Is Trinity Barbell Society truly the best place for students new to fitness to get help in the gym, or did I just happen to chat with an extremely passionate committee member?
After interviewing Gary Meaney, one of Barbell’s resident strongmen, I got the impression that for any Trinity students looking for a friendly and welcoming start to the gym, Barbell is the society to go with. “Barbell is incredibly welcoming – especially to people who’ve never trained before,” says Meaney. “We’ve had people go from never touching a barbell to competing in intervarsities.” Seemingly, it’s the kind of place where beginners don’t just feel welcome – they’re encouraged every step of the way, often surprising themselves by achieving things they never thought possible. Training sessions are all about support and shared progress, with more experienced members stepping in to teach techniques and offer help when needed – even if it means putting their workouts on pause. It sounded like the whole society looks out for one another, creating a space where everyone lifts together, in more ways than one.
“It sounded like the whole society looks out for one another, creating a space where everyone lifts together, in more ways than one”
For someone not used to exercising regularly, the gym at Trinity can feel incredibly intimidating – especially with windows surrounding you, perfectly framing every awkward move and misstep. Unsure of what any of the machines do, it only adds to the feeling that everyone else got the manual, while you missed the memo. And then there’s that ever-present fear of ending up flat on your back – whether it’s bad form, too much weight, or just pure gym-related mayhem.
However, that’s exactly where Barbell steps in and flips the script. Instead of feeling judged or out of place, newcomers are met with encouragement, guidance, and a genuine sense of community. No one expects you to walk in knowing what you’re doing. In fact, that’s exactly why many of the committee members are there: to help. From breaking down the basics of lifting to celebrating even the smallest wins, Barbell creates a space where mistakes are part of the process, and progress, no matter how slow, is something to be proud of.
This sense of inclusion isn’t just talk, either. Barbell has actively collaborated with Trinity’s LGBTQ+ Society (QSOC) and Trinity’s Women’s Health Society to ensure that when they say everyone’s invited, they mean it. These partnerships have helped foster an environment where people of all gender identities and backgrounds feel genuinely welcomed and safe — something especially important in a space that can often feel hyper-masculine or exclusive. Whether it’s inclusive training events or simply making space for open conversations about gym anxiety and identity, Barbell makes a real effort to ensure no one is left on the sidelines.
“Whether it’s inclusive training events or simply making space for open conversations about gym anxiety and identity, Barbell makes a real effort to ensure no one is left on the sidelines”
After you’ve settled in, Barbell offers a clear path from beginner to competitor — if that’s where you want to go. Their in-house competitions, like Mock Meets for powerlifting and weightlifting and the newly introduced student strongman events, offer the perfect bridge between learning the basics and eventually stepping into organised competitions across Ireland. These casual, no-pressure events offer a taste of what formal competition feels like, but in a supportive and familiar setting. And if competing isn’t your thing, you’re always welcome to go along and watch as fellow students take on what often looks like impossible feats of strength.
Some members eventually take things further, competing at intervarsity level and representing Trinity on the national stage. Others discover a love for strongman — a niche but fast-growing branch of the club. When Meaney first joined, he was the only strongman on campus and was noticed by Barbell because of it. That number doubled when Xavier McDougal got involved, who’s since gone on to compete successfully himself. Since then, things have changed dramatically: “Now we’ve got more people training for strongman than powerlifting. It’s wild to see how it’s grown,” he says. With interest continuing to rise, the club is now planning to introduce a dedicated strongman representative on next year’s committee.
Whether you’re there to compete, to get stronger, or simply to try something new, Barbell creates the space and support for you to grow at your own pace.
Trinity Barbell is experiencing one of its most exciting periods of growth. With new lifters arriving every term, more events than ever before, and the entire new branch of strongman gaining serious traction, there’s never been a better moment to get involved — especially for beginners.
“There are so many new faces now, with really bright futures in the sport,” Meaney says, reflecting on the buzz at recent training sessions.
Whether you’re looking to try your first lift, meet like-minded people, or just get a bit fitter in a welcome teaching space, Barbell offers a chance to be part of something that’s not only growing, but thriving. The momentum is real, and the committee members make sure to keep the door wide open.
At Trinity Barbell, strength isn’t just measured in kilos — it’s seen in small wins, personal progress, and the quiet confidence that builds over time. Whether it’s your first time picking up a barbell or your hundredth, the club makes space for every kind of lifter at every stage. As Meaney puts it: “If it’s not your thing, that’s fine. But I think there’s a pretty good chance most people will enjoy it a lot.”
It’s not about being the strongest in the room — it’s about showing up, trying something new, and maybe surprising yourself along the way. In a club where support is as consistent as the training, you’re never lifting alone. For anyone new to fitness, Trinity Barbell might just be the perfect place to start.
“It’s not about being the strongest in the room — it’s about showing up, trying something new, and maybe surprising yourself along the way”
