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Fabulous Frances is on top of the world

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A HERO’S welcome awaited champion powerlifter Frances Arthur when she arrived at work today. The Killarney teacher was on top of the world as pupils and her fellow staff members at Holy Cross Mercy National School gave her a standing ovation in recognition of her triumph at the World Powerlifting Championships in Italy at the weekend.
Frances had a clutch of coveted international awards to show her pupils after she won top prizes in the championships, which are organised by the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation and took place in Lake Garda.
The Killarney native, who trains at Phoenix Fitness gym in High Street with Sean McCarthy, competed in the 53kg weight category in which she came third overall and second in her age category. “I achieved a new personal best in the three categories – 85kg squat, 47.5 bench and 127.5 deadlift,” she told Killarney Advertiser.
Frances, who qualified for the world championships in Dublin in May, paid tribute to the support of her trainer Sean and was delighted that he and her friend and fellow powerlifting enthusiast, Melanie Aranda, travelled with her to Italy to support her. “I have really loved powerlifting since I started it and the deadlift is my favourite category,” she said.
Frances was also congratulated at the homecoming this morning by her husband William Moloney, children Maebh and Liam, parents James and Margaret Arthur and niece Ava Considine.
Above: Holy Cross Mercy Killarney National School teacher Frances Arthur received a hero's welcome from pupils she returned to school after success in the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation Championships in Lake Garda, Italy. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH