Eight Wexford gymnasts to partake in European Championships

Eight exceptional gymnasts from Aspire Gymnastics in Coolree have only recently returned from Belgium, but their attention now turns to the European Championships….

Lily Murphy, Ciara Kane, and Katie Byrne competed in the Pre-Youth category at the Flanders International Acro Cup recently. Delivering two stunning routines, they secured an impressive spot in the final, finishing 8th out of 46 competitors. This remarkable achievement highlights their exceptional abilities and marks a significant milestone for Ireland on the international gymnastics scene.

In the Youth category, Aspire’s Katie Nolan, Eve Kinsella, and Aoibheann Dunne carried Ireland’s hopes as top scorers heading into the event. Despite minor errors in their routines, which narrowly kept them from securing a place in the final by just one ranking, their incredible potential and determination shone through.

Their performance remains an inspiration, demonstrating their capability to achieve even greater heights in the future. Aspire’s senior men’s pair, Aaron Byrne and TJ Fenlon, made
history by becoming Ireland’s first men’s pair selected to compete at a World Cup event.

In this prestigious competition, they faced world-class contenders, including current World Champions from Azerbaijan and Junior World Champions advancing to the senior
level. While their balance routine was slightly tentative, and a fall in the final combined routine brought challenges, their dynamic routine was a highlight and a testament to their promise and skill.

These eight Wexford gymnasts have since also qualified for the European Age Group Championships (Pre-Youth, Youth, and Junior categories) and the European Championships (Senior category) after a rigorous and highly competitive trial process.

To qualify, athletes needed to rank 1st or 2nd in their categories and meet scores comparable to the top 8-12 globally. Next month, from April 10th to April 13th 2025, all eight of the Aspire gymnasts who qualified from Wexford will head to Luxembourg with their dedicated coach, Aoife D’Alton, who shared her thoughts:

“Training is going exceptionally well for all three partnerships. Their outstanding results in Belgium have provided a confidence boost as we prepare for the European Championships. The competition in Belgium was of world-class standard, and we believe both trios have the potential to reach the finals. For Aaron and TJ, this marks the beginning of their journey, competing against seasoned, full-time athletes. Our goal is to deliver clean routines and improve their scores from the World Cup.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports us. These gymnasts train tirelessly, but none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of their parents, friends, and the Aspire community. A special thanks to our sponsors and the Aspire for Ireland Fundraising Committee, whose efforts are vital in helping cover the costs of these competitions. As these young athletes prepare to face Europe’s finest, we wish them the very best of luck. They carry not only their own dreams but the pride and hopes of Ireland with them on this extraordinary journey,” she said.

Advertise on Wexford Weekly