Galway Rowing Club

So tomorrow on London's Docklands course, in the center of London, 4 GRC girls, Laura Carolan, Carragh Coffey, Beatrice Kelly and Lily Couturier will don the Irish Green one piece for the first time, and along with their crew mates from Shandon, Portora and Waterford will race for their clubs and country at the Home Internationals 2026.

Following an incredible Championship regatta two weeks ago, the girls were training three times/day to blend and prepare for this event. And of course, club coaches Noel Stapleton and Tom Elwood continued with them, guiding and coaching.

The coaches, crews and families are now in London set for action.
We wish everyone the very best tomorrow. To say we're emencely proud would be an understatement. Four girls getting Irish jerseys, and two coaches top off a great year for the club.

GRC Abú

Our friends in John Butler Sports Therapy Clinic are running a fantastic fundraiser in aid of Irish Heart Charity Croí.

John, Mary and their team will be running a special event on Tuesday 28th July, during the Galway Races, with many fulfilled events on the day, with all funds going to Croí.

Check full details on the link, as well as donation details.

Support Fundraiser for Croí - Stroke Rehab Unit on iDonate.ie Fundraiser for Croí - Stroke Rehab Unit for Croi, created by Mary Butler | iDonate.ie

We just learned the sad news of the passing of Imelda Scally, a famous oarswoman in our club.
Imelda was a member of the famous Ladies 4+ that won in Nottingham in the late 70's.

Her brother Vincent also coached Mens crews in the late 70s, early 80s.

Our condolences to Imeldas family at this sad time

Death Notice of Imelda Hughes (née Scally) (Newcastle, Galway) | rip.ie The death has occurred of Imelda Hughes (née Scally) of Newcastle, Galway Ireland, on 11/07/2026. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.

And so season 2026 comes to a close. After a stop-start season of cancellations, our crews travelled to Cork with mixed expectations but confident in their training and abilities.

Overall the club came away with possibly a record number of 6 podium finishes for the club, all delivered by our Ladies Junior Squads.

🥇WJ16 8+ - dominated from start to finish in on of the performances of the Championships
🥈WJ18 8+ - with the majority of the crew Junior next year, a very positive result
🥈WJ18 4- - with three J16 athletes in the boat, a fantastic performance
🥈WJ16 4X+ - solid Silver medal, considering not a huge amount of sculling all year
🥈WJ16 4+ - strong race to deliver another Silver
🥉WJ182- - won by two J16s in the squad

The boys had strong near miss performances, and have learned alot from their races that'll stand to them. All of whom are Junior next year and the following year.

We need to thank all our super coaches, and volunteers for looking after the crews all year, giving up their time to guide the next generation; to our Club Captain Mike Gaffney for leading the rowing effort; to our super team of parents for always being their to support and back us all at regatta, events, fundraising.

Our attention now turns to the Home Internationals in 2 weeks time where 4 of our athletes, Laura Carolan, Carragh Coffey, Beatrice Kelly, Lilly Coutourier, along with coaches Noel Stapleton and Tom Elwood, will represent Ireland and the Club at London Docklands. Good luck to you all in your training camp over the next week.