The first Irishwoman to run Wild Atlantic Way now wants to 'eat like a horse'

Lillian Deegan has become the first Irishwoman to run the 2,900km Wild Atlantic Way from Derry to Kinsale in Co Cork.

Lillian from Co. Wicklow battled through wind, rain and, on the odd occasion, blistering heat, and nine counties during the 47 day trek.

The nurse ran alongside Tom Reynolds, 46, from Co. Louth, who completed the run in just over 34 days.

The pair have raised more than €12,000 for suicide crisis centre Pieta House and the charity Billy's World Ireland.

Lillian said: "I'm delighted to be finished. In the early stage, I thought injury was going to take me out.

"But I soldiered on, as they say. "I've never had an injury before and now I know when people talk about having various injuries, I know exactly what they mean.

"I will eat now like a horse for a long time, just to refuel and let the body recover."

Lillian's next challenge will be the 70km Quest Adventure Race in Killarney next month.