We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Outsider Awards which were sponsored by Sport Ireland and took place at the Sugar Club in Dublin last night! With 14 categories in total, the Outsider Awards celebrate people and organisations who are doing amazing things outside mainstream sports in the Irish outdoor and adventure scene. Most of the nominees are ordinary people who are quietly taking on extraordinary challenges. These awards shine a spotlight on their inspirational achievements.
Along with the awards ceremony, two-panel discussions took place. The first of which was the Leave No Trace panel presented by Roz Purcell, and the second was the Theatre of Adventure Panel where Collette O’Hagan, Laura McEvoy, Paddy Conaghan and Eamonn Keaveney discussed all facets of adventure with the Director of Participation at Sport Ireland Louise Burke.
Woman of the Year supported by Sport Ireland: Ellie Berry, hiker
Ellie Berry (29) wowed the outdoors community this year when she set a new speed record for climbing every mountain in Ireland.
Ellie, who is from Tipperary and now lives in Roscommon, spent her summer solo-climbing all 275 mountains on the Vandeleur-Lynams list. That is mountains measuring 600m+, with a prominence of 15m. She chronicled her amazing adventures on Tough Soles, a YouTube channel and blog she runs with her partner Carl Lange.
It was Carl who had suggested the target to Ellie in the first place. “I have a really deep love for the outdoors and mountains,” she says. “When Carl learnt about this challenge, he thought it was perfect for me though it took him a while to convince me to do it!”
Ellie completed the feat in 50 days, 5 hours 45 minutes, beating the previous record by almost six days. The part she loved the most? Spending all that time outside. “This project brought me to corners of the island I would otherwise never have explored and showed me just how incredibly beautiful Ireland’s wild places are.”
Inevitably, there were some tough moments along the way, especially as the exhaustion took hold on the Dingle Peninsula, and the unrelenting weather wore her down, but she dug deep and kept going to the end.
What did she learn from the experience? “It feels so cliche, but to embrace the fear. Let yourself feel the big emotions or doubt, and then focus on the next step. It’s all about one foot in front of the next, until you get to that final peak.”
Man of the Year: Ian O’Brien, climber
Inspirational Ian O’Brien (43) responded to his Parkinson’s diagnosis with an astounding feat of physical strength, endurance, and tenacity – he scaled 28 of Europe’s highest peaks in 28 days, raising over €90k for charity.
When Waterford-resident Ian went to see his friend Brian Roche – who works as a physical therapist – shortly after being told he had Early Onset Parkinson’s disease (EOTD), Brian’s reaction was not what he expected. “We’re going to climb Carrauntoohil together next week,” his friend told him.
Ian had always enjoyed the outdoors and kept himself fit but in the years leading up to his diagnosis he’d lost a lot of weight, experienced regular bouts of fatigue and suffered from anxiety and depression. “Climbing Ireland’s highest mountain was certainly not on my bucket list,” he says, but he went along with Brian and, to his surprise, he enjoyed the experience a lot.
It also awakened a desire in him to fight back against his condition. “I thought: ‘If I can get on top of Ireland’s highest mountain, I can get on top of my diagnosis and change people’s perception that it’s an old person’s disease’,” he says.
Ian decided to scale the highest peak in all 27 EU countries and the UK in 28 days, starting in France with Mont Blanc and finishing at Carrauntoohil in Kerry to highlight the importance of exercise for those affected with the disease. While doing so he would raise money for a charity, EOPD Ireland, which he’d co-founded to support people diagnosed with the condition; his current total is over €90k.
What has the experience taught him? “Don’t wait until something negative happens in your life before you decide to start living more. Do something big, go on an adventure, or tell someone about the crazy idea you have. And don’t forget to involve family and friends. People love to help, and they will want you to succeed even more than you do.”
Youth of the Year: Jessika Robson, swimmer
When Jessika Robson (17) became the youngest person to swim the North Channel, she didn’t simply achieve a stunning feat – she also broke a World Record.
The Northern Irish teen, who lives in Annahilt, Co Down, braved repeated jellyfish stings and choppy tides to complete the 41km crossing from Donaghadee, County Down, to Portpatrick in Scotland, showing huge mental fortitude in the process.
To comply with the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association regulations, Jessika wasn’t even wearing a wetsuit, so the stings – which came courtesy of the notoriously painful lion’s mane jellyfish – covered her entire body. “Some even got down my swimsuit,” she says. “It hurt like hell, and it was hard to get my focus back but my support crew in the boat helped push me through.”
