For this edition of our Next Generation series, we head east to County Louth, where one of Ireland’s most promising middle-distance runners is quietly building towards something special. At just 18 years old, Neil Culhane of ACE Athletics Club in Drogheda is already a force to be reckoned with over 800 metres — and his ambitions stretch far beyond the national stage.
Born in April 2005, Culhane has wasted no time making his mark. Under the expert guidance of coach Liam Cooney, he’s recorded some remarkable times, including the fastest 800m ever run by an Irish athlete his age, a blistering 1:49. That’s not just a fast time; that’s a statement of intent.
The 2023 season was a breakthrough year, one that saw Culhane dominate the national scene. He kicked off by winning the National Indoor U19 800m title with an impressive 1:51.54, before claiming gold again at the National Outdoor U19 Championships, this time crossing the line in 1:56.73. And if that wasn’t enough, he rounded off the year with yet another victory, taking the National Junior Outdoor 800m title in a commanding 1:53.87.
Internationally, Neil is no stranger to big stages. He’s already donned the Irish vest at both the U18 and U20 European Championships, gaining valuable experience against the continent’s best. Now, his sights are firmly set on the World Junior Championships in Peru this August, and judging by his form, you wouldn’t bet against him booking his place on that plane.
Speaking to those at ACE AC, there’s no hiding the pride and belief they have in their young star. The entire club is fully behind his 2024 campaign, confident that this is the year Neil takes another giant leap forward.
And the year has started exactly how he would have wanted. Culhane’s rising status earned him selection for the prestigious Irish High Performance squad, a clear sign that he’s now firmly on the radar of national selectors. Earlier this month, he joined some of Ireland’s top athletes for a week-long high-performance training camp in Albufeira, Portugal, sharpening his focus and fitness ahead of the competitive season.
Armed with this invaluable experience and the quiet confidence of a man who knows his best is still to come, Culhane is primed for a huge year. Here at Run Republic, we’ll be following every stride as he pushes towards the World Juniors and beyond. We have no doubt that the name Neil Culhane will soon become a fixture on both national and international podiums.