Duffy to represent Ireland at 24-Hour event

Kilmessan-based runner Nichola Duffy has expressed herself "excited and humbled" to be chosen to represent Ireland at the IAU European 24-Hour Championships which take place in Verona in September.

"A huge honour to be chosen and I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to run amongst the best of the best," she posted on her Facebook page.

"Thank you to all my family and friends who without their unwavering support I would never dare to dream so big thank you also to the mastermind behind the operation my coach Paul Stephenson for putting up with me."

She also thanked a number of business outlets who she said have been "a wonderful support."

In April Duffy reached the Irish team standard when she ran just shy of 203km in 24 hours.

In 2020 Duffy - who is a member of Navan AC and works as a nurse - braved storm Aidan to complete a significant distance as part of an 'elite invitational' event clocking up 207kms over a 24-hour period on a 400-metre track.

The Meath woman secured eighth place overall and top female finisher in the overall standings.

Nurse Duffy ran an incredible 114km the equivalent of almost three Dublin City marathons a few years ago to raise funds for Millbury Nursing Home in Navan that was hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis.

She had been due to represent Ireland in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k Home International Marathon in Gloucester, England but the event was cancelled because of the pandemic.

She only took up running in 2016 and achievements include second overall in the Barcelona Ultra Marathon running a staggering 201.8 km over 504 laps in a 24-hour event.