While Muckross Rowing Club prepares to honour the legendary Olympic achievements of its past members this coming Sunday, the next generation of rowers proved over the weekend that the club’s future is in very capable hands.

In a historic first for the club, a massive squad of 54 junior athletes travelled to the Sligo Head of the River, returning to Killarney with an outstanding haul of seven victories.

The journey to the Garavogue River represented a significant step forward in the club’s development.

Under the guidance of ten dedicated junior coaches, the squad, ranging in age from 12 to 1, braved bitter cold and unfamiliar freshwater conditions to compete against 26 crews from top-tier clubs including Enniskillen Royal, City of Derry, and Belfast Boat Club.

For many of the young Kerry athletes, the 3km non-tidal course provided their first-ever taste of competitive racing.

A club spokesperson highlighted that the trip was designed to build resilience and provide the juniors with experience outside their usual racing circuits in Cork and Limerick.

The success in Sligo, combined with the upcoming celebration of the club’s Olympic heritage, shows a thriving rowing culture in Killarney.

With participation numbers continuing to grow, the Junior Club remains open to new members, holding training sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:00 am at the boathouse.

The Killarney Triathlon Club recently hosted a dedicated Women’s Morning to mark the continued success of its female-focused recruitment and support strategies.

The event was made possible through a specific grant from Triathlon Ireland, providing the necessary funding to invest in the club’s growing female contingent.
Statistics released by the club show a significant upward trend in participation, with female membership rising from 33% in 2023 to 41% by the end of 2025.
This growth reflects a long-term commitment to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes athletes of all abilities into the multi-sport community.
The morning began with a community-focused start at the local parkrun, where members participated in fancy dress to highlight the fun and social side of the sport.
Male members of the club also joined the festivities to show their support for the initiative.
This was followed by a transition to Nave Yoga, where athletes took part in a restorative session aimed at recovery and injury prevention.
Beyond the physical training, the event addressed critical aspects of women’s health in sport, including nutrition and hormonal health across different life stages. These discussions aimed to empower athletes with the expertise to support their training while prioritising their long-term wellbeing.
The day concluded with a social brunch at the Killarney Racecourse, allowing members to build the supportive networks that are essential in what is often perceived as an individual sport. By fostering these connections, the club continues to transition from a training group into a robust community hub.
The committee has expressed its gratitude to Triathlon Ireland for the grant, noting that such investment is vital for maintaining the momentum gained over the last three years. With a strong presence of female leaders on the current committee and a clear strategy for 2026, the club remains one of the most progressive sporting organisations in the county.