Outsider.ie Most Devoted To The Outdoor Scene 2024 Nominees - sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Network - Outsider Awards

Passionate, persistent and positively unstoppable! The Most Devoted To The Outdoor Scene 2024 award, sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Network, recognises those who live and breathe the Irish outdoors, dedicating their time and energy to growing the adventure community in 2024. This award celebrates the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Irish outdoors what it is. They volunteer at races, lend a hand and share expertise when required. Let’s dive in and read all about them!

You’re Invited!

If you’re a nominee, consider this your official invitation to the Outsider Awards which take place on the evening of Thursday 27 February 2025 at the Sugar Club, Dublin.

We are beyond thrilled to announce the support of our incredible sponsors, who are helping us celebrate all the brilliance of the Irish adventure scene. With their backing, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night!

A special thank you to our title sponsor, Sport Ireland, as well as our supporting sponsors: Craghoppers, Sustainable Tourism Network, Fáilte Ireland, and Salewa.

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We were blown away by the quality and quantity of the nominations we received this year. So, sit back, relax and get ready to celebrate the incredible nominees for Most Devoted To The Outdoor Scene 2024 sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Network.

We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate another incredible year of Irish outdoor adventures!

Corinna Nolan

Corinna Nolan is a cornerstone of the open-water swimming community in Wicklow, where her contributions as a coach, mentor, and athlete have left an indelible mark on countless swimmers.

Corinna, who hails from Bray, Co Wicklow, has inspired many to move from the pool to the open sea. As a swim instructor, she has introduced children and adults to the joys of swimming, often coaxing hesitant newcomers to try it out. Her dedication extends beyond coaching; she has organised water safety awareness talks, volunteered her time to teach refugees introductory swimming lessons, and worked with Enable Ireland to help children with special needs experience the freedom and joy of water.

Corinna’s achievements as a swimmer are equally remarkable. She is the only Wicklow woman known to have completed the prestigious Irish Triple Crown of open-water swimming, conquering the North Channel, Fastnet and Galway Bay. Her North Channel swim alone raised over €20,000 for Enable Ireland, a charity close to her heart.

Corinna is also a talented photographer, capturing the triumph and relief on swimmers’ faces at the finish lines and bringing the beauty of Wicklow’s waters to life. Always happy to share her experience, she provides invaluable guidance to aspiring Channel swimmers, offering advice on nutrition, overcoming the cold and other challenges unique to long-distance open-water swimming.

Through her tireless efforts, Corinna has built a vibrant and supportive community of swimmers in Bray and Greystones. Her humility and constant encouragement make her a true beacon in the world of open-water swimming.

Fergal Somerville

Fergal Somerville made history in 2024 as the first person to successfully complete a circumnavigation swim of Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. This remarkable feat, covering 34km in 13 hours and 27 minutes, was the culmination of over a decade of planning and training – and an incredible way to honour 175 years of continuous service by the Aran Island lifeboat station.

For Fergal Somerville (61) – originally from Artane, Dublin, and now living in Beaumont – swimming has been a lifelong passion. Over the past 15 years, he has completed numerous marathon swims, including the ‘Original Triple Crown of Channel Swims’, earning two Guinness World Records for his achievements in the North and Bristol Channels. A member of both the Ireland Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Ice Swimming Hall of Fame, Fergal has clocked over 1,000km in open water annually, training with unyielding dedication.

The Inis Mór swim, Fergal’s toughest challenge yet, adhered to strict Channel rules, with no assistance beyond nourishment provided by his support crew. Battling the powerful Atlantic tides and Galway Bay currents, Fergal persevered through unrelenting conditions. “The circumnavigation of Inis Mór was pure endurance – an unrelenting effort,” he says. Despite the physical toll, Fergal describes the experience as a crowning moment in his career and a tribute to the bravery of the Aran Lifeboat volunteers who inspired him.

Fergal’s connection to the Aran Islands spans over 25 years, with annual holidays on Inis Meáin fuelling his appreciation for the lifeboat team’s dedication. His 2024 swim also marked his third circumnavigation of the Aran Islands, having previously conquered Inis Meáin in 2014 and Inis Oírr in 2020.

