Official opening of Athlone Boat Club's new home 'an emotional day'
The captain of Athlone Boat Club, Nick Friel, reflected on the significance of the recent official opening of its new facilities in this piece submitted to the Westmeath Independent:
"Saturday, April 29, 2023, saw our unique rowing club of 140 members celebrate its official opening, surrounded by both young and old, past and present members, invited guests, sponsors and the wider rowing community, all supported by our town of Athlone.
After decades of planning, committee room meetings, and development teams putting in long hours of hard work, Athlone Boat Club has, finally, officially opened its doors.
The entire membership was delighted to welcome Rowing Ireland's back to back World and European Champion and Olympian Sanita Puspure to cut the ribbon on the day. The moments that Sanita shared with our members, most especially our junior teams, will stay with them for a long time to come. Thank you, Sanita.
The weather was kind on the day - one might say the child of Prague was a member of Athlone Boat Club, as the sun shone for the entire occasion! Our club's president, Paul Donovan, along with his supporting committee and coaching team, was delighted to welcome all that had travelled from far and wide to be part of an historic day for the club.
To feel the energy, and see the emotion, from those that had waited years to see this day was moving. Both young and old shared in an occasion that will be talked about in the clubhouse for many years to come.
Recognising years of commitment to the committee and board members, Paul Gallen and Eamon Fahy were welcomed and acknowledged by all, which was truly deserved for the hours and hours of painstaking work both have given to the club. Both of these gentlemen will be spoken about for decades in relation to their commitment and dedication to Athlone Boat Club.
Rowing Ireland's president, Neville Maxwell, applauded the work that had been done by all involved in delivering such an exceptional facility to the community of rowing in the Midlands. Complementing the success of the club on the national and international stage, Neville stated that Athlone Boat Club was a credit to all involved and that he looked forward to seeing the next part of our journey.
Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, paid tribute to the vision of those involved in taking Athlone Boat Club to another level with the delivery of an exceptional building that he sees each day as he passes in the car.
In his council role, he committed to proposing a civic event to celebrate all that Athlone Boat Club offers to the town of Athlone.
To everyone that has been part of supporting this historic occasion, on behalf of our membership, our committee, our coaching team and all that support our club, thank you so much.
We look forward to 2037, when we will celebrate 200 years in rowing." - Nick Friel, Athlone Boat Club Captain.