Triathlon Ireland Awards: Celebrating the 2026 Season
The triathlon community came together on Saturday 7th November, to celebrate the biggest night in the sport’s calendar – the Triathlon Ireland Annual Awards 2026.
Celebrating the people, performances and places of 2026!
More than 300 triathletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, clubs and supporters gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire for an evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of the Triathlon Ireland multisport community throughout the 2026 season.
The evening was hosted by MCs Eleanor Condon and Tom Dalton, who welcomed guests and got the celebrations underway with the ever-popular spot prize giveaway. There was plenty of excitement as guests searched beneath their seats for prizes, including baseball caps, sports socks, and Cycle Superstore vouchers!
In her welcoming address, Triathlon Ireland President Karen Lewis welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s Guests of Honour, Lorcan Claffey, Vice-President of Paralympics Ireland, and Lochlann Walsh, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and former Triathlon Ireland President.
The Awards Night provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of athletes competing across the Triathlon National Series, Duathlon National Series and the National Championships held throughout 2026. It was also an opportunity to recognise the individuals, coaches, volunteers, officials and clubs whose dedication continues to strengthen and grow the sport across Ireland.
Celebrating our award winners
From outstanding performances on the international stage to the everyday contributions that make local clubs and events possible, the evening celebrated everything that makes the triathlon community special.
Lynne Algar Spirit of Triathlon Award
Named in memory of Lynne Algar, whose boundless energy, generosity and love for triathlon touched everyone who knew her, this award recognises individuals who embody the very best values of our sport.
It celebrates acts of sportsmanship, leadership and service to multisport, regardless of athletic ability. Athletes, coaches, volunteers, technical officials, club committee members and race directors are all eligible for nomination.
The 2026 Lynne Algar Spirit of Triathlon Award goes to Lara Dillon from Carlow Triathlon Club.
Special Recognition Award
The Special Recognition Award celebrates individuals or groups whose exceptional contribution to triathlon deserves particular recognition.
The 2026 award recognises the City of Derry Triathlon for the Recognition Award.
Congratulations to all the team behind the City of Derry Triathlon and thank you for your contribution to our sport.
Watch City of Derry Triathlon highlights here.
Technical Official of the Year
The Technical Official of the Year Award recognises the outstanding commitment, fairness, communication and professionalism of Triathlon Ireland’s qualified Technical and Motorcycle Officials.
The 2026 Technical Official of the Year is Mary Shirley from Carlow Triathlon Club.
Mary has officiated at an impressive 12 events throughout the season, including eight appointments as Technical Delegate and four as Race Referee across the Duathlon and Triathlon National Series. Beyond their essential work on race day, Mary represented Triathlon Ireland on Sport Ireland’s Respect the Official campaign panel, actively championed Women in Sport and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to race safety and supporting first-time competitors.
Caroline Kearney Award
The Caroline Kearney Award is presented in recognition of an exceptional contribution to the sport of triathlon by a female member of the community.
Named in memory of high-performance athlete Caroline Kearney, who tragically lost her life while training on her bike in 2005, the award celebrates the dedication and contribution of women who help shape and strengthen our sport and was presented by Caroline’s sister, Edith and Triathlon Ireland CEO Darren Coombes.
The 2026 recipient is the incredible Catherine Sands. Catherine will be retiring from international competition, having been a guide to paratriathlete Chloe MacCombe for four years, including racing at the Paris Paralympic Games, as well as earning silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and multiple other international events.
Club Coach of the Year, supported by Ogier
The Club Coach of the Year Award recognises a qualified Triathlon Ireland club coach who has made an outstanding contribution to their club through coaching, supporting and developing athletes in a safe, fun and athlete-centred environment.
There were more than 100 nominations for 20 coaches this year, and the 2026 shortlist featured Sean Farrell, Laura Kelly and Terry Devery. The nominations highlighted the extraordinary impact coaches have beyond race results. From developing junior sections and creating individual athlete plans to supporting members at events abroad, these coaches provide encouragement, opportunity and a genuine sense of belonging.
Congratulations to the 2026 Club Coach of the Year, Terry Devery from Cobh Tri Club.
Volunteer of the Year, supported by Actavo
The Volunteer of the Year Award shines a light on the remarkable people who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make triathlon happen across the country.
This year’s shortlist featured Alan Brown from Wicklow Triathlon Club, Thomas Moore from Triangle Triathlon Club and Michael Morrissey from Down Triathlon Club.
All three finalists exemplify the generosity, commitment and genuine passion for helping others that volunteering in triathlon represents.
Congratulations to the 2026 Volunteer of the Year, Michael Morrissey from Down Triathlon Club.
