Karen Kavanagh

Karen Kavanagh inspires the people of Athy Triathlon Club and the wider community by her passion for the sport and people in general. Karen selflessly gives up her time to help coordinate numerous programmes and events in the club. Karen's whole family is involved in the sport, including her two children, who are active triathletes.

Since Karen's involvement there has been an exceptional amount of growth within Athy Triathlon Club. The junior section has grown from 15 athletes to now over 60 regularly attending club training session. It is considered one of the strongest junior triathlon clubs in Ireland with children competing at events all over Ireland. The Family Splash & Dash, a family aquathlon relay, has grown from 17 to 75 families taking part. The Easter Camp has grown significantly even with limited access to local facilities. 

Every event that Karen organises has to be inclusive as this is an area that she values highly. The reason for the growth and success of these events is the involvement and promotion by Karen, who works diligently to spread the word and encourages people to join in and #BeActive. Karen is also involved in the Triathlon Ireland Get Men Moving program and the Women in Sport program.

Even when barriers to participation are thrown Karen's direction, whether it be limited access to facilities or communicating the importance of exercise, she has managed to overcome every obstacle and encourage many people to #BeActive.

The importance of inclusion, her drive to grow the sport, and her aim to make Athy Triathlon Club a success and her ability to bring people of all backgrounds together is truly remarkable.

Sport Ireland are delighted to recognise Karen's passion, dedication, and creative ideas and she is a deserving nominee for the European Union #BeActive Awards