Marathon victory for visually impaired runner

The Flora Woman’s Mini Marathon was forced into a U-turn after its refusal to allow a blind woman to run with a male guide caused a social media outcry.

Youghal solicitor Sinead Kane is a visually impaired athlete who had already competed in the mini-marathon two years ago.

However, after competing in the 50km national championships in Donadea in February and becoming the first visually impaired person to complete an ultra marathon, she wanted to rerun the event which started her off running — this time with male guide Irish international level ultra runner John O’Regan.