What a day for New Ross! The Barrow Challenge 2025 has once again brought Irish rowing to our beautiful riverside town. On Sunday, October 12th, the River Barrow was alive with excitement as more than 120 rowers and over 40 boats—from classic wooden skiffs to sleek modern quads—powered their way from St. Mullins to the finish at New Ross, right alongside the iconic Dunbrody Famine Ship. Clubs travelled from Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Athlone, and nearby Wexford and Kilkenny, joining us for a festival of endurance, camaraderie, and fun.
From the start at Mulicain Café, crews raced a demanding 18-kilometre course, cheered on by families and supporters lining every bend and bridge. The best vantage points—Ferry Bridge, O Hanrahan Bridge and our own town quay—were packed with locals and visitors soaking up the events charm. We loved welcoming everyone into New Ross Boat Club grounds to celebrate with us, offering families and supporters a front-row seat to the finish and a warm community atmosphere.
It wasn’t just a celebration of the sport of rowing— the Barrow Challenge shone a spotlight on New Ross as a destination connected to the power of River Barrow.
After the finish, crews exited at our club pontoon, enjoying well-earned hot food, teas, coffees, and delicious club-baked cakes in our club house — experiencing the usual unmatched New Ross hospitality!
This event would not be possible without our extraordinary volunteers: safety boats driven by past and present members, the Hook Sub Aqua Club, River Search and Rescue teams, and every single hand who launched, recovered, marshalled, baked, served, and worked behind the scenes. Your dedication and kindness make New Ross Boat Club so special. We are truly grateful.
Excitement is already building for February 2026! We’ll celebrate New Ross Boat Club’s landmark 150th anniversary with the longest Head of the River in Ireland—on the same magical course, this time for flat water boats only. Mark your calendars for another unforgettable day on the Barrow.