Ailis McSweeney of Leevale AC was in inspired form on Tuesday night, setting a new Irish record in the 100m in a time of 11.40secs while winning in Liege, Belgium.
The Cork woman achieved the time with a legal following wind of 0.8 m/s to better Michelle Carroll’s 11.43 set in 1978 - a time which was the longest standing women’s senior record.
McSweeney has hit top form at just the right time. On Sunday she demolished a top class field to win the 100m at the Woodie’s DIY National Championships in Morton Stadium, finishing well clear in a time of 11.60.
The time also qualifies her for the European Championships in Barcelona, allowing her to run in the individual event as well as the sprint relay.
In recent years she has competed at the World University Games in 2005 and 2007 and the European championships in 2006. Indoors she competed in the European championships in 2005 and 2009, and the World championships in 2006 and 2008. Her international experience should stand to her in Barcelona.
