Castle makes history

On the weekend of August 15, 16 and 17, a total of 81 rowers from Castle Rowing Club, Ballygally made the short journey to the beautiful village of Glenarm to participate in the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships hosted by the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation alongside the Antrim Coast Rowing Association.

Castle Rowing Club set a new record by entering 54 crews in the Championships, the highest entry by a single club in the history of the All Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships.

Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons officially opened one of the biggest All Ireland's to date, welcoming almost 550 crews from 36 clubs across the Island competing in a three-day packed schedule of over 70 races.

Each and every member from Castle rowed their hearts out during the weekend, representing themselves and their club with pride. While not everyone won a medal they left their mark on the water, each with their own story to tell, some rowing in their first All Ireland some returning from illness, injury or personal turmoil and other seasoned rowers, we all came together as a community to support each other, focusing on the spirit of rowing rather than the outcome. It takes a team to row a boat, a community to build a club and a village to support that club.

Saturday saw 19 crews compete in 13 finals and 14 crews compete in 4 heats, 11 of these crews went through to the Sunday finals.

Our youngest rowers alongside a composite rower from Glen Ballina Skelling set the scene for the weekend by bringing home a bronze medal in the Under 12 Beginners category. This was followed by a spectacular row from our Under 16 girls who won Gold in their final. Later in the day our Pre Vet mens crew brought home another bronze medal.

In the final two races of Saturday, Castle rowers had the privilege of rowing composite with their long time friends in Glenarm, proudly being part of the classic boat the St Brendan's golden return, securing Gold in both the Men's and Ladies Open Classic races.

As the sun continued to shine on Sunday, another 30 crews from Castle competed in 20 finals, securing a further 2 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.

The Masters Ladies and 800m Ladies Sprint winning well earned Silver medals. While the 6 bronze medals were won by the Pre Vet Mixed, Novice Ladies, 800m Mens Sprint, Masters Mixed with composite from Inver Colpa, Legends Mixed and Senior Ladies.

Castle secured the joint second highest tally of medals by a single club. Castle duo John and Gordon were also awarded a well deserved special recognition award for their services to rowing on the Antrim Coast.

Castle rowers and their families turned out in force to volunteer in many different roles throughout the weekend to contribute to one of the most successful and enjoyable All Ireland's. While the sunshine helped, the crack and hospitality from the Antrim Coast made the All Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships in Glenarm 2025 one to remember.