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17 Sept 2025
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17 Sept 2025
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Achill-linked teen Aoibhinn Tierney, training with Fiya5 (April 2025), made history as the first Irish female cheerleader to medal at the Cheerleading World Championships.
A teenager with strong Mayo roots has made sporting history after becoming the first Irish female cheerleader to win a medal at the Cheerleading World Championships 2025 and she’s already preparing for another competitive season at the highest level of the sport.
With over 10,500 All Star athletes from 25 nations competing in the competition, The Cheerleading World Championships is an elite and tough competition.
Aoibhinn Tierney (19), whose grandparents Mary and Declan Sweeney are originally from Achill Island, stood on the podium in April at the prestigious Worlds event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Florida, competing with UK-based team Fiya5. She has since confirmed her return to England for a second season, joining the elite Coventry Dynamite programme.
The achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Aoibhinn personally, but for Irish cheerleading which is a demanding, fast-growing competitive sport gaining traction across Europe.
“Standing on that stage at the World Championships with a medal felt surreal,” said Aoibhinn. “It was a privilege to be an Irish cheerleader at that level. I always dreamed of being part of the Coventry Dynamite team and it is a dream come true to compete with them in Florida. I hope more young athletes here see cheerleading for the serious sport it is, it’s demanding, empowering, and full of opportunity.”
Aoibhinn began gymnastics at the age of 6 and took up cheerleading a year later. She trained in Galway at Renmore Gymnastics Club, Ace High in Tuam and Stuntworx Elite, and credits the support of her coaches and family for helping her reach the world stage.
Now based between Ireland and the UK, Aoibhinn is part of a new wave of Irish athletes forging international careers in emerging sports.
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