Athlone Boat Club starts the year in style
2025 got off to a great start with multiple early successes as Athlone Boat Club kicked off the competitive season with impressive performances at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships held in the University of Limerick Sports Arena on January 18.
The event marked the beginning of what promises to be another exciting season for the club. A total of 30 athletes made the journey to UL ranging in ages from Junior 13 right through the Junior age groups up to masters in the 70 plus age category.
First up were the juniors and we didn’t have long to wait for the first gold medal of the day, with Alannah Cunningham winning the Women’s Junior 13 3-minute timed piece. Next up was the Junior 13 boys and this time it was the turn of Harry Doran taking his spot on the podium, finishing in third place.
As the morning progressed, Athlone earned some more podium finishes with Muireann Kenny taking the bronze in both the Junior 14 4-minute piece and the 500-metre race. Alannah Cunningham was back on the podium taking a second gold in the Junior 13 500m race. While not everyone can make the podium, the depth of talent in the club can be in no doubt with some excellent performances and multiple top 10 finishes.
Adding to the club’s success was the debut of a new master female rower. Catherine McAteer started on the Couch 2 5km and recreational rowing programme in January, 2023. Her performance in the 2000m women’s 40-49 race earned her first place in an impressive time of 7 mins 32 seconds.
Club stalwart Paul Gallen is no stranger to the podium and, true to form, he secured first place in the 2000m lightweight men’s 70-79 category.
Athlone Boat Club members were recognised at the 2024 Rowing Ireland Olympic Celebration and Annual Awards night held in Foto Resort, Cork last Saturday. Members were nominated across multiple categories. The following were awarded on the night: Paul Gallen, Male Masters Rower of the Year 2024; and Sandra Cunningham, Women in Sports Advocate of the Year.
A special presentation was made to Fergus Hannon in recognition of his appointment as coach of the Under-19 men’s sculling team that competed at the 2024 Junior World Rowing Championships held in Canada in August.
The Irish crew comprising of Rian Claffey, also from Athlone BC, Michael McGrath (Cappoquin), Jack Rafferty (St Michael’s) and Sean Morris (Tralee RC) placed 4th in the ‘A’ final.