Sarah Healy wrote herself into the history books of Blackrock Athletic Club earlier today with a phenomenal victory in the girls U13 race at Waterford IT. This followed up her triumph at Santry back in November in the U14’s and on another amazing day for our club, the girls U13 team shared in Sarah’s unique double when running the races of their lives to clinch a gold medal in the team category. Girl power was on full show today !!

In very tricky weather conditions with some tough hills on the course, Sarah dominated from the start with a fine display of front running making light of the difficult underfoot conditions. She made her break early in the proceedings and produced a stylish finish to delight the Blackrock supporters. Back in the pack, Lina Kyne was motoring and picking off athletes one by one and stormed home in 23rd place with Julie Ringrose (51st) and Claire Doyle (63rd) packing extremely well and making it Gold for the girls team. This is an amazing performance when you consider that the team finished outside the top 8 last year and great credit is due to them all in what was a very difficult race. And there was more, Sarah led the Dublin team home to gold in the County’s and third in the Province with Lina rounding off a great XC season scoring fourth on the Dublin team and earning a well deserved set of medals with Sarah.

Natasha Twomey stepped up a year to run in the U15 3500m and in a blistering race hung on courageously with a strong finish to help Dublin to bronze in the County Team event. Well done Natasha.

The boys U13 were up against it from the start and did remarkably well with Dara Purcell, Pappy Tucker, Evan Walshe, Will Hickey and Jack Moraghan all running fine races. Congratulations to Dara and Pappy who helped the Dublin County team to a fine third place against very stiff competition. Well done lads.

Sarah’s double victory is a remarkable achievement and put’s her in an elite group of young athletes. Her performances have been the highlight of 2013 in what was another fine year for the club at Track and XC level.

The club is immensely proud of Sarah’s achievements and a big congratulations to her, sister Julia and parents Eileen and Phil from us all.