Caroline Cunniffe is to represent Ireland in the European Masters Powerlifting Championships

Europe calls for Moate powerlifter

Despite only taking up powerlifting less than three years ago, Moate's Caroline Cunniffe is already at the top of her game.

The powerlifter from Moate is set to represent Ireland in the European Masters Powerlifting Championships in Gyor, Hungary this Tuesday, March 5. The competition welcomes athletes from 24 nations who will battle it out to be crowned European Masters Classic Champion 2019.

Caroline trains in Athlone Regional Sports Centre two days a week, and also twice a week in the ABS Powerlifting Gym in Dublin.

A native of Ballinasloe, Caroline moved to Moate in 2005. She is a part-time teacher in the Youthreach Centre in Ballymahon and also a part-time fitness instructor, running weekly Zumba classes in the Carmelite Pastoral Centre, Moate on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm.

She also teaches a Body Tone class in Ballinagore GAA club on Monday evenings at 7pm and Zumba on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, followed by Yogalates at 8pm.

It has been Caroline's dream to represent her country ever since she took up the sport.

I just took this sport up two and a half years ago, and I set myself the goal of being selected on the Irish team to represent my country at an international competition. I would hope I might be an inspiration for the older adult to become involved in a sport of their choice,” says Caroline.