Limerick Starlet Earns Prestigious Spot on Team Ireland for European Youth Olympic Festival…Read More…

Limerick Starlet Earns Prestigious Spot on Team Ireland for European Youth Olympic Festival…Read More…

In a moment of immense pride for her hometown, a promising young athlete from Limerick has earned the honor of representing Ireland at the upcoming 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). This prestigious selection not only marks a personal milestone for the athlete but also places Limerick on the map as a breeding ground for elite sporting talent.

Seventeen-year-old Aoife Ní Riain, a standout middle-distance runner from Limerick Athletics Club, will don the green and gold of Team Ireland this July in Bratislava, Slovakia, where she will compete in the 1500-meter event. Her journey to this elite stage has been one defined by dedication, discipline, and dazzling performances throughout the domestic athletics circuit.

A Dream Years in the Making

For Aoife, the road to EYOF has been paved with early morning training sessions, national championships, and relentless focus. The teenager first burst onto the national scene at age 14, when she clinched gold in the U16 girls’ 800m at the All-Ireland Schools Championships. Since then, she has shown a remarkable upward trajectory, breaking club records and drawing the attention of Athletics Ireland selectors.

Speaking to local reporters at the University of Limerick Sports Arena, Aoife could hardly contain her excitement.

“It feels absolutely surreal,” she said, beaming with pride. “To represent Ireland on a stage like this is something I’ve dreamed about since I started running at nine years old. I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches, my family, and my club for supporting me every step of the way.”

Local Pride, National Recognition

Aoife’s selection was officially confirmed last week by Athletics Ireland, which named a 16-member squad for the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival. The event is held every two years and features over 3,000 athletes from 50 European nations competing across 10 sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and judo.

Aoife will be one of several Irish athletes making their international debuts. However, her inclusion has generated particular excitement in Limerick, a city with a growing reputation for producing elite sportspeople, from rugby internationals to Olympians.

Limerick Athletics Club Head Coach Michael Fahy, who has guided Aoife for the past five years, lauded her commitment and talent:

“Aoife is an exceptional athlete, but what really sets her apart is her work ethic and maturity beyond her years. She’s earned this opportunity through relentless determination. We’re all proud beyond words.”

Rising Irish Talents on the European Stage

The European Youth Olympic Festival is widely seen as a proving ground for future Olympians. Many well-known Irish athletes, including Olympic medalists Ciara Mageean and Thomas Barr, first made their international marks at EYOF. For Aoife and her teammates, the festival offers not only a chance to compete against Europe’s best but also to gain invaluable experience in a multi-sport environment that mirrors the Olympic Games.

Team Ireland Chef de Mission for the event, Gráinne Treacy, emphasized the importance of the EYOF for athlete development.

“The EYOF is a unique platform that provides young athletes with their first real taste of international competition. It’s an opportunity to test themselves, to learn, and to grow—not just as athletes but as ambassadors for Ireland.”

Aoife’s parents, Seán and Máire Ní Riain, shared their pride in a statement posted on social media:

“Aoife has always chased her dreams with heart and humility. We’re overjoyed to see her represent Ireland. No matter the result, she’s already a champion to us.”

Support from the Limerick Community

Back home, Aoife’s selection has ignited a wave of local support. Her school, Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ, is planning a special send-off assembly, while local businesses and the City Council are reportedly organizing a “Good Luck Aoife” campaign leading up to her departure.

Cllr. Deirdre Byrne, Mayor of Limerick, praised Aoife’s achievements in a statement:

“Aoife Ní Riain is a credit to her family, her school, and to the people of Limerick. Her selection is a testament to her incredible talent and the strength of Limerick’s sporting community. We’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.”

Looking Ahead

With just under two weeks to go before the festival kicks off on July 21, Aoife is continuing her final preparations under the guidance of Coach Fahy, balancing track sessions with mental conditioning and recovery work. She will travel to Slovakia with the Irish contingent on July 18, joining fellow athletes in the Olympic-style village where they will stay for the duration of the games.

Her immediate goal? To run a personal best—and soak up the experience.

“Of course, I want to do well and make Limerick proud,” Aoife said. “But this is also about learning and pushing myself against Europe’s best. I want to enjoy every second.”

Whatever the outcome, Aoife Ní Riain’s selection marks an inspiring chapter in Limerick’s sporting history and signals the arrival of a bright new star on the international athletics scene. From her first strides on a local track to the grand stage of the European Youth Olympics, her journey is one that will inspire generations to come.


Ireland’s participation at the European Youth Olympic Festival 2025 is coordinated by the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI), with full support from Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland. The games will run from July 21 to July 27 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

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