Powerful, diverse, and chosen by you, the Audience Choice Award brings together the very best of the Outsider Awards — a shortlist drawn from across every judging panel category and united by one thing: impact. From youth leaders and volunteers to eco-heroes, adventurers, changemakers and community builders, these nominees represent the full breadth of Ireland’s outdoor spirit.

This category celebrates those whose work has resonated far beyond judges’ notes, inspiring action, conversation and connection among the wider outdoor community. Whether restoring landscapes, breaking down barriers to access, leading unforgettable adventures, or redefining what leadership looks like in the outdoors, each nominee has left a mark that people felt deeply enough to vote for.

The Audience Choice Award is a reflection of the collective voice of the Irish outdoor community. It’s where stories meet supporters, where effort meets recognition, and where the people decide who best captured the heart of the year.

The Outsider Awards take place on 11 February 2026 at The Helix, Dublin, proudly supported by Sport Ireland, Craghoppers, Outwest Clothing, Mountaineering Ireland and NowCoco Drinks.

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Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith, 28, from Belfast, became the first woman with type 1 diabetes to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, marking the fourth of the Seven Summits she has now completed. Rachel’s love of the mountains began in her youth, when she explored the Mournes. Her passion for high-altitude climbing was ignited in 2016 with her ascent of Kilimanjaro, aged 19!

Each summit has been more than a personal challenge; for Rachel, it is a platform to show that type 1 diabetes is not a barrier to adventure. Following her ascent of Aconcagua in 2024, she spent the last two years preparing for Vinson, combining meticulous planning, rigorous training, and a deep commitment to raising awareness for type 1 diabetes.

Managing diabetes on such an extreme expedition added unique challenges. Constantly monitoring blood sugars while battling altitude, extreme cold, wind, and exhaustion required extraordinary mental focus and contingency planning. Rachel balanced the physical demands of climbing with a 24/7 health management responsibility, ensuring her safety in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Rachel’s achievement is deeply personal, with two younger brothers also living with type 1, and it represents a powerful statement about what is possible with determination and careful preparation. Looking ahead, she plans to climb Mont Blanc in 2026 and continue her journey toward completing all Seven Summits, inspiring others with diabetes and beyond to redefine the limits of what they believe is possible.

Becky Gilmor

Two years ago, Becky was searching for a way to survive her grief. After losing a close friend to suicide, she found herself unable to speak about her loss, let alone process it. The outdoors felt like the only place she could breathe. The sea and a skateboard were the last threads connecting her to the friend she missed so deeply. So she set herself a challenge few would even imagine: to skate the entire Wild Atlantic Way, and continue north to Portrush, the place where the two once skated together.

The journey that began as private healing became something much bigger. As Becky shared her adventure online, she realised just how taboo suicide and suicide loss remain in Ireland. Through brutally honest storytelling, she opened a door for others to step through, and suddenly she wasn’t skating alone. Teachers, teenagers, surfers and strangers walked beside her, shared their own experiences and widened the road. “Giorraíonn beirt bóthar,” one teacher told her, two shorten the journey, and that truth shaped the entire expedition.

What followed was a 3,100km odyssey of skateboarding, camping and storm-blown nights. Becky is proof that the darkest chapters can lead to the most extraordinary adventures, and that no one should ever face struggle alone.

Becky’s mission is simple but urgent: to spark conversation, create safe spaces and remind others that hope is real, help exists, and healing is not a solitary act.

Emma Stuart

Emma Stuart has quietly become one of the most formidable ultra-runners Ireland has ever produced. Originally from Sligo and now based in Penrith in England’s Lake District, she balances life as a full-time veterinary surgeon with racing and training at the very highest levels of international mountain running. It’s a mix most athletes would find impossible, yet Emma appears to thrive in it, moving between night shifts at the clinic and long solo training hours in the Cumbrian fells.

Her rise hasn’t been loud or dramatic. She didn’t come through a traditional athletics pathway and didn’t grow up thinking she’d one day be chasing podiums on the world stage. She simply found running later in life, figured out she was built for long distances, and went all in. And results followed, big ones. In late 2024, she smashed the women’s course record at the Winter Downs 200, a two-hundred-mile race she covered in a staggering 50 hours and 52 minutes.

Then came UTMB 2025, the most competitive mountain ultra on the planet. Emma ran her way to 11th place among the women and 70th overall, recording the highest finish by any Irish athlete in the history of the race. It was a breakthrough not just for her, but for Irish trail running as a whole. With her trademark humility, she returned quietly to work the next week, animals to care for, mountains still calling. Emma Stuart runs without fanfare, grounded in purpose, and proving one finish line at a time that elite performance and real life can beautifully coexist.

Carol Morgan

Irish ultrarunner Carol Morgan has never been one to shy away from a big challenge, but her latest achievement in the Lake District’s fabled fells might just be her most astonishing yet. Inspired after watching James Gibson’s film on the Winter Wainwrights, Carol set her sights on completing the gruelling circuit herself, in the depths of winter, when the days are shortest, the winds bite hardest, and the margins for error are razor thin.

Carol is no stranger to suffering. With winter Spine victories and solo attempts Bob Graham rounds under her belt, she arrived ready, but even she faced a full British weather sampler: rain, wind, ice, hail, darkness and the kind of fatigue that fogs the sharpest minds. A pre-planned safety team stepped in at the midpoint and, after a fierce internal battle, she agreed to stop for 24 hours, holed up in a borrowed van, dogs curled against her, being fed by friends through the door.

What followed was pure magic. Rejuvenated, she surged back onto the fells, surrounded by a rotating cast of supporters, more than 70 in total, many complete strangers who simply turned up to help a woman chasing something extraordinary.

In the end, Carol not only completed the Winter Wainwrights, but she set the overall record and became the only finisher in mid-winter conditions. Summiting all 214 mountains.

From Glasnevin’s “hills” to England’s hardest mountains, she proved what grit, humility, and community can achieve. And she hopes her story sparks one outcome above all: more women dreaming big, and lacing up to chase it.

Daragh Morgan

Some adventures are measured in distance. Others in heart. Daragh Morgan’s Swim Éire is both.

In 2025, Dara became the first person to complete a staged swim around the entire coastline of Ireland, an extraordinary 1,500km journey powered solely by his own arms, grit and spirit. But for Daragh, the mileage was only the surface. Swim Éire was a months-long immersion in the wild edges of Ireland, a pilgrimage by water that traced every inlet, harbour and headland of the island he calls home.

From battling jellyfish blooms and night swims beneath a full moon to navigating tides, storms and bare-bones logistics, Dara swam an average of 15–17km a day while living aboard a small support boat with a tiny crew. Sleep faltered, nutrition crumbled to ham sandwiches, and nothing came easy. Yet what endured was connection, to the sea, to the rhythm of weather, to coastal communities, and to the deep cultural threads that bind Ireland to the water.

Daragh calls the swim his North Star. It was a calling he planned in his head for six years before he was ready to attempt it. Training solely outdoors, embracing uncertainty, and trusting his team, he completed the swim not just as an athletic feat, but as a soulful exploration of identity, heritage and place.

Now, with Ireland fully circled stroke by stroke, Daragh continues to advocate for adventure at home, and reminds us that the extraordinary often begins at the edge of our own island.

Brian Mullins

At 45, Cork’s Brian Mullins has been redefining what it means to endure in the mountains. 2025 was a year to remember: a second-place finish at the legendary TOR450, one of the toughest mountain races on the planet, saw him push his limits against a field of elite international athletes. Add to that the thrill of finally winning the IMRA Carrauntoohil Race, an ambition for almost 7 years, and it’s clear Brian’s year was nothing short of extraordinary.

Resilience comes naturally to Brian, honed over 40 years of mountain running. “Consistency is key,” he says, spending almost all his training on rugged terrain rather than track or road. This devotion allows him to move from long race to long race with astonishing recovery, making 700km Alpine challenges feel just like days in the hills.

