Ewen Barry and his daughter Thea Barry were crowned 2026 Fireball National Champions following an impressive performance at Howth Yacht Club over the weekend. Representing Monkstown Bay Sailing Club, the pair secured the title after nine races across three days of varied and challenging conditions. Winning five races during the championship, they were able to discard a fourth and a sixth place to finish seven points clear at the top of the standings.
The result is particularly notable for 15-year-old Thea Barry, who is believed to be the youngest sailor ever to win the Fireball National Championship title. Competitors experienced a wide range of conditions throughout the weekend, providing a thorough test for sailors and race officials alike. National Race Officer Neil Murphy and his team successfully completed the full championship schedule despite the changing weather.
Behind the champions, the battle for the remaining podium positions remained close throughout the event. Conor Twohig and Matthew Cotter secured second place overall following a consistent series, while multiple National Champions Noel Butler and Stephen Oram finished third.
Fourth place went to French visitors Yoann Fouassier and Jean Robillard, sailing one of the new Windermark Fireball designs that attracted significant interest throughout the championship. The event highlighted the continued strength of the Irish Fireball fleet, with competitive racing throughout the fleet and a strong mix of experienced sailors and emerging young talent.
Attention now turns to the Fireball Ulster Championship, which will be hosted by Galway Bay Sailing Club on 11-12 July. Following that event, a significant Irish contingent of thirteen Fireballs will travel to Torbay in the UK to compete at the Fireball World Championship later this summer.
Irish Sailing congratulates Ewen and Thea Barry on their National Championship victory and wishes all Irish competitors the very best as they prepare for the upcoming World Championships.