Learn all about Brendan and his life beyond Skeleton
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Sliding Irish
Meet The Team
Brendan Doyle
Irish Skeleton Athlete since 2016
Brendan is Ireland's top skeleton athlete and the first ever Irish athlete to win an overall IBSF (International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation) title, which he has won consecutively for 2 years. Doyle has competed up to World Cup level, including racing in 4 World Championships. His sights are very much set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Éire Rowland-Evans
Irish Skeleton Athlete since 2023
Ireland’s first female skeleton athlete since 2014, Éire began her journey in November 2023—and she’s already making history. Éire is the first Irish athlete to compete at either the Junior European or Junior World Championships, placing top 20 in both. She also currently holds 10 national records!
History Makers
Brendan and Éire are , aiming to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. If successful, they will compete in the debut Mixed Team Skeleton event, making history as Ireland’s first Skeleton team at the Games.
Brendan Doyle
Ireland’s top-ranked male Skeleton athlete
Ireland’s leading female Skeleton athlete
Brendan Doyle
Ireland’s top-ranked male Skeleton athlete
- First Irish athlete to win an overall IBSF title
- Back-to-back North American Cup Champion (2022/23 & 2023/24)
Ireland’s leading female Skeleton athlete
- First Irish athlete to compete at either the Junior European or Junior World Championships
- Holds 10 national Skeleton records
- 5th place finish (wider podium) in her debut Skeleton season (2023/24)
- Top 10 overall in the 2023/24 North American Cup rankings
What is Skeleton?
The Winter sport of skeleton is comprised of two main parts; the start and the drive:
The Start
This is where a race can be won or lost... making the start crucial. Athletes need speed, power and skill to push the sled over a distance of around 30m before jumping onto their sled.
The Drive
On the sled athletes need full focus to respond quickly to the ice conditions and the tracks' corners. Concentration and precision are key, as the competitor's head is centimeters from the ice and their feet dangle off the edge of the sled. On high speed corners an athlete's chin will scrape across the ice. Skeleton racers can experience up to 5Gs in pressure and top speeds of up to 140 kmh/85 mph.
Steering
Skeleton athletes shift their body weight to move them in the direction they want to go. This is predominantely done by using their knees and shoulders. However, athletes can also use their toes to help them turn.
The Start
This is where a race can be won or lost... making the start crucial. Athletes need speed, power and skill to push the sled over a distance of around 30m before jumping onto their sled.
The Drive
On the sled athletes need full focus to respond quickly to the ice conditions and the tracks' corners. Concentration and precision are key, as the competitor's head is centimeters from the ice and their feet dangle off the edge of the sled. On high speed corners an athlete's chin will scrape across the ice. Skeleton racers can experience up to 5Gs in pressure and top speeds of up to 140 kmh/85 mph.
Steering
Skeleton athletes shift their body weight to move them in the direction they want to go. This is predominantely done by using their knees and shoulders. However, athletes can also use their toes to help them turn.
Sponsorship & Support
Brendan and Éire are largely self-funded and are actively seeking sponsorship to help turn their Olympic dreams into reality.
One-Time Sponsor
Become a one-time official Sponsor providing either monetary aid or sponsorship in the form of equipment and kit.
Adopt an Athlete (ongoing sponsor)
Gain a more personal connection and a front-row seat to our journey. As an 'Adopt an Athlete' sponsor, you'll receive:
Please contact us via email to discuss sponsorship further: irishskeletonteam@gmail.com
One-Time Sponsor
Become a one-time official Sponsor providing either monetary aid or sponsorship in the form of equipment and kit.
Adopt an Athlete (ongoing sponsor)
Gain a more personal connection and a front-row seat to our journey. As an 'Adopt an Athlete' sponsor, you'll receive:
- Regular updates and direct communication
- Signed photographs
- A team talk or motivational after-dinner speech
- Logo placement on race-day kit and Irish Skeleton social media
Please contact us via email to discuss sponsorship further: irishskeletonteam@gmail.com
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