Erin Friel helps Ireland medley relay team to new national record

Erin Friel helped the Irish medley relay team to a new National U18 record at the European U18 Athletics Championships in Slovakia.

Letterkenny AC's Friel ran the 300m leg as the Irish quartet finished in 2:11.24 to set a new national best.

Friel, who is coached by Kathryn McDevitt, took the baton from Katie Doherty for the third leg with Maria Zakharenko taking the girls in green home.

Elena O'Sullivan opened the running for Ireland, who finished fifth in their heat and did not, in spite of their new national mark, make it through.

Switzerland, Italy, Norway and Estonia finished ahead of the Irish foursome with the Swiss team of Timea Rankl, Xenia Buri, Lisa Frank and Hanna Hirsbrunner going 2:09.15 for a new world U20 lead time.

Earlier this year, Friel won the Irish Indoor Under-17 400m, going 57.85 seconds, and added the 200m bronze.

won gold at the Tailteann Games recently. The Loreto Secondary School student won the 300m in 39.61 seconds and she also won a 100m at the Fab 5 meet in Belfast, where she crossed the line in 12.77.