The Irish Climbing Team is comprised of our elite level International Senior and Youth Competition Teams. Athletes on these teams have passed a rigorous selection process to earn the opportunity to represent Ireland at International Level. They will compete in World Climbing European and World Events and are supported by Sport Ireland's High Performance Program.

Meet the Athletes:

MICHAEL O'NEILL

SENIOR TEAM

SEAN HENCHION

YOUTH TEAM

AMY RAFFERTY

YOUTH TEAM

AMELIE STRONGE

YOUTH TEAM

FAY SHIELDS

YOUTH TEAM

Meet the Team Coach:

Will Buck

HEAD COACH

A native from Yorkshire, Will cut his teeth on gritstone blocs and limestone. He has been involved in the National GB Climbing Programme and has extensive experience competing, route-setting and coaching. He holds a Master of Sports Science and took on the Head Coach role for Team Ireland in 2026. Welcome to the team Will!

A word from Head Coach Will

"I feel grateful to be appointed as Head Coach for MI and I’m looking forward to bringing my unique experience to the team. We have an opportunity here, with a diverse and experienced team of coaches and athletes, to create a programme that we’re proud of and one that is committed to working towards high performance on the world stage.

Inspiration has come from many sources. I’m especially impressed by those with seemingly endless energy for what they’re doing and who can maintain a positive outlook in the face of whatever situation they’re faced with. I intend I can embody that type of resolve and be an inspiration to others and myself!

I’ve attended more competitions as a coach now than I can remember. Many times have I had opportunities to learn, and relearn, what essential skills a person might need exhibit in order to achieve that illusive state where climbing flows despite all the distractions of competition doing their best to disrupt. When it all clicks there’s not much like it. I’m excited to have many more opportunities to learn, and relearn, in an Ireland Team kit".

Best of luck to all our athletes competing Internationally in 2026. Check out World Climbing to find out more about the International Competition Climbing Circuit. To see which of these competitions we will be taking part in and to find out more about Competitions in Ireland check out our Competitions Calendar.