Brian describes TOR450 not as a race, but “a week in the mountains with like-minded individuals, testing body and mind to the limit.” Every outing teaches him something, and he lives by a philosophy imparted by alpinist Mark Twight: “Discovering one’s self, one’s talent and ambition and learning how to express it is a creative process so may not be rushed.”

From local peaks to epic ultramarathons, Brian Mullins embodies the relentless spirit of Irish mountain running.

Catriona Jennings

Caitríona Jennings, from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, has long been a force in Irish distance running, representing her country at the 2012 London Olympic Marathon before transitioning to ultra-distance events with remarkable success. 2025 was a year for the history books. In February, she smashed the Irish 50 km record at the Donadea Championships in 3:16:33, marking the fourth-fastest time in the world that year. Summer saw her cross the finish line of the Comrades Marathon in South Africa in 8th place, her fourth consecutive Top 10 finish, earning a coveted Gold Medal.

But it was November that truly cemented her name in the ultra-distance history books. At the Tunnel Hill 100 Mile race in Illinois, Caitríona ran the distance in 12 hours, 37 minutes and 4 seconds, breaking the women’s world record by over five minutes in her first-ever 100-mile competitive race. Averaging a consistent 7:34 per mile (4:42 min/km) over 160.9 km, she demonstrated not just endurance but precise pacing and mental toughness.

Jennings’ performances reflect a career defined by resilience, strategic brilliance, and relentless dedication. From Irish records to international accolades, she continues to push the boundaries of what Irish runners can achieve, inspiring a new generation to take on the ultra-distance challenge.

Eve McMahon

Eve McMahon, from Howth, Co. Dublin, had a breakthrough year in 2025, establishing herself as one of the world’s leading ILCA 6 sailors. Building on her experience as a Paris 2024 Olympian, Eve made history by winning bronze at the 2025 ILCA World Championships in Qingdao, China, the first Irish female sailor to medal at a senior World Championship in this class. That achievement propelled her to the number one spot in the World Sailing rankings, another first for an Irish sailor.

Her remarkable season didn’t stop there. Eve claimed gold at the LA Grand Slam, an elite World Sailing event held on the future 2028 Olympic course, gaining invaluable experience and proving her ability to perform under pressure on the world stage. She also earned a bronze medal at the U23 ILCA 6 European Championships in Sweden, adding yet another international podium to an already stellar campaign.

Recognised for her extraordinary 2025 season, Eve was named “Rising Star” at the Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards. With her combination of historic firsts, international victories, and steady progression from youth to senior competition, Eve McMahon has firmly positioned herself as one of Ireland’s most exciting sporting talents, a trailblazer inspiring the next generation of sailors.

Gearóid McDaid

Gearóid McDaid made history in 2025 when he became the first Irish surfer to win gold at the European Surfing Championships. Already respected as one of Ireland’s top competitive surfers, the achievement felt surreal. Ireland is world-famous for its big-wave coastline, but standing on top of the podium proved that Irish surfers can also win at the highest international level. For Gearóid, the hope is simple: that success brings more opportunity for the next generation to follow.

2025 wasn’t a straightforward season. An elbow injury early in the year kept him out of the water for four months, and rebuilding his form took time. But only a week after returning, he travelled to Poland for a high-level invitational and finished second, a huge confidence boost that set the tone for what came next. Training camps in Nicaragua, Portugal and at home pushed him back to his peak just in time for the European Championships.

This year also saw Gearóid launch the first Gearóid Invitational youth event in Strandhill, giving young Irish groms a platform to compete, qualify and showcase their talent on proper waves. It’s something he’s passionate about growing, a surfer-driven pathway that didn’t exist when he started.

Looking ahead, the long-term goal is clear: qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games. While the route to qualification hasn’t been announced, he’s already preparing, training full-time, travelling for coaching, and building momentum from a year that changed everything for Irish competitive surfing.

Vini Cardoso

After years of calling Ireland home, Vini set out on a journey that was both deeply personal and profoundly connected to the communities he ran through. In 2025, he ran the full length of the Irish coastline, visiting every RNLI lifeboat station along the way. The goal wasn’t just to cover the miles, it was to honour the bravery and commitment of the volunteers who risk their lives daily to keep others safe at sea, and to give something meaningful back to the country that had become his home.

Covering remote headlands, wild beaches, and quiet harbours, Vini experienced Ireland in ways few ever do. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, it was the human connections that defined the journey: lifeboat crews who shared their stories, locals offering encouragement, and strangers lending small but powerful gestures of kindness. Each encounter reinforced the sense of purpose behind every step and highlighted the extraordinary generosity of people along the coast.

The journey demanded both physical and mental resilience. Years of multi-day mountain treks, including completing the Ireland Way in 19 days, prepared him for long hours alone on the road, facing wind, rain, and exhaustion. The solitude taught him to stay present, manage his energy, and push through adversity, step by step.

Crossing the finish line in Howth, welcomed by RNLI volunteers and the local community, was a moment of profound emotion. Through this epic adventure, Vini demonstrated that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things when driven by purpose, commitment, and a belief in making a positive difference. His journey is a testament to resilience, community, and giving back.

Paul Little

In 2025, Paul Little became the fastest known person to swim the full 230km length of the River Shannon, completing the journey in just 8 relentless days. But behind the headlines, Paul’s story is rooted in something deeper: a lifelong connection to Ireland’s waterways, a hunger to test the limits of body and mind, and a desire to make a difference far beyond himself.

Raised among the lakes and rivers of Roscommon, water has always been Paul’s home ground, from childhood swims and lake days to meeting his future wife at Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club. Endurance challenges followed, leading him through a decade of triathlons, nine middle-distance races and countless hours training around Lough Key. Swimming the Shannon was the next step, a dream big enough to scare him, and bold enough to ignite something extraordinary.

Every kilometre came at a cost. By day three, Paul was in agony, his mouth breaking down, his body exhausted, illness threatening to end the expedition. Yet he pushed forward, fuelled not only by inner grit but by the people around him: the crew who rebuilt his nutrition overnight, the neuromuscular therapist who drove across the country to treat him, and strangers lining bridges and riverbanks, shouting his name across acres of wind and water. Their belief became his engine.

Paul swam for himself, but also for something far bigger. His efforts raised €28,500 for North West STOP, a community mental-health charity offering free, immediate therapy to those in crisis. Carrying that mission through training and every painful metre, he turned a personal quest into life-changing support for hundreds of people across the northwest.

Looking back, Paul says the river taught him more than any race ever could: discipline, self-accountability, resilience, and the revelation that ordinary people are wildly capable of extraordinary things. He sacrificed time with his newborn son to make this dream possible, and hopes someday that same child will know he was the reason his dad kept going.

Paul’s message is simple: take on the challenge that scares you, believe you are capable, and recognise the power of community. No one crosses a river alone, in sport, in life or in the moments when we need help most.

Eamonn Keavney

Ever since completing a walk around Ireland in 2016, multiple-time Outsider Awards nominee Eamonn has been chasing ever bigger horizons. In 2025, that dream became reality: embarking on an epic barefoot journey across a continent, inspired by the record for the longest walk ever documented and fueled by a desire to push personal limits in a completely new way.

The journey tested every part of him. Feet were worn to the point of bleeding during high-mileage stretches in Austria, while relentless heatwaves in Hungary forced unexpected days of rest. Yet through the physical strain and mental fatigue, Eamonn relied on a simple principle: focus on each day, each week, and let the larger journey take care of itself. That patience, perseverance, and ability to break a seemingly impossible challenge into manageable steps became the foundation of his success.

This adventure was not just about personal achievement. Eamonn used the walk to raise funds and awareness for causes close to his heart, finding purpose in knowing that his suffering and effort were also making a positive impact for others. The combination of physical endurance, mental resilience, and meaningful intention transformed the journey into something far greater than a record attempt, it became a testament to what humans are capable of when driven by curiosity, courage, and commitment.

