The ultimate dream for any young athlete is to trade their school singlet for the green jersey of Ireland. Tomorrow, that dream becomes a magnificent reality for Davitt College star Isabella (Bella) Kearney, as she lines out to represent her country at the prestigious SIAB (Schools International Athletics Board) Track and Field Championships!

The international meet is being held at the Moorways Sports Village in Derby, England, featuring the absolute elite of school athletics from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The Road to the International Stage

Bella’s international call-up is the crowning moment of a flawless, high-stakes summer campaign where her self-driven work ethic and elite focus have shone through at every turn:

• The Spring Statement (13 April): Bella ignited her season with a statement victory at the Templemore Spring Throws. Competing in the hammer circle, she launched the furthest throw out of both the U16 and U18 divisions, shattering her previous lifetime mark with a competition PB of 44.97m.
• The National Silver Medal (2 June): Carrying that explosive form into the All-Ireland Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore, Bella delivered a masterclass under pressure. She threw a superb new Personal Best to claim a magnificent 2nd place in Ireland (Silver)—an unbelievable achievement, especially with her Junior Cert exams kicking off just days later!
• The Tailteann Games Triumph (21 June): The definitive moment arrived at the prestigious interprovincial Tailteann Games. Representing Connacht Schools, Bella completely dominated the U16 Hammer field, taking the top spot on the podium to officially book her automatic qualification spot on the Irish international squad.

Leading a Golden Generation of Davitt Athletes

While Bella packs her bags for England, her success is the peak of a brilliant summer for our entire track and field department. Earlier in the season on April 10th, our athletes set the tracks alight at the North Connacht Championships, leading to a fantastic showing at the Connacht Schools Finals in Athlone (19 May).

On that provincial stage, our squad proved they belong at the top flight, headlined by Ruairí Connor’s exceptional podium finish in the Junior Boys Long Jump and Benjamin Byrne-Dempsey’s brilliant bronze medal performance in the Intermediate Boys High Jump.

The Whole School is Behind You, Bella!

To climb into the top tier of international athletics takes thousands of hours of unseen, exhausting rotation work in the throw circles. Bella’s relentless drive to improve her sport is a true inspiration to the entire student body.

The management, staff, coaches, and students of Davitt College want to send the absolute biggest roar of support across the Irish Sea. Bella, you have worked incredibly hard for this moment—stand tall, enjoy the international stage, and leave it all in the circle. We are immensely proud of you! Go n-éirí an t-adh leat! 🇮🇪✨