Motorsport: Silverware for Naas' Róisín Sweeney

21-year-old Róisín Sweeney, from Naas, starred at the recent at a recent Kirkistown circuit in Northern Ireland.

Driving her Nordic Spirit Global GT racecar, the former Motorsport Ireland Karting Champion qualified fifth.

In the opening race, she climbed to fourth in horrendous conditions and was challenging for third when she hit standing water and spun off the track.

An impressive recovery saw her climb back to fifth by the chequered flag and despite conditions worsening at the high speed former airfield venue, she was looking forward to Race 2.

With the rain continue to fall, the officials considered cancelling the race but eventually, to Róisín's delight, they continued with the programme.

In the early stages, the leaders ran closely, with the Naas driver in the mix and with a few cars sliding off the track, the decision was taken to end the race early. When they crossed the line, Róisín was second, her best result so far in the car.

"I'm delighted,” she said afterwards, "We have had a few mechanical issues with the car and now that the are sorted, we can start playing around with the setup. I really want to thank my Dad Dan, who has worked so hard on the car over the last year. I couldn't do it without him!"

Róisín qualified earlier this year as an Aerospace Engineer and has recently taken up employment with Dublin based Milestone Aviation.