New Ross Boat Club etched a new chapter in its history books this summer when Anna Brennan claimed victory at the 2024 Irish Rowing Championships—bringing home the club’s first-ever national title. This historic achievement has electrified the club and the wider rowing community, marking Anna as one of the most talented rowers in the country and drawing attention to the progress of New Ross under head coach Janet Walsh.
Anna’s win in the Club Single Scull was the culmination of years of hard work, where persistence and athletic development married perfectly with her natural talent in a boat. For a club with a 148-year tradition, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and hope among the membership. Watching Anna surge down the course, delivering a composed and clinical performance, her family, New Ross head coach Janet, coach Alan Thomas, team mates and supporters sensed they were witnessing something momentous. When she crossed the finish line ahead of her competition, the supporters erupted in celebration, honouring not just a personal victory for Anna but also a milestone for New Ross Boat Club.
The competition at the National Rowing Centre in Cork was fierce, with talented scullers from across Ireland vying for top honour’s. Anna, drawing on her international experience and calm race strategy, quickly established her rhythm from the start. As the boats settled, she moved confidently through the field, consolidating her position with a powerful middle section of the race. In the finishing straight, Anna maintained her composure and finished with a strong sprint, crossing the line in first—securing the club’s maiden Irish Rowing Championship Title. Her performance was praised for its poise under pressure and execution of a great tactical plan plan.
This win means much more than a first Irish Rowing Championship pot for Anna and New Ross Boat Club, it serves as inspiration—a sign that commitment and a strong support network can propel young athletes to the pinnacle of Irish rowing. Anna’s triumph was celebrated by generations of New Ross members and local supporters, many of whom have been part of the club’s long journey towards national recognition.
Anna’s success has quickly resonated with the next generation at New Ross. Young rowers are inspired by seeing someone from their own club achieve national recognition and compete on the world stage. Her championship title is proof that the pathway from club to international representation is truly possible, with dedication and the right environment.
Looking ahead, Anna’s victory sets a new benchmark for New Ross. The club is committed to building on this achievement, striving to support even more local athletes to reach their potential on national and international water. Anna’s story is now a permanent part of New Ross Boat Club’s legacy—a reminder that every finish line crossed is not just the end of a race, but can be the the start of something even bigger.
Anna and coach Janet have both been selected to represent Ireland at the u23 World Rowing Championships in St. Catherine’s, Canada later in the year. Anna will partner Moya Knowles from Skibbereen Rowing Club in in the junior women’s double scull. We would like to congratulate and wish Anna and Janet the best of luck representing Ireland in this prestigious regatta.