A county Armagh woman has been crowned Outsider Woman of the Year 2025 for rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean in just 54 days.
Linda Blakely wowed the outdoor community by completing the incredible row – in celebration of her 50th birthday – and raising over £100,000 for charity, showing the strength of the human spirit and resilience.
The winners of the Outsider Awards Sponsored by Sport Ireland were announced yesterday (Thursday) to a sold-out crowd at the Sugar Club in Dublin.
With 12 categories in total, the Outsider Awards honour those who are making a remarkable impact in the Irish
outdoor and adventure scene.
The awards spotlight individuals and organisations who, through hard work and dedication, inspire others to engage with the outdoors in meaningful ways.
This year’s awards reflect the growing diversity and depth of the Irish outdoor community, celebrating achievements across environmental stewardship, physical endurance, and the importance of Irish nature.
Sport Ireland was the title sponsor of the awards but Leave No Trace Ireland, Craghoppers, Salewa, The Sustainable Tourism Network and Fáilte Ireland also supported the event.
The awards were presented by Dr. Karen Weekes, an endurance athlete who became the first Irish woman to row the Atlantic solo in 2022.
Speaking about the awards, co-founder of Outsider.ie, Roisin Finlay said: “This year, the Outsider Awards celebrated ten years of incredible achievements across the Irish outdoor scene.
“We have seen so many inspiring people and organisations that have pushed boundaries, whether it’s through environmental action, mental and physical resilience, or breaking new ground for inclusivity in outdoor activities.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate these incredible individuals who help make the outdoors more accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone.”
