Proper and Foster star at National Indoor Championships

Amy Foster

Amy Foster and Kelly Proper were the stand out performers at today’s Woodies DIY National Indoor Championships in Athlone IT.

Foster booked her place at next month’s World Indoor Championships, while Proper grabbed her 16th national indoor title, moving her one ahead of Rob Heffernan’s record.

Amy Foster grabbed the 60 meters title in 7:32 seconds enough to book a place on the Irish team for next month’s World indoors in Poland.

“It’s a perfect day really win a championship, a PB and World indoor standard so I’m pretty happy about it all.”

“I didn’t have the World Indoors on my calendar,” explained Foster. “I want to start running outdoors in early May as commonwealth games deadline is early June.

“I’ll sit down with my coach and see about going.” Foster grinned. “It’s nice having the standard and racing against them is a thrill.”

Kelly Proper

Proper broke her third stadium record of the weekend, breaking the long jump and 200 meters record yesterday.

Proper broke her own stadium record in the 200 meters final, clocking 23:56 for her 16th national indoor title, one medal more than Rob Heffernan.

“I don’t think I win anything for that,” Proper smiled. “I want to get back to racing for Ireland at a major championship that’s my aim.”

David McCarthy wrapped up his preparations for next month’s World Indoor Championships taking the men’s 1500 meters in 3:49:50 ahead of Letterkenny’s Danny Mooney.

“That was a good blast,” McCarthy said afterward. “I needed that, I’m looking forward to the Worlds now, I can go out and mix with the best.”

Rising star Sarah Lavin missed out on a place in Poland. Lavin moved into second place on the Irish all time indoor list behind Derval O’Rourke.

“I’m not happy with that,” said Lavin having clocked 8.33 seconds, 17 seconds outside the qualifying standard. “I didn’t start right and it cost me.”

“I’m only 19, but I would have liked to go to the Worlds,” a disappointed Lavin said afterwards.

1500 meter specialist Claire Tarplee finalised her indoor season and awaits the nod form the Irish athletics selectors on her trip to Poland.

Tarplee took 1500 meter gold in 4:30:59 had already ran under the standard of 4 minutes and 14 seconds.

“I’ve already got the standard I just have to see if I’ll get picked,” added Tarplee. “I went to the euro indoors and I’d love to go to the Worlds.”