The Next Generation - Caoimhe Byrne O'Connell

For the next part of our Next Generation series, we take a deep dive into the 2023 campaign of Caoimhe Byrne O'Connell. Run Republic spoke to her brilliant coach Martin Curley to learn more about the promising Irish athlete.

'It’s been a busy 2023 for Caoimhe Byrne O’Connell. 

'The Ennis Track Club athlete has had a successful year in her chosen event, the long hurdles - which is 300m distance at U17.

'Like many track athletes, Caoimhe’s pathway to this event has been via many other events, and included high jump (national indoor champion in 2022), sprints (200m silver medal in 2021) and sprint hurdles.

'The year began for Caoimhe at the national indoor relays and as part of a talented Ennis Track team, along with Gráinne Kennedy, Alexandra Ward and Mirabel Emineke, claimed a bronze medal. 

'Caoimhe then travelled to Glasgow for the Scottish Indoors to compete in the 60mH where, in her first time competing abroad, finished 3rd.

'The outdoor season arrived and with it the opportunity to run long hurdles, the event is not run for indoors. 

'Caoimhe won the Munster 300mH setting a new record in the process.
Then, representing her school Mary I. Lisdoonvarna won the North Munster schools and qualified for Munster schools finals, where she also won gold.
The Munster colours were then worn for the Inter-provincials, winning an exciting race, where the first 3 were separated by just 0.9 of a second. This result meant a first Irish singlet. 

'Caoimhe had another impressive run in Grangemouth, Scotland at the schools international, coming fourth and then produced a superb anchor leg of the 4x300 relay for the Irish team to win silver. Another medal was added to the collection in the All-Ireland schools.

'A fast time was needed for a win at the National championships and this time was enough for qualification for the English schools championship.
Another great experience in competing at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, reaching the final and claiming bronze.

'Caoimhe now moves up to the 400m distance in 2024 with new and exciting challenges to come.' 

Having spoken to the people closest to Caoimhe, there is genuine excitement as to where this rising star can go in the future, and we at Run Republic cannot wait to see where her career goes.