26 Mountains 2 Mayo

Some adventures push the limits of human endurance, and then others go further, carrying a purpose that lifts every step. 26 Mountains 2 Mayo was one of those. Over just nine relentless days, a team of business leaders from Ireland and the US set out to climb the highest point in every county on the island, 26 unique summits, more than 218km on foot, 11,000 metres of ascent, and a staggering 2,763km in the van linking mountain to mountain. Their goal was simple, but enormous in impact: raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children, a charity providing vital support to families navigating the impossible. The result? Over £1.3 million raised.

Guiding the expedition was a team of Irish mountain leaders from Stride Ireland, who first crossed paths with the originator, Roger Johnston, on an Earth’s Edge training weekend. Over nine days, they navigated every route, set the pace, kept spirits high, and led a tired but determined crew from summit to summit, while CFFC handled the vital in-between care.

There were many memorable moments, but one stays with the guides: Day Seven, when exhaustion peaked, the weather turned, and still, no one broke. The team moved as one, fuelled by purpose, grit, and the knowledge that every step mattered.

26 Mountains 2 Mayo wasn’t just a challenge. It was proof of what people can achieve when adventure meets heart, and when mountains are climbed not just for glory, but for others.

Sean Clifford, ultrarunner

When Kerry’s Sean Clifford set out to run the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, an audacious, soul-stretching journey along one of the world’s great coastlines, he discovered much more than miles. At 48, Sean proved that extraordinary adventure doesn’t belong to the young: it belongs to the committed.

The physical challenge was immense, but Sean’s lowest moment wasn’t about sore legs or empty muscles; it came in the dark, at 5 am, when exhaustion broke over him and quitting suddenly felt reasonable. “No one would blame you,” whispered his mind. Instead, Sean stood up. That single choice, to keep moving, sparked a quiet transformation that powered him through thousands more steps.

Sean credits resilience not to motivation, but to commitment. He believes in showing up on the days when belief is gone and letting one honest step build into thousands. Big, impossible goals excite him. Along the way, Ireland lifted him. The rugged coast, the wind and waves, and most of all, the people. Doors opened. Tea appeared. Beds were offered. The running community roared him forward in a “tsunami of goodwill.”

Sean’s greatest lesson? Don’t wait to feel ready. Consistency conquers fear, and every runner has far more to give than they ever imagine.

Charlie Daly

Irish‑American sea kayaker and writer Charlie Daly has turned the wild edge of Ireland into both his training ground and his muse. Growing up between Bantry Bay and Cape Cod, Charlie discovered early that the outdoors was the one place his severe childhood ADHD felt like a superpower rather than a problem, trading classroom restlessness for long days in small boats on rough Atlantic water. Over the years, he went from “messing around” offshore with his Marine veteran father to planning serious coastal passages, learning to read waves, tides and weather the way other kids learned from textbooks.

In 2023, Charlie set out to solo‑circumnavigate Ireland by sea kayak, taking on 1,500km of some of the North Atlantic’s most brutal coastline. A brutal double hernia ended that first attempt, forcing surgery, rehab and a hard reset. Undeterred, he spent two more years rebuilding strength and skills, then returned to finish the lap in 2025, paddling long, lonely days around Malin Head, Donegal Bay and the storm‑smashed Atlantic edge. The project doubled as a fundraiser for Parkinson’s research in honour of his mother, transforming a deeply personal obsession into a journey of grit, generosity and connection around the island he now calls home.

Row Hard Or Go Home

In June-July 2025, Row Hard or Go Home, a team of four coastal rowers from County Wicklow, completed a historic circumnavigation of Ireland. Diarmuid Ó Briain, Tom Nolan, Mick Dowling, and Cormac Conroy set out from Baltimore, County Cork, on 18 June to break the record for the fastest unsupported row around the island. After roughly 15 days and 16 hours at sea, they smashed the previous record, more than halving the existing time.

The team’s effort was entirely self-supported, carrying and sourcing everything they needed along the way. They rowed in 90‑minute shifts with only 30‑minute breaks. Beyond the sporting feat, the row served a philanthropic purpose. The crew raised over €38,000 for Rathdrum Cancer Support and the Vartry Rowing Club in Wicklow, drawing attention to coastal rowing and the local community spirit that supports it.

Diarmuid and Tom, seasoned rowers who previously competed in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a record-setting transatlantic ocean row, brought invaluable experience to the expedition. Their combined ocean and coastal rowing expertise allowed the team to navigate Ireland’s challenging coastline safely and efficiently.

The 2025 Row Hard or Go Home circumnavigation highlighted the intersection of elite endurance sport, community fundraising, and outdoor adventure. It was a showcase of what dedication, teamwork, and careful planning can achieve, setting a new benchmark for Irish coastal rowing while inspiring both rowers and the wider public.

Ronan Garvey

Ronan Garvey, hailing from the west of Ireland, made headlines in August 2025 with a solo ascent of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Setting out from the valley late at night, Ronan climbed 4,000 metres over 16 km in just over ten hours, navigating glaciers, steep ridges, and exposed alpine terrain entirely alone.

The climb demanded not only peak physical conditioning but extraordinary mental resilience. Traversing crevassed glaciers, icy slopes, and narrow ridges at high altitude, Ronan maintained a meticulous approach to pacing, hydration, and safety, often confronting the sheer exposure of the route in total solitude. His journey was a test of preparation, skill, and unwavering determination, culminating in a summit arrival at 9:15 am on 19 August, where he experienced both the triumph and serenity of achieving a long-held personal ambition.

Ronan’s ascent stands out not only for the technical difficulty and solo nature of the climb but for the precision, self-reliance, and mental fortitude it demanded. It’s a testament to the power of personal ambition and preparation, and a reminder of the heights, both literal and metaphorical, that can be reached when courage meets discipline.

This achievement firmly positions Ronan as one of Ireland’s most daring and capable alpine adventurers, inspiring others to push their limits and explore the extremes of the natural world.

Sarah Kerrigan

In 2025, Sarah Kerrigan, known online as @troubleonapegleg, once again proved that adventure knows no boundaries. Born with limb differences, Sarah has always embraced the outdoors with curiosity, courage, and a relentless spirit. This year, she took on one of her most ambitious challenges yet: an expedition carefully tailored to her abilities, pushing the limits of what is possible for adventurers with disabilities.

Her journey began with a surprise at last year’s Outsider Awards, where she won a trip to Morocco. This moment was equal parts shocking, thrilling, and nerve-wracking. Yet, with encouragement from expedition leader Jason Black, Sarah transformed that unexpected prize into six months of dedicated training, navigating the complexities of her prosthetic limb, managing daily wear and tear, and building the endurance required to take on the challenge ahead. Her preparation was a testament not only to her determination but also to her thoughtful approach to understanding her own body’s limits while striving to expand them.

During the expedition, Sarah demonstrated the power of mindset, resilience, and meticulous planning. She approached every day as an opportunity to learn, explore, and redefine what is possible, inspiring her fellow adventurers and showing the outdoors as a space accessible to all, regardless of physical differences. Throughout the experience, she remained a passionate advocate for inclusive outdoor activity, proving that with preparation, support, and sheer determination, barriers can be overcome.

Sarah’s story is one of grit, bravery, and optimism. She reminds us all that adventure isn’t reserved for the “able-bodied” or elite athlete; it belongs to anyone willing to try, persist, and embrace the challenges of the natural world. In 2025, she not only completed an extraordinary expedition but also inspired a generation to see that where there is will, there truly is a way.

Kieva Tracey

If grit had a face, it would look a lot like Kieva Tracey. When she crossed the finish line at Westport’s legendary Sea2Summit as first lady in the Spirit category, she didn’t just beat the mountain, the course or the clock; she beat the odds stacked against her body. And she did it on the slopes of Croagh Patrick, a mountain she loves so deeply it feels like home.