Acknowledging the immense support he received, Fergal credits his wife, Mags, his family, and his dedicated crew, including Aran Lifeboat members Margaret Gill and Aonghus Ó hIarnáin. “There is nothing solo about a solo swim,” he reflects, emphasising the teamwork behind his endurance success.

Recently retired from the civil service, Fergal is now dedicating even more time to his swimming pursuits and cherishing life with his family. His advice for endurance swimmers? “Believe in your preparation, cherish your support network, and never underestimate the power of the tide.”

Maura Kiely

Maura Kiely – a passionate environmental advocate, and Chief Executive Officer of Leave No Trace Ireland – completed an impressive 5.6km open water swim from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island last September raising over €5,000 for Westport Autism Friendly Town and inspiring her local community along the way. The arduous months of training for this ambitious swim paid off for Maura as she crossed from Roonagh Quay to Clare Island, a feat made even more meaningful by the support of her community and the awareness raised for autism and inclusion.

Maura is deeply connected with nature and some of her other significant expeditions have included hiking in the Himalayas and sailing across the Atlantic.

Beyond the swim, Maura’s impact on Ireland’s outdoors is wide-reaching. She was the first team member of LNTI and as CEO has developed the organisation into a national leader in protecting Irelands outdoors, fostering partnerships with government bodies and communities. With her focus and strategic direction, Maura has grown Leave No Trace Ireland’s funding to €1million, increased LNTI’s team to 18 and grown its membership.

LNTI’s keystone ‘Love This Place’ awareness campaign highlights simple actions the public should take to safeguard and care for outdoor spaces. Now, run annually, in collaboration with LNT’s partner organisations, the campaign reaches a social media audience of almost 5.9 million.

Her leadership in the charities sector was recognised with a National Charity Impact award in 2023, Most Impactful NGO and National Good Governance Award in 2023.

Maura’s vision for LNTI has not only supported conservation but also enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the country with projects such as the development of Blueway trails.

For Maura, being outdoors isn’t just a passion – it something that can transform lives. She is committed to educating and inspiring people of all ages and abilities to get outdoors and experiencing the life enhancing benefits of time immersed in nature and the natural world.

Whether leading an expedition, undertaking a personal outdoor challenge, or driving innovative impactful conservation and education strategies at a local or national level, her work continually inspires others to connect with, care for and enjoy Ireland’s natural landscapes.

Angela Flynn

Angela Flynn is a cornerstone of the Irish mountain running community, dedicating countless hours to the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) and advancing the sport in Ireland through innovative, inclusive and sustainable initiatives.

When Angela – from Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow – first became involved with IMRA, her passion for the mountains and her commitment to fostering a thriving outdoor community quickly set her apart. Over the years, she has contributed tirelessly to the association, serving on the committee, developing new races and volunteering at countless events to ensure everyone can enjoy the mountains safely.

Angela’s sustainability efforts within IMRA are transformative. She introduced multi-use flags for race marking, which reduces waste, and encouraged race attendees to cycle or carpool to events, even facilitating carpooling groups from her home. She also spearheaded the link between IMRA and the Pure Mile initiative, ensuring the Sugarloaf remained pristine until the responsibility passed to local volunteers. Beyond this, she has organised tree-planting days using IMRA’s carbon offset fund, personally hosting and catering for volunteers.

Her commitment to inclusion has also been remarkable. She has hosted junior development days in community halls and championed events like women-only night races, promoting safe running spaces for women. Most recently, she ran up and down the Sugarloaf every day to raise funds for charity, inviting friends, family, and strangers to join her in this inspiring endeavour.

Angela’s dedication to the future of Irish mountain running includes working on partnerships between IMRA and universities to establish athletic scholarships for young Irish mountain runners, fostering the next generation of talent.

Angela’s enthusiasm, innovation, and unwavering commitment to IMRA make her an integral part of Ireland’s mountain-running community. Her advice to others looking to contribute? “Be present, think big, and always remember the value of community.”

Lisa Howley

Lisa Howley has dedicated her life to the world of open-water swimming, coaching and mentoring, and inspiring countless individuals with her selflessness, resilience, and love for the sport.

