The Next Generation series returns for 2024, and first up is a young athlete making serious waves out West. At just 16, Danielle Moynihan of Tuam AC is quickly establishing herself as one of Galway’s brightest prospects on both the track and field.
Coached by Brendan Glynn and a student at Holy Rosary College in Mountbellew, Danielle has already built an impressive list of achievements across multiple disciplines. While she’s previously found success in the high jump and cross-country, 2023 marked the year she discovered where her true talent lies — in the sprints.
Reflecting on the season, Danielle told Run Republic, “I started off the year in January and I competed in the combined events in the indoor All Irelands where I finished fifth.” But things quickly gathered pace.
A few weeks later, she explained, “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.”
Her performances soon took her abroad to the iconic Emirates Arena in Glasgow, where she competed at the Scottish Indoors. “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,” she recalled.
Returning home brimming with confidence, Danielle took on the National Indoor Championships in Athlone. “It 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.”
That performance proved a turning point. “I then knew that my event was going to be the 200 meters from here on out,” she admitted. Her outdoor campaign backed that up, as she won both the 100m and 200m titles at the Connacht Schools Championships.
At the All-Ireland Schools Finals, Danielle finished fourth in the 200m, just missing out on a podium spot but earning the chance to compete at the prestigious Tailteann Games, where she again took fourth.
The season reached new heights when Danielle received her first Irish vest for the Schools International 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,” she proudly shared.
Not one to let the summer slip by quietly, Danielle was back in action in August at the All-Ireland Final of the National League, helping the Galway team secure a third-place finish. “I was part of the four by one relay along with Nicole Walsh, Nicole Quirke, and Laura Ann Costello which finished first,” she added.
With medals at home and abroad and her confidence soaring, Danielle now has her sights firmly set on the 400 metres for 2024. It’s a big step up in distance, but given how quickly she adapted to the 200m, few would doubt her ability to rise to the challenge.
As she continues her journey, Danielle is sure to make her family, club, coaches, and school proud. We’ll be keeping a close eye on her progress here at Run Republic, and we thank her and her family for taking the time to chat with us over the festive period.
Stay tuned for more rising stars in our Next Generation series in the weeks ahead!