Jessika, who only started open-water swimming in lockdown, completed the swim in 11 hours 46 minutes, stopping for energy drinks and gels and snacks including chocolate buttons and tiny cubes of jam sandwich every 30 minutes. She also had her favourite music playing from a speaker on the boat to distract her from the cold and fatigue.
Eventually, she emerged from the fog to see Scotland and her finish line. “The feeling of finishing and standing on the beach was just insane,” she says, “It was so overwhelming, I was crying and laughing at the same time.”
Her tips for anyone wanting to take on a sporting challenge?
“Fully embrace the whole experience. The training is so much easier if you’re enjoying it.”
Eco Hero (individual) supported by Craghoppers: Stephen McEvoy, TrashFreemtb
Through TrashFreemtb, Stephen McEvoy (41) works tirelessly litter picking and galvanising the Irish mountain biking community to look after the natural environment which enables them to do sport they love.
Stephen – who is from County Laois – has been litter picking while out on his bike since 2019, and he decided to set up TrashFreemtb to encourage other mountain bikers to do the same.
“I want to educate people, young and old, about our behaviour while we’re in the outdoors, and how we can affect nature by not looking after it,” he says. “There is a lot of information regarding different waste and how that affects our seas and coastline but I wanted to show that it’s just as important to protect our wild upland areas. Simple things such as picking litter can make a big difference as litter can be a death trap for small mammals.”
Stephen organises litter picks with a social aspect. “This way it helps to keep it casual and encourages more people to get involved,” he says, and he also goes to races to help out with litter. “That’s where the main core of mountain bikers can be found and it’s a great way to connect with them.”
Why does he think it’s important that mountain bikers and others who like being outdoors protect their environment? “Because it’s the place where we find joy and peace in and building that understanding of why it is so important to protect biodiversity, nature and our wild areas will help spur protection for it.”
Diversity and Inclusion Award supported by Sport Ireland Outdoors: Cycling Without Age
“Getting older or losing one’s independence should not mean the end of fun,” according to Clara Clark, the individual responsible for introducing Cycling Without Age (CWA) to Ireland. This initiative that takes people who cannot walk or cycle for themselves out for free slow-cycling spins on specially designed trishaw cycles, piloted by trained volunteer pilots.
Cycling Without Age Ireland began in June 2017 with one trishaw. It has now grown to 65 trishaws all around Ireland. Clara says that initiatives such as these are important because they “bring together free, fun, active outdoor experiences to give people the sense of freedom and community that they may be missing due to infirmity, either mentally or physically. It builds new connections and relationships between the passengers and the pilots and it demonstrates that people of all ages and abilities can engage and participate, with the right support.”
One amazing impact the initiative has resulted in is the setting up of the Bike Hub in Dun Laoghaire. This social enterprise, part funded by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, now manages a fleet of accessible bikes and trikes, while also repairing and upcycling donated bikes, and training people to repair their own bikes.
The organisation is even being consulted for input to planning and engineering processes by the Dept. of Transport, the National Transport Authority, and by other local authorities. Clara’s dream is to see CWA available in every town and “to be part of a new regime of social prescribing by medics for people to connect with nature and the outdoors rather than being prescribed drugs”.
Most Inspiring Person of the Year – In Memory of Olly O’Neill supported by Craghoppers: Paddy Conaghan, swimmer
Paddy Conaghan (82) swam in every port and beach along Ireland’s coast this year, raising over €100,000 for charity. This expedition shows incredible endurance along with a story that warms the heart.
From the age of 17 to 80, Paddy – from Arranmore Island in County Donegal – didn’t swim at all. But in 2020, his friend set up a free counselling charity in Dungloe, called Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, and Paddy wanted to help raise some funds for them. He decided to do so by going for swims all around Donegal. He started going down to the local beach every day. “It didn’t take me long to get back into the swing of things,” says Paddy, “So instead of going around Donegal, I decided to do the whole of Ireland.” He raised over €100,000 and last winter he chose to take on the whole endeavour, known as the Ducking and Diving Charity Challenge, again, raising a similar amount for a clutch of charities in each province.
“I loved the training, travelling around the coast with the most breathtaking scenery, and meeting the most amazing people,” he says. Paddy was also blown away by people’s generosity. Many gave him food and hospitality, while others took time out of their day to show him around the beaches. When his van broke down, one couple even lent him theirs! “There was good in every day, and I would finish my day off with a wee whiskey or a pint in the local pub,” he says. His parting wisdom for us? “We only have one shot at life, so it is up to us to enjoy it and make the most of it.”
