Background

I started skiing at Kilternan when I was eight and progressed through the lessons, eventually joining the race squad when I was twelve.  As a member of the squad I participated in artificial slope competitions across the UK.  I also began to attend on-snow training camps with the British Ski Academy and Impulse Racing.

I began my senior racing career in 2005 when I was granted my FIS license by the SAI, and I have competed in international FIS competitions all over Europe.  From 2006 I also began to compete for Trinity College in national and international intervarsity competitions.  During my time in Trinity I became very involved in the organisational side of snowsports.  I held the position of Race Officer for Trinity Snowsports from 2007-2010, I also became the President of the University Snowsports Association of Ireland from 2008-2011, and I was a member of the Ski Club of Ireland’s committee from 2010-2012.  I have organised numerous intervarsity competitions, trips abroad and black tie events.  Whilst studying I still found time to attend training camps in Austria, France and Holland, and to compete in FIS races in Italy, Czech Republic, France and Scotland.

I completed my master’s degree in 2011 and spent the next two winter seasons training and competing in FIS competitions.  This year I focused on obtaining my second-level teaching qualification, but I still managed to fit in a bit of training and racing over the holidays.  I am now a newly qualified teacher, and I hope to continue doing some racing alongside my new career.

Achievements

I have medaled in numerous artificial slope competitions, including the European, British, Welsh, Scottish and Irish championships.  I have had twenty-four top thirty results at FIS level, including four top ten finishes.  I have had a lot of success competing at university level, winning a total of twelve gold, four silver and three bronze medals in intervarsity events.  I was awarded Trinity Pinks in recognition of my achievements.

Coaching Experience

I passed my IASI Level 1 Ski Instructor qualification in 2008, and in 2009 I completed my BASI Level 1 Race Coaching course.  I also have my Level 2 Remote Emergency Care qualification (REC 2).  I have been coaching the race squad since 2007 and have coached at training camps in Tignes and Landgraaf, as well as four Borrufa competitions.  During my time in university I also taught a university race class, and this year I also taught some of the schools lessons.

Favourite Skier

I think that Mikaela Shiffrin is a wonderful example for young aspiring ski racers.  She is one of the most exciting and successful young talents in ski racing, and I think that her attitude towards her skiing career should serve as an inspiration for all upcoming athletes wishing to follow in her footsteps.  My favourite skier from the past is Janica Kostelic.  She retired at twenty-four due to injury, but achieved more before that age than most successful World Cup skiers ever will in a lifetime.