Bann Rowing Club’s 1984 Junior Women’s Champions Reunite on the Water After Four Decades

In a touching tribute to past glories and enduring friendships, members of Bann Rowing Club’s victorious 1984 junior women’s crew returned to the water on Saturday, 12 April—more than forty years after their Irish Rowing Championship triumph.

What once seemed an unlikely reunion became a reality, thanks in no small part to the persistence of the crew and the connective power of social media. Despite a series of false starts and logistical hurdles, the rowers came together once more, joined by a handful of current club members offering their support.

Absent, however, was their much-loved coxswain, Bernadette “Bernie” Mullan, who passed away in December 2024. Before pushing off from the Bann’s familiar banks, the crew and accompanying safety launch paused for a minute’s silence in her honour—a poignant moment in remembrance of a teammate held dear.

Though decades had passed since they last rowed together, the women displayed a remarkable ease as they lifted the boat and returned to the rhythm of the river. Any nerves were quickly dispelled under the guidance of Martin Clyde, himself a rower from the early 1980s, who took up coxing duties for the day. His familiar voice proved a steadying presence, allowing the crew to find their stroke with surprising speed.

On hand in the safety launch was Geoffrey Bones, Bann’s esteemed head coach. Renowned for mentoring Irish, World, and Olympic champions, his coaching presence was both a privilege and a reassurance. His understated verdict—“they’re not bad”—was taken by the crew as the highest of praise.

Adding further sentiment to the occasion was the attendance of Paddy McFeely, the original junior coach of the 1984 crew, who watched the outing from the launch with evident pride. His verdict? The magic remains.