The Next Generation - Dáire O'Donnell

For this Next Generation feature, we return to Nenagh Olympic AC to cover another name that has been making waves, Dáire O'Donnell. Like his clubmate Jennifer O’Leary, O’Donnell is 17 years old and his journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work, as he shows immense promise in his discipline. Dáire specialises in the 800m, and has had recent success which has left himself and onlookers excited for what’s to come next.

Dáire's passion for running was ignited at a young age. He started running when he was just 8 years old. However, it wasn't until he turned 15 that he began to focus seriously on the sport. This decision marked the beginning of a committed journey towards excellence in middle-distance running.

Under the watchful eye of his coach, Seán Finn, Dáire has honed his skills and steadily improved his performance. The rigorous training and strategic guidance from Coach Finn have been instrumental in shaping Dáire into the athlete he is today.

Dáire's dedication to his craft is evident in his impressive personal best time of 1:53.85 in the 800m. This time is a reflection of his relentless pursuit of excellence and has led him to meet the European Under-18 qualifying standard for the 800m, a significant milestone in his budding career achieved just last weekend.

His achievements on the track are numerous. As well as the U18 Standard, he made his Irish debut in Palafrugell this year, where he placed 3rd, showcasing his ability to compete at an international level. Additionally, he boasts 12 Track & Field National medals across various competitions, including schools, club events, Tailteann Games, and community games. These accolades underline his consistent performance and high level in middle-distance running.

Dáire is also part of the Irish Performance Pathway squad, a program designed to nurture and develop the country’s top athletic talents. Being part of this elite group signifies his potential to make a significant impact on the international stage in the years to come.

Looking ahead, Dáire has told Run Republic that his sights are set on a number of goals. He aims to be selected for the European Under-18 Championships this year. Beyond that, he is already thinking about the next challenge: qualifying for the European Under-20 Championships next year. These goals reflect the Nenagh Olympic talent’s ambition and the high standards he sets for himself.

Dáire O'Donnell is unquestionably one of the rising stars in Irish middle-distance running right now. His early start, focused training, and impressive achievements at such a young age point to a bright future ahead. As he continues to strive towards his goals, Run Republic, along with the wider running community, are eager to see how far this talented young athlete can go. With his quality and support system, Dáire is well on his way to becoming a notable name in the athletics world.

Featured Image: Leading the pack in the 800m at the BMC in Belfast last Saturday #29 - the race in which he qualified, by Perri Williams.