Damien's double at Euros earns Sports Stars selection
Damien Moyles experienced gory on the double at the U23 European Para Youth Games in Istanbul last July.
To say that 2025 was a year to remember for Moy Valley Athletics Club athlete Damien Moyles is probably something of an understatement. After all, how often does anyone get to say they are a European champion? But winning one medal didn’t satisfy the competitive streak within Damien at the U23 European Para Youth Games in Istanbul last July, so he went and won two!
The Crossmolina native won gold in the T13 400m in a personal best time of 54.16s, while he also claimed silver in the 100m.
Damien’s athletic achievements are exceptional given the challenges he has had with his vision, being born with albinism and nystagmus. With the help and guidance of coach Dermot McDonnell, along with family, friends and all involved with Moy Valley AC, he has refused to be defined by these personal trials.
But what made his gold and silver winning performances all the more remarkable is that he won those medals while still only 17-years-old – competing at under-23 level.
Para sport is on the rise and its participants are operating at an elite level. Indeed Damien has already started training with the Irish Paralympic Development Squad.
Named as the 2025 Young Person of the Year at the Mayo People of the Year Awards, his results last year spoke for themselves, as did the numbers of people who turned out for his homecoming in Crossmolina after his European escapades. The future looks particularly bright for the Moy Valley speedster.
