Rowing Ireland hosted its glittering Olympic Celebration and Annual Awards Night at the stunning Fota Island Resort over the weekend.
The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of 2024 while honouring the unwavering dedication of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who embody the spirit of rowing.
The evening featured a blend of inspiration and celebration as attendees applauded the winners of prestigious awards:
Coach of the Year: Pat McInerney, St. Michael’s Rowing Club
Up-and-Coming Rower of the Year: Grace Healy, Dublin University Ladies Boat Club
Senior Female Rower of the Year: Margaret Cremen, UCC / Lee Rowing Club
Senior Male Rower of the Year: Paul O’Donovan, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Junior Female Rower of the Year: Anna Brennan, New Ross Boat Club
Junior Male Rower of the Year: Jack Rafferty, St. Michael’s RC
Master Female Rower of the Year: Barbara Nugent, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Master Male Rower of the Year: Paul Gallen, Athlone Boat Club
Club of the Year: Kilmacsimon Swimming & Rowing Club
Umpire of the Year: TJ Ryan, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Women in Sports Advocate of the Year: Sandra Cunningham, Athlone Boat Club
Rowability Award of the Year: Peter Cassidy, Tribesmen Rowing Club
Volunteer of the Year: Janet Walsh, New Ross Boat Club
A special presentation was made to Olympians, Paralympians, and World Medallists, including:
Ciaran Purdy & Donncha Keely, Adam Murphy & Brian Colsh along with Worlds Coaches John Armstrong and Fergus Hannon.
Olympic Athletes who attended on the night were honoured along with Dominic Casey OLY Head Lightweight Men’s Coach:
Fintan McCarthy OLY (Gold Medallist) Paul O’Donovan OLY (Gold Medallist) Daire Lynch OLY (Bronze Medallist) Margaret Cremen OLY, Alison Bergin OLY, Fiona Murtagh OLY, Natalie Long OLY, Eimear Lambe OLY, and Tiarnan O’Donnell.
A standout moment of the night was the recognition of Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle, who made history by winning an Olympic bronze medal in the Men’s Double Sculls at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The pinnacle of the evening was the President’s Award, presented to Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan for their extraordinary back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls.
Paul O’Donovan also made history as the first Irish athlete to medal at three Olympic Games, a feat guided by legendary coach Dominic Casey.
“Rowing Ireland has developed a high-performance programme to support success at the highest level across men’s and women’s Olympic and Paralympic rowing alongside a growing, thriving club community,” said Annamarie Phelps OLY, President of European Rowing.
“The awards were an energising celebration of national team rowers, high-performance success, and future talent as well as recognising the commitment of volunteers in clubs, behind the scenes, working to secure the future for clubs and our sport.
Those first touch points in a sport (at club level) are just as valuable as high-performance programmes.”
“We are deeply honoured to have welcomed such esteemed guests to our Olympic Celebration and Annual Awards Night,” added Michelle Carpenter, CEO of Rowing Ireland.
“It was a privilege to host Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, Annamarie Phelps OLY, President of European Rowing, Jane Williams, President of Rowing Ireland, Barry McWilliams, Chair of the Rowing Ireland Board, and Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland.”
“Thank you for making the journey to be with us on this special evening. Your presence means so much to all of us in the rowing community and reflects the incredible support for our sport at every level.”
The awards for the evening were beautifully handcrafted by Kenny McDonald of Shannon Rowing Club.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
As with Gymnastics the previous week it is special to have the stars of the sport at World and Olympic level being there among those who create the environment in which they can thrive. Special as well to have the Presidents of World and European Rowing uin attendance.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Skibbereen Head of the River race on the Ilen River takes place on 9th March 2025.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Rowing Ireland is one of the more than 300 full active members that make up the Sport for Business community.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
