How Kerry's Brigid Dennehy became New Zealand's champion

"I would like to have the opportunity to wear an Irish vest over a New Zealand vest."

Brigid Dennehy crosses the finishing line to claim gold in the women's senior 5000m at the 2024 New Zealand Track and Field Championships. Credit: (Alisha Lovrich)

“Even if you said six weeks ago that I'd be New Zealand champion, I don't know if I would have believed you,” says Brigid Dennehy.

At that stage, the 29-year-old was still writing herself off as a track athlete. 2023 had not gone well but she came into the new season with a more relaxed attitude and a different approach to training. There were more easy miles. Gone was any notion that every session must be to the max.