At our recent AGM our captain Dee Feary reflected on the multiple successes in the 2024 regatta season. It was without doubt an unprecedented competitive season that saw the club take home 4 wins at the 2024 Irish National Championships, 5 juniors selected for international honours and 2 coaches selected to coach international crews. 

She then reflected on the many ways that we view success in our club. It cannot be exclusively judged by our competitive performances and results. Our participation levels and community engagement are the highest they have ever been as our club strives to make rowing available to the wider community.

One of our most successful programmes in recent years has been the development of our Adult Learn to Row program. It commenced in early Spring 2023 in conjunction with the Westmeath Sports Partnership and Rowing Irelands Get Going Get Rowing program. A group of curious and enthusiastic adults, with no previous rowing experience and some without any athletic experience signed up for our inaugural Couch 2 5km Learn to Row program. Like most rowing journeys it started not on the water but indoors on the rowing machine where we introduced them to the fundamentals of the rowing stroke. The structured environment of an indoor class allowed them to learn the core elements and order of the rowing stroke “arms – bodies – slide” was practised like a military drill as they learned the proper technique and programmed the new muscle memory.

The group, a mix of working professionals, retirees and parents, learned over the course of 12 lessons the technique of rowing, how to develop and apply power and build their stamina. They learned quickly that coordinated movement was the key to success!

By early Summer they were ready to transition to the water! The first few outings were shaky – quite literally! All that had been learned on dry land seemed to go out the window when sitting in the boats and having to contend with the water, the weather and now having to coordinate all the movements together!! The smoothness of the stroke that was once practised on an individual level on a very stable indoor rowing machine now had to be executed in a moving vessel and in perfect harmony with others. Add to that the further complications of balancing the boat and getting actual oars in and out of the water! With patience, persistence, quite a bit of splashing and a few good laughs the weeks and months passed and the movements became less awkward as everyone found their rhythm. 

Rowing is described by many as the ultimate team sport. This was particularly evident as the group progressed. It was the combined efforts of all in supporting and encouraging each other, the sharing of the roles within the group that has been the key to this group’s success and progress. From assisting in getting safety boats ready, preparing the boats and oars, taking turns to sit in the cox’s seat there is much to be done! When weather put a damper on getting out on the water coffee meet ups were organised. Friendships blossomed as the chats started to flow almost as well as the rowing strokes! It was over some of these chats where the dream of going on a rowing touring trip came about. Research was done and it was decided to go for a touring weekend with Irish Rowing Adventures in Graignamanagh. The itinerary included 2 days of the most scenic rowing along the river Barrow from Graignamanagh through a number of locks and onto tidal water as far as New Ross Boat club. The group of 17 were looked after by Brian and Brigid Roberts of Irish Rowing Adventures and the package include 2 nights dinners bed and breakfast, lunches, transport and equipment! A fantastic weekend was had by all, there was an undeniable buzz around this group in the days and weeks that followed. Research has already commenced for the next trip; the savings vaults have been created and we look forward to following where this groups rowing journey takes them next!

 Special thanks to coaches Sandra Cunningham, Gemma Kiely who led this program with the support of Athlone Boat Club, Westmeath Sports Partnership and Rowing Irelands Get Going Get Rowing program.