Athlone rowers shine in UL indoor competition

A large number of Athlone Boat Club junior members took part in the Irish Indoor Provinces competition, held in the University of Limerick on Saturday last. The competition was run by RowFit and supported by Rowing Ireland.

Athlone Boat Club's Edward Cleary won the 1000-metre event of the junior 16 category. Adam Kenny took third for the junior 15 event, in what was also a 1000-metre event.

Anna O’Grady, sister of Irish international rower Martin O’Grady, took gold in the junior 14 event. It was an excellent performance, very composed. She sat in third place for most but built up for a fantastic finish to take first place.

Sarah Rockett took silver and gold in two junior 13 events. Sarah put on a great display of rowing ability in both competitions, finishing strong for her gold medal.

A well known name around Athlone Boat Club in recent years is Martin O'Grady, who took first place in the junior 18 event.

Over the past year Martin has rowed for Ireland and won the junior rowing championships for Athlone Boat Club last summer. Martin will row for NUIG this year and everyone at Athlone Boat Club wishes him the very best.

Athlone Boat Club PRO Padraig Hegarty said: “The hard work being completed this season is clear to see. The new club captain Nick Friel has expanded the strength and conditioning for the junior rowers and we are seeing improvements week after week. Results such as this past weekend are a testament to the coaches for their commitment and the rowers for their hard work.”

Congratulating the rest of the junior rowers who attended on the day to represent Athlone Boat Club, Padraig added that “you all did the club very proud”.