Bann Rowing Club's Quest to Keep the Legacy Afloat

One of Coleraine's oldest sporting institutions is taking 'steps' to remain at the top of its game.

Bann Rowing Club has been part of the local community for over two centuries.

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And it's the generosity of the Coleraine public that could help keep this proud and successful club afloat for years to come.

The club needs to raise £45,000 to replace the steps leading from the famous boathouse into the River Bann.

To date, over £30,000 has been raised by crowdfunding and charity events.

"We still need the help of the local community," said President Sue McLaughlin.

"Any donations or sponsorship would be greatly appreciated.

"Names of individuals or businesses can be displayed on our kit or boats for anyone interested in working with us."

Bann Rowing Club has been part of the town's fabric since 1842. It is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country. And one which is proud of his inclusiveness.

"We are very much an inclusive, community-based amateur club," added Sue, the club’s first female President.

"We support all members to achieve their potential and exceed their aspirations, and we aim always to highlight the club's heritage and build on previous successes.

"We provide the best available coaching and facilities."

And it is help with those facilities that is now required.

It seems unthinkable that a club which has enjoyed such success in recent times finds itself in such choppy waters. But such are the financial pressures affecting everyone these days.

Despite these pressures, the club has three Irish Champions - Flynn Greene,  Katie Shirlow and Alex Hutchinson, under the direction of head coach Geoff Bones. The 2023 Junior 14 Girls, coached by Alison Hodgkinson, won medals across Ireland. There were successes for the J15s, J16 and J18s, and a number of Bann girls are enjoying life with worldwide rowing scholarships. Currently, the Junior 16 girls are training hard for the forthcoming season with an eye on the Irish Championships.

There's no doubt the profile of Bann Rowing Club has been raised by the achievements of one of Coleraine's sporting daughters...current world champion with GB Rowing and club member Hannah Scott.

Hannah started rowing with the club in 2011. After winning two silver medals at Under 23 level in the pairs with Heidi Long in 2018 and the Eight in 2019, Hannah made her senior team debut in 2021, taking silver in the quad at the European Rowing Championships.

She raced in the same crew at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing seventh.

In 2022, she won the bronze medal at the World Cup in the single sculls and came fifth at the World Rowing Championships.

Hannah then joined the Women’s quad for the European Rowing Championships in 2023, where they won the bronze medal.

The 24-year-old also helped Great Britain to the top spot in the women’s quadruple sculls alongside Lauren Henry, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw.

The world championship victory arrived in Serbia with a win over the Netherlands by 0.67 seconds, marking her first gold triumph at senior level.

"I can't believe it, a little girl from Coleraine standing with a gold medal," said Hannah.

"It's a dream come true in a way. To walk away with a gold medal...it's my first gold at seniors."

Hannah took time out from her personal celebrations to highlight the role of her hometown’s rich rowing history towards helping achieve the landmark medal triumph.

"Growing up, Olympic Games medallists Richard and Peter Chambers and Alan Campbell all came from Bann Rowing Club,” she added.

"Watching them growing up, I was always like 'if they can do it, why can't I? They inspired me".

Let's hope the people of Coleraine dig deep into their pockets to ensure Bann Rowing Club continues to produce many more champions in the years ahead.