Why Rowing Has Become So Big In Ireland
Ireland ranks amongst the leaders in rowing, and the sport is growing in popularity each year. Earning numerous international medals in the last 10 years has accelerated the sport’s popularity.
Rowing began in Ireland over a century ago, with the first rowing clubs forming in the 1830′s.
Currently, over 100 rowing clubs inhabit the Emerald Isle providing such choices as ocean rowing, lake and river rowing, indoor rowing, training, and coaching facilities. “Learn to Row” summer camps, school teams, and college scholarships entice children to compete in rowing throughout their educational years.
Ireland has promoted rowing as a sport for everyone. Rowing is a non-impact sport, yet gives a total body workout. It does not require a athletic skill-set, but promotes excellent athletic activity. From the child to the adult, from the non-athlete to the most physically fit, from the amateur to the professional: Rowing can be fun and fulfilling. In this vein, the clubs offer not only competitive rowing teams, but individual rowing, and recreational rowing.
Through the clubs, members meet people, build social skills, develop team spirit, and set personal goals. Parties and outings organized by the clubs help form the rowers into a community based on a similar set of interests.
Professional and competitive amateur rowers are supported by their clubs and cheered on in regional, national, and international competitions. These committed rowers practice many hours a day, and many days a week.
Rowing Ireland is the governing body for rowing in Ireland, and represents over 100 clubs and their teams. They also sponsor the Rowing Ireland High Performance Team made up of Junior, Under 23, and Senior teams for the FISA (International Rowing Association) championships and the Olympics. The IARU (Ireland Amateur Rowing Union), established in 1899, oversees over 50 clubs in four provinces, and boasts over 4,000 members.