Three young gymnasts from Kilbarry Gymnastics Academy have been selected for Gymnastics Ireland national squads for the 2026/27 season.

Bethan Morgan and Lucy Hayes have been selected for the Olympic Start Squad, while Madison Hamilton has earned a place on the National Development Squad.

The selections follow strong performances at the Gymnastics Ireland National Series.

Lucy Hayes was crowned Level 4+ Under-11 National Series Champion, while Madison Hamilton finished third in the same competition.

Bethan Morgan also secured third place in Level 6+ Under-13.

For Bethan, it marks a third consecutive year on the Olympic Start Squad, while Lucy has been selected for the first time. Madison returns to the National Development Squad for a second time.

Kilbarry Gymnastics Academy is the only women’s artistic gymnastics club in Waterford City affiliated with Gymnastics Ireland.

Head Coach Maddie Gunnell said the academy is “incredibly proud” of the three gymnasts.

‘To have three gymnasts selected for the Ireland National Squads is a fantastic achievement for the girls and for our academy,’ she said.

The gymnasts train for more than 15 hours each week alongside their school commitments, while also travelling to clubs in Dublin and Cork for additional training and access to facilities.