When Lisa Howley – a seasoned athlete and coach – began her journey in swimming, she was motivated purely by her passion for the sport and a desire to help others reach their potential. Over the years, she has forged a remarkable career, coaching swimming and triathlon clubs, as well as mentoring individuals in disciplines ranging from water polo to marathon swimming to Ironman-distance triathlons. Her quiet dedication and focus on the joy of the sport rather than personal recognition have earned her immense respect in the swimming community.

Lisa’s coaching philosophy is rooted in simplicity and consistency. In late 2023, she offered one of her mentees a piece of advice that has since become a cornerstone of their training: “Consistency is key. Aim for 20km a week, but if life gets in the way, don’t stress – just focus on maintaining it over the long term.” Her ability to provide clear, actionable guidance is a testament to her expertise and straight-talking approach.

Despite facing a personal challenge with her cancer diagnosis, Lisa has remained a beacon of positivity. Though her illness temporarily sidelined her from swimming and training, she continued to support others and stayed connected with her active community. Whether it’s raising funds for local charities like the Gavin Glynn Foundation or sharing a post-training coffee with friends, Lisa’s commitment to camaraderie and her unwavering spirit shine through.

Lisa’s strength, discipline, and community-focused mindset define her as a coach, mentor and person. Her advice to those striving to achieve their goals? “Stay consistent, embrace challenges and always find joy in the journey.”

Enda Cloake

Enda Cloake was awarded Mountain Runner of the Year at the Athletics Ireland annual awards in November 2024, capping off a phenomenal year of achievements both in the mountains of Ireland and further afield. When Enda Cloake – from Wexford – isn’t delivering exceptional performances on the international stage, he’s giving back to the sport through his work with Ireland’s Mountain Running Association (IMRA). As a volunteer supporting IMRA’s Junior Development Programme, Enda has inspired young athletes with his dedication and leadership, becoming an outstanding role model for the next generation of mountain runners.

Since first representing Ireland at the European and World Championships in 2021, Enda has consistently raised the bar. In 2024, he delivered his best performance yet, finishing 43rd in a fiercely competitive field at the World Mountain Running Championships. The gruelling 58km route, with over 3,500 metres of elevation gain, was no match for Enda’s grit, as he crossed the line in under six hours – a full hour ahead of his target.

Enda is devoted to the sport of mountain running, not only through his impressive elite performances but also through his embodiment of IMRA’s volunteer spirit and community values. A true ambassador for Irish mountain running, Enda continues to inspire both on and off the trails.

Eoin McMahon

Eoin McMahon has spent decades shaping the next generation of adventurers through his tireless work with the 35th Waterford, Copper Coast Scout Group. This year, his dedication paid off in a major way when the group secured a Sports Capital Grant to build a long-awaited scout den—an achievement that took years of fundraising, persistence, and determination.

When Eoin McMahon (49), from Waterford, first joined the scouts at age six, he had no idea it would become a lifelong passion. For him, scouting was more than just weekend trips; it was a foundation for resilience, leadership, and a deep love of the outdoors. Now, as a leader, he strives to pass on those same lessons to his troop.

Eoin believes in pushing boundaries and embracing adventure. In 2024 alone, he led his scouts on a cycle along the Greenway to Dungarvan, carrying all their gear for an overnight stay. In summer, they paddled from Goresbridge to Graiguenamanagh, spending the night in hammocks among the trees. They also cycled from their scout site in Ballyscanlon all the way to Fethard on Sea for their annual summer camp. And in November, he challenged them to a night hike and camp in the Comeragh Mountains, testing their navigation skills in the dark and rain.

“The scouts always rise to the challenge,” he says. “They’re involved in planning every trip, so they take real ownership of their adventures.”

For Eoin, the most important lesson he can impart is a “can-do” attitude—no matter the weather, no matter the conditions, the Copper Coast scouts gear up and get out there. He’s constantly inspired by their enthusiasm and believes scouting equips them with skills they’ll carry for life: from orienteering and first aid to leadership and confidence.

And his top advice for young adventurers? “You’re capable of more than you think. Get the gear and get out there!”