Only a year earlier, taking part seemed impossible. Kieva Tracey was navigating life with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a debilitating condition that can strip a person of mobility, speech and even the ability to write or walk. Her diagnosis followed years of frightening flares, hospital visits, and the terrifying unknown. But instead of retreating, she rebuilt, slowly, bravely and with humour as her armour.

Supported by her local Burrishoole GAA club, her family and the indomitable women of Team West, she trained her way back from barely being able to walk to racing her way up a holy mountain, and winning! Along the way, she raised funds, awareness and hope for others with invisible illnesses, connecting strangers online and championing FND Ireland.

Her message to anyone struggling? Use the good days. Rest on the bad. And dream big anyway.

Ronan Sharkey

Ronan Sharkey has spent the year showing what it truly means to persevere. Born with cerebral palsy and given just 24 hours to live, Ronan’s early life was stacked against him. Growing up, he faced judgment and exclusion, but he turned those challenges into a rock-solid mindset: life is about thriving, not just surviving.

Running became his path to reclaim control, first on the roads and later in the mountains. From grueling 10Ks to the punishing trails of the Seven Sisters Skyline and epic backyard ultras like the BMF, Ronan has constantly tested his limits. Setbacks, including tough DNFs, didn’t stop him; they fueled him, teaching resilience, grit, and the value of showing up.

Central to his journey is community. Friends, fellow runners, and mentors have pushed him, supported him, and inspired him to pay it forward, founding Louth Trail Runners to help others discover their own strength.

Ronan’s message is simple: anyone can do it. No matter the odds, persistence, self-belief, and a supportive community can turn challenges into triumphs and inspire everyone along the way.

Malachy Doyle

Malachy Doyle, 71, from Antrim, is proof that adventure has no age limit, and that community, courage and cause can carry a person further than they ever imagined.

Originally from County Antrim, Malachy didn’t lace up for running until the age of 58, determined to stay active, strong and healthy for as long as possible. What started with road running and Parkruns soon evolved into something much bigger when he discovered trail running through Adventure Running Donegal (ARD). Since then, Malachy has spent the past decade redefining what’s possible in your 60s and 70s. He has trekked to Everest Base Camp, climbed Kilimanjaro, summited Mera Peak, completed Donegal’s legendary Seven Sisters 55km, raced the Bluestack Ultra, and proudly represented Ireland on the world stage at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Spain and Italy.

But his most inspiring journey has been deeply personal. When his daughter Naomi was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Malachy set himself a mission: raise funds for research by climbing Errigal 12 times in 24 hours, the equivalent of climbing higher than Everest, at the age of 71.

On the hottest day of the year, and powered by grit, determination and the support of ARD members, friends, family and strangers, Malachy hit his goal with 10 minutes to spare. More than 100 people joined him on the mountain, 400+ summits were logged across the community, seven runners completed all 12, and over €12,000 was raised.

His message is simple and powerful: Find your cause, gather your people, and believe in yourself.

Ger Copeland

27 October 2024; Particpants during the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2024 in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ger Copeland is no ordinary runner. With over 300 marathons to his name, the Howth-based athlete has spent decades testing the limits of endurance, but 2024 and 2025 have proven to be his most remarkable years yet. At 46, Ger overcame three brain haemorrhages and a stroke following a skiing accident earlier in the year. Just months after leaving the hospital, he completed the Dublin Marathon with the support of a guide runner. A year later, he returned to the same course and ran a stunning sub-three-hour marathon, proving that disability wasn’t a finish line, but the beginning of a new chapter.

This winter, Ger carried that belief to the edge of the earth, running back-to-back marathons in Cape Town and Antarctica within 15 hours, becoming one of only a handful of people ever to claim victory on polar ice.

For Ger, racing is no longer only about time. He has become a powerful voice for stroke survivors and young people living with traumatic brain injuries, sharing a vital message: recovery isn’t linear, progress isn’t guaranteed, and nothing should be taken for granted. Beyond his own races, he has devoted himself to coaching and mentoring runners of all ages at the Dublin Bay Running Club, which he founded.

Ger’s courage, commitment, and determination have not gone unnoticed. He received the Lord Mayor’s Medal at the Dublin Marathon, an acknowledgement of both his extraordinary resilience and the positive impact he has had on the running community. On the start line, on the road, and in front of those who look to him for hope, Ger Copeland shows that inspiration isn’t a label, it’s a responsibility.

John Murphy

In 2025, John Murphy took on one of the world’s toughest endurance races, the Marathon des Sables in Morocco, and emerged not just with a sense of personal triumph but with a tangible impact on his local community in Portmagee, Co. Kerry. Running 250 km across unforgiving sand dunes, searing sun, and sleep-deprived nights, John demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and the ability to thrive under extreme conditions. For John, the finish line was about more than completing the race. It was the culmination of months of training alongside a group of sixteen fellow Irish athletes, each preparing with Damian Brown and the Ironmind Institute. Watching teammates conquer their first ultra-endurance challenge was as rewarding as crossing the sand dunes themselves, highlighting John’s focus on camaraderie and collective achievement.

Beyond personal success, John leveraged the race to support the local Cnuicín Seine Boat Club, raising crucial funds for the boat shed and the future of traditional rowing in the community. Even after the MDS, John pushed himself further by completing the Kerry Way Ultra, a 190+ km single-stage endurance event, combining personal ambition with continued fundraising for the club.

His advice to aspiring adventurers is simple: start small, focus on consistent progress, and let the journey unfold, a philosophy he lives by in every race and in every community effort.

Cait O’Meara

Cait O’Meara’s relationship with the outdoors began early, growing up hiking and climbing in the Wicklow Mountains with her family, turning weekends, holidays and even St Stephen’s Day into time spent on the hills. Those early experiences planted a deep connection to the mountains, one that would later become both a source of strength and healing.

In recent years, climbing has played an even more powerful role in Cait’s life. Moving through personal grief, she continued to seek out mountains across Ireland, using the outdoors as a place to process, to focus, and to keep moving forward. What began as familiarity became purpose.

Being deaf has never been a limitation in Cait’s eyes; instead, it is simply part of who she is. On the mountains, she sees her deafness not as a barrier, but as something that does not define or restrict her achievements. Her approach is simple and powerful: deaf people can do anything.

In 2025, Cait marked two major milestones. She completed an Everest Base Camp expedition, standing in one of the world’s most iconic mountain environments, and crossed the finish line of the Dublin City Marathon, achievements that speak to both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Through her journeys, Cait hopes to inspire others, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing, to follow in her footsteps, whether that’s to Everest Base Camp or to a local mountain at home. She openly offers guidance and support to anyone considering similar challenges, breaking down barriers through visibility, encouragement, and lived experience.

Cait’s story is a reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone, and that mountains are not about what you lack, but about what you choose to believe is possible.

Brian Murray of MicroWild

Brian grew up fascinated by bugs — not just bees and butterflies, but the tiny, hidden invertebrates most people never see. What began as a personal project to support native wild bees quickly spiralled into an obsession with hoverflies, wasps, pseudoscorpions, woodlice, terrestrial flatworms and dozens of other miniature wonders living quietly beneath our feet.

microWild was born from a simple belief: invertebrates are the foundation of every ecosystem. They pollinate, cycle nutrients, support food webs and make all other wildlife possible — yet they remain largely invisible and misunderstood. Brian set out to change that, turning curiosity into education through hands-on workshops, family bug hunts and guided sessions designed to help people discover biodiversity up close.

2025 was a breakthrough year. Brian worked with close to 250 people through live workshops, webinars and talks, including a milestone session — Irish Beetles for Beginners — that drew participants from across the country. He was even invited to speak to third-year Zoology students at Trinity College Dublin, sharing Ireland’s overlooked invertebrate diversity with the next generation of scientists.

