In the corridor outside the snooker room, a framed history of the club starts with the line “The Club was originally founded as the Dublin Rowing Club”, and we are happy to report that 187 years later the club has a renewed interest in this ancestry.
You will have seen groups on rowing machines in the club over the winter and now outside on the deck in good weather. These sessions are open to members, and guests, and are organised by Nial O’Toole (Crew Class), Ireland’s first rowing world champion and 3-time Olympian. The fitness levels and age of rowers in these classes range from zero to hero and 18 to 77. If you would like a free trial contact Nial on 085 230 3624.
Not everyone realises the club owns two single person coastal rowing boats and has just purchased a coastal rowing quad, which seats 4 rowers and a cox/coach. In association with Nial O’Toole, the club is starting ‘Learn to Row’ this week. RSGYC members are welcome to book in as a crew of friends, or as individuals. The programme can be completed in 6 sessions and is available to adults and teenagers (14 or older). Further details are available from club members Harriet Walker (087 161 4188) or Fred Tottenham (086 151 7378).
28 members have already joined a RSGYC Rowing WhatsApp group. Some of these already do classes on the rowing machines, but a pleasant surprise has been the interest from non-sailing RSGYC members. Many partners and parents of active sailors have not yet joined a sailing crew, and report that the idea of social rowing is a less daunting option for a non-boat person. Please therefore spread the word to others who may be interested.
2025 is likely to involve a summer of social rowing, with a few teams taking on local challenges. For example, Paraic Slattery and Fred Tottenham rowed around Dalkey Island last weekend, with Paraic setting a 2025 record of 1-hour 32minutes and 15 seconds.
Nice to see an old activity taking off again in the club.
Click here for the Learn to Row Booklet
