Thank you for taking your time to visit our page. Even the tiniest of donations will go a long way to help us achieve our goal of helping these talented, young, determined athletes represent Ireland on the international circuit. If you would like to know more about the fundraiser, feel free to read the rest of our story, or get in touch with any of the athletes/coaches.

The Game Plan

This year, four athletes from N.Ireland have been selected to represent Ireland in Men’s C1 and K1 on the international Canoe Slalom Circuit. However as this is a minirity sport, funding is extremely tight, and this year is pivotal in providing these dedicated, talented athletes a platform to prepare themselves for Olympic Qualification in 2019. The ultimate goal is compete in the 2020 Olympic games, and this year’s racing is key to getting there.

Why we need help?

We need help to cover the costs associated with competing on the international circuit. This can mean up to six weeks travel based in mainland Europe e.g travel, accomodation etc. Currently, the team have to support themselves in order to represent Ireland in the following races with limited subsidy:

European Championships (Prague, Czechia),

World Cup 1 (Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia),

World Cup 2 (Krakow, Poland),

World Cup 3(Augsburg, Germany),

Under 23 and Junior World Championships (Ivrea, Italy),

Under 23 and Junior European Championships (Bratislava, Slovakia),

World Cup final (La Seu d'Urgell, Spain),

World Championships (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Whilst their summer does look exciting and full of opportunities, it is also going to be a huge financial burden on the athletes. Any money raised to help cover the costs for these races will not only benefit the athletes by allowing them to focus on performance, it will also alleviate the pressure to find funding to cover the costs of coaching, racing, training camps and service providers for the decisive 2019 season (which includes the Olympic qualification event at La Seu d'Urgell). The coaches for this year are already supporting the athletes on a volunteer basis for the races, so that the athletes can afford coaching support for their training sessions.

Incidentally the World Championship venue for this year was also the Olympic Venue for 2016 Olympic Games. Exposure on a site with legacy like this will help provide real insight to the guys on their quest to compete in the games.

The Squad

A team of talented, hardworking, dedicated athletes who have put everything they have towards pursuing their passion. The older athletes in the squad have already relocated to Nottingham to give them access to a high quality training venue (whilst also allowing them to study as well as train).

Eoin Teague

Hometown: Newcastle Co.Down

Age:21

University: University of Nottingham

Degree: Bsc Chemical engineering

Top Results: 48th Under 23 World Championships 2017, Irish Open Champion 2017.

Ambition: To compete in the Olympics for Ireland

Ali McCreery

Hometown: Belfast

Age: 20

University: Nottingham Trent University

Degree: Bsc Sport science and coaching

Top Results: 2nd in Irish Open 2018

Ambition: To compete in the Olympics

(photo courtesy of Caoimhe O'Ferrall)

Jake Cochrane

Hometown: Jordanstown

Age:22

University: Nottingham Trent University

Degree: BSc Sports science and mathematics

Top Result: 31st World Championships 2017

Ambition: To compete in the Olympics

Sean McLarnon

Hometown: Toombridge, Co.Antrim

Age: 17

College: Northern Regional College Ballymena

Studying: Business with ict

Best Result: 1st Junior Irish Open 2018

Ambition: Make a World championship final

Rhys Davies (Coach)

Hometown: Bala

Age: 26

University: Nottingham Trent University

Degree: BSc (hons) Psychology

Previous best results: 7th at World Championships with former crewmate Matt Lister (as seen in back of boat in photo above)

Ambition: To help the Northern Irish Squad perform to the highest of their abilities on the international circuit.