As Women in Sport Week 2026 and International Women’s Day draw to a close, Rowing Ireland is proud to finish the week by highlighting the voices of the women who continue to shape and inspire our sport. Olympic Medallist and World Champion, Fiona Murtagh has been a central figure in Ireland’s high performance rowing programme, representing the country with distinction on the international stage while also serving as a role model for the next generation of athletes.
Throughout Women in Sport Week, Rowing Ireland has celebrated the theme “Same Energy,” recognising the passion, commitment, and leadership that women bring to rowing at every level of the sport. In this written interview, Fiona reflects on the dedication required to compete at an elite level, the support networks that sustain athletes through challenges, and why representation for women and girls across all areas of rowing continues to matter.
What motivates you to continue showing up for rowing, and what does that commitment mean to you personally?
What keeps me showing up every day is my love for the process, the discipline, the challenge, and the constant pursuit of improvement. Even after all these years, there’s something deeply rewarding about pushing boundaries and discovering new limits. My commitment means honouring everyone who has supported me, from teammates to coaches, and continuing to represent what’s possible in women’s sport in Ireland.
Have there been moments in your rowing journey where you’ve had to overcome challenges or barriers, and what helped you persevere?
Absolutely. Rowing at an elite level comes with many highs and lows- injuries, self‑doubt, and the pressure of expectation. What’s helped me persevere is surrounding myself with strong, supportive women who believe in lifting each other up. Their energy reminds me that I’m never doing this alone, and that every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger both physically and mentally.
Why do you think it’s important for women and girls to see women represented as athletes, coaches, volunteers, and leaders in rowing?
Visibility is everything. When girls see women leading in sport, whether in the boat, on the coaching team, or behind the scenes, they realize that there’s space for them too. It’s not about being the first anymore; it’s about building pathways so the next generation knows that success and leadership in rowing are theirs to claim as well.
How has being involved in rowing shaped you – as an athlete, coach, volunteer, or person?
Rowing has shaped every part of who I am. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and how to stay grounded through both success and struggle. It’s also given me lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation for teamwork. Even as a single sculler, I’m carried by the support and inspiration of the women around me every day. The sport has made me not just a better athlete, but a more balanced person.
What would you say to a young girl or woman who is thinking about getting involved in rowing for the first time?
Go for it. You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. Rowing will challenge you, but it will also give you confidence, strength, and community. You’ll meet incredible women who will push you to be your best and celebrate every milestone along the way. You’ll be surprised by where that leap of faith can take you. It’s taken me all over the world, and I’ve experienced things I never thought possible for myself.
This year’s theme is ‘Same Energy’. What does the energy that women bring to rowing mean to you?
To me, “Same Energy” celebrates the unity that women bring to sport. It’s about women showing up for each other, pushing boundaries and proving that our commitment and passion deserve the same platform and visibility as any other part of sport. The energy women bring isn’t just physical. It’s the energy that builds lasting friendships, drives teams forward and inspires the next generation to believe they belong. That collective spirit is what makes women’s rowing so special, and it’s why I’m proud to be part of this community every single day.
Fiona’s reflections capture the spirit that has defined Women in Sport Week 2026 across the rowing community. Her journey highlights the resilience, teamwork, and belief that underpin success in the sport, while also reminding us of the importance of supporting one another along the way.
As we mark International Women’s Day and conclude this year’s Women in Sport Week celebrations, Fiona’s words reinforce the message that the future of rowing is strengthened when women are visible, supported, and empowered across every part of the sport. From athletes and coaches to volunteers and leaders, the same energy continues to drive rowing forward and inspire the next generation to take their place on and off the water.
