Rowing Ireland hosted a glittering Olympic Celebration and Annual Awards Night on Saturday, 25th January 2025, at Fota Island Resort in Cork Harbour.
The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of 2024 while honouring the dedication of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who embody the spirit of rowing.
Jane Williams President Rowing Ireland presents the President's Award to Irish Olympic gold medallist's Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy during Rowing Ireland's Olympic Celebration & Awards Night at Fota Island Resort in Cork
The night was filled with inspiration and celebration as attendees applauded the winners of prestigious awards:
Coach of the Year: Pat McInerney, St. Michael’s Rowing Club
Up-and-Coming Rower of the Year: Grace Healy, Dublin University Ladies Boat Club
Senior Female Rower of the Year: Margaret Cremen, UCC / Lee Rowing Club
Senior Male Rower of the Year: Paul O'Donovan, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Junior Female Rower of the Year: Anna Brennan, New Ross Boat Club
Junior Male Rower of the Year: Jack Rafferty, St. Michael’s RC
Master Female Rower of the Year: Barbara Nugent, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Master Male Rower of the Year: Paul Gallen, Athlone Boat Club
Club of the Year: Kilmacsimon Swimming & Rowing Club
Umpire of the Year: TJ Ryan, Skibbereen Rowing Club
Women in Sport Advocate of the Year: Sandra Cunningham, Athlone Boat Club
Rowability Award of the Year: Peter Cassidy, Tribesmen Rowing Club
Volunteer of the Year: Janet Walsh, New Ross Boat Club
Irish Olympic Rower Margaret Cremen is presented with her Senior Female Rower of the Year award by Annamarie Phelps, Olympic President of the European Rowing during Rowing Ireland's Olympic Celebration & Awards Night at Fota Island Resort in Cork
A special presentation was made to Olympians, Paralympians, and World Medallists, including:
- Ciaran Purdy & Donncha Keely – World Gold, U23 Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls
- Adam Murphy & Brian Colsh – World Bronze, U23 Men’s Double Sculls
Olympic Athletes Honoured:
- Fintan McCarthy OLY (Gold Medallist)
- Paul O’Donovan OLY (Gold Medallist)
- Daire Lynch OLY (Bronze Medallist)
Margaret Cremen OLY, Alison Bergin OLY, Fiona Murtagh OLY, Natalie Long OLY, Eimear Lambe OLY and Tiarnan O’Donnell
A standout moment of the night was the recognition of Daire Lynch and Philip Doyle, who made history by winning an Olympic bronze medal in the Men’s Double Sculls (M2x) at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The pinnacle of the evening was the President’s Award, presented to Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan for their extraordinary back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (LM2x).
Paul O’Donovan made history as the first Irish athlete to medal at three Olympic Games, a feat guided by legendary coach Dominic Casey.
Annamarie Phelps OLY, President of European Rowing commented on the night: "Rowing Ireland has developed a high performance programme to support success at the highest level across men’s and women’s Olympic and Paralympic rowing alongside a growing, thriving club community. The awards were an energising celebration of national team rowers, high performance success and future talent as well as recognising the commitment of volunteers in clubs, behind scenes, working to secure the future for clubs and our sport. Those first touch points in a sport (at club level) are just as valuable as high-performance programmes.”
Irish Olympic gold medallist Paul O'Donovan is presented with the Senior Male Rower of the Year award by Jean Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing during Rowing Ireland's Olympic Celebration & Awards Night at Fota Island Resort in Cork.
The awards for the evening were beautifully handcrafted by Kenny McDonald of Shannon Rowing Club.
Distinguished guests included:
- Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing
- Annamarie Phelps, President of European Rowing
- Jane Williams, President of Rowing Ireland
- Barry McWilliams, Chair of the Rowing Ireland Board
- Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland
The event was expertly hosted by Brian Richardson and Niamh Hayes.
