Introducing Our Women In Sport Advocates
Triathlon Ireland is delighted to introduce the newly appointed Women in Sport (WIS) Advocates for 2026 – an inspiring and dynamic group of women from all corners of the country who are passionate about driving positive change in the sport.
These 11 Advocates bring with them a rich mix of experience, enthusiasm, and insight into what it truly means to feel a sense of belonging in sport. From newcomers to seasoned triathletes, volunteers, coaches, and club leaders, each woman shares a common purpose: to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for women in triathlon.
Representing a wide range of clubs and communities across Ireland, each Advocate brings a unique perspective – but they are united by a shared vision: to ensure more women feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to take part in triathlon, in whatever way suits them best – as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, or leaders.
Whether it’s through mentoring, creating inclusive spaces within clubs, amplifying the voices of underrepresented women, or simply offering a warm welcome on race day, this year’s Advocates will be instrumental in helping more women find their place and thrive in triathlon.
Eleanor Condon, Triathlon Ireland Women in Sport Lead, shared her excitement about the 2026 Advocate team:
“We were incredibly inspired by the large number of wonderful applicants we received for this year’s Women in Sport Advocate Programme. It’s clear that there is a strong and growing community of women across the country who are passionate about making triathlon more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible. The 11 women selected for 2026 bring with them an incredible depth of experience, energy, and heart. We’re thrilled to support them as they help more women discover their place in our sport — whether that’s on the start line, behind the scenes, or leading the way in their clubs and communities.”
meet the advocates
Let’s meet the 2026 WIS Advocates…
Diane Cordner
Age Group: 60-64
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Introducing our sport to more females with New to Tri programmes, encouraging young females through Tri heroes to come along to Boost Hubs, camps and get involved in triathlon and to be supportive to women who are at the various races making them feel relaxed and to enjoy their triathlon experience.
Marianne Kavanagh
Club: Newry Triathlon Club & Setanta Triathlon Club
Age Group: 45-49
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Encouraging more women to get involved in sport!
Laura Kelly
Club: Athlone Triathlon Club
Age Group: 40-44
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: I’ve walked this pathway myself.
I’ve experienced the many different ways someone can belong in triathlon. I started as a volunteer, then became a coach, swimming teacher, technical official, race director, and now chairperson of my club — all before becoming an athlete myself.
My own hurdles have shaped how I take part in sport, but it’s also deepened my understanding of inclusion and belonging. Through every role, I’ve found opportunity, acceptance, and a community that has allowed me to grow and thrive.
As an advocate, I want to help others discover that same sense of belonging — to show that there isn’t just one way to be part of this sport. Whether you’re racing, volunteering, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, every role matters and every person has a place.
I want more women to see that they do belong here, and that with the right community and support, triathlon can be a space where everyone can find confidence, connection, and purpose … and enjoy every single moment of it!
I’m looking forward to sharing the journey I’ve been very lucky to find.
Justine Keohane
Club: Crosshaven Triathlon Club & Midlands Triathlon Club
Age Group: 40-44
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Being part of an amazing group of women are looking to help other women achieve something amazing within sport.
Grace Kodia
Club: Dublin City University Cycling and Triathlon Club
Age Group: 20-24
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Continuing to build a more inclusive and empowering space for women, so that no one feels like the sport is out of reach, and talents don’t go unnoticed
Karen Lewis
Club: Newry Triathlon Club
Age Group: 50-54
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Most looking forward to getting the opportunity to continue sharing all that triathlon has to offer females in our community. To grow my network of female coaches, club leaders, and technical officials, and help support other females to join us along this journey. Also looking forward to meeting new Advocates on the team, and learning their stories and seeing how we can work together in this role.
Rose Lynch
Club: Galway Triathlon Club
Age Group: 30-34
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Supporting women in their journey.
Anne Mageean
Club: Olympian Triathlon Club
Age Group: 65-69
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: I am looking forward to encouraging women into triathlon and coaching and developing female coaches.
Anne Moore
Club: Triangle Triathlon Club
Age Group: 55-59
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Looking forward to encouraging other females into the sport and giving them a positive experience of the triathlon community.
anna McGinley
Club: Galway Triathlon Club
Age Group: 25-29
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Sharing my love for triathlons with women across the country.
Mary Shirley
Club: Carlow Triathlon Club
Age Group: 60-64
What are you looking forward to most about being a WIS Advocate?: Being able to inspire those who feel they are too slow or not able to participate in the sport & to show others that you don’t need to be an elite sportsperson to shine.
