Owens hoping to put best foot forward for local athletics

Declan Owens is hoping to inspire the next generation as he aims to give something back to the sport he loves.

Owens, who spent his early childhood living in Strokestown, wants to help athletics grow in County Roscommon and around Connacht.

Now living in Claremorris, County Mayo, his aim is to promote the sport after a rapid rise through the ranks.

“I was born in Castlebar, but I lived in Strokestown for five years. My dad (John) is from Castlerea and my mother (Yvonne) is from Westport. Around the age of five, we moved into Claremorris, but I would have big Roscommon connections in the sense that all my dad’s side and some of my mother’s side would be from the Castlerea and Elphin areas.

“We have big connections with the area, and I am hoping to work in Roscommon next year, not just from a teaching point of view but to bring athletics on in the county.

Owens believes that athletics in County Roscommon is moving in the right direction.

“There is the track in Tarmon, which can give people in Castlerea and the surrounding areas a chance to enjoy the sport. Hopefully, in the next few years, more tracks are built because facilities are needed to bring any sport on. Then, the next step is expert coaching and then you would start to see a real growth,” he explained.

The 30-year-old is currently pursuing a Masters in special education at the University of Galway. He previously worked in St. Michael’s School in Castlerea and is deeply passionate about helping children that may need extra support.

“I worked as an SNA (Special Needs Assistant) in St. Michael’s. Then, over time, I ended up in a bit of a PE role before Covid hit. I was going around to every classroom and the teacher would ask me to do the exercise programme with two or three kids in each room. I used to do that for most of the day and then I would train the kids up for the Special Olympics in small groups,” he explained.

Owens has enjoyed an almost meteoric rise after taking up the sport properly in his early twenties. He went from finishing last in his first Munster Indoor Championships to securing a place on the podium. His biggest achievement is being part of the Mayo AC 4 x 400 metres relay team that secured All-Ireland glory in 2021.

He is a Connacht silver medallist in the 100 metres and 400 metres, and secured bronze in the 200 metres. He also holds Munster medals in the 60 metres and 200 metres indoor races.

The Masters student has enjoyed imparting his experiences, having previously working with students and now as a spring coach for GAA teams.

“When I was on placement, I did some coaching with the Sacred Heart School in Westport in cross country and track and field. The First Year girls’ team won a Cross Country All-Ireland title while we had two girls in the top three in the 800 metres in track and field. I find coaching students to be a fulfilling and worthwhile experience,” he revealed.

This year, Owens is working with Killala’s men’s team and Kilmovee’s women’s side as a sprint coach. It helps him to see the sport from a different perspective.

“A few years ago, I was a footballer and I didn’t know the things I do now. I can now teach others about changing their arm and leg movements and help them get their bodies at the right angles. They seem to find it valuable and enjoyable as even after a few sessions you CAN see improvements,” he noted.

Owens hopes to help the sport to grow alongside developing and representing his country at Masters (over-35) level.

“In the short to medium term, I hope to win more Connacht titles in the 100, 200 and 400 metres and get on the podium for the Munster championships. It would be great to help the relay team be on the national stage more while I hope to continue working with GAA teams. The biggest goal is to make the Irish Masters team and try win individual medals,” he concluded.