Ms O’Brien is a scholarship athlete at Dublin City University whose recent achievements include coming eighth in the European Under-20 Cross Country Championships in the Netherlands last December.

She will now benefit from the Dublin law firm’s support as she focuses on the 1500m and 5km distances on the track.

Mark Walsh, managing partner at Eugene F. Collins, said: “This partnership with Emma complements our support and sponsorship of the Junior Age Ladies Irish Hockey Teams. Emma is a really talented Irish athlete and we look forward to supporting her to achieve her full potential both on and off the track.”

Mr Walsh added: “Developing young talent is key to our firm’s strategy, with those we work with, recruit and the larger community.”