Kilcormac powerlifter wins gold at National Championships

Kilcormac powerlifter Catherine Kilmartin recently won gold at the National Powerlifting Championships held in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Coming off the back of international honours earlier this year, Catherine was back home to claim her first national title, this time dropping down a weight class to U57kg.

She has shown steady progress these past few years, finishing third in 2023 and placing second in 2024, and she has previously represented Ireland at European and World Championships.

But it was on Saturday, November 15 that Catherine produced her finest performance, securing the coveted gold and a spot at the top of the podium.

On the day, she also wrote her name into the Irish Powerlifting Federation record books. Her record breaking deadlift (205.5kg) was key to breaking the total record which had stood for the previous seven years. Combined with her best squat (142.5kg) and bench press (77.5kg) attempts, Catherine's total record (425.5kg) looks like it will be there for many years to come.

The Offaly native and new national champion has secured her qualification for international competition next year, with the European Championship to be held in Malta and the World Championships to be held in Dubai in 2026.