Munster Express Online

Fiona Dennehy representing the Mercy Convent won gold in the intermediate walk at the All Ireland Schools finals in Tullamore last Sunday after a titanic struggle with runner-up Emma Prindeville of Pobal Scoil Chorca Dhuibhne.

The pair exchanged the lead continuously over the 2000m distance and it was only in the final 50m that Fiona edged ahead for a superb win in a time of 9.47.06.

Both Fiona and Emma were part of the Irish Schools team that took part in last years international in Newport, Wales last year with Fiona taking gold on that occasion and going on to win the British AAA’s in Sheffield. She has been the outstanding female walker in the country over the past few years but will have strong opposition in this years Tailteann Games from both Prindeville and also the hugely talented Kate Veale of St Augustines, who was a class apart when winning the junior race in Tullamore in a time of 5.27.27.

In the senior 3000m walk there was a very fine silver medal performance from Sally Forristal of OS Rosbercon..