Gaelforce trophies are designed and made through a student project with ATU Connemara.
Each year, we work with ATU Connemara students from the first design brief through to manufacturing and finish. The trophies are made from storm-felled Irish timber and each year’s design is based on a specific Gaelforce theme.
Gaelforce events are shaped by the west of Ireland. The mountains, lakes, rivers, trails, coastline and weather are all part of the challenge. We wanted the trophies to reflect that same connection to place.
That is why we are working with ATU Connemara on a trophy design project using storm-felled wood.
The project began in 2025 with ATU students. The aim was to bring together local materials, student design and practical making to create trophies that are directly linked to our events.
We are involved with the students from the initial design brief right through to the final manufactured piece. This includes the theme, the concept, the materials, the making process and the finish.
Each year will be unique to that year’s theme. Last year, the theme was Wild Ireland, with designs inspired by endangered animals. This year, for the 20th anniversary of Gaelforce West, we have gone back to our roots with Enter The Elements, our original motto.
FROM STORM-FELLED WOOD TO FINISHED TROPHY
The first trophies were made using native storm-felled timber, including Alder and Sycamore. This wood came from trees that had fallen naturally in storms, or from trees that had to be cut because of poor health. Instead of being left unused, the timber was cut, dried, stored and prepared for making.
The process takes time. The wood must dry until it reaches the right moisture level. After that it can be cut, shaped, engraved, sanded, finished and assembled into a trophy.
No two trophies are the same. The grain, colour and markings vary from piece to piece. These details are part of the timber and part of the finished award.
WORKING WITH ATU CONNEMARA
The project has continued beyond its first year. We are now working further with ATU Connemara to look at the full journey from design to finished product. This includes the materials, the design, the making process and the best way to use storm-felled wood for future awards.
For the students, it is a live design brief with a finished product that will be used at real events. For Gaelforce, it is a better way to make trophies. Local materials. Local skills. Less waste. A stronger connection to the events themselves.
Our events ask people to take on tough challenges in wild places. It makes sense that the trophy comes from that same environment.
WHAT YOU ARE HOLDING
If you win one of these trophies, you are holding storm-felled Irish timber.
You are holding work designed and made through ATU Connemara.
You are holding a trophy designed around that year’s Gaelforce theme.
And you have earned it.
Have an idea for the 2027 trophy theme, or a question about the initiative? Get in touch at info@gaelforceevents.com.
