The Irish Wheelchair Association is celebrating the success of its female members across the four Para Sports governed by the organisation as the year draws to a close.
In just their second season since forming, Emerald Rollers – Ireland’s all-female Wheelchair Basketball squad – competed in the Great British Wheelchair Basketball League’s 3rd division. An astounding season saw the team crowned as champions in April and promoted to Division 2.
Emerald Rollers team captain Sophie Denieffe said:“We were delighted with our success last season, being crowned champions of Division 3. After a lot of hard work put in throughout the season, it was nice to see it had paid off. Although we know Division 2 will be tougher, we have been continuing to work hard in preparation and are hoping for a similar result as last season.”
Over in Wheelchair Rugby, Irish Wheelchair Rugby travelled to Skien, Norway for the European Championships, Division C. This was the first international tournament Ireland had competed in since 2023 and featured two well-experienced players in Cork native, Jade Flynn-Hurley and Wicklow’s own Ciara Staunton.
The duo competed in the Women’s Cup 12 months prior in Paris, France but this time eyed promotion to Division B. In a tournament where they were made to work hard right to the end, the side claimed second place and promotion to Division B.
Reflecting on their success, Jade Flynn-Hurley said: “It feels great to have been promoted to Division B. It really shows that our hard work as a team paid off.”Irish female Para Athletes’ success continued when Isobel Twomey competed at the Activity Alliance Games in Coventry, UK. Competing in the Running Frame event, 13-year-old Twomey blazed to glory in the 100m event, setting a new Irish record with a time of 37.03s. Just two weeks later, she claimed another Irish Record in the 200m event at the Irish Nationals in Santry with a time of 1.25.55s.
An unforgettable July for the Cork girl, Isobel was “happy and proud” of her achievements. Her mother, Rowena added: “Following the race when she got her times she was thrilled, going around beaming and telling everyone she had 2 new Personal Bests Rowena also shared how invested the local community was in Isobel’s progress and how even the post ladies were eager to find out how she performed over the summer.
“All the practice around the estate each morning, weaving in and out of the posts paid off. She even called to our door to find out how she got on.”
The incredible feats of IWA-Sport’s members didn’t end in the summer either. With the journey to LA 2028 well underway, Para Powerlifters Niamh Buckley from Cork and Casey Fitzgerald of Cavan looked to edge closer to following in the footsteps of their teammate, Britney Arendse. This began with the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt this October.
Niamh Buckley blew everyone away when in the Junior Championships, she set a new European Record that had stood for 11 years. The Para Powerlifter successfully lifted 73kg for the record and a gold medal in the Up to 61kg Category. Her joy continued when in the Senior Championships, where she set a new Lifetime Best when lifting 78kg. She finished fourth overall in her category.
Meanwhile, Casey Fitzgerald finished second for total lifted and third overall in the Junior Championships, setting a new Lifetime Best of 87kg in the Up to 73kg Category. Her senior competition had her place fourth overall with both athletes making a good start in their quest to reach the Paralympic Games.
Casey’s incredible year started with her being nominated for a HerSport Award for personality of the year and attending the awards ceremony in January.
Pure determination, commitment and hard work is what has led to Casey’s huge success in 2025. She explains how her journey to LA is shaping up after a memorable year.
“My journey towards LA2028 is shaping nicely and there’s bigger things to come with the Europeans in March 2026. I’m training hard to meet a particular target which I hope to achieve then. Representing Ireland in Los Angeles in 2028 would be a dream come true and I will make it happen!”
IWA-Sport strives to empower women in sport and give those with a physical disability the opportunities to compete and participate in regular sport at club and international levels. Shannon Pollock, IWA-Sport’s Women in Sport Co-Ordinator, said: “2025 has been a year of remarkable growth for our female members in IWA Sport, not only in performance, but in confidence, community, and leadership. Their success reflects the strength of their ambition and the power of creating spaces where women and girls can thrive.”
IWA-Sport encourages anyone with a physical disability to get involved and find their Para Sport heading into 2026.
To find your nearest IWA-Sport club, head to IWA-Sport’s Find Your Club page and register your interest.