Every microWild event is grounded in community and connection. People arrive as beginners and leave inspired, confident and eager to learn more. Conversations flow, discoveries unfold, and even accidental finds — like a harvestman turning up at a bee workshop — become shared moments of wonder. No egos, no hierarchy — just curiosity, learning and fun.

Looking ahead, Brian is working toward hosting West Wicklow’s first Festival of Invertebrates, in collaboration with Professor Jane Stout and the Royal Entomological Society, as part of Insect Week. It will be a celebration of bugs, learning, and the people who care enough to look closely.

microWild shows that adventure doesn’t only happen on summits or sea cliffs. Sometimes the wildest journeys begin with a magnifying glass, a handful of leaf litter, and a willingness to kneel down and explore. Brian Murray’s mission is simple: help people see the tiny life they’re walking past — and inspire them to protect it.

Katriina Bent

Katriina Bent’s journey into grassroots coastal action began with coincidence, curiosity — and a cup of coffee. A chance overheard conversation in a Tramore café led her into the heart of the Tramore Eco Group (TEG) — a dedicated community of volunteers working to protect the Sand Dunes and coastline they call home. TEG needed ecological expertise; Katriina brought it, sparking a collaboration that continues years later, still fuelled by weekly beach cleans, shared purpose and, fittingly, shared coffees.

Katriina’s work blends professional ecological knowledge with hands-on community action. In 2025, her focus centred on the Tramore Sand Dunes, one of Ireland’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Working side-by-side with volunteers in all weather, she helped lead large-scale restoration efforts—installing sand fencing, stabilising dune systems, and planting Marram grass to protect against erosion and biodiversity loss.

Her reach expanded this year with Seal Rescue Ireland, where she helped train and support volunteers rescuing vulnerable seal pups along the southeast coast — connecting dune protection to the wider marine world.

Education sits at the heart of Katriina’s impact. Through Heritage in Schools, she teaches hundreds of students every year, leading field trips and classroom sessions where “nature is the expert, and we share the learning.” Eco walking tours, youth surf collaborations, Transition Year volunteering and weekly clean-ups all form a gateway for young people and locals alike to connect with their coastline.

For Katriina, conservation is powered by community. Her message is simple: find your tribe — or build one. With groups like Tramore Eco Group, Kilmore Conservation Group and countless volunteers stepping up, her work proves how ordinary people can restore extraordinary places when they work together for the land they love.

Harrison Gardner

In 2025, Harrison Gardner continued to push the boundaries of sustainable living in Ireland, combining practical self-build projects with education, advocacy, and media outreach. As the presenter of Build Your Own Home Season 2 and founder of Common Knowledge, Harrison has spent the year inspiring people to take ownership of their homes, their skills, and their environmental impact.

For Harrison, sustainability is not about buying the “right” products—it’s about reducing reliance on consumption, learning new skills, and building self-belief. Through hundreds of courses at Common Knowledge, participants from all walks of life have gained the knowledge and confidence to tackle construction projects, empower themselves, and approach their homes with creativity and independence. Every workshop is a step toward proving that building and repairing one’s own shelter is instinctual, rewarding, and accessible to everyone.

Build Your Own Home has also played a transformative role, highlighting the variety of materials and approaches available for eco-building, and challenging the idea that there is a single “right way” to build. Harrison’s work shows that sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about skills, resilience, and curiosity. Once people experience the satisfaction of fixing, creating, or innovating for themselves, the drive to learn more becomes contagious.

Looking ahead, Harrison is focusing on projects that address housing affordability while maintaining environmental responsibility. Following the release of his book Our Homes: Other Ways to Solve the Housing Crisis, he aims to create solutions that ensure homes are sustainable, accessible, and empowering for generations to come. Through his vision, teaching, and advocacy, Harrison Gardner demonstrates that true sustainability is a balance of creativity, community, and personal empowerment.

Jack Morley

Jack Morley (38) from East Wicklow is the creative force behind The Rewildlife, a project that began as a personal journey to restore five acres of land and document his progress. What started as a way to learn and reflect quickly became a source of inspiration for others, connecting a growing community of nature enthusiasts across Ireland. With a background in advertising and communications, Jack uses his skills to tell the stories of Irish ecologists, landowners, botanists, and volunteers, showcasing the tireless work being done to protect and restore nature.

Jack believes that Ireland’s disconnection from the natural world is a pressing issue, and he wants to change the way people engage with it. Traditional nature media is valuable, but he sees huge potential in reaching a wider audience through social media, YouTube, podcasts, and creative collaborations, meeting people—especially young people—where they already are.

One of Jack’s most memorable moments in 2025 came when he set up 4K trail cameras along a river running through his rewilding project. The first footage revealed wild otters chasing fish and a pine marten exploring the banks—capturing nature in its rawest, most magical form. Jack continues to document these encounters, inspiring others to connect with wildlife, take action for biodiversity, and remember that even small efforts can make a big difference.

Green Ocean Foundation

Green Ocean Foundation is an Irish not-for-profit dedicated to restoring and protecting coastal and marine habitats through hands-on, science-driven conservation. The initiative began in 2021 with a small oyster restoration project in Clew Bay and expanded into Dublin Bay in 2023 with pilot sites in Dún Laoghaire, Malahide, and Poolbeg. Early trials proved the resilience of native oysters and inspired the formal establishment of the foundation, which now combines ecological restoration with community engagement and education.

In 2025, Green Ocean scaled up its impact, deploying 18,000 native oysters in Dún Laoghaire to create a biogenic reef under the guidance of DCU Water Institute, measuring biodiversity, water quality, and pollution reduction. Native oysters serve as natural “climate heroes,” filtering water, supporting marine life, and helping coastal ecosystems recover. Each project combines scientific rigor with volunteer participation, bringing people together to learn, act, and connect with the marine environment.

A standout moment came during the Dún Laoghaire deployment, when thirty volunteers worked in unison to place thousands of oysters in floating baskets. Despite the cold, rain, and physical challenge, the day embodied the foundation’s mission: community, purpose, and tangible impact on Ireland’s oceans.

Green Ocean continues to grow, with plans to expand in Malahide, launch new pilots along the Wicklow coastline, and explore local oyster spawning projects. Through restoration, research, and hands-on involvement, the foundation is rebuilding marine life while inspiring the public to care for Ireland’s coastal heritage.

Killarney Mountain Meitheal

Killarney Mountain Meitheal is a volunteer-powered conservation force working to restore the native woodlands of Killarney National Park by tackling one of Ireland’s most damaging invasive species — Rhododendron ponticum.

Formed in 2014 through a partnership between local volunteers, Muckross House and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Meitheal has grown into a national example of community-driven environmental action. Led by retired National Park ranger Peter O’Toole and community organiser Johnny Maguire, the group follows a five-phase eradication plan designed to permanently remove rhododendron, open the forest floor to sunlight, and restore native biodiversity.

Volunteers — ranging from students to retirees, locals to international supporters — meet twice weekly from October to April, contributing thousands of hours to clearing mature stands, injecting stems to stop regrowth, monitoring seed banks and returning regularly to ensure the ecosystem recovers. Working acre by acre, they have restored significant woodlands including Abbey Wood, Blue Pool Wood and Dromrower, with additional projects around Torc Waterfall, Monks Wood and Dinis.

The Meitheal’s work is crucial: rhododendron smothers ancient oak woodland, blocks natural regeneration and drives the loss of birds, mammals and invertebrates. By removing it, the volunteers are effectively “lifting the veil” from the forest, allowing Ireland’s oldest surviving woodlands — and all the wildlife they support — to breathe again.

Today, with nearly 200 volunteers on their roster, Killarney Mountain Meitheal stands as proof of what happens when a community comes together for the land it loves — protecting one of Ireland’s most precious national ecosystems, tree by tree.

