NUI Galway Rowing Club celebrate Partnership with Rowing Ireland
NUI Galway Rowing Club and members of Rowing Ireland executive board met recently to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Rowing Club in the last academic year but also to establish formally the partnership with Rowing Ireland and NUI Galway. Rowing Ireland is the governing Body for rowing in Ireland and represents over 80 clubs across the four provinces.
NUIGalway have in the pastdecade captured Irish Rowing Championship titles in the Men’s Senior Coxed Four and Coxless Four categories in addition to Senior Eight, Intermediate Eight, Intermediate Four, Novice Eight and Novice Four.In previous years international success has been achieved racing in World Cup Regattas, and in Munichat the 2007 World Championships Alan Martin and Cormac Folan were part of theMen’s Heavyweight Coxless Four which qualified for the Beijing Olympics. Cormac Folan later retained his seat and raced in the 2008 Olympics.
The partnership with Rowing Ireland firmly cements the commitment of NUI Galway to rowing. The University recognises the need for improved water-sports facilities with the new strategic plan specifically identifying the development of water based sports facilities including a new building for water sports.
CEO of Rowing Ireland, HamishAdams, speaking of the partnership with NUIGalway stated that this is the first initiative of its kind at third level. “Our unique partnership provides expertise at both ends of the sport, it acknowledges the diversity and needs of the sports from excellence to recreational participation.”NUI Galway boasts two positions for the development of rowingproviding support for its elite rowers -Rowing Development Coach for High Performance, Dave Mannion, and a Schools Liaison Development Officer for Participation, Jenny Cunningham.This connection anchors firmly the continuing commitment of the University to our high performance athletes. The “Get Going Get Rowing“ nationwide participation initiative which introduces rowing to second level children has provided a wider reach for the University and further opportunities for connections with schools in Connaught.Partnership with the National Governing Body ensures that we continue our support for our athletes and enable them through structured pathways the opportunity to thrive and compete.
Dr. Pat Morgan, Vice President of the Student Experience acknowledged the tremendous support and mentoring that is given unconditionally to our students as part of our alumni club, Grainne Mhaol.The funding provided by the University Foundation Office and Student Project Fund enables the purchase of equipment for training and competition.The voluntary commitment of University staff over many years andcurrent Chairperson of Rowing Ireland’s University sub- committee RuadhánCooke have provided a constant link for the young athletes and connectivity with the University.
2013/2014 proved to be the most successful year in the clubs history with a record number of eights championship victories, including the Blue Riband events in Men’s and Women’sSenior Eights Championships.
It was also the most successful season for thewomen’s squad with five Championship wins including a clean sweep for the women’s sweep events with wins in the senior eight,four and pair. NUIG students Aifric Keogh,KevinNeville,Robert O’ Callaghan, Richard Bennett along with Fionnan McQuillan–Tolan, Emily Tormey, Lisa Dilleen and Barbara O’ Brien who are members of our alumni club Grainne Mhaol,represented Ireland at this year’s U23 World Championships and Senior World Championships.Elizabeth Gallagher has continued this strong leadership within the club as club captain and whilst balancing her academic studies and rowing. NUIGalway were placed runners up in six events in the recent Intervarsity competitions in Cork.
Kathy Hynes, NUIG Sports Officer stated, “Partnerships with our National Governing Bodies are key to the continuing development of Sport within NUIGalway and our students’ sporting success.This partnership with Rowing Ireland will provide clear pathways for elite performance and wider community engagement.”