A rowing tradition to be proud of...

CAHERSIVEEN Rowing Club is one of the best established rowing clubs in south Kerry with a proud history. It’s one of the most successful clubs in Seine boat racing, and its 50-year story has resulted in many memorable occasions for families enjoying what is a fantastic sport.

The club has a strong base at U12 and U14 level and it’s actively looking to build on its juvenile age categories to incorporate U16 and minor crews. It requires time and effort to expand any club, and any young people interested in getting involved in rowing should pop down to Cahersiveen marina on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30pm.

“What we have in the club is strong, and while it can be hard to get younger crews and keep the youth involved, you have to keep a positive outlook,” said John Paul O’Connor, Chairman of Cahersiveen Rowing Club.

The club has always been a family orientated one with the tradition of rowing being passed from one generation to the next. While this is not as frequent as it once was, the challenge now is to maintain numbers and get as many adults as possible to help progress each crew through the age levels. The club has a strong tradition in coastal rowing but the success of boat crews relies on familiarity and trust, which can only be built up over time. Cahersiveen Rowing Club encourages its younger members to learn the sport as a part of a crew.

“It’s a brilliant sport and the best part about it is that people who might not be into other sports can develop their own style when it comes to rowing,” said John Paul.

“The local youth club are in our club every Friday night and what we’re trying to do is build up the club from U16s upwards. Getting groups of friends involved and enjoying the sport is what we want to achieve. Rowing is all about bonding, and knowing the people you row with means everything. Anyone who wants to row or help out we would be more than delighted to welcome them to our club.”