The winners of the Outsider Awards Sponsored by Sport Ireland were announced yesterday to a sold-out crowd at the Sugar Club in Dublin. With 12 categories in total, the Outsider Awards honour those who are making a remarkable impact in the Irish outdoor and adventure scene. The awards spotlight individuals and organisations who, through hard work and dedication, inspire others to engage with the outdoors in meaningful ways.
This year’s awards reflect the growing diversity and depth of the Irish outdoor community, celebrating achievements across environmental stewardship, physical endurance, and the importance of Irish nature. Sport Ireland was the title sponsor of the awards but Leave No Trace Ireland, Craghoppers, Salewa, The Sustainable Tourism Network and Fáilte Ireland also supported the event.
The awards were presented by Dr. Karen Weekes, an endurance athlete who became the first Irish woman to row the Atlantic solo in 2022. The ceremony took place at the Sugar Club on Leeson Street in Dublin on Thursday, 27 February 2025.
Speaking about the awards, co-founder of Outsider.ie, Roisin Finlay said:
“This year, the Outsider Awards celebrated 10 years of incredible achievements across the Irish outdoor scene. We have seen so many inspiring people and organisations that have pushed boundaries, whether it’s through environmental action, mental and physical resilience, or breaking new ground for inclusivity in outdoor activities. It’s a privilege to celebrate these incredible individuals who help make the outdoors more accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone.”
The Winners
Outsider Woman of the Year Sponsored by Sport Ireland Outdoors:
Linda Blakely
Linda Blakely from County Armagh wowed the outdoor community in 2025 by rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean in just 54 days to celebrate her 50th birthday. Her journey raised over £100,000 for charity, showing the strength of the human spirit and resilience.
Outsider Man of the Year Sponsored by Salewa:
Aidan Ennis
Aidan Ennis (56) from Waterford became the first person to through-hike all 275 mountains over 600m in height in Ireland without stopping! Covering 2,469km and climbing 69,000 meters of elevation in just 49 days, Aidan achieved this completely unsupported carrying all his own gear and sleeping in his tent! His remarkable feat raised crucial funds for clean water projects in Kenya.
Audience Choice Award Sponsored by Leave No Trace:
Brenda O’Keefe
Brenda O’Keefe (48), from Cavan, kicked a 60-a-day smoking habit and running became her new way of life. She now has 570 marathons under her belt. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she continues to run, inspiring many with her perseverance and determination.
Olly O’Neill Most Inspiring Person Award Sponsored by Craghoppers:
Frank Conroy
At 82 years old, Frank Conroy continues to push his limits by participating in mountain running races organised by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA). This Dublin native proves that age is no barrier to adventure and achievement.
Outdoors Diversity and Inclusion Award Sponsored by Sport Ireland:
Safe Haven Ireland
Safe Haven Ireland has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to engage in outdoor sailing experiences that promote personal growth and inclusivity.
Outdoor Youth Of The Year Award Sponsored by Leave No Trace Ireland:
Katie Franklin,
At just 15, Katie Franklin scaled Carrauntoohil and participated in Iceland’s Tom Crean survival challenge while managing scoliosis, showing incredible resilience and determination.
and
Dillon Lynch,
Dillon Lynch, 17, set the fastest known time for summiting Ireland’s 32 county high points in just 49 hours, raising over €9,000 for Barretstown, an impressive achievement for such a young adventurer.
Most Devoted to the Outdoor Scene Award Sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Network:
Corinna Nolan
Corinna Nolan (44), from Wicklow, has become a trailblazer in Wicklow’s open-water swimming scene achieving the Irish Open Water Swimming Triple Crown, Galway Bay, Fastnet Lighthouse and The North Channel. Through her own swimming, coaching and photography she inspires people of all ages to take to the sea and embrace the outdoors.
Eco Professional Award Sponsored by Sustainable Tourism Network:
Matt McConway
Matt McConway led the restoration of Croagh Patrick, creating a 4km stone pathway that helps preserve the natural environment while making the mountain more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts.
and
Sea Synergy
Sea Synergy is a leader in marine ecosystem protection and offers fun educational programmes for children and adults at its centre in Cahersiveen, helping to preserve Ireland’s delicate coastal habitats.
Eco Volunteer Award Sponsored by Craghoppers:
Séan Ronayne
Séan Ronayne (36) is on a quest to document every bird species in Ireland, with over 12,000 recordings now of all but three species. Sean’s work and passion for nature highlights the ecological crisis and contribute to conservation efforts across the country.
and
Flossie Donnelly
Flossie Donnelly, a 17-year-old Leaving Cert student from Dublin, has campaigned tirelessly for the inclusion of climate action and sustainable development in Ireland’s Leaving Cert curriculum, aiming to raise awareness among young people about environmental issues.
Outdoor Content Creator of the Year:
Tom McHale-Roe
Whether kayaking, hiking, or climbing, Tom McHale-Roe showcases Ireland’s wild beauty with stunning visuals, inspiring others to explore.
Best Outdoor Event Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:
Summit 2 Sea For MND
The Summit 2 Sea challenge, inspired by the late Adrian Harkin, took participants on a multisport journey from Ireland’s coastline to its peaks. This moving event raised over €105,000 for Motor Neuron Disease charities.
Outdoor Escape/Provider of the Year:
Ireland Walk Hike Bike
For over 25 years, Ireland Walk Hike Bike has been showing customers the true essence of Ireland – with a focus on hiking, biking, and immersion in local culture.