Trailbreaker LTD

In recent years, Trail Breaker have quietly become a key force in how outdoor infrastructure and conservation work is approached in Ireland. Emerging initially from the mountain biking world, the organisation began by building pump tracks and mountain bike infrastructure, practical, community-focused projects rooted in a deep understanding of how people move through outdoor spaces.

A significant evolution came with their involvement in larger-scale projects, including work on Sugarloaf and later the Spinc, where Trail Breaker were part of a wider team combining experience, craftsmanship, and fresh energy. Working alongside highly respected figures such as Matt McConway and Frank McMahon, Trail Breaker brought a blend of skilled manual work and enthusiasm, creating a dynamic collaboration between seasoned practitioners and younger builders.

Founders Dáithí and Seán arrived with strong foundations of their own, including formal training in traditional skills such as dry stone walling. That grounding, paired with on-the-ground learning from more experienced conservation workers, shaped an approach that values both heritage techniques and modern environmental needs. The result is work that is functional, durable, and sensitive to the landscapes it serves.

Beyond contracts and construction, Trail Breaker’s ethos is rooted in care, for the land, for how people access it, and for the communities connected to it. Their journey from mountain bike infrastructure toward broader conservation projects reflects a growing commitment to sustainable outdoor interaction.

As they look ahead to further projects, including potential future work with NPWS, Trail Breaker represents a new generation of outdoor practitioners: skilled, passionate, and deeply invested in protecting the environments they help people experience.

John Gallogly

John Gallogly is leading large-scale wetland restoration on Bencroy Mountain in Co. Leitrim, transforming a former coal mining site into a European case study for blanket bog recovery. Working closely with 38 local farmers, he combines scientific expertise with practical solutions, using coir logs, geotextile mats, and habitat management to reduce carbon loss, improve water quality, and restore the natural landscape. John’s work not only benefits the environment but also supports farmers through improved ACRES scores, demonstrating how nature-led restoration can create lasting impact for communities and ecosystems alike.

Andy Keeling

In 2025, Andy Keeling demonstrated why mountain running in Ireland is as much about community as it is about endurance. Highlights of the year included completing the notoriously challenging Winter Wicklow Round. This 120km self-navigated route summits 26 of Wicklow’s highest peaks. Navigating harsh winter conditions with limited daylight, unpredictable weather, and tough terrain. The preparation required more than fitness; it demanded intimate knowledge of the mountains, meticulous planning, and mental resilience, qualities Andy honed through countless reconnaissance runs in every imaginable condition.

Beyond personal achievements, Andy has used mountain running as a platform to make the outdoors more accessible to marginalised groups. Inspired by the struggles of asylum seekers facing prejudice and exclusion, he actively invited international protection applicants to join runs, shared gear, and introduced people who may have felt alienated to the magic of Ireland’s hills. This simple but powerful initiative has helped newcomers build confidence, forge friendships, and feel a sense of belonging in the mountain running community.

Looking ahead, Andy plans to continue combining personal challenges with community engagement, taking on new ultra races, welcoming newcomers to the hills, and expanding the circle of people who experience the transformative power of Ireland’s mountains. In every climb, every mile, and every interaction, Andy embodies the belief that the outdoors is for everyone and that adventure is most meaningful when shared.

Tonnta Adventure

In 2025, Tonnta Adventure continued to bring the transformative power of the outdoors to communities across northwest Ireland, creating experiences that are as inclusive as they are inspiring. Founded by Brian, Tonnta offers everything from surfing and guided hikes to woodland camps and wellness sessions, all designed to help people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds connect with nature, build confidence, and discover the joy of movement.

For Brian, the inspiration behind Tonnta stems from a lifelong belief in the healing powers of the outdoors. Having personally found solace and growth in wild places during difficult times, he wanted to share these opportunities with others, especially those who may face barriers to accessing adventure. In 2025, Tonnta worked closely with schools, community groups, and families, welcoming neurodivergent children, beginners, and nervous first-timers to safe, supportive outdoor sessions. Stories from the year highlight the profound impact of these experiences: a young girl with 10% vision learned to surf independently, children emerged from woodland sessions full of confidence and joy, and older participants in walking programs formed their own thriving communities.

Tonnta’s approach goes beyond activities; it’s about connection, presence, and empowerment. The northwest coastline, mountains, and woodlands provide a powerful backdrop, offering quiet, beauty, and a sense of freedom that is rare in daily life. By creating accessible, affordable, and inclusive programs, Tonnta ensures that the outdoors is not reserved for the elite but open to everyone.

Looking forward to 2026, Tonnta plans to build on this success, continuing to remove barriers, expand programs, and foster a culture of confidence, resilience, and well-being through nature. In every session, Tonnta proves that the outdoors can transform lives, nurture potential, and bring communities together.

Mark Henderson

Mark Henderson is an adaptive paddler and wheelchair user whose solo completion of the Liffey Descent stands out as one of the most inspiring achievements in Irish paddle sport this year. For Mark, the significance was deeply personal. The challenge was harder than expected, but crossing the finish line was a moment of pride not just for himself, but for everyone who supported him through Galway Kayak Club and Canoeing Ireland. His experience proves that, with the right motivation, a supportive community, and only minimal equipment adjustments, full participation and enjoyment in adventure is possible.

Mark’s preparation took place across multiple fronts—skill development, fitness, safety planning and logistics. With a decade of paddling supported by his home club, he has gradually progressed from flatwater on the Corrib to tackling whitewater rivers, Jury’s Drop, and now multiple runs of the Liffey Descent, including a first duo finish and two solo successes. Physical training included long wheelchair pushes for strength and endurance, while the logistics required careful coordination with organisers, rescue crews, and family.

The reactions to his finish reinforced why inclusion matters. The paddling community’s support didn’t just help him reach his goal—it showed what is possible when opportunity meets belief. Mark hopes his example encourages more people with disabilities to try adventure sport rather than assume it isn’t for them.

His message is simple: find a sport you love, work at it, and embrace the outdoors in whatever way is available to you. For Mark, kayaking has opened up wild environments that might otherwise seem out of reach, a reminder that ability, not disability, defines what’s possible.

Get Up Adventures

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In 2025, Get Up Adventures continued to demonstrate the transformative power of the outdoors, using hiking and nature-based experiences to support recovery, wellbeing, and community connection across Dublin and beyond. Founded by John Boland and psychotherapist Cara Byrne, Get Up Adventures is Ireland’s first multi-agency pro-social programme that combines physical movement, therapeutic support, and inclusive community engagement to help participants reclaim health, confidence, and purpose.

The programme was born out of a simple but profound belief: recovery and wellbeing flourish when people feel connected to nature, to others, and to themselves. The team works with groups often overlooked by traditional health services, including people in addiction recovery, those recently released from prison, and members of the travelling community. Many have been directly impacted by suicide, mental health challenges, or systemic disadvantage. Over the course of an eight-week programme, participants are guided through mountain hikes, workshops, and group activities that foster resilience, trust, and belonging.

The impact is visible and deeply moving. Week by week, participants gain strength, confidence, and improved physical health. Psychologically, participants open up, confront grief or fear, and discover a sense of agency they didn’t know they had. Socially, strangers become a team, laughter returns, and isolation is replaced by connection. For many, reaching a summit for the first time is a moment of triumph that feels like conquering Everest. At Get Up Adventures, success is measured not in miles, but in smiles per hour.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a landmark year, with programmes expanding in partnership with local councils, sport organisations, and national walking initiatives. By combining inclusivity, movement, and the healing power of nature, Get Up Adventures continues to show that when people are supported in the great outdoors, they don’t just survive, they come alive.

Accessible Adventures Ireland

Accessible Adventures Ireland is led by Paul Kellagher, a qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and registered Social Worker who has spent almost 40 years working at the intersection of outdoor adventure and social inclusion. Rooted in a lifelong commitment to social justice — and shaped by his own experience of temporary disability following a climbing fall, Paul founded Accessible Adventures Ireland to tackle one of the biggest unanswered questions in the outdoors: who isn’t being seen, and why?

