The 2025 beach volleyball season has been the most significant in Ireland’s history, with our senior and age-grade teams making strides across Europe. From Scotland to Andorra, Dublin to Austria, Irish athletes have competed, battled, and most importantly won matches that mark major steps forward. The foundations for the future are stronger than ever!
Senior Squad in Scotland
The season began with the Senior Beach National Teams competing at the Small Countries Association Zonal Tour in Ayr, Scotland.
Women’s Team: Fiona Lamont & Lara McNichols
Men’s Team: Conor Kelly & Robert Kelly
The men’s side fought through a tough draw, finishing 9th place, showing glimpses of what’s possible against higher-ranked nations. The women’s side placed 5th, giving valuable international experience and sparking discussions on the development pathway for future female athletes.
U17s in Andorra
Next up was the U17 Small Countries Association Championships in Encamp, Andorra.
Women’s Team: Carmen Conway & Alex Sivri
Men’s Team: Jake Dalton & Sean Eardley
While the girls couldn’t quite find a win, they battled hard and gained invaluable experience against strong opposition. The boys made headlines with two wins, both coming against hosts Andorra. They finished with pride and a sense of what’s to come in future seasons. The tournament provided key learning opportunities for the youngest age group, setting the stage for development in the years ahead.
U19s Make History in Dublin
The highlight of the summer came on home soil. For the first time ever, Ireland hosted a Beach SCA Championship at the Sport Ireland Campus inland beach courts in Blanchardstown. In front of local supporters, Holly Cassidy & Angela Mulcahy stormed to the silver medal and, in doing so, made history as the first Irish team to qualify for the European U20 Beach Championships.
Women’s Team: Holly Cassidy/Angela Mulcahy & Eleanor Lennon/Molly Hughes
Men’s Team: Miguel Conway/Michael Smith & Evan Burke/Emil Kovic
This landmark achievement, coupled with the successful hosting of the first international tournament on Ireland’s new inland courts, underlined just how far the programme has come. The new facility has been a total game-changer, allowing Ireland to host elite-level competition year-round.
To host, medal, and qualify, all in one weekend, truly made it a milestone moment for Irish beach volleyball.
U22s in Austria
Closing out the season, Ciagan Davoren & Liam Corcoran travelled to Baden, Austria, for the CEV U22 European Championships.
Men’s Team: Ciagan Davoren & Liam Corcoran
A Game Changing Summer
None of this progress would have been possible without the leadership of Head Beach Coach Melissa Cupples. Thanks to funding from the FIVB, Melissa has been able to guide every national squad this summer, providing consistent coaching, strategy, and direction across all levels. Her presence has been vital in building continuity and setting a clear pathway for Irish beach athletes.
From Ayr to Andorra, Dublin to Baden, the 2025 season has been about growth, firsts, and raising the bar. The medals, the milestones, and the international exposure have given Ireland’s young athletes belief that they can compete on the European stage.
A huge thank you to the tireless efforts of players, referees, volunteers, and the support of Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland Campus, the CEV, the FIVB and the wider volleyball community.
With the inland beach courts at Sport Ireland Campus now enabling us to hosting international competitions, Ireland is in a stronger position than ever to maximise this investment, develop our talent, and continue making history on the sand.
For sponsors, investors, and partners, this is a unique moment to come on board. With the right support, Ireland can not only sustain these breakthroughs but accelerate towards even greater success on the European stage!
