Harry Conway

An outstanding junior athlete, Harry Conway created a record in 1918, which still stood 108 years later. Representing St Finian’s College, Mullingar, at the Irish Schools’ Championships, Conway won the 100-, 220- 440-yards,110 yards hurdles, long jump, triple jump, and the team relay for a total of seven gold medals. He also won silver in the high jump.

Upon going to University College Dublin, Conway continued his success as a senior athlete and won nine Irish Universities titles at 100, 440,100 hurdles, and the long jump between 1921-24. Conway also won five national titles: 220 yards (1919), sprint hurdles (1922-23), long jump (also 1922-23).

Internationally, Conway first represented Ireland in the triangular match against England and Scotland at Stoke-on-Trent in 1923. He was then selected for the long jump at the 1924 Olympics but withdrew, and a few weeks later took part in the high hurdles and long jump at the inaugural Tailteann Games in Dublin.

Conway’s younger brother Gerard and older brother James (later the reverend James Conway) were both also excellent runners as youngsters. Harry qualified as a doctor in 1926 and, after a period working in England, became medical officer for the Clonmellon District of Westmeath in 1935. During his time there, he helped with the resurgence of Gaelic football and hurling in the town. Conway was the dispensary medical officer for Ratoath, County Meath, from 1939 until his retirement in 1972, the year before his death.

Personal Best: LJ – 6.96w (1923).