South Roscommon rower signs four-year scholarship with US university

Athlone Boat Club has expressed its pride after club member Anna O'Grady signed a four-year scholarship with one of the United States' most renowned rowing universities.

Anna, from Kiltoom, Athlone will begin her time with Rutgers University Rowing Club later this month, and will also be studying nutritional science at the esteemed New Jersey university.

A past pupil of Ballybay National School, Kiltoom and Our Lady's Bower, Athlone, Anna is a daughter of Declan and the late Mary O'Grady (Newtown, Kiltoom).

Athlone Boat Club said: 'This incredible milestone marks the next chapter in a journey that began on the banks of the river Shannon, where Anna first discovered rowing as a young athlete. We all send Anna the very best for the future and wish her well on this next adventure. Everyone at Athlone Boat Club is so proud Anna'.

Anna's brother Martin is an international rower with Ireland and recently competed in the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. Her brother Darragh, who is a social worker in Sydney, Australia, also rowed competitively with Athlone Boat Club.

Cathal O'Grady, the fourth member of the family, is also a keen sportsman and plays rugby with Buccaneers RFC.