Adrian Harkin’s legacy lives on with Outsider People of the Year Awards success

The winners of the Outsider Awards Sponsored by Sport Ireland were announced to a sold-out crowd at the Sugar Club in Dublin, with a poignant Donegal win.

The Best Outdoor Event, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, went to Summit 2 Sea for MND. The Sea to Summit challenge, inspired by the late Adrian Harkin, took participants on a multisport journey from Ireland’s coastline to its peaks. This moving event raised over €105,000 for Motor Neuron Disease charities. 

This recognition not only celebrates an extraordinary campaign but cements Adrian’s dream of raising awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Adrian, a kayaking enthusiast and founder of Inish Adventures from Greencastle Road in Moville, spearheaded this ambitious challenge despite his own diagnosis of MND, before passing away in June.

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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. The ceremony took place at the Sugar Club on Leeson Street in Dublin on Thursday, 27 February 2025. 

Speaking about the awards, co-founder of Outsider.ie, Roisin Finlay said: “This year, the Outsider Awards celebrated 10 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.”