Accessible Adventures Ireland creates fully inclusive outdoor experiences for people with disabilities, from adaptive climbing and canoe expeditions to wild camping journeys and multi-day adventures. Paul’s work demonstrates that barriers in the outdoors are rarely physical — most are designed unknowingly into systems, spaces and expectations. In recent years, powerful moments have shown what true inclusion looks like: a young woman with a spinal cord injury abseiling and jumaring the Rathlin Wall, and a spring wild-camping expedition on Lough Erne with a group of wheelchair-using adventurers — trips rooted in joy, possibility and community.

Beyond leading adventures, Paul trains the wider outdoor sector to become more accessible. His Climbing for All, Trails for All and adaptive programmes support guides, climbing walls and adventure organisations nationwide, reflecting a deep partnership with Mountaineering Ireland’s inclusion strategy.

Accessible Adventures Ireland champions a future where accessible adventure isn’t a niche — it’s the norm. With accessible canoe-camping trips and inclusive training rolling out across 2025, Paul’s message is simple: adventure belongs to everyone. If you’re curious, willing and ready — the outdoors has room for you.

Jason Black Mountaineering

Jason Black Mountaineering is driven by a simple belief: the mountains belong to everyone. From his base in Donegal, Jason has spent years breaking down the physical, social and cultural barriers that prevent people from accessing Ireland’s wild places.

His work blends technical skill with deep compassion — whether guiding complete beginners, supporting people with access needs, or leading adaptive teams into terrain many believed was out of reach.

In 2024, Jason and his team facilitated a landmark ascent with Sarah Kerrigan and Cait O’Meara — both powerful voices for inclusion — proving once again that with the right support, expertise and mindset, the outdoors opens to everyone.

Through mentorship, mountain leadership and a culture of radical welcome, Jason Black Mountaineering continues to reshape what’s possible in Irish adventure — one summit, one barrier removed, and one empowered climber at a time.

Karl Henry

Karl Henry is one of Ireland’s most recognisable wellness voices — a personal trainer, bestselling author and broadcaster whose mission is simple: help people move more, live better and discover the life-changing power of the outdoors.

From his base in West Cork, Karl has spent more than 20 years encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to step outside, explore what’s on their doorstep and embrace movement in its simplest form — from a sunrise walk to hiking Ireland’s hills or cycling to school. His philosophy prioritises accessibility over extremity: small daily “opportunities to move” rather than expensive memberships, equipment or intimidating goals.

In 2025 Karl released The Walking Effect, blending expert training advice, science-backed guidance, Irish walking routes and lifestyle tools to motivate people to unlock better physical and mental health, one step at a time. The book quickly became a staple for thousands looking to build healthy habits and rediscover nature.

Carl has inspired countless people to transform their lives — improving strength, stress, sleep and confidence — not by chasing performance, but by reclaiming wellbeing and aging better. Whether supporting clients in their 80s, leading guided adventures in Ireland and abroad, or training for his own ocean swims such as Fastnet Lighthouse, his message never wavers:

The outdoors is the greatest health resource we have, and it belongs to everyone.

Alice Clancy

In 2025, Alice Clancy, from Meath, became one of the quiet driving forces behind a more inclusive and welcoming mountain running community in Ireland. Her work is rooted in lived experience and inspired by the ethos of the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA), a volunteer-led organisation that opened the hills to her at a time when she felt she didn’t belong there. Returning to Ireland following time abroad, without transport, under financial pressure, and lining up for her first race in borrowed gear, Alice found herself welcomed, supported, and encouraged by the IMRA community, an experience that would shape everything that followed.

Over time, Alice grew from early starts and short courses into competing confidently in demanding navigational events, including the Irish Championships, World Mountain Running Championships, and the Art O’Neill Challenge. As she became more involved in organising IMRA events, her focus shifted to ensuring others could access the same support she once received. In 2025, Alice race-directed multiple events, introduced 1km and 2km fun runs, organised recces and meet-and-runs, developed carpool initiatives, led kit donation drives, and worked to improve cut-off times to better support female participation in longer races.

Two moments capture the impact of her work: hearing a new runner decide to enter her first race after a fun run, and supporting a carpool that included the first runner in their 80s to complete the IMRA Irish Championships and the first runner from Zimbabwe to complete the Connaught Championships. Recently elected IMRA Races Coordinator, Alice is committed to continuing this work into 2026, balancing access, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, while ensuring the hills remain a place where everyone feels they belong.

Oscar Black (16)

At just sixteen years old, Lurgan’s own Oscar Black has already carved his name into Irish open-water history. In July 2025, Oscar became the youngest swimmer ever to complete a solo crossing of the North Channel, the notorious stretch of icy water between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The achievement didn’t happen by accident. Oscar first swam with Lurgan Amateur Swimming Club, then fell in love with open water thanks to the Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers. When he joined a relay across the North Channel in 2023 with the Red Hot Chilli Dippers, something clicked: the goal was set. One day, he would do it solo.

Nothing could have prepared him for how brutal the swim would become. What was meant to take 11 hours stretched into 16 hours and 38 minutes, as vicious currents held him in place for nearly three hours, agonisingly close to Scotland. The physical effort was immense, but it was the mental battle, alone with his thoughts in endless grey water, that pushed him to the edge.

What kept him going was the team watching from the boat, coach Dot barking encouragement and handing feeds, training partner Jessika Robson (the youngest female to do the crossing) shouting belief into the wind, the Infinity crew guiding the way, and his mum gamely battling seasickness from the deck.

Now focusing on pool goals, Oscar still dreams ahead: the Irish Triple Crown, Galway Bay, Fastnet, and the North Channel. And if his story so far proves anything, it’s that he’s nowhere near done yet.

Lochlyn Kenny (8)

At just 7, Loughlynn Kenny, a young IMRA athlete, has already carved out a remarkable place for himself on the Irish mountain running scene, not only by racing more than 20 times across trails, forest tracks and wild hillsides, but also stepping up to volunteer an impressive seven times with the same infectious enthusiasm he brings to the start line.

Ask him what he loves most about IMRA races, and the answer comes easily: the people. Sharing trails with his heroes and previous Outsider Award nominees, Enda Cloake and Zak Hanna. For Loughlynn, giving back is just as important as racing, whether that’s marshalling, helping at junior events, or getting his hands dirty at what he says was his best day yet, planting trees with IMRA and supporting future trail access for everyone.

His favourite races tell the story of a kid fully alive in the outdoors: sprinting through hidden tunnels in the Glen of the Downs and splashing through muck and magic on Church Mountain, where horses, Halloween goblins and gooles turned race day into adventure.

Oscar McKinney (11)

At just eleven years old, Markethill’s Oscar McKinney has already earned a place in Irish mountain-sport history twice! Diagnosed with epilepsy and undeterred by challenge, Oscar has used his boundless curiosity and love of the hills to push well beyond what anyone would expect from someone his age.

Oscar first came to national attention in 2023 when, aged eight years and 355 days, he became the youngest person ever to climb the highest point in all 32 counties of Ireland, breaking the previous record by an incredible 142 days. While many might have paused to celebrate such a feat, Oscar simply set his sights higher. Two years later, after hundreds of hours on the trails and countless metres climbed, he completed the 100 highest mountains in Ireland, becoming the youngest recorded person to do so.

Motivated by his mum’s own 100-peak journey and supported by his family, brother Jai and Hiking Buddies NI, Oscar says his favourite mountain is Carrauntoohil, though the ridge on Galtymore still lives rent-free in his mind. His advice to young hikers is wise beyond his years: get the right gear, make safe decisions and never run near cliffs!

