We have some very exciting news!
Riding on the wave of the Outsider Awards 2023, we would like to present our Campfire Chats Event: The Outsider Awards Epilogue. This unique, intimate gathering is where a selection of our celebrated nominees from the Outsider Awards will share their stories in depth. Hosted by the amazing Dr Karen Weekes, this in-person event offers the chance to get up close and personal with a selection of winners and nominees from the Outsider Awards 2023. Be prepared to immerse yourself in their compelling back stories, find inspiration in their motivation, and discover the secrets of their remarkable achievements in the Irish outdoors. This intimate, thought-provoking and inspiring event will take place at the Sugar Club on 9 April 2024.
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
The Host: Outsider Woman Of The Year 2022 Dr Karen Weekes
Dr. Karen Weekes, an inspiring 55-year-old ultra-endurance athlete, became the first Irish woman to solo row across the Atlantic. She travelled 3,000 miles from The Canaries to Barbados, battling massive waves and enduring challenges. Karen, who lives in Kinvara, Galway, has also accomplished other remarkable feats globally, including circumnavigating Ireland in a kayak, cycling from Bodø, Norway, to Galway, and trekking the world’s highest mountains.
She views her Atlantic crossing as an elevation of her athletic journey and an opportunity to inspire women and girls through her SHECANDO campaign. A psychologist by profession, Karen credits her triumphs to meticulous planning, a winning mindset, and well-developed coping strategies.
With a background like this, it’s no wonder that Karen is incredible at drawing out the stories and motivations of other other adventurers.
The Line Up!
Our Campfire Chats event promises to be unforgettable thanks to an extraordinary line-up of outdoor athletes, advocates and personalities. Our guests will talk about topics ranging from lighthearted to powerful. With our host Karen Weekes at the helm, it’s guaranteed to be an epic night.
Outsider Man Of The Year 2023 – Ian O’Brien
Outsider Woman Of The Year 2023 – Ellie Berry
Outsider Most Inspiring Winner 2018 – Nikki Bradley
Nikki Bradley, 37, has been inspiring readers of Outsider for years. In fact, in 2018, she won Outsider’s Most Inspiring Person award. In 2023, she continued to wow us by running in the VHI Mini Marathon after a leg amputation. Diagnosed with bone cancer at 16, Nikki underwent rotationplasty surgery in 2022 and has been using crutches since 2012, now with a prosthetic. Despite this, she’s accomplished feats like climbing glaciers in Iceland and abseiling off Fanad Lighthouse. In 2023, she became an ambassador for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon. Nikki enjoyed the training and highlights the race atmosphere and a reflective moment outside St. Vincent’s Hospital. Her advice to others wanting to challenge themselves? “Sign up without overthinking. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Outsider Award 2023: Eco Hero Nominee Vincent Hyland
Vincent Hyland (62), has devoted over four decades to recording the beauty of nature in Ireland. Growing up in Dublin, he was captivated by the natural wonders of Derrynane, Kerry, where he later moved. On largely his own a personal budget, he has documented the local ecosystem, including rare nighttime seatrout spawning and jackdaw nesting behavior, the latter winning a Prix Europa Award.
He founded Wild Ireland, a website and magazine that won several awards, and produced films on Ireland’s marine life. His crowning achievement, *Wild Derrynane*, features thousands of his wildlife images and took 15 years to compile. As John Murphy of Salmon Watch Ireland says, “Vinnie nurtures a love of the natural world and inspires all he comes in contact with.”
Outsider Diversity & Inclusion Award Winner – Clara Clark, founder of Cycling Without Age
“Getting older or losing one’s independence should not mean the end of fun,” according to Clara Clark, the individual responsible for introducing Cycling Without Age (CWA) to Ireland. Clara Clark introduced Cycling Without Age (CWA) to Ireland, providing free slow-cycling rides on trishaws for those unable to walk or cycle. Starting in 2017 with one trishaw, it has grown to 65 across Ireland. Clara emphasises these initiatives foster community and freedom, building connections between passengers and volunteers. A significant outcome is the Bike Hub in Dun Laoghaire. This social enterprise manages a fleet of accessible bikes and provides bike repair training. CWA is now consulted by transport authorities and aims to be a part of a new regime of social prescribing by medics.
Outsider Awards two-time Nominee Eamonn Keaveney
Eamonn Keaveney (31), from Claremorris, County Mayo, rode the length of Ireland on a unicycle in just six days, one of the most notable feats of endurance this year. Since 2016, he has raised funds for suicide prevention charities, and even earned a World Record for walking barefoot around Ireland and climbing 10 Irish mountains. Spurred by a conversation in Warde’s pub, he took on the ‘fastest time to unicycle across Ireland’ challenge, despite never having seen a unicycle before. After overcoming Covid and an injury, he completed his record-breaking ride in 2023, raising nearly €6,000 for Simon Communities. Eamonn encourages others not to limit their potential before even trying.
Get your tickets now!
Tickets are available now through our website Outsider.ie/shop. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an electrifying evening that will bring you closer to the heart of our vibrant Irish outdoor community.
Secure your space now. We can’t wait to welcome you on this unforgettable journey.