Claire's dream 21st present

POLE-VAULTING ace Claire Wilkinson received the dream 21st birthday present at the weekend - another Irish title.

The Dunloy girl - who reaches the magic milestone this Wednesday - won the Irish Under-23 Indoor title at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast on Saturday evening.

Claire (pictured inset) cleared a mammoth 3.90m to beat her personal best and take the title against the cream of the sport from throughout Ireland.

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"I didn't expect to win to be honest," Claire told Times Sport.

"There was a girl from Italy who studies here and she is very strong but I was delighted to come out on top."

Claire seen off six other entrants to add to the array of national titles she already holds.

But rather than rest on her laurels, Claire is gunning for a British title in Sheffield this weekend.

"It will be very difficult but I'll give it my best shot," she said.

"I haven't competed at that level before but it will be a good experience."

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