Antrim coast’s Castle Rowing Club celebrates two All-Ireland championship victories in Bantry

All-Ireland Champions 2026 Legends Ladies – Angela, Alex, Anne Marie and Nikky

Castle Rowing Club, based in Ballygally on the East Antrim coast, has returned from the 2026 All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships with two championship titles and six podium finishes following a memorable weekend of competition in Bantry.

The club’s Novice Mixed and Legends Ladies crews were both crowned All-Ireland champions, while Castle rowers also secured two silver and two bronze results across several categories.

Novice Mixed crew strikes gold

Novice Mixed All-Ireland Champions 2026 – Kate, Adam, Emmett and Emma

Castle’s first championship victory came on Friday evening when Kate, Adam, Emmett and Emma produced an outstanding performance in the Novice Mixed race.

Their gold-medal finish prompted celebrations among the Castle supporters watching from the beach and secured the crew a coveted All-Ireland title.

The victory reflected the considerable training and commitment invested by the four rowers ahead of one of coastal rowing’s biggest competitions.

Legends Ladies power to All-Ireland title

Angela, Alex, Anne Marie and Nikky delivered Castle’s second championship success in the Legends Ladies event.

The crew took control of the race and powered ahead of the competing boats to claim gold in commanding style.

Their victory completed an impressive championship double for Castle, with two of the club’s crews leaving Bantry as All-Ireland champions.

Silver and bronze success

Legends Mixed All-Ireland Silver medalists – Anne-Marie, Sarge, James and Alex

Castle’s medal-winning performances continued on Sunday when Anne-Marie, Sarge, James and Alex secured silver in the Legends Mixed race.

The Novice Ladies crew also earned a place on the podium after battling to a bronze-medal finish. Justine from Whitehead joined the Castle rowers to complete the composite crew.

Novice Ladies All-Ireland Bronze medalists

Masters Heritage Silver medalist – John

Further success came through Castle members competing with other clubs during the championships.

John won silver on Friday evening while rowing as part of a composite crew for Troll in a heritage boat.

Luke and Marcus also brought home bronze after rowing in the Seine boat as composites for Valentia Island Rowing Club.

Seine boat Mens Race bronze

Hours on the water rewarded

The club’s achievements represented the combined efforts of its rowers, coaches, supporters and families, with every medal underpinned by many hours of preparation and training on the water.

Six podium finishes — including two crews crowned All-Ireland champions — made the trip to Bantry an exceptional weekend for the Ballygally-based club and a proud achievement for the wider East Antrim coastal community.