Our recent Intro to Rowing – Indoor Training Program welcomed 10 dedicated participants to New Ross Boat Club premises for 8 weeks from January to March – Anna, Cavina, Eoin, Laura, Mike, Peter, Rory, Shane, Sue and Tomas – who were introduced to the fundamentals of rowing technique, training on indoor rowing machines to build confidence, endurance, and good movement patterns. The program drew to a very successful close with an impressive milestone in the final session.
Of the group, seven participants – Cavina, Eoin, Laura, Mike, Rory, Shane and Sue moved forward to complete a Half Marathon distance of 21.1 km on the ergometer, a significant achievement for new rowers and a reflection of their commitment. Anna, Peter and Tomas also completed the training and demonstrated consistent effort and progress throughout each week. Their participation created a very positive atmosphere within the group and around the club.
To celebrate this fantastic effort, we enjoyed tea, cake and sandwiches in the clubhouse afterwards – a huge thanks to Masters coordinator Carmel for arranging the food and beverages. As is now customary, members of the Masters squad attended to cheer on and support those rowing, helping everyone home in the last few kms of the event. Special shoutout to Amy, Anna, Carmel, Dave Mc, Dave Roche, Maurice, Mick, Paula, Sean and Ursula for their encouragement.
The club would like to extend its sincere thanks to Intro to Rowing Coach Michael Bailey for leading the program, alongside the invaluable support from Amy O’Hanlon, Mick O’Dwyer and Dave McCarthy. Volunteer time and coaching expertise are central to delivering programmes like this.
The next step for the group will be an introduction to rowing on the water, with an opportunity to take to the River Barrow and experience rowing in club recreational boats under expert safety and coaching supervision. We look forward to welcoming these new rowers onto the river in the coming weeks and hope this is the start of their longer-term involvement in the sport.