Irish Olympic rower Aifric Keogh has had her school club, Coláiste Iognáid Rowing Club, in Galway, name a boat after her.
“For Coláiste Iognáid Rowing Club, Aifric’s achievements are a source of enormous pride. Her journey from the club’s boathouse to the Olympic podium is a powerful example of what can be achieved through talent, commitment, hard work and perseverance,” the club has said on LinkedIn.
Keogh began rowing with Coláiste Iognáid in 2006 during her first year of secondary school.
“Since those early days on the water, she has gone on to enjoy a remarkable rowing career, representing Ireland on the world stage and inspiring generations of young Irish athletes along the way,” the club has said.
Name of inspiration: The new Coláiste Iognáid Rowing Club boat bearing Aifric Keogh’s name celebrates the Galway rower’s journey from the school club to an Olympic bronze medal
“A two-time Olympian, Aifric was part of the Irish Women’s Four that won a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Alongside Eimear Lambe, Emily Hegarty and Fiona Murtagh, she helped secure Irish rowing’s first-ever women’s Olympic medal,” it noted.
“The naming of the boat is also a celebration of Aifric’s connection to the club and the role that Coláiste Iognáid played at the beginning,” it said.
“The Galway native continues to be an inspiration to the club’s young athletes, and for many years to come, a boat bearing her name will be on the water supporting the next generation of rowers in our community,” it added.