Eco Group of the Year supported by Sustainable Travel Ireland: Killarney Coffee Cup Project & Maharees Conservation Group
In the summer of 2023, Killarney became the first town in Ireland, and one of only a handful worldwide, to ban the use of single use coffee cups.
The County Kerry town went through about 23,000 cups a week – more than a million a year – adding up to 18.5 tonnes of waste. But not anymore. If you want a takeaway coffee from a cafe or hotel you must bring your own cup or pay a €2 deposit for a reusable cup which can be returned to various locations across Ireland, including Dublin airport.
More than 50 businesses have signed up to the initiative with other Irish towns keeping a close eye on the success of the venture who want to follow in Killarney’s footsteps.
The Maharees Conservation Group (MCA) continues to fight to protect the sand dunes, which in turn protect the community, thanks in no small part to a host of young volunteers.
This Kerry-based group formed in 2016 following several stormy winters, after which it was clear the dunes were the only thing protecting the community from the wrath of the ocean.
Martha Farrell is one of the founding members, an inspirational woman who manages the volunteers, including young Timmy Jones and Dara O’Connor, who come every weekend to help.
Dara says: “The best thing about helping with the MCA is that it’s fun working with loads of people and being part of a team.” Timmy also thinks it’s fun and would encourage other children to get involved. “It’s a good idea and it protects our sand dunes from washing away, which in turn makes it safe for everyone to keep living in Maharees,” says Timmy.
“Maharees Conservation Association loves to see young people get involved in conservation projects,” says Martha. “Whether they’re local children or visiting.”
“The main reason we started [this group] was to protect Maharees for all of those who love the place. And when we have young people and their families out on conservation work events, beach cleans or wildlife walks and talks, we know they’re connecting with Maharees on a deeper level. It makes them more protective and mindful of their impacts. We’re so proud of Timmy, Dara and a host of other children who have always helped out – they inspire us to keep going!”
Most Impactful Outdoor Company: Venture Out & Liquid Therapy
The Venture Out Wilderness Project is an adventure-based therapy organisation based in Galway, that provides transformative outdoor learning experiences that enhance personal and interpersonal development for groups and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Through their range of adventure therapy journeys, Venture Out helps to create a deeper understanding of our interdependence with nature for the participants. Venture Out is a not-for-profit organisation that provides services that range from 1:1 half-day sessions to group multi-day expeditions off the beaten track. They help individuals who are facing various challenges in life, through nature-based therapeutic programmes. Through this experiential learning, participants become more aware of their strengths and abilities, learn about teamwork and leadership, and acquire valuable skills to take back to their daily lives. These include self-care, time management, organisation, healthy life choices, problem-solving, decision making and long-term planning.
Throughout 2023, Venture Out worked with more than 30 young people from the care system through their Unearth 1-2-1 adventure therapy-focused support service. During this calendar year, they were able to deliver 120 days or 300+ hours of support. In this time, participants embarked on 2-3 hour adventures where they undertook a range of activities with their own guide.
These activities included bushcraft, hammocking, SUPing, biking, kayaking, fishing and hiking. During these sessions, Venture Out supported and mentored the young people through discussions, coaching sessions, personal development and youth work-focused workshops.
Liquid Therapy, established in 2011, is determined to make the mental health benefits of coastal experiences accessible to all. Nestled in south Donegal, this respected charitable organisation is committed to fostering an environment where young individuals can reap the therapeutic and physical rewards of surfing and ocean activities, regardless of their challenges.
At the end of 2021, Liquid Therapy became a registered charity and as they welcomed in 2022 they opened the first Inclusive Surf Centre in the country, at Rossnowlagh Beach in Donegal. A Drop in the Ocean (ADITO), the mental health programme that they created in response to the global pandemic, became prescribable to young people who had experienced trauma in Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Monaghan and Cavan. In 2022, they worked with Vision Sports Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association to widen the scope of their accessibility.
This year they hosted BLUESURFEST, a three-day festival that celebrates inclusion in sport. The event included live music, film premieres, book signings, inclusive and adaptive surfing events, and an educational seminar. The festival engaged with over 900 participants from all over Ireland and Europe.
Best Outdoor Escape supported by Vagabond Tours: Blacksod Sea Safari
Blacksod Sea Safari is a family-run business offering boating excursions, wildlife-watching tours and chartered sea angling expeditions in Ireland.
