Fifty years ago, in 1975, a pioneering crew made history by becoming the first Irish women’s team to compete at the World Rowing Championships. Their journey began with quiet determination at Commercial Rowing Club and laid the foundation for women’s rowing in Ireland as we know it today.

The Beginnings of Women’s Rowing at Commercial Rowing Club
In 1969, Penny O’Riordan led Ann Noonan (née Kavanagh), Caroline Canton (née Pike), and Mary Druhan to form the first women’s crew at Commercial Rowing Club. Coached and coxed by Raymond Murphy, the crew often trained in the early mornings and evenings, sometimes in the dark, as the then all-male committee did not initially support women rowing.

By year’s end, more women joined their ranks, including Gerri McCaffrey, Olive Corcoran, Margaret and Susan O’Toole, Olive Middleton, and Mary Hutchings. At the time, there were only two regattas with women’s races: Carlow and Galway. At the latter, the crew of O’Riordan, Noonan, Canton, and Druhan, coxed by Tommy Maher, secured their first win. That victory marked a shift, earning the women official recognition by the club, though it would still be some years before women could act as coxswains.

Building Momentum
In the early 1970s, Commercial Rowing Club became a vibrant centre for women’s rowing in Ireland. Several competitive women’s fours emerged, coached by Gerard Dooley and Ann Noonan and often coxed by men. Olive Corcoran made history in 1970 as the first woman to win races on the Dublin Sculling Ladder, outpacing male competitors to reach the top of the ladder.

This period also saw the introduction of the Petra Trophy, the first perpetual trophy for women’s rowing in Ireland, presented at the Dublin Metropolitan Regatta in memory of Petra Hamilton.

A New Standard in Coaching
Ann Noonan took up coaching duties in 1971 and brought a fresh, disciplined approach. She introduced weight training, circuit sessions, and daily water time. Under her leadership, crews fundraised to purchase lighter, more competitive boats, and she made technical refinements, adjusting rigging and gates to better fit each athlete. Her hands-on approach and tactical focus elevated the standard of women’s rowing and ultimately saw her become Ireland’s first international women’s coach.

Stepping onto the International Stage
By 1972, Irish women’s crews began making waves overseas. A standout four, Gerri McCaffrey, Bridget Bardon, Caroline Canton, and Olive Corcoran, coxed by Marie Kavanagh, represented Ireland at the Home Internationals, finishing a commendable second behind England.

The breakthrough came in 1973 when a Commercial crew was invited to race at the British Championships. Though the invitation was initially viewed as symbolic, the Irish crew surprised many by winning the event outright. That victory was a defining moment for women’s rowing in Ireland.

The Road to Nottingham 1975
The crew of Gerri McCaffrey, Olive Middleton, Tina Kavanagh, and Bridget Conway, coxed by Mary Hutchings, became the core of Ireland’s elite women’s squad. They were later joined by Nuala Lupton from Skibbereen to form the team that would represent Ireland at the World Rowing Championships.

Supported by the Rowing Union (now Rowing Ireland), the crew entered a six-week full-time training camp at Blessington. Many rowers took unpaid leave or juggled college exams to train. The final crew selected for the World Championships in Nottingham was:

Tina Kavanagh (S)
Olive Middleton (3)
Nuala Lupton (2)
Gerri McCaffery (B)
Mary Hutchings (Cox)

Despite facing open-weight crews from powerhouse nations like the USSR and East Germany, and without the benefit of a lightweight category, the Irish crew held their own, placing 11th overall. Their participation marked a milestone: the beginning of Ireland’s involvement in international women’s rowing.

Enduring Impact
Although their hopes of racing at the 1976 Olympics were dashed due to injury and circumstance, their impact has been lasting. Many remained connected to rowing through coaching or masters competition.

In 2003, the rowing community mourned the passing of Tina Kavanagh. Olive Middleton eventually moved to Germany, while Gerri McCaffrey and Bridget Conway returned to masters racing, including forming composite crews with Tribesmen Rowing Club. Nuala Lupton continued her legacy through coaching in Skibbereen, helping shape generations of Irish talent.

Remembering Their Story
Richard Massey, a member of the organising committee of the 1975 World Championships, fondly recalls hosting the Irish crew in his Nottingham flat. Only years later did he realise he had played a small role in history, offering a roof to the first Irish women ever to compete at Worlds. Today, he still follows their journey and has even extended an invitation to host the crew for a reunion near the original course in celebration of the 50th anniversary.

A Lasting Legacy
As we celebrate this golden anniversary, Rowing Ireland pays tribute to the women who blazed the trail. Their courage, resilience, and spirit paved the way for the growth of women’s rowing across the country. Their legacy lives on in every club, crew, and young rower taking to the water today.

To Gerri, Olive, Tina, Bridget, Mary, Nuala, and Ann—thank you. You didn’t just row for Ireland.
You made history for it.

Sources: Mary Hutchings, Gerri McCaffery, Richard Massey & Norah Gallagher