Millie Clotworthy (16)

At just 16, Millie Clotworthy has already shown incredible resilience, determination, and a love for challenging herself in the outdoors. Preferring to compete with herself rather than in team sports, Millie thrives on pushing her limits while exploring the freedom and independence the natural world offers. In 2025, she ran the mini marathon for the Irish Cancer Society, completing the race shortly after her granny was diagnosed, and took on the Moonlight Challenge to support the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team, gaining first-hand insight into the dedication required to keep others safe.

Currently, Millie is training for an Arctic expedition with her father, preparing physically by running, hiking, practising taekwondo, and simulating sledge-pulling with a weighted tyre. She is also building mental resilience, learning to stay positive in extreme conditions, and embracing the “be bothered” mindset to ensure safety and success in challenging environments. For Millie, the outdoors is as much about community, inspiration, and empowerment as it is about adventure, and she encourages others to simply start, take the first step, and embrace all that nature has to offer.

Anna McGookin (17)

Hailing from the windswept shores of Castlerock, 17-year-old rising star Anna McGookin has exploded onto the Irish mountain scene. While many athletes spend years climbing the ranks, she wasted no time stamping her name among the nation’s best.

What began with a standout third-place finish at the Ulster cross country Championships, followed by seventh at All-Irelands, catapulted her from newcomer to national contender. Those results earned her a coveted spot in the London Mini Marathon, her first taste of international racing, and from there her season gathered unstoppable momentum.

A surprise invitation to trial for the Northern Ireland mountain running squad turned into selection at U18 level for the International Youth Cup in Slovakia, where she stunned herself with a bronze medal. Add a silver at the British & Irish Mountain Running Championships in Wales and selection for the Irish U20 team at the World Mountain Running Championships, and her debut season on the mountains reads like a seasoned veteran’s highlight reel.

With more mountains calling, more medals to chase, and uphill-only races firmly in her sights, Anna is only getting started.

April Brophy

April Brophy has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to hillwalking through her leadership of Sliabh Hiking, a Mountaineering Ireland affiliated hiking club based in Waterford. Founded by April in May 2022 out of her passion for nature and shared outdoor experiences, Sliabh Hiking has grown into an active and inclusive group that welcomes walkers of all levels to explore Ireland’s trails together.

In 2025, April and Sliabh Hiking hosted the Mountaineering Ireland Autumn Gathering in conjunction with Mountaineering Ireland, a significant achievement that showcased the club’s organisational capacity and commitment to embrace members from all over the country. April’s vision is rooted in creating community and connection through the mountains.

Through her social media presence, April promotes hillwalking and adventure to a broad audience, inspiring many to discover the outdoors, connect with nature and join in community hikes. Her Instagram and online outreach help break down barriers for people new to hiking and encourage positive engagement with mountain activities.

April consistently goes above and beyond in volunteering time and energy to build a supportive and engaging club culture.

Colette Mahon

Colette Mahon has made an exceptional and sustained voluntary contribution to Irish hillwalking and mountaineering over several decades. She has held volunteer roles at the committee, leader, trainer, and member levels and was involved in the formation of Wexford Hillwalking & Mountaineering Club in 1996. A former member of SEMRA and the Comeragh Club, Colette has long been a pivotal and driving force within the club.

Beyond club level, Colette has served as a Board Member of Mountaineering Ireland and on MTBI (when known as BOS), contributing her experience, commitment, and strong values to the governance, strategy, and development of mountaineering and climbing in Ireland. She is a passionate advocate of Mountaineering Ireland’s ethos, programmes, and events, and is widely recognised for her readiness to volunteer wherever support is needed.

Colette’s voluntary work includes organising and leading hillwalks, scrambles, climbing and bouldering sessions, and delivering ongoing skills training and upskilling opportunities. She places strong emphasis on health and safety, environmental responsibility, sustainability, and respect for mountain environments.

She has also been a key contributor to the long-running success of the Women With Altitude festival. Welcoming, inclusive, and endlessly encouraging, Colette has mentored countless walkers and climbers, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and form lasting connections with the outdoors.

Eilish Corbett

Eilish Corbett has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to hillwalking through her work with the Clare Outdoor Club (COC), a Mountaineering Ireland-affiliated club, where she serves as a committee member, event organiser, and walk leader. Her energy and commitment have had a transformative impact on the club.

Eilish has gone above and beyond in developing opportunities for people to engage with the mountains. She worked with Mountaineering Ireland to run their Summit Steps Programme, a new initiative designed to welcome and support new walkers into clubs. Giving up the first eight weekends of 2025, she delivered training and guided hikes for ten prospective members for Clare Outdoor Club with great feedback and lasting impact.

As an organiser, Eilish has been central to the success of the club’s activities, including the 40th anniversary celebration, club weekends away, summer trips abroad, Christmas events, and an active annual calendar of walks across Ireland. She has built strong networks with hostels and venues nationwide and promotes the club through local media, including an interview on Clare FM that contributed to record membership growth.

Eilish is also a committed advocate for sustainability, regularly leading Leave No Trace messaging and supporting the club’s annual beach clean-up. Postivitely welcoming she consistently creates enjoyable experiences for all members.
Farah Masoed is Chairperson of Trail Criú, an inclusive trail running and hiking club affiliated with Mountaineering Ireland (MI). Through her voluntary leadership, Farah has made a meaningful contribution to increasing access to Ireland’s mountains and trails, particularly for migrants, refugees, and others who have faced barriers to participation in outdoor activities.

Farah Masoed

Farah has been central to the growth of Trail Criú from a small grassroots initiative into a structured, community-focused club with a strong emphasis on inclusion and safety. Her commitment has supported the club’s affiliation and development, enabling members to safely run and hike in the hills. She has volunteered extensive time to organising activities, supporting new participants, and ensuring Trail Criú’s events are welcoming, accessible, and aligned with best practice. Her voluntary work has had a lasting positive impact, demonstrating the vital role volunteers play in opening the outdoors to all.

Lauren Conlon

Lauren Conlon has been a cornerstone to the running of Irish Climbing competitions over the last couple of years, generously dedicating her time and energy to officiating at the events. Lauren also travels abroad, volunteering as an official at an international level, and she is quickly becoming one of the most experienced officials in Ireland.

Vincent Mc Alinden

Vincent Mc Alinden lives, works and sometimes plays on a small farm on the south-eastern slopes of the Mournes. He has been fortunate to enjoy 30+ years of great mountain adventures and sees volunteering for Mountaineering Ireland as a way of giving back to the mountains and the people from whom he has gained so much.

Vincent’s energy, insight and ability to ask searching questions are legendary. Not only is Vincent a Mountaineering Ireland committee member and former board member, he is also a Mourne Heritage Trust trustee and he represents Mountaineering Ireland on the management body of the UK and Ireland-wide Visitor Safety Group.

Simon Stewart

Simon Stewart has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to Irish hillwalking through the creation and long-term stewardship of MountainViews.ie, one of Ireland’s important resources for hillwalking enthusiasts. Founded in 2002, MountainViews is openly and freely available, accepts no advertising, generates no profit, and is entirely volunteer-run.

Under Simon’s leadership, MountainViews has grown into a trusted repository of information, with over 1,500 active contributors, 2,500 registered summiteers, more than 5,000 GPS tracks, 10,000 comments, and 6,000 photographs, all shared by the hillwalking community. The site provides detailed route descriptions, mountain data, trip reports, and practical access information, supporting safe and informed participation in the hills.

Simon has been instrumental in building a vibrant national community of walkers through initiatives such as the annual MountainViews Gathering, popular newsletters, and Summit Magazine. He created and promotes well-known mountain lists and challenges, including the Arderins, encouraging exploration of both well-known and lesser-visited hills.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, skills development, and responsible hillwalking, Simon collaborates widely across mapping, surveying, and mountaineering organisations. With over 50 years of hillwalking experience, his dedication, generosity, and leadership exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and have left a lasting legacy in Ireland’s hillwalking community.