September Student and alumna rowers compete at World Championships

University of Galway has heralded the achievements of students and alumna competing in the 2023 World Rowing Championships.

The rowers have been taking to the water this week in Belgrade, Serbia as they chase medals and chart a path to the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Brian Colsh has competed in the Men’s Quadruple; Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh, alumna of the University, teamed up in the Women’s Pair; and Fionnán McQuillan-Tolan took to the water in the Men’s Four. 

Deputy President and Registrar Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh said: “On behalf of our University community, I’d like to send a message of congratulations to all of our rowers competing in the World Championships and also as they set down a marker for the Olympics. Competing on the world stage is a truly remarkable achievement for any young athlete and our University is right behind them. We take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our students, as well as our staff, whether that’s in research breakthroughs, community engagement, volunteering, academic achievement and international competition. It is a great delight for us to herald such sporting achievements.” 

Mike Heskin, Director of Sport at University of Galway, said: “Our rowers are fantastic ambassadors for University of Galway but also the sport of rowing and Ireland. We put huge effort into rowing at the University and making use of the Corrib in Galway, as well as the coaching and mentoring of the University’s High Performance Unit and our wider support staff. We are looking forward to a great academic year of competition and success for our students and we are thrilled to see so many of our students and alumna competing and challenging at the highest level in the sport of rowing. It is a great testament to their talent and dedication and the support they receive at the University.” 

Racing commenced on September 3 and runs right through the week until Sunday September 10.

The 2023 World Rowing Championships are the first opportunity for rowers to qualify Ireland for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

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