Athlone Boat Club’s delight over historic regatta at Coosan Point

Athlone Boat Club hosted the biggest regatta in the club’s history as competitors, supporters, coaches and volunteers descended on Coosan Point in substantial numbers for the 2026 edition of the annually held event last Saturday week.

Months of planning and preparation culminated in a spectacular day of racing on the shores of Lough Ree, with over 600 competitors taking to the water. The event attracted thousands of visitors to Athlone, making it not only the largest regatta ever organised by the club, but also one of the biggest sporting events in the Midlands region this summer.

The regatta, held at picturesque Coosan Point, showcased the very best of Irish rowing, with clubs travelling from across the country to compete. Club captain of Athlone Boat Club Kenny Colsh described it as the biggest regatta in the club’s history, and was delighted to welcome athletes and supporters from all over Ireland.

The captain said the success of the occasion was “built on an incredible community effort within our club” and he extended his heartfelt gratitude to the “many organisations and volunteers” whose support “ensured the event ran safely and smoothly”.

“A special word of thanks goes to Athlone Sub Aqua Club, whose highly trained members once again provided exceptional safety cover on the water. Their professionalism is regularly praised by visiting clubs and gives competitors, particularly junior crews, the confidence to race safely. The RNLI Lough Ree, the Order of Malta, and numerous volunteers also played a vital role in delivering a safe and enjoyable event,” Colsh added.

Club PRO Padraig Hegarty offered a special word of appreciation on behalf of Athlone Boat Club to Eamon Fahy for his tremendous dedication, describing him as “a stalwart”.

“Eamon ensures our Athlone town location is well-maintained on a weekly basis and supports the club in many ways. On regatta day, he keeps everything running smoothly, ensuring visiting clubs are well looked after. If there’s an issue, Eamon is the ‘go-to’ person.

“Furthermore, Sinéad Hensey plays a crucial role in running the food tent, which caters to all visiting crews and guests. Organising it is no easy task, but Sinéad and her hardworking team, backed by local business sponsors, ensure all runs smoothly. This tent not only serves great food but also generates vital funds for the club, forming a key part of the regatta’s annual fundraising efforts,” the PRO stated.

Padraig also acknowledged the “outstanding support of Coosan National School, Coosan Church, Hennessy Coaches, and the residents of Coosan Point who “warmly welcomed the thousands of visitors to the area”.

“The provision of extensive parking facilities and shuttle bus services helped ensure the smooth running of the day for competitors and spectators alike.

“Athlone Boat Club is deeply grateful to the many local businesses, families and individuals whose generous sponsorship made the regatta possible. Their support helps preserve the club’s proud rowing tradition while providing opportunities for future generations of athletes.

“The day from start to finish was very professionally planned by regatta secretary Sandra Behan. Starters orders were provided by Paul Donovan and Nuala Faller, with races being called at the finish line by Aishling Flanagan and Michael Keane,” the PRO added.

Club president, Nuala Faller paid tribute to the parents, coaches, volunteers and sponsors who made the historic day possible.

“The success of this regatta is a testament to the incredible commitment of our club and our community. We are immensely grateful to our volunteers, parents, coaches, local residents, sponsors, and emergency services whose support helped make this the biggest and most successful regatta in Athlone Boat Club’s history,” the club president stated.

The club also proudly remembered the late Stephen Doran with the presentation of the Stephen Doran Memorial Cup, awarded to the most successful participating club, ensuring that a cherished member of the Athlone Boat Club family remains at the heart of the regatta. The winners this year were Enniskillen Boat Club whos had some fantastic performances and victories over the course of the regatta.

Athlone Boat Club thanked all visiting crews, Athlone Sub Aqua Club, RNLI Lough Ree, Westmeath County Council, Order of Malta, Coosan National School, Coosan Church, Hennessy Coaches, the residents of Coosan Point, our sponsor, and the army of volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the 2026 Athlone Regatta such an outstanding success.

“The 2026 Athlone Regatta was more than a sporting event. It was a celebration of rowing, community and volunteerism. It demonstrated what can be achieved when a town comes together behind its local club and its young athletes.

“Athlone Boat Club is immensely proud to have hosted the biggest regatta in its history and looks forward to building on this remarkable achievement for many years to come,” Padraig Hegarty concluded.