Meet Team Ireland: A Profile of the Athletes

Anabelle Zurbay – Alpine Skiing

At just 17 years old, Anabelle Zurbay is making history as the youngest Irish athlete ever to compete in Alpine Skiing at the Olympics. Based in Colorado, Zurbay will focus on the technical events – Slalom and Giant Slalom, with the latter being her preferred discipline. Her family heritage traces back to Rosemount, outside Moate, through her maternal grandmother, adding a special connection to her Irish roots. Zurbay will compete in the Cortina cluster.

What challenges do young athletes face when transitioning to the Olympic level, and how does Zurbay’s story exemplify resilience and dedication?

Ben Lynch – Freestyle Skiing

Dublin-born Ben Lynch brings a unique story to Team Ireland. Moving to Vancouver, Canada, with his family at the age of three, Lynch discovered his passion for skiing. Despite a family background steeped in rowing success, he gravitated towards the expressive freedom of freestyle skiing, specifically the Halfpipe event. As a first-time Olympian, Lynch will be based in Livigno throughout the Games.

Cormac Comerford – Alpine Skiing

Cormac Comerford, a Dublin skier, will also make his Olympic debut in Alpine Skiing, specializing in the Slalom discipline. Balancing his athletic pursuits with a career as a Mechanical Engineer, Comerford dedicates his winters to training and competing across Europe. He honed his skills at the Kilternan dry slopes before taking his talent to the international stage. Comerford will compete in the Bormio cluster.

Thomas Maloney Westgård – Cross Country Skiing

Thomas Maloney Westgård stands as the veteran of the Irish team, poised to compete in his third Olympic Games – a remarkable achievement, making him only the second Irish man to reach this milestone. Born on the Norwegian island of Leka to a Galway mother and Norwegian father, Westgård represents a unique blend of heritage. He excels in Cross Country events, with the 50km race being his signature discipline. Currently competing for Team Aker Dæhlie, Westgård will be based in Predazzo, within the Val di Fiemme cluster.

How does an athlete’s cultural background influence their approach to competition and their representation of their nation on the world stage?

Team Ireland: Schedule of Events

• February 6: Opening Ceremony – Milano (Irish athletes in Livigno, Cortina, and Predazzo clusters)
• February 7: Cormac Comerford – Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
• February 8: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km + 10km Skiathlon (Cross Country), Predazzo
• February 11: Cormac Comerford – Super-G (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
• February 13: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km Free (Cross Country), Predazzo
• February 14: Cormac Comerford – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
• February 15: Anabelle Zurbay – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina
• February 16: Cormac Comerford – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio
• February 18: Anabelle Zurbay – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina
• February 19: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Qualification (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno
• February 20: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Final (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno
• February 21: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 50km Classic (Cross Country), Predazzo
• February 22: Closing Ceremony – Verona (All athletes)

Catch the Action: TV Coverage on RTÉ Player

The Olympic Winter Games will be extensively covered on RTÉ Player. Key Irish events include:

• February 6: Opening Ceremony – Milano (Irish in Livigno, Cortina and Predazzo clusters); RTÉ News Channel & RTÉ Player, 6.55pm to 9.30pm
• February 7: Cormac Comerford – Downhill (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 11.20am to 12.55pm
• February 8: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km + 10km Skiathlon (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 11.20am to 12.55pm
• February 11: Cormac Comerford – Super-G (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 10.20am to 12.45pm
• February 13: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 10km Free (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 10.35am to 12.45pm
• February 14: Cormac Comerford – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm
• February 15: Anabelle Zurbay – Giant Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm
• February 16: Cormac Comerford – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Bormio; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm
• February 18: Anabelle Zurbay – Slalom Run 1 & 2 (Alpine Skiing), Cortina; RTÉ Player, 8.50am to 11.05am, 12.20pm to 2.10pm
• February 19: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Qualification (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno; RTÉ Player, 9.25am to 11.30am
• February 20: Ben Lynch – Halfpipe Final (Freestyle Skiing), Livigno; RTÉ Player, 9.25am to 11.30am
• February 21: Thomas Maloney Westgård – 50km Classic (Cross Country), Predazzo; RTÉ Player, 9.50am to 1pm
• February 22: Closing Ceremony – Verona (All athletes); RTÉ Player, 6.45pm to 10pm

Frequently Asked Questions About Team Ireland at the 2026 Winter Olympics

• What is the significance of Anabelle Zurbay’s participation in the Milano Cortina 2026 Games?

  Anabelle Zurbay is the youngest Irish athlete to ever compete in Alpine Skiing at the Olympics, marking a significant milestone for Irish winter sports and showcasing the potential of emerging talent.

• Where will Team Ireland athletes be competing during the 2026 Winter Olympics?

  The Irish team will be spread across four competition clusters in northern Italy: Livigno, Cortina, Bormio, and Predazzo (Val di Fiemme).

• How many first-time Olympians are representing Ireland at the 2026 Winter Games?

  Three of the four athletes representing Ireland – Anabelle Zurbay, Ben Lynch, and Cormac Comerford – will be making their Olympic debut.

• What disciplines will the Irish team be competing in at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics?

  Team Ireland will participate in Alpine Skiing, Freestyle Skiing (specifically Halfpipe), and Cross Country Skiing.

• Who is the most experienced athlete on Team Ireland for the 2026 Winter Olympics?

  Thomas Maloney Westgård is the veteran of the team, competing in his third Olympic Games, a rare feat for an Irish winter sports athlete.