- President – Jenny Milliron O’Neil
- Vice President – Dave McGuinness
- Technical Officer & Treasurer – Darren Bennett
- Regional Representative – Konrad Dabrowski
- National Record Keeper, Regional Representative & Webmaster – Ed Mooney
President – Jenny Milliron O’Neil
Lifting History:
I had just turned 17 and was just diagnosed with an auto immune disorder. I decided that my body worked for me, not the other way around, and quickly came to appreciate that exercise was empowering and alleviated both physical and mental symptoms, providing mental models that transfer to every area of life. I’ve been a lifting enthusiast ever since.
Favorite Lift/Lifting Memory
I have so many amazing memories; this sport has opened so many doors for me! I’ve been honored to represent my native state of Michigan at national championships and even more honored to represent my home country of Ireland at international competitions. I get emotional when I think about seeing many of the girls that I’ve coached achieve their goals as well as win national and international titles. I also tear up when thinking about learning to bench in a shirt with the great Gene Rychlak, (the first man to ever bench 1,000 pounds). I credit the great Louie Simmons with my all time world record in deadlift because he more or less dared me to do it so I had to do it that day, and feel so honored to have had that interaction! I laugh thinking about how Andy Bolton told me I did not hit him hard enough in the pre lift hype before we both deadlifted at an expo. But hands down my favorite moment was actually at the world championships in Serbia in 2016 when I bombed out. Lifting tells you so much about yourself and those around you, and you learn even more when you lose than when you win. On this occasion I learned exactly who my true friends were, as well as exactly what was important to me.
Achievements:
ATWR 557lb DL at 147lb BW, Current European and World Champion, a bunch of national, European and World championships and records. Currently a Category 1 International Referee and the GPC International Secretary of the Board.
Other Interests:
When not lifting or doing the admin involved in her national and international GPC responsibilities, Jenny works full time for a national charity, part time as a consultant and also enjoys painting, yoga, researching social policy pursuant to a PhD, and playing with her dog Sam.
Vice President – Dave McGuinness
Lifting History
I Started training with my dad when I was a teenager and he noticed that I had a strong bench… kinda went from there.
Favorite Lift/Lifting Memory
When he was younger Dave did all 3 lifts, but due to injury has focused on Bench Press. He said his favorite memory was standing on the podium in Slovakia in 2012, but that was before his dad started lifting and they competed together at the world championships in 2023, and that memory has to be right up there!
Achievements
Dave is a category 1 International Referee and holds several national and world records and we’ve lost count of how many world championship titles he’s won.
Treasurer & Technical Officer – Darren Bennett
Lifting History
Although involved in lifting and athletics my whole life, I first competed in 2012 in the GPC.
Favorite Lift/Lifting Memory
“Right now the deadlift is the only lift I don’t hate.”
Achievements
Darren competes both raw and equipped, and currently holds 18 national records, as well as several European and World Records, and has won 12 World champion titles. Darren is a Category 1 International Referee and when a weight is called, he can tell you what plates to load on a bar faster than any other man alive.
Other Interests
When not training with his son and team, Darren also enjoys travelling with his wife and 3 children, playing with their dog Milo, building and collecting gym equipment, and collecting and restoring vintage automobiles.
Regional Representative – Konrad Dabrowski
Lifting History
Konrad started lifting in 1998.
Favorite Lift/Lifting
Konrad says his favorite memory is bench pressing 250 kg raw. For many of his teammates, it was seeing him represent Ireland at the World championships in 2023 and win gold in two different events.
Other Interests
Konrad is that guy in the back of the room making everyone laugh so he’s great to have around if you’re nervous at a competition. He also enjoys hiking and hill walking.
rd to complete my full set of 4 world records across 4 weight divisions currently held at same time
National Record Keeper, Regional Representative & Webmaster – Ed Mooney
Lifting History
Only started Powerlifting last year, so I’m still a newbie and enjoying the process.
Favorite Lift/Lifting Memory
Being thrown into knee wraps and squatting 200kg for the first time.
Achievements
First year was spent training at full Power. 2024 is the year for Equipped Bench only. Who knows what will happen then!
Other Interests
When Im not working, training or hanging out with my three kids, I shoot alot of Black & White Photography and run a regular blog. Have also been known to dabble in Poster design & logo graphics.