Three medals for Ireland, including Sarah Healy gold, on magic evening at Euro Indoors

Mark English won the fifth European medal of his career in the 800m while Kate O'Connor broke new ground for Irish athletics by claiming bronze in the pentathlon.

GOLDEN GIRL: Sarah Healy of Ireland celebrates winning gold in the women's 3000m final on day four of the European Athletics Indoor Championships. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

It’s been a spectacular final day for the Irish at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, with Sarah Healy powering to gold over 3000m and bronze medals won by Mark English in the 800m and Kate O’Connor in the pentathlon.

Healy executed her race to perfection, patiently biding her time until the last 100m and then attacking race favourite Melissa Courtney-Bryant of Britain off the last bend, Healy edging gold in a tight finish in 8:52.86. Courtney-Bryant came home second in 8:52.92, with Salome Alfonso of Portugal third in 8:53.42.