Audience Choice Award: Jennifer Doherty, climber
Jennifer Doherty (37) inspired the country with her outstanding climbing achievements this year – becoming the first blind person to conquer Ireland’s seven biggest mountains.
Jennifer – from Buncrana in County Donegal – has been blind since birth. She always loved nature and the outdoors but hadn’t done much hiking, when the mountaineer Jason Black, who is also from Donegal, got in touch to see if she fancied joining a trip to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in 2022.
“The trip was life changing,” says Jennifer, and it immediately left her wanting more. She plans to climb Kilimanjaro in the future and struck upon the idea of the 7 Summits Challenge to keep her fitness levels up.
“The hardest thing for me in terms of climbing while being blind is finding people to hike with at the level I want to or am capable of,” she says. “Sometimes people are nervous guiding me and when they are I can feel it straight away so I can’t properly relax. But Jason’s constant motivation and belief in me has encouraged me to do things I never would have thought of before.”
Jennifer loved the challenge and found she met lots of friendly and helpful people from all around Ireland. Of course, some sections were challenging, especially the final day in the Derryveagh mountains and the Seven Sisters in Donegal. “I thought I might never make it to the end but giving up was never an option,” she says.
Best Outdoor Event of the Year supported by Salewa: LugMo Challenge
On a snowy day in December, 140 hikers climbed the tallest mountain in Leinster. In the process, they managed to raise €40,000 for the Ronald MacDonald House children’s charity.
Outdoor Content Creator Of The Year: Tadhg O’Brien: @tadhg_obrien
Most Devoted to The Outdoor Scene supported by Craghoppers: Easkey Britton, surfer and water protection advocate
With the release of Ebb & Flow: How to Connect with the Power and Patterns of Water, the hugely inspirational surfer, academic and author, Easkey Britton, has written a rallying cry for water connection and protection in this country.
Easkey – from Rossnowlagh, County Donegal – has long been a surf pioneer, she was the first woman to paddle out at the big wave spot, Aileens, at the Cliffs of Moher, and the first woman to surf in Iran, where she encouraged girls and women to try the sport.
And now, having been immersed in academic research on our connection to the blue spaces and the psychologically restorative aspects of water, she’s written a book about what we can give back to water ourselves.
“I’m a huge promotor of nature connection and the benefits of blue health, but a lot of the research done in the western world looks at what water can do for us, rather than what we can do for water,” she says. “I wanted to look at water as its own entity, its own life force, rather than just turning it into another commodity for our consumption, enjoyment, recreation and health kicks.’
The book calls for a healing of the heart, mind, and body of our collective water planet, says Easkey. “I wanted to show how we are connected to all the waters of the Earth, wherever we are. Water is the source of all life, and I think there’s a responsibility and power in the stories that we tell about it.”
Breakthrough Achievement of the Year: Brianna Jackson, Marathon Swimmer
In January 2020, Brianna Jackson (39), hailing from Washington but living in Dalkey, Co Dublin, faced a challenging time as she gave birth to premature twins who spent a month in the NICU. Balancing the care of her two-year-old alongside the newborns, she was presented with the additional struggle of lockdown with no friends or family available for support. In an attempt to save her sanity, she turned to the solace of the sea, dipping daily come rain, hail or shine. Only able to doggy paddle, she decided she would teach herself to swim.
Recently nominated for a World Open Water Swimming award, Brianna’s ascent in the swimming world has been nothing short of meteoric.
Reflecting on her journey, Brianna reminisces about her initial foray into ice swimming, completing an Ice Kilometre in Austria during her first year. The subsequent year saw her undertaking three solo and one relay marathon swims, representing Ireland at the World Ice Swimming Championships in Samoens, France.
In 2023, Brianna knocked out an impressive eight marathon swims, marking a remarkable transformation from novice to seasoned swimmer.
Recalling her recent exploits, she expresses immense joy in being the first woman to conquer swims from Howth to Bray, Kish to Lambay Island, and Lambay Island to Rockabill Lighthouse. She was also delighted to complete Fastnet Lighthouse to Baltimore and Galway Bay Blackrock Tower to Aughinish, achieving two-thirds of the Irish Triple Crown.
Reflecting on her swift progression, Brianna concludes, “I loved all my swims, swimming with my friends, and I can’t believe the distance I’ve covered in such a short span.” Her journey from doggy paddling to achieving these remarkable feats is truly remarkable.
