Clubs

Rowing

University of Galway's biggest club. University of Galway's most successful club. Welcome to University of Galway Boat Club. Here is where champions are made.

Head over to our Instagram (@uniofgalwaybc) for the latest news and updates from the team.

University of Galway Boat Club is one of the most successful clubs at the University and, indeed, in Irish rowing. Over the past decade, the club has captured numerous National Championship titles across all levels and boat classes — Men’s and Women’s, Senior, Intermediate, Club, Novice and Masters, as well as eights, fours, quads, pairs, doubles and even the single scull. If it can be raced, University of Galway Boat Club has won it.

The past season was another outstanding chapter in the club’s history, with University of Galway claiming six National Championship titles in July. This achievement is a huge testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work of both the men’s and women’s squads over the past number of years. The continued success of the club at national level reflects the strength of the programme and the commitment of its athletes and coaches. That success has also extended onto the international stage. University of Galway athletes Shane McGloughlin, James Murphy, Dominic Casey and Síbeal Ní Fhlaithbheartaigh represented Ireland at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Duisburg, Germany, last July. They were joined on the international stage at the European Championships in Kruszwica, Poland, by Zach Meegan, Ciaran O’Sullivan, Michael McGrath, Rian Claffey, Cathal Monaghan and Isabel O’Byrne.

Their performances demonstrate that University of Galway Boat Club is not only competing at the highest level nationally, but is also producing athletes capable of representing Ireland and competing successfully on the international stage. We also cannot overlook the incredible season enjoyed by our alumni. Fiona Murtagh had an exceptional year, bringing home two silver medals and a bronze medal at the highest level of international competition. Alongside Fiona, Emma Water, Emma Fagan and Martin O’Grady also represented themselves and the club with distinction in their respective events.

From national champions to international representatives and successful alumni, the past season has once again demonstrated the depth, quality and ambition of University of Galway Boat Club. The achievements of our current athletes, alongside those of our alumni, are a testament to the strong rowing tradition that continues to be built at the University.

History

A well established club, the University of Galway Rowing Club has been winning races since the 1970s

Achievements

2026 National Championships

• Mens: Lightweights 1x, Intermediate 8+, Intermediate 4+, Senior 4x
• Womens: Senior 4-, Senior 2-

2025 National Championships

• Mens: Intermediate 1x, Intermediate 2x, Intermediate 2-, Intermediate 4+, Club 4+
• Womens: Senior 8+

2024 National Championships 

• Womens: Senior 4-, Senior 2-, Intermediate 8+, Intermediate 4+, Intermediate 2-

2023 National Championships

• Mens: Intermediate 8+, Intermediate 2x, Senior 4x-, 
• Womens: Senior 2- 

2022 National Championships

• Men: Intermediate 1x, Intermediate 2-
• Women's: Club 8+, Club 4+, Inter 4+, Inter 2-, Senior 8+, Novice 8+, Novice 4x- 

2019 National Championships 

• Womens: Senior 8+, Senior 4-, Senior 2-, Senior 2X, Intermediate 8+, Club 4+.

• Mens: Club 8+, Club 4+, Novice 4X+, Women's Intermediate 4+, Intermediate 2-, Club 8+, Novice 4x+.

Meetings

Club/ Intermediate/ Senior Training: Please contact the rowing club at rowing@clubs.nuigalway.ie 

Contact Us

All Queries: rowing@clubs.nuigalway.ie

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