More hard work awaits Whelan

THE IRISH have always held a special place in their hearts for their international athletes, and Niamh Whelan is a name that could resonate for years to come.

The Waterford native is a member of the famed Ferrybank Athletic Club and followed in the footsteps of clubmate, Kelly Proper (2006 winner), by picking up the Irish Examiner National Junior Sports Star award for athletics at the Mansion House, Dublin yesterday.

The highlight of 2007 for the 17-year-old Presentation student was winning bronze at the European Youth Olympics in Belgrade. But in her own age group at the National Indoor Championships, she picked up winners medals in the 60m, 200m and 300m, and finished fourth at the AAA championships in Birmingham in 24.56secs.