Seven-in-a-row as O’Keeffe nails new national hammer record

EILEEN O’KEEFFE launched herself into 13th position in the global rankings for the year when she took her national record to 73.21 metres en route to a seventh successive hammer throw title at the Woodies DIY National Track and Field Championships at Morton Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Kilkenny thrower went to the circle hoping to reach the magical 70-metre mark for the first time in competition. She beat it with a first throw of 70.68m. She followed it up with a massive throw of 72.63m on her second visit to the cage.

Her fourth throw was historic. On an underfoot surface that was way better than she expected, and in weather conditions that were perfect, she launched the hammer to a new national record of 73.21m.