Dr Shannon Kelly

Dr Shannon Kelly is a practising doctor working in Ireland, a professional triathlete, speaker and charity ambassador.

As a professional triathlete, Dr Shannon has competed 15 times, has been on the podium 5 and has one win under her belt, achieved at the 2023 Africa Triathlon Aquathlon Championships, held in Sharm El Sheikh.

Before attending an endurance triathlon in France back in April 2019, Dr Shannon was required to undertake ECG and echo heart examinations which discovered a rare clot in her right atrium that could have been catastrophic had it not been located and treated as it was.

Dr Shannon has big goals and aspirations for the future that combine both her love of sport with her medical career. She believes strongly in working hard and reaping the rewards of that hard work, a belief system that has already seen her achieve much success in both arenas.

One of Dr Shannon Kelly’s other goals is to become a role model and advocate in Ireland for female sports, as well as show young girls that they do not have to choose between education and sport. That with diligence, organisation and drive they can be successful in both.

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Type Of Speaker

Female Speakers Health & Wellbeing International Women's Day Speaker Sport

More About Dr Shannon Kelly

Dr Shannon Kelly | Background

Dr Shannon was involved in sports and performing arts for most of her life, excelling in and embracing both passions for many years. Leaving aside her love of performing arts she concentrated her efforts on triathlon in recent years, growing up as a competitive swimmer, it wasn’t long until she excelled at swim, bike and run.

From 2012 to 2016 Dr Shannon went to the University of Dublin to study BSc Biomedical Health and Life Sciences which she followed up with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Limerick from 2016 to 2021. She is currently doing a PhD in Clinical Exercise at Trinity College, Dublin.

Dr Shannon Kelly | Blood Clot

A required cardiac with the triathlon team in France saw her sidelined when it was discovered she had a blood clot which presented some worrying health issues. The ECG and echo heart examinations discovered a rare clot in her right atrium that could have been catastrophic had it gone unchecked and were she to have competed in the triathlon.

The journey back to full health, dealing with the implications of her condition and the loss of sport was not an easy road for Dr Shannon. However, she didn’t let fears or disappointment bring her down and came back to competing with renewed vigour, going on to secure a number of wins nationally and internationally.

In her first season back, Shannon Kelly has had seven podium finishes in seven triathlon races, with some being back to back days on back to back weekends. Her ‘can do’ attitude and her motto ‘I go get it, I love racing, I love triathlon, I love sport’ a crucial part of her winning ways.

Dr Shannon Kelly Medical doctor and tri athlete at Great British Speakers

Dr Shannon Kelly | Charity Ambassador

Since being diagnosed with the blood clot that could have been fatal, she has been determined to raise awareness about heart conditions such as hers and the invaluable significance of heart screening.

Shannon works with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). and with the backing of her sponsors Estrella Bikes, launched a campaign #HEARTHEALTH to spark conversation about cardiac health and raise money for the the cause.

Dr Shannon Kelly Medical doctor Irish triathlete book at agent Great British Speakers

Dr Shannon is no stranger to volunteering for charity, with her first charity event at 15 years old when she headed out to Romania to work with disabled young adults in Negra Voda. The experience taught Dr Shannon a lot and she vowed that she would always give some of her time back to charity.

She is also an Ambassador for the The Gavin Glynn Foundation, an Irish charity that helps families fighting childhood cancer who need to travel overseas to get treatment that isn’t available in Ireland.