Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
Welcome to our Wesley Olympians
Wesley College is immensely proud of the ten past pupils who have represented Ireland on the Olympic stage. Their achievements across generations and sporting disciplines reflect remarkable talent, dedication and determination. As we celebrate their journeys, we look forward to seeing where the talents and ambitions of future Wesley pupils may lead. Here, we use this platform to honour their remarkable achievements and celebrate the inspiration they provide to the wider Wesley community.
Lara Gillespie | Cycling | Paris 2024
Daragh Walsh | Hockey | Paris 2024
Kyle Good | Hockey | Rio 2016
Kirk Shimmins | Hockey | Rio 2016
Scott Evans | Badminton | Beijing 2008, London 2012 & Rio 2016
Michael Darling | Hockey | Rio 2016
Nicholas Sweeney | Athletics, Discus | Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 & Sydney 2000
David Foster | Equestrian Eventing | Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 & Atlanta 1996
Carey May | Athletics, Marathon | Los Angeles 1984
David Wilkins | Sailing | Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980, Seoul 1988 & Barcelona 1992
Lara, Alumni Class of 2019, represented Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She finished 11th in the Madison and 10th in the Omnium. Since Paris, her success has continued immensely. she won bronzed in the Points Race at the 2024 UCI Track World Championships. She then became European Champion in the Elimination Race in 2025. Later in 2025, Lara made history when she became Irelands first female Track World Champion after she won the Elimination Race.
Daragh, Alumni Class of 2016, represented Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Ireland finished in 10th place. Daragh made his senior debut for Ireland in 2017, before he was selected for the 2018 FIH Hockey World Cup in India. Daragh has enjoyed success in Dublin whilst he played for Three Rock Rovers. Now, he has taken his career abroad to Belgium.
Kyle Good, Alumni Class of 2010, represented Ireland in the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Kyle made his senior Ireland debut in 2011 and was part of the Irish team that won bronze at the 2015 EuroHockey Nations Championship. The following year, he was selected for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Here, the Ireland's men's hockey team made its historic return to Olympic competition.
Kirk Shimmins, Alumni Class of 2013, represented Ireland in the 2016 Rio Olympic games. Kirk developed his hockey through Wesley and Pembroke Wanderers before progressing to senior international level. He made his senior Ireland debut in 2013 at just 19 years of age. Three years later, at 22, Kirk became the youngest member of Ireland's Rio 2016 Olympic hockey squad. He subsequently represented Ireland at the 2018 Hockey World Cup and then continued his club career at home and away. This includes playing in Belgium for the KHC Dragons.
Scott Evans, Wesley College Alumni, represented Ireland in badminton at three different Olympic Games. Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. Not only this, Scott became the first Irishman to compete in badminton at an Olympic Games. Scott moved from Dublin to Denmark at the age of 17 to pursue badminton at a higher level. He then went on to win the Irish National Singles title eight times between 2005 and 2012 which led him to reach the world's top 25. His Olympic career reached another milestone in Rio 2016, his third Olympic Games, when he became the first Irishman to win an Olympic badminton match.
Michael "Mitch" Darling, Alumni of Wesley College, represented Ireland in men's hockey at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Michael made his international debut when Ireland played against England back in 2006 at just aged 18. He then went on to secure 183 caps and also scored 51 goals over his 12 year career. He was also part of the 2015 EuroHockey Nations Championship team winning bronze and played for his country in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Nick Sweeney, Alumni, is one of Ireland's most accomplished discus throwers. He represented his country in three different Olympics; Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. Nick's journey has an especially strong and pertinent Wesley connection. He was introduced to athletics and discus throwing at the College by the late PE teacher Dan Kennedy. he then went on to become an Irish Schools senior record holder before continuing his education and athletics career at Harvard College in the United States. Nick set an Irish discus record of 67.89 metres when He finished 6th at the 1993 World Championships.
David Foster, Alumni, represented Ireland at the Olympics three times; Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 and Atlanta 1996. His Olympic career spanned over 12 years. David made his Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 1984 before returning at Seoul 1988, where he finished 17th in individual eventing, and making his third Olympic appearance in Atlanta in 1996. David very sadly passed away following a riding accident in 1998. His legacy continues through the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. This was established the following year to provide assistance to Irish event riders who suffer serious injuries. David's remarkable career and enduring legacy hold a special place in the College's sporting history.
Carey May, Alumni, represented Ireland at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, competing in the historic first ever women’s Olympic marathon and finishing proudly in 28th. Since leaving Wesley, Carey has become one of Ireland’s leading distance runners and a pioneer of women’s marathon running, particularly amongst Irish women. May’s other incredible achievements include; winning the inaugural Dublin Marathon in 1980, becoming the first Irishwoman to break three hours for the marathon, and winning the Osaka Marathon in 1983 in a world-best time for an all-women’s race. She returned to win Osaka again in 1985. This set an Irish record of 2:28:07 that stood for 12 years.
David Wilkins, Alumni, is one of Ireland’s most accomplished Olympic sailors. He represented his country in five different Olympic Games including Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980, Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992. He then became the first Irish athlete to compete at five Olympics. David made his Olympic debut at 22 years old at the Munich 1972 Games. The defining moment of David’s career came at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, where he competed alongside James Wilkinson in the Flying Dutchman class. The pair produced a superb series of performances, finishing runners-up in four of their seven races and ultimately securing the Olympic silver medal. This was Irelands first Olympic medal in sailing. David then returned to Olympic competition at Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992.