On the 6th of April 2024, past pupil Erin Friel won the Juvenile Indoor Championships U17 Girls 400m 2024. It was such a big achievement for her, she has worked so hard and she really deserved it. Erin is such an inspiration to her family, her friends and her school. Well done Erin!
Erin’s Athletic Journey Erin’s first ever race was with the school in Lifford, she was in first class. Erin then joined Olympian Athletic Club at the age of 8. Erin won her first All Ireland medals in 2019 at 11 years old, she won 2nd in 600m and 3rd in 60m. In 2020 she transferred to LAC (Letterkenny Athletic Club). She trained as long distance in 800m and cross country. After a few years she decided to just do sprints and started winning national medals in 100m and 200m. She has been with LAC ever since.
On the 6th of April 2024 Erin won her first All Ireland gold medal. Word of advice from Erin “Even if your not the best at the start, if your determined, work hard and you want it bad enough, you’ll achieve your goals and get the results you worked so hard for.” Hopes for Erin in the future Erin hopes she will run for Ireland at an international level, to study sport science in America and continue running in college and as a senior. Written by Emily Friel.
It was a pleasure to have Erin join us as part of our Active Week. She spoke so well and gave us a great insight into the life of a top-class athlete. The children were so interested in what she had to say and we have no doubt that she will have inspired many of them to believe in themselves and to realise that with hard-work, dedication and self-belief they too can achieve great things.
It was wonderful to hear about her achievements to date and she was so modest and humble and really appreciates that sacrifices her family make for her.
Wishing you every success in the future Erin and we hope to see you at the European Athletics Championships in Slovakia!