Peter Conroy

Peter Conroy has dedicated his life to pushing the boundaries of big-wave surfing while prioritizing safety. A firefighter from Dublin, he co-founded the Irish Tow Surf Rescue Club (ITSRC) to introduce life-saving rescue techniques to Ireland’s growing big-wave scene.

Peter’s passion for the ocean began as a teenager when he had his first surf session at Crab Island. With a background in competitive swimming, he quickly developed a love for big waves and the raw power of the sea. Over the years, he has surfed some of Ireland’s most dangerous waves, earning global recognition. In 2011, he caught a wave that secured him a spot in the WXL (World’s Biggest Waves), and three years ago, he won the Irish Big Wave Awards for an epic ride off the Clare coast.

Beyond his own surfing achievements, Peter is committed to ensuring the safety of others. The ITSRC, which he founded in 2006, provides critical jet ski rescue training and has gained praise from elite surfers and even the Irish Coast Guard. The club now has around 40 members and has played a vital role in safety at major surf events, including the Billabong Tow-In event at Mullaghmore.

Peter’s vision extends beyond surfing. He has helped integrate jet skis into Ireland’s rescue infrastructure, fighting to have them recognized as essential tools rather than luxury toys. He has also worked to install defibrillators in coastal hotels and develop sea survival courses tailored to Ireland’s treacherous waters.

For Peter, safety is non-negotiable. He urges all ocean athletes to invest in training, from wilderness medicine to apnea (breath-hold) techniques, believing preparation is key. “There’s no point in chasing waves if you’re not ready for the risks,” he says. Whether he’s charging massive swells or leading a rescue mission, Peter continues to shape Ireland’s big-wave surf culture with courage and responsibility.

Leo Mahon

Leo Mahon has been a cornerstone of the Irish mountain running community for over a decade, bringing his extensive background in athletics and an unparalleled dedication to fostering the sport.

Before his involvement with the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA), Leo – from Dublin – played a pivotal role in Irish athletics. As secretary of the Dublin County Athletics Board and a member of the National Cross-Country Committee, he worked tirelessly to promote the sport. His contributions to Athletics Ireland, dating back to its Bord Lúthchleas na hÉireann (BLE) days before 2000, further highlight his lifelong commitment to supporting athletes at all levels.

Leo became involved with IMRA in 2009, initially serving as the Junior Development Officer before taking on the critical role of High-Performance Officer, which he held for over six years. In these positions, he was instrumental in nurturing young talent and ensuring Ireland’s best mountain runners had the support they needed to compete internationally. Even after stepping down from formal committee duties in 2022, Leo remains an integral part of the high-performance team. His ability to manage complex travel logistics for international events is invaluable, as is his steady and thoughtful guidance.

While Leo has participated in just 20 IMRA races, his 77 volunteering credits speak volumes about his dedication to the community. Known for his calm wisdom and tireless work behind the scenes, he exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the sport he loves.

Niall Breslin

Niall Breslin (44), from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, is a prominent mental health advocate and co-founder of A Lust for Life, a charity focused on mental health education and early prevention. Established with Paula McLoughlin and Colm McCormack, the charity now operates in 48% of Irish primary schools, offering free 10-week programmes to help children manage their mental health. Niall’s personal journey with mental health inspired him to take action, especially given the lack of education during his own school years.

Along with a close-knit group, Niall, took on one of the most meaningful outdoor challenges of his life this summer. Their adventure included paddling the Shannon, then cycling to Cronin’s Yard in Kerry and climbing Carrauntoohil, the highest peak in Ireland. The challenge wasn’t just a physical feat; it was designed to reflect the ups and downs of life, teaching young people that challenges are an inevitable part of the journey.

Through the hardships of this challenge, Niall’s message to young people is clear: life, much like the Shannon, is not a straight path, but with resilience and the right mindset, we can overcome the tough times. His advice for anyone feeling lost in life, especially those struggling with mental health is simple. He states, “I believe there will be a Post Digital Revolution, where you’ll see mass amounts of people rejecting social media and moving away from it.” He advises those feeling lost to “disconnect from the noise of social media,” anticipating a future where many will reject its pressures. His efforts raised €175,000 for A Lust for Life, furthering its mission to transform mental health education in Ireland.