The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman Award for April 2026 has been awarded to Eve McMahon (Sailing)
Sailor Eve McMahon had an April to remember in her ILCA 6 women’s one-person dinghy series, auguring well as she follows her plan for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The young Dubliner took gold and silver in the first two Grand Slam Series dinghy events of 2026 in Spain and France.

In these first major Olympic classes events of the year, McMahon dominated at the Princess Sofia Regatta in Mallorca in early April. She became the first Irish winner at the venue in 10 years. And in Hyères, France, she missed out on a second gold by a single point when beaten by American Charlotte Rose. 

“It’s a little bittersweet. I went into today in first position but dropped down to second by the end. It was a great battle with the American girl but just not enough to win gold,” Eve McMahon said after the event in France. 

“I’m happy with my sailing, there’s still a little to learn so we’ll debrief after the event and learn from it and we’ll go into the European Championships better prepared.” 

After last month’s achievements, the season ahead looks promising as McMahon also has the small matter of completing her final year of undergraduate studies in UCD. 

Congratulations and best wishes to Eve McMahon the Sportswoman of the Month for April 2026.