Joy for Athlone family as rowing ace Colsh wins silver medal in Serbia

During an emotional weekend late last month for the Colsh family of Tormey Villas, Athlone, Tom and Alice watched on proudly as their grandson Brian Colsh won a silver medal in the European Junior Rowing Championships.

Brian from Sligo raced four tough races (two qualifiers, semi-final and final) at the European championships which were held in Serbia.

The race was won by Russia but Brian and the Irish team finished second - ahead of the Czech Republic and the Poles, both of whom had beaten them in the earlier qualifiers.

Colsh (19) was in the bow seat as Ireland’s coxless quad team produced a storming second 500 metres to push eventual winners Russia all the way.

Brian won a silver medal along with Cork duo Andrew Sheahan and Adam Murphy and Kenmare’s Tom Kelly.

“I’m so thrilled for him and, God knows, he’s worked so hard for it!” said Tommy Colsh Jnr, Brian’s father.

Tommy Jnr, was a former member of Athlone Boat Club and he too represented Ireland on the world stage. Indeed, Brian’s mother, Rosaleen was also a very accomplished senior rower.

Brian was also cheered on over the weekend by friends of the Colsh family, Dina and Tom Flanagan in Tormey Villas.