Castleconnell Boat Club celebrates 5 representatives on the International stage

Five members of Castleconnell Boat Club have been selected to represent Ireland at prestigious international rowing events taking place from 25–27 July, marking one of the club's strongest international representations in recent years.

The selections recognise not only the talent of the athletes but also the exceptional coaching and athlete development taking place within one of Ireland's leading rowing clubs.

Leading the club's international representatives is Tipperary native Shane Ryan, who has been selected to compete for Ireland at the Home International Rowing Regatta in London.

Shane is a visually impaired para-rower and no stranger to wearing the Irish singlet, having previously represented his country at the World Rowing Cup. His continued success is a testament to his resilience, determination and dedication. Away from competition, Shane is a passionate advocate for para rowing and works tirelessly to encourage greater participation in sport for people with disabilities.

Fellow Tipperary man Alex Kennedy has been selected to represent Ireland at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Coupe is one of Europe's premier junior rowing competitions, bringing together the best young athletes from 16 nations and providing an important stepping stone towards future World and Olympic competition.

Alex's selection follows months of dedicated training alongside his pair partner, Daniel Hickey. Their commitment throughout the season has seen both athletes earn the honour of representing Ireland.

Daniel Hickey, who was born and raised in Castleconnell, has been selected to represent Ireland at the Home International Rowing Regatta in London. The annual event brings together the best junior rowers from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and is regarded as one of the most important international development events for young athletes.

The club is equally proud to have two of its coaches selected to represent Ireland at the Coupe de la Jeunesse.

Derek Bowen, living in Tipperary, has been appointed Lead Coach of the Irish Junior 18 Men's Sweep Team and Team Manager, a role that reflects his outstanding reputation as one of Ireland's leading junior coaches. A former junior international rower himself, Derek understands the commitment required to compete at the highest level. He spends countless hours at Castleconnell Boat Club coaching the club's highly successful Junior 18 Girls squad, which includes his own daughters. His passion, dedication and generosity with his time have helped shape the next generation of rowers, making him an invaluable member of the club and a highly respected coach across Irish rowing.

Joining Derek on the Irish coaching team is Castleconnell Boat Club Captain Brian O'Connor, who has also been appointed to coach at the Coupe de la Jeunesse. Brian has played a pivotal role in developing many of the club's top athletes, including Alex Kennedy and Daniel Hickey. His appointment is further recognition of the exceptional coaching environment at Castleconnell Boat Club and the respect he has earned within Irish rowing.

Castleconnell Boat Club is immensely proud of Shane Ryan, Alex Kennedy, Daniel Hickey, Derek Bowen and Brian O'Connor. Their selections are recognition of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work and reflect the strength of the club's athlete development programme. Having three athletes and two coaches representing Ireland on the same weekend is a significant achievement for the club and for the wider Limerick sporting community.

Everyone at Castleconnell Boat Club wishes Shane, Alex, Daniel, Derek and Brian every success as they proudly represent Ireland later this month.

Castleconnell Boat Club is also running its popular Summer Rowing Camps for young people aged 11–18 throughout the summer. No previous rowing experience is necessary, with all equipment and coaching provided. For further information or to book a place, visit ccbc.ie.