Sinead Diver, originally from Belmullet, finished seventh in the London Marathon on Sunday.
The 42-year-old, who now competes for Australia, finished the event in a time of 2:24.11. The time was a significant personal best, beating her previous mark of 2:25:19 set last October in Melbourne.
It also makes her the third fastest Australian marathon runner ever and qualifies her for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
She had led the race at the halfway point but was reeled in shortly after.
Amazing run by @diversinead 2:24.11 - PB 1:08
7th place ! Qualified for #Tokyo2020
Now the #3 fastest in Australian history. Fastest Australian for 12 years.
Amazing performance by Sinead 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/RSDrtqCQ6C— Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) April 28, 2019
The women's race was won by Kenya's Brigid Kosgei in 2:18:20 with compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot in second and Ethiopia's Roza Dereje in third.
Diver only took up running nine years ago following the birth of her first child. Having moved to Australia in 2002, she began competing for her adopted country in 2015 when she finished 21st in the marathon at the World Championships in Beijing. Two years later - having missed out on the Rio Olympics due to injury - she finished 20th at the World Championships in London.
ELITE WOMEN'S RACE | TOP THREE
1: Brigid Kosgei (2:18:20)
2: @VivianCheruiyot (2:20:14)
3: Roza Dereje (2:20:51)#LondonMarathon #ThanksaBillion— Virgin Money London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 28, 2019
