In this Next Generation feature, we shine the spotlight on Belgooly AC's 17-year-old rising star Hannah Falvey.
Lead by coaches Colette Kelly and Eugene McVeigh, Hannah's journey in athletics began at the age of 7, driven by her love for running and the desire to compete at the highest level.
At Belgooly AC, Hannah didn't just focus on sprints; she diversified her skills by participating in various events like Long Jump, High Jump, Hurdles, Shot Putt, and a bit of Javelin. However, her true passion lies in sprints, where she has consistently excelled throughout her young career.
Hannah's journey started early, becoming a County, Munster, and National Champion in individual sprints from the tender age of 8. Her prowess extends beyond sprints, as she has also claimed titles in Combined Events. Notably, she still holds the indoor record for the Irish National Indoor U15 Girls Combined Events (pentathlon).
Representing Irish Schools has been a significant highlight for Hannah. Her appearances at the Indoor combined events in December of 2019 and at Intermediate level in December 2023 showcased her dedication and skill. In July 2023, she captained the Girls Team at the SIABs and represented Ireland at the AAA'S in Birmingham, marking her as a rising star on the international stage.
Despite facing setbacks, such as a grade 3 hamstring tear in 2021, Hannah's resilience and determination saw her competing at the All Irelands, though not at her peak. In 2022, she earned a spot to represent Team Ireland Olympic in the 200m at the EYOF in Banksa, Slovakia. Her achievements continued with victories at the Irish National Indoor and Outdoor Juvenile U17's.
Hannah's international exposure expanded to the Scottish Nationals, where she not only set records but also secured her 60m Sprint PB in 2020 and won the U20 200m in February 2023. The challenges of growth and development in 2023 did not deter her spirit; instead, she trusted the process and worked tirelessly to reclaim her peak form.
The English Indoor Championships in 2024 marked another milestone for Hannah. Setting a season-best of 7.66 in the 60m and finishing 5th in the long jump with 5.83m, she asserted herself as the top long jumper in her Irish age group U19. The 200m race became a showcase of her exceptional talent, winning her heat with 24.74 and securing a place in the final. A remarkable final run of 24.44, where she missed the Gold by a mere .001, highlighted her potential.
Hannah Falvey's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for athletics. As she continues to evolve, the future undoubtedly holds even greater achievements for this promising young athlete. The track is where Hannah Falvey shines, and we at Run Republic are eagerly following her next strides.