By:
Conor Martin
Irish Olympic hero Daniel Wiffen has given the next generation of sports stars in his native Armagh a boost by donating £25,000 (€29,000) from an Olympic grant to his former school.
Wiffen won two medals last summer in France. He took top spot and the gold medal in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m swim at Paris 2024. He became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win individual gold at the Olympics since 1972.
Daniel Wiffen repays school’s belief
Wiffen announced his decision to donate the grant in a post on his X account.
https://twitter.com/WiffenDaniel/status/1931944263639593273
“From Armagh to Paris and back again.
“Really proud to donate my full £25,000 Olympic Legacy fund to St Patrick’s Grammar School Armagh – the school that believed in me from the very beginning.
“Their support meant everything on my journey to becoming an Olympic Champion
“When I heard about the Legacy of Paris programme, I knew straight away where the funding should go. The school had plans for a new gym to support local athletes, but funding was a challenge. This donation helped bring that vision to life.
“It was a special moment to return with my brothers Nathan Wiffen and Ben Wiffen to open the new facility – one that will inspire future swimmers, GAA stars, hurlers, hoopers and more
“Massive thanks to Mr Clarke, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the whole school community for the warm welcome and continued belief.
“Legacy isn’t just about medals — it’s about giving others the chance to dream too.”
Olympic grant makes a difference
The gesture has already made an impression on the local community. St Patrick’s Grammar School’s principal, Dominic Clarke, spoke of how Wiffen has always supported his old school and called the donation very kind and generous.
Clarke then spoke of how previous fundraising schemes have helped get plans for a gym off the ground with the purchase of weights. But now, thanks to the donation, the school now has a gym to be proud of.
“We were totally devoid of cardiovascular equipment.
Clarke added that following a discussion with Mr Wiffen and through Sport NI, “we put a proposal in”.
“Now, if you come to our fitness suite wellness area, you’ll see cardiovascular machines for bikes, treadmills, air treadmills, rowing machines, and ski ergs.
“A lot of that has been funded through the Olympic medalist fund.”
St Patrick’s have had their share of exceptional athletes, with the Orchard County celebrating a few sporting achievements last year Clarke added:
“That was a glorious weekend during which Armagh won the All-Ireland and we had seven past pupils on that squad, so that was a big high and that was the Sunday and then on the Monday, Daniel went out and won the 800 metres gold medal.”
The opening of a new gym will surely inspire the next generation, so don’t be surprised if St Patrick’s continues to churn out even more sporting stars.
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