'An inspiration for girls in sport' Ashbourne's Sarah Lehane wins gold at the ITF World Championships

Hannah McNamara

Ashbourne native Sarah Lehane competing with Team Ireland won gold at the ITF World Championships.

On day three of the International Taekwon-Do Federation Championships in Tampere, Finland Sarah beat Norway's Aurora Dønheim Berle 4-0 in the women's 55 to 60kg category.

Sarah was one of three on the Irish team who brought home medals with Ciara Fitzsimmons and Finn Martin also taking the gold.

Sarah Lehane, who is also a teacher at St Mary's National School Ashbourne, had the support of her colleague and students who watched her take to the podium to receive her gold medal on the Friday.

Paul O'Connor, Principal of Ashbourne NS said: "It's a fantastic achievement and we are all very proud of her."

He also added that she is "an inspiration for girls in sport".

Sarah is also a past pupil of the school and sister of Jenny Lehane who is vying for a place in the boxing competitions in the Olympics on next year.

On top of Sarah's personal achievement, Team Ireland also won gold in both the women's and men's sparring events.