The History of Irish Coastal Rowing

The sport of Coastal Rowing can be traced as far back as the old cobblers and fishermen of the mid-Nineteenth Century. Various boats and crews of cobblers are recorded as racing out to meet the incoming schooners, etc. with the winners receiving the valuable piloting contract. There was also the benefit of racing to the best fishing grounds. This was a means of survival and of earning a living, but in their spare time and during holidays these coastal crews raced for sport.

The development of competitive rowing at regattas was not dissimilar to the development of competitive sailing. Seventy years ago, heavy punts, practical and sturdy but not exactly streamlined, were snatched from their mundane existence for one exciting day a year.

There was a four oar race which sometimes lacked a serious competitive edge as the members of the four of five teams who had worked hard enough all week saw little point in over exerting themselves. Whoever won, by default rather than heroic effort, would share the prize money with all the other competitors and everyone would drink a toast to manly endeavor with the prize money.

The six-oar gig race was the most important race of the regatta. This was the only race which was rowed by purpose built racing gigs. The gigs, along with their crews and supporters would arrive by lorry. Teams from Ardralla, Myross, Reengaroga, Glandore and Baltimore took part. The famous Crowley brothers (Pictured above on the left) rowed for Ardralla and were great oarsmen, winning many races. One of these gigs is still in the loft in Skinners yard. She was rowed by the Myross team in the All-Ireland at Valentia. She is about 28 feet long, very graceful and finely balanced. In the gig race each team had their own buoy so the mayhem that ensued at the turn in the other races was absent.

This was much more serious stuff and the coastal rowing competitions of today can trace their origins back to those gig races of the thirties. The six oar gig race was the most high profile race in the rowing competition and Dan Griffen remembers crowds of spectators "roaring like horses" lining the fields from the Pier in Schull to the Doghole.

Throughout the Twentieth Century the sport has waxed and waned in popularity, but consistently enjoyed a loyal following. For many it has been the only sport available through geographical restrictions of living in rural coast communities. In the last twenty years coastal rowing has seen a huge resurgence in popularity.

Sponsored Row from Douglas in the Isle of Man
to Wicklow by members of Wicklow Rowing Club, circa 1980

In the 1988 two neighbouring rowing associations, namely The Irish Yawl Rowing Association (Co Cork) and The South and Mid Kerry Rowing Board attempted to revive interest by running a regatta between the two associations (loosely called an "All Ireland"). It was from this small beginning that the present organisation evolved and the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation as it stands today represents around fifty clubs on the island of Ireland, with another ten clubs attempting to re-form and join the Federation.

In 2002 the new one design boat was introduced and rowed at the All-Ireland Regatta in Carnlough in County Antrim.

Start of the First Ever Race Involving the One Design Boat

All Ireland Regatta 2002; Carnlough, County Antrim
Veteran Mens Race

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