Caoimhe Walsh secures first junior international gymnastics call-up for Northern Ireland
Twelve-year-old artistic gymnast Caoimhe Walsh has won her first junior international call-up for Northern Ireland after logging a series of high-level performances in domestic competition. The Derry-based athlete trains up to 20 hours per week across five days at the Shooting Starz Gymnastics Club in Campsie, where she is part of the Elite Development programme led by head coach Ann Hebor. The Year 9 Thornhill College student is now preparing for a demanding international schedule that includes a training camp in the United States followed by a major tournament in Europe.
Horizon Cup and Tennessee training camp details
Caoimhe’s upcoming travel itinerary features stops in both North America and Europe. She earned her place at the National NGA training camp in Tennessee through standout results at the NGA National Championships held in Florida earlier this year. Following her time in the United States, she will travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, in November to compete in the Horizon Cup, an international artistic gymnastics tournament. A five-girl team will represent Northern Ireland at the event, with Caoimhe slated to compete across all four apparatuses: the vault, bars, beam, and floor exercises.
Coaching staff and family sports background
The young gymnast comes from a deeply involved sporting family among five siblings, which includes her twin sister Niamh, who also trains at Shooting Starz. Her mother, Katie, works as a physical education teacher at St. Joseph’s Boys’ School and coaches at the Campsie club, while her father, James, coaches at Na Magha GAC. Head coach Ann Hebor described her prodigy as dedicated, disciplined, and determined, noting the significant logistical effort required for the upcoming trips. A lot of air miles,
Hebor said of the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caoimhe Walsh’s gymnastics career
Which club does Caoimhe Walsh represent?
Caoimhe trains at the Shooting Starz Gymnastics Club located in Campsie, Northern Ireland, under head coach Ann Hebor.
What events will she compete in at the Horizon Cup?
She is scheduled to compete in all four traditional women’s artistic gymnastics disciplines: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercises.
How did she qualify for the US training camp?
She earned her spot at the National NGA training camp in Tennessee through her exceptional results at the NGA National Championships held in Florida earlier this year.
How many hours does she train each week?
She maintains an intensive regimen, training up to 20 hours per week across five days at her home club.
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