The 2025 Irish Rowing Championships took place at the National Rowing Centre in Farran, Co. Cork, over the weekend, bringing together a record-breaking number of crews, clubs and supporters over a sun-drenched weekend of competition and celebration.

More than 900 crews representing 53 clubs and 1,295 athletes took part across 150 races in what Rowing Ireland has confirmed as the largest Championships in the sport’s history.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in attendance on Friday for a commemorative ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s first women’s crew to compete at the World Rowing Championships.

The Taoiseach presented awards to members of the pioneering 1975 team and paid tribute to their legacy, praising the “strength and community spirit” of Irish rowing clubs.

The visit added weight to what was already shaping up to be a landmark weekend for the sport.

Across three days of action, some of the country’s finest rowers lit up the water. UCD won a thrilling Men’s Senior Four final by less than a second from Cork Boat Club, while Trinity Ladies Boat Club edged UCC in a similarly dramatic Women’s Senior Four contest.

Olympians Jake McCarthy and Siobhán McCrohan were among the big names to secure national titles in the lightweight single sculls.

The junior ranks also impressed, with standout performances including Jack Rafferty of St Michael’s RC in the Men’s Junior 18 Singles, and Shannon RC’s victory in the Women’s Junior 16 Coxed Quad.

The final day on Sunday delivered more drama and silverware. Mags Cremen claimed the Women’s Senior Single title for UCC, while Olympic Gold Medallist Fintan McCarthy won the Men’s equivalent for Skibbereen.

UCD took home the Men’s Senior Eight crown, while University of Galway BC secured gold in the Women’s Senior Eight – underlining the strength of university rowing programmes alongside traditional clubs.

Rowing Ireland CEO Michelle Carpenter hailed the Championships as a high point for the sport, noting the scale of competition and the symbolic power of welcoming the Taoiseach to the event.

“This year’s Championships showcased the depth of talent, the passion of our volunteers and the power of sport to unite generations,” she said.

With increased visibility through livestreaming and national media coverage, as well as sponsorship support from Fáilte Ireland, Fota Island Resort, Cork County Council and Total Cleaning Supplies, this was a winning weekend for the sport.

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