Athlone man is Rowing Ireland's Coach of the Year

Fergus Hannon was announced as Rowing Ireland Coach of the Year for 2023.

The prestigious accolade was awarded to the Athlone man at the Rowing Ireland annual awards on Saturday night at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise.

Rowing Ireland said Fergus is a very committed and dedicated coach. He encourages athletes to reach their potential and is patient and supportive of them in their journey. He commits a huge amount of time to his athletes and is very enthusiastic while doing so. He travels to all regattas, heads and trials to support all his athletes and on most occasions is also loading/unloading and driving a trailer of boats.

Fergus is highly respected among his athletes and by the wider Athlone Boat club community. He is a great asset to the club and has been very successful with his development of athletes some of whom have achieved well on the domestic stage and internationally.

Fergus was among a high-calibre bunch of award winners, which also included Tokyo Olympic champion Fintan McCarthy, who was named as the 2023 Senior Male Rower of the Year!

Fergus was not the only Athlone Boat Club member nominated for an award, with Paul Gallen among the shortlist for the Volunteer of the Year award, which was presented to Shannon Rowing Club member Michelle McDonagh