Rowing Ireland is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Dominic Casey, who has been awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education by University College Cork (UCC). The prestigious conferring ceremony, held on Wednesday evening in the Aula Maxima at UCC, recognised Dominic’s unparalleled contributions to the sport of rowing and his transformative impact on Irish athletics.