Climber Development - National Senior Team

Mountaineering Ireland support climbers at the Performance Level through the Senior Team Programme. The main target of the Senior Team Programme will be to achieve finalists at European Cup level and support climbers that reach the potential to compete for semi-finals places in World-Cups / World Champs. In the Olympic cycle of '28 the focus is to qualify for the Olympic Qualification Series and to gain selection at International level onto the Sport Ireland Operation Gold Performance Programme System.


There are three tiers within the senior programme:

  • Olympic Potential Team (OPT) – Climbers with proven top level experience eg Semi-final World Cup – aiming for a medal or top 8 in 2025 European Cup or Semi-final place in the World Cup. Members will be specifically prepared for the next Olympic under the responsibility of Head Coach (4-year perspective)
  • Senior Development Team (SDT) – Climbers who have the potential to move to OPT within this four-year cycle and onto the Qualification Series for Brisbane 2032
  • Senior Training Team (STT) – Climbers who show the potential to move to OPT within a limited time and are good training partners within the team

Climbers will be supported with the following interventions:

  • Tailored athlete support to complement Athlete's existing Training Structures (S&C / rehab where required).
  • Domestic and International Camps with comp simulation.
  • Regular team training days / weekends & online support from Performance Team.
  • Access to online seminars on nutrition, performance etc.
  • Coaching support at all International Competitions with integrated feedback sessions.

Performance is measured through competition results and against the IFSC ranking system.
Potential is measured against the same standards. Climbers will be expected to improve year on year.


2026 Application and Selection



Applications are now open for the 2026 Irish National Senior Team. Please download and complete the application form attached and return to [email protected] on or before 5th Dec. 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 18th 2025




Climbers aged 19+ who are eligible to compete for Ireland in the 2026 European Cups may apply for inclusion in the Senior Team Programme 2026. 

A panel of experts led by the High-Performance Coordinator will discuss each climber's performance potential based upon information provided in the application form relating to:

  • Results progression in the previous 5 years.
  • Training Age and history.
  • Training gap analysis.
  • Performance Trajectory.
  • Coaching relationship and environment.
  • Commitment to achieving excellence.
  • Commitment to engage with the programme for maximum impact.
  • Commitment to help Mountaineering Ireland achieve it's targets.
  • Injury History.

In addition to information on performance trajectories, the selection panel will also be aware of and discuss maturation and peaking ages in the three Olympic disciplines.

Selection process and criteria for International Competition Selection in 2026 is currently under review and will be published by 31st Dec. 2025.

Please email [email protected] with any questions you may have.