Irish Surf Team Celebrated at Strandhill Homecoming After Historic European Championship Win

There were jubilant scenes in Strandhill last night as gold medallist Gearóid McDaid and the Irish Surf Team were welcomed home following their historic success at the European Surfing Championships.

McDaid became the first Irish surfer to take gold at the competition, while the national team secured an overall third-place finish — Ireland’s strongest result to date.

The homecoming took place at the National Surf Centre, where a crowd gathered in the village square for podium interviews with the team and coaches.

The celebration marked a defining moment for Irish surfing, reflecting both the achievements of a rising generation of athletes and the strength of local community support.