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.