Athlone Boat Club members honoured at Rowing Ireland Awards

Athlone Boat Club had plenty of reasons to celebrate at the Rowing Ireland Awards on Saturday last, January 31.

Paul Donovan, who has been associated with Athlone Boat Club for several years in various capacities, was chosen as the Umpire of the Year and the club has congratulated Paul on "this great achievement".

Athlone duo Donagh Claffey and Martin O’Grady were honoured for winning bronze medals at the 2025 U23 World Championships. Kiltoom native Martin and Donagh from Fardrum, Athlone were recognised alongside their coaches, John Armstrong and Rebecca Edwards.

In addition, long serving Athlone Boat Club coach Fergie Hannon was recognised for his role in the success of U19 World Championship gold medallists Jonah Kirby and Jack Rafferty. Fergie was honoured along with his coaching colleague at the U19 World Championships, Myles Taylor of Methodist College Boat Club in Belfast.

The annual event was held at Fota Island Resort in Cork, bringing together athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, partners and supporters from across the rowing community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 2025 season. Rowing Ireland was delighted to be joined on the night by Anna Marie Phelps, Vice President of World Rowing.

A standout moment of the evening saw Mags Cremen and Fintan McCarthy presented with the Trailblazers Award, marking their historic achievement as Ireland’s first-ever gold medallists in the mixed double sculls at the 2025 World Championships.

Award winners

Coach of the Year: Myles Taylor, Methodist College Belfast Boat Club.

Up-and-Coming Rower of the Year: Sophia Monahan, Shandon Boat Club.

Senior Female Rower of the Year: Fiona Murtagh, University of Galway Boat Club.

Senior Male Rower of the Year: Fintan McCarthy, Skibbereen Rowing Club.

Junior Female Rower of the Year: Sophia Young, Methodist College Belfast Boat Club.

Junior Male Rower of the Year: Jack Rafferty, St Michael’s Rowing Club.

Master Female Rower of the Year: Sally Cudmore, Lee Rowing Club.

Master Male Rower of the Year: Kenny McDonald, Shannon Rowing Club.

Club of the Year: St Michael’s Rowing Club.

Umpire of the Year: Paul Donovan, Athlone Boat Club.

Women in Sport Advocate of the Year: Nuala Lupton, Skibbereen Rowing Club.

Rowability Award of the Year: Joe Cunningham, Castleconnell Boat Club.

Volunteer of the Year: Donal Cronin, Cork Boat Club.