Photograph of the Year, supported by Typecraft
Throughout the season, the TI Media photographers travel to events across the country, capturing the unforgettable moments that make our sport special, from the excitement of the start line to the emotion of the finish line.
This award celebrates the talented photographers who help tell the story of our sport. The community was invited to vote for their favourite image of the year, with shortlisted photographs displayed during the Awards Night drinks reception.
The 2026 Photograph of the Year, selected by public vote went to Johnny Collins for his photograph, ‘Tri the Lough’.
Tri-Team Ireland International Age Group Athlete
This award recognises an age-group athlete who has demonstrated outstanding performance, commitment and sportsmanship while representing Ireland at European and World Triathlon events.
It celebrates not only sporting achievement but also the pride, dedication and team spirit shown by those wearing the Irish tri suit on the international stage.
The 2026 Tri Team Ireland International Age Group Athlete of the Year is Celine McPhillips from Drogheda Triathlon Club.
high performance awards
Kevin Morgan Junior Athlete of the Year Award
For the first time, the Junior Athlete of the Year Award carries the name of Kevin Morgan, who was inducted into the Triathlon Ireland Hall of Fame in 2025. This recognises Kevin’s significant impact and contribution to the sport.
The award celebrates an exceptional season for a young athlete competing on the international stage.
In her first year of international competition, Hannah Kennedy began the season with third place at the British Performance Assessments in April.
She followed this with victory at the Africa Cup in Hammamet in June, winning her first Continental Cup. Later that month, she finished 10th at the Europe Triathlon Cup in Tiszaújváros and secured second female overall at the Irish Draft Legal National Championships.
Hannah was subsequently selected to represent Ireland at the European Junior Championships in Elbląg, where she finished 27th, before taking eighth place in the Junior Female race at the Europe Triathlon Cup City of Derry.
She rounded off her international season at the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra.
Athlete of the Year, supported by AccountsIQ
The Triathlon Ireland Athlete of the Year Award recognises exceptional performance and achievement at the highest level of the sport.
The 2026 Athlete of the Year is Luke McCarron.
Luke was unable to join us at the Royal Marine Hotel as he was competing at the World Triathlon Cup in Iquique, Chile.
Although he couldn’t be there in person, Luke sent a special message to the Triathlon Ireland community.
Paratriathlete of the Year, supported by AccountsIQ
The Paratriathlete of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding achievements, determination and dedication of athletes competing in paratriathlon.
The 2026 recipient is Judith MacCombe.
Judith was unable to attend the Awards Night in person, but guests had the opportunity to hear a special message from her during the evening where Judith thanked her guide Eimear Nicholls and her coaching team.
hall of fame
The Triathlon Ireland Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose achievements and contributions have left a lasting legacy within our sport.
The 2026 induction recognises an individual whose work has helped capture, celebrate and promote triathlon, making an important contribution to the story of the sport in Ireland.
Please join us in congratulating the newest member of the Triathlon Ireland Hall of Fame: Bryan Keane.
Race of the Year, supported by Tribe Solutions
The Race of the Year Award recognises an event that truly captures the essence of triathlon – exceptional organisation, athlete care, community spirit and an unforgettable atmosphere that keeps competitors coming back year after year. The award celebrates the clubs and race organisers who work tirelessly to deliver outstanding experiences for athletes of all abilities.
The 2026 Triathlon Ireland Race of the Year goes to Jailbreak Triathlon!
The winning team will also receive a brand-new race sock designed by Tribe Solutions, alongside socks for their club.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
The 2026 Triathlon Ireland Club of the Year is Triangle Triathlon Club. The Club of the Year award considers good governance, community engagement, club activity and membership supports.
Nominations are reviewed by the Triathlon Ireland Development Team, with the award recognising a club that goes beyond sporting participation to create a welcoming, inclusive and supportive community. It celebrates clubs where everyone belongs, where teamwork extends far beyond the finish line and where members are encouraged and supported at every stage of their triathlon journey.
Celebrating our National Series and Championship medallists
The Triathlon Ireland Awards are also an opportunity to recognise the many athletes who have competed and achieved success across the national multisport calendar.
Throughout the evening, we celebrated our age-group and overall medallists from the 2026 Triathlon National Series, Duathlon National Series and National Championships.
Congratulations to all our medal winners across the following categories:
Photo Gallery - Relive the celebrations
You can relive the celebrations through our photo galleries below, featuring images captured on the night by our fantastic photographers, Michael Buckley of TI Media and Nick at Inpho Photography.
Michael Buckley’s Gallery of Images are available to view here.
Feel free to download and share! We love to see your photos. Just remember to tag us @TriathlonIreland
