Students ecstatic after picking up rowing medals

THE rowing club from St Aidan’s Community School in Brookfield, Tallaght, were presented with medals on Wednesday after winning rowing competitions in 2023 and this year, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.

The club also received new uniforms on the day, and it gave the school community the opportunity to reflect on the club’s success since it began in 2022. It was formed as part of an initiative by Rowing Ireland and Active South Dublin called ‘Get Going, Get Rowing’, and throughout 2022 and 2023 every student in the school got a chance to row.

Martina O’Neill, a rowing coordinator and PE teacher in St Aidan’s, told The Echo: “There were rowing sessions for every PE class, every lunch time.

“Every student in every programme in the school, from every background, with every level of ability got involved.

“Posters were put up for students to log their own rowing times.

“Some students rowed for the full hour and would only stop when the school bell went off!

“Competition was rife, the interest was huge, it all really exploded.

“This inclusive sport had given everyone equal opportunity; the repetition of rowing had also really helped to balance and regulate emotions and settle students.

“Most of all, students were smiling and keeping fit – it was all win-win.”

The pupils shared their enjoyment of rowing, with first year student Caitlin Kearney saying : “Rowing takes my mind off things and makes me happy.

“It is fun and I’ve found something I know I am really good at.”

Darragh Ruth Harrison, a second year student, remarked: “I love the thrill of being in the boat with my mates rowing on the water.”

While students’ enjoyment of rowing was evident, it then developed into a strong skill for many who fared well at a competitive level against other rowing clubs when representing St Aidan’s.

“The big end-of-year Grand Canal Dock Regatta arrived last May 2023, and St Aidan’s CS Rowing Team won a total of 24 medals.

“We came top three in all our races: all the training paid off, the students were ecstatic and we as a school were very proud.

“This May 2024 was again the end-of-year Grand Canal Dock competition and after training since October, we chose 28 students to represent us.

“We entered 11 races in total, again coming top three in all our races, winning a total of 44 medals: 20 gold, 20 silver and four bronze.

“The interest in rowing in our school is huge. We have approximately 60 students on the Rowing Teams from 1st to 6th year.

“Our TY year students will be learning to coach rowing in October and will then go out and help to coach students in other schools, not just in St Aidan’s Community School.”

Ms O’Neill said she wanted to thank the students for their dedication to the sport, and also Rowing Ireland, Active South Dublin, the principal and deputy principal of St Aidan’s, Kevin Shortall and Una Moloney, and assistant coach Paula Davis.