finished third in the high jump.</p>



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Sarah Leahy's rapid rise continues apace as Kerry's fastest woman claims nationa

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