Kilkenny rower earns prestigious title of Junior Female Rower of the Year

Anna Brennan was announced as 'Junior Female Rower of the Year' at the recent Rowing Ireland Olympic Celebration and Annual Awards Night. 

Anna, who rows with New Ross Boat Club, was presented with the award by Olive Loughnane, Chair of the High-Performance Committee at Sport Ireland.

The evening’s celebrations included the announcement of several prestigious awards. Among the most eagerly anticipated was the Junior Female Rower of the Year, which saw three outstanding nominees: Moya Knowles of Skibbereen Rowing Club, Sibéal Ní Fhlaithbheartaigh of Castleconnell Boat Club, and Anna Brennan from New Ross Boat Club.

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With the ballroom at Fota Island Resort filled with anticipation, Brian Richardson, the evening’s compere, announced Anna Brennan as the winner to much applause.

Brian stated that Anna’s exceptional season in 2023-2024 earned her selection for the Irish women’s U19 World Championships team, where she won the B final in the junior women’s doubles.

Additionally, her victory in the women’s club single marked New Ross Boat Club’s first-ever national championship title.

Richardson praised Anna, stating that she 'embodies the dedication and spirit that defines junior rowing success'.

Anna paid tribute on the night to her dedicated coaches, in particular to the late Alan Thomas who played a pivotal role in her rowing journey thus far.

She also acknowledged the continued support shown to her by Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny.

As the evening drew to a close, the gathered guests celebrated not only the achievements of 2024 but also the bright future of Irish rowing.

Presentation Secondary School were first to share their support of their student once they heard the remarkable news.

"Congratulations to our 6th year student Anna Brennan who was awarded ‘Junior Irish
Rower of the Year’ last night," they stated.

"A remarkable achievement for Anna to be voted by her peers for this award. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Anna as she moves to The University of Louisville in the US after her Leaving Cert to further pursue success in rowing.

"Anna is an outstanding role model for our whole school community, achieving equilibrium in her demanding academic and sporting commitments." 

The awards evening brought together a distinguished group of guests, including Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, Annamarie Phelps OLY, President of European Rowing, and Jane Williams, President of Rowing Ireland, among others.

Their presence underscored the importance of rowing as a global and national sport and highlighted the commitment of all those involved, from athletes to coaches to volunteers.

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