The first instalment of our Next Generation series for 2024 sees us take a look at another rising star coming out of Tuam AC. Danielle Moynihan, 16, had a wonderful year in 2023 and Run Republic spoke to Danielle and her family about her achievements and her aims for the year ahead!
Coached by Brendan Glynn and schooled in the Holy Rosary College in Mountbellew, Danielle competes in the 200 metres and has her sights firmly set on the 400 metres for 2024.
The Galway native has won multiple medals in the high jump, including the Community Games and the Schools, as well as winning All-Ireland medals in 200m, National Cross-Country medals, and Schools combined event medals.
Danielle told Run Republic about some of her accomplishments and PBs she achieved in 2023, ‘I started off the year in January and I competed in the combined events in the indoor All Irelands where I finished fifth.
‘A few weeks later, I competed in the Connacht indoor championships where I won four gold medals including the high jump, the 200 meters, 60 meters, and the four by two relay.
‘After this I went over to Scotland and competed in the Emirates Arena in the Scottish indoors where I finished fourth in the high jump with a new pb at the time of 1.58 and I made the final of the 60 meters sprint.
‘I then came home and competed in the National Indoor Championships in Athlone, which was my first time competing in the 200 meters competitively, and I won my heat. I was very confident going into the final where I finished third overall and got a PB of 25.35s.
‘I then knew that my event was going to be the 200 meters from here on out, so I went on to do it in the outdoors where I won this event and the 100 meters in the Connacht School Championships.
‘I then went on to the All-Ireland Schools where I finished fourth in the 200 meters representing my school Holy Rosary College Mountbellew. Coming fourth in the All-Ireland Schools meant I could compete in the Tailltean Games where I came fourth in the 200 metres.
‘This gave me the opportunity to compete in the School's International event which took place in Grangemouth Scotland. This was my first time competing for Ireland and I came home with an international bronze relay medal along with Hannah Falvey, Elena O'Sullivan, and Angela Cieleka.
‘In the middle of August, I competed in the All-Ireland final of the National League where Galway finished third. I was part of the four by one relay along with Nicole Walsh, Nicole Quirke, and Laura Ann Costello which finished first.’
With success at home and abroad in 2023, Danielle has shown her talent and displayed truly great athletic potential. With the above achievements noted, we can be sure that Danielle will continue to make her family, club, coaches, and school proud as she continues her athletic journey in 2024.
Run Republic look forward to tracking Danielle’s progress this year, and we thank her family for the time they have taken to speak to us over the festive period!
Stay tuned to Run Republic as we highlight more future stars in the coming weeks as part of our Next Generation series!