The Next Generation - Caoimhe Gallen

In Irish athletics, few stories shine as brightly as that of Caoimhe Gallen, a 17-year-old throwing prodigy hailing from Lifford, County Donegal. Representing Lifford Strabane AC, Caoimhe's journey in the field of throws is not just remarkable for her achievements but also for the family legacy and dedication that have shaped her career so far.

Caoimhe, a student at St. Columba's College in Stranorlar, has made a name for herself in hammer, shot put, and discus events. Under the guidance of a dedicated coaching team including John O'Donnell for hammer, Damien Crawford and her mother Sharon Gallen for other throws events, and Ruairi McElroy for strength and conditioning, Caoimhe has excelled across multiple disciplines. Her prowess in the field is a testament to her commitment and the meticulous coaching she receives.

Her journey began at a young age when she clinched her first All-Ireland medal with a third placed finish in the U13 shot put. This early success laid the foundation for a series of impressive performances that have defined her career. Caoimhe’s skill and determination have earned her medals in all three throws events at the Juvenile Championships annually.

By the time she was around 12 or 13, coach John O'Donnell initiated her into the technical aspects of throwing, which included drills and technique refinement. This early start paved the way for her growth and strength in the sport. From U14 onwards, Caoimhe has consistently won Irish Championship titles in hammer and shot put, with occasional success in discus.

Currently, Caoimhe is the Irish Schools hammer champion in her age group since 2021, and she holds Ulster Schools records in both Junior and Intermediate categories. Her competitive spirit has seen her travel beyond Ireland, participating in Scottish indoors and outdoors, as well as UK competitions. These experiences have been instrumental in her growth as an athlete.

In the past three years, Caoimhe has represented Ireland on the international stage. Notably, she won the Schools Internationals in Belfast in 2022 and secured a second-place finish in Grangemouth in 2023. Her success continued with impressive performances in the UK Championships, where she placed second in Bedford in 2022 and won in Birmingham in 2023.

Caoimhe’s dedication was further highlighted at the Loughborough Pathway International, where she emerged victorious in her age group for the past two years and was honoured with the prize for the best female hammer thrower across all age groups this year.

As a Transition Year student, Caoimhe's focus this year had been on achieving the U18 hammer standard for the European Championships in Slovakia. Last year, she narrowly missed qualifying for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) due to timing, but her performance in Palafrugell, Spain, on June 8th, 2024, where she threw a personal best of 63.58 metres, ensured her qualification for the U18s. Although she fell just short of making the final in Slovakia, her performance continues to demonstrate her potential and bright future in athletics.

Earlier in the year, Caoimhe was honoured with the Breda Synott Development Award at the National Juvenile Awards in Mullingar. As she looks towards the end of the 2024 season, her sights are set on the U20 Championships in Tullamore.

Looking ahead, Caoimhe will transition to competing with the 4kg hammer next year. She shared with Run Republic her eagerness for this new challenge, aiming to continue her success and perhaps achieve qualifying distances for major championships in the U20 and U23 categories in the future.

Caoimhe Gallen's story is one of extraordinary talent, relentless hard work, and a supportive family. With a legacy of athletic excellence from her sister Adrienne, a former Irish international thrower, and her mother Sharon, a former Irish high jump record holder, Caoimhe is poised to make her mark on the international stage. As she continues to develop and compete, the future looks incredibly bright for this next-generation athlete, and Run Republic look forward to following her journey every step of the way.

Featured Image: by Perri Williams