‘We are so proud of everything we have built’ say local sisters
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Local sisters Patrice and Ursula Kenny recently marked an incredible milestone, celebrating nine years in business with their thriving CrossFit Croí gym.
Since opening in November 2016 in Moydrum, the gym has grown into an inclusive community hub focused on functional fitness and helping people of all abilities build strength, both mentally and physically.
Reflecting on their journey, Patrice and Ursula said the path to opening their gym was born from a combination of passion and necessity.
"We had joined a CrossFit gym, and when the owner announced he was closing it, we realised we couldn't do without it," Ursula said.
"We were so invested in the ethos of CrossFit that we decided to take matters into our own hands. We got qualified, trained ourselves to coach, and opened our own place."
In 2023, CrossFit Croí moved to a larger location at Blyry Industrial Estate, where it now boasts around 150 members. The gym offers a variety of classes, from CrossFit and HIIT to yoga, with a strong focus on making fitness accessible to all.
Whether you're a beginner or an athlete, classes are designed to meet individuals where they are, and to help them progress at their own pace.
"There are no mirrors in our gym," said Patrice. "We want people to focus on how their body feels, not how it looks. The goal is functional and effective movement, the kind of movements we all need to do every day to survive. CrossFit is for anyone and everyone, and we always tell people to leave their egos at the door. No one is better than anyone else here."
The gym's diverse offerings have expanded over the years, from just two daily CrossFit classes and two weekly yoga sessions to a full range of programs.
These include Early Morning MetCon classes, Over-50s Strength Training, Ladies-Only Strength & Conditioning, Skills Classes, Team Training, and even a dedicated Fat-Loss programme for women over 38 dealing with Perimenopause symptoms. They’re also a HYROX-affiliated gym, offering training for those interested in competitive fitness events.
For the sisters, the greatest accomplishment over the past nine years has been the vibrant and supportive community they've built.
"Our members are truly incredible," Ursula said. "Some of them have been with us since we first opened our doors in 2016. They've stuck with us through thick and thin, and we've done everything we can to keep them motivated, even through the challenges of Covid."
Indeed, the pandemic tested the gym’s resilience, with lockdowns forcing the sisters to get creative in order to keep their members engaged.
"We gave out equipment, ran online home workouts, and hosted challenges that our members came up with themselves to keep things interesting. It was definitely a difficult time, but it brought our community even closer."
Looking ahead, the sisters are excited for what the future holds, particularly as they prepare to celebrate their 10-year anniversary in 2026.
Every year, the gym marks its birthday with an in-house competition, mixing members of all skill levels into teams for a day of fun, fitness, and celebration. Winners take home trophies, goody bags, and plenty of bragging rights, not to mention a hearty breakfast, courtesy of Foodies in Athlone.
And the celebrations don't stop there. The gym regularly organises events like Hell & Back, Runamuck, hikes, and HYROX races, and even took a group of members to the CrossFit Games in Texas in 2024 and the ROGUE Invitational in both Aberdeen 2024 and 2025.
"Seeing people achieve things they never thought possible is what drives us," said Ursula. "We thrive on helping people reach their full potential. Whether you're lifting a new personal best or just showing up every day, it’s all about reclaiming your spark and being part of something bigger than yourself."
Patrice and Ursula also acknowledge the incredible support of their family and their amazing team of coaches, personal trainers, and therapists.
"We couldn’t have done any of this without them. Our coaches truly embody everything we stand for at CrossFit Croí, they help people believe in themselves and achieve things they never thought possible. We aim to create an open, welcoming environment where people can take care of their mind, body, and soul, and leave the stress of the day behind."
As the sisters look back on nine years of hard work, triumphs, and challenges, they remain grateful for the journey and excited for what the next decade will bring.
"It feels like a lifetime, but it’s also gone by in the blink of an eye," said Patrice. "We can't wait to see where the next chapter takes us, and we're so proud of everything we’ve built, not just as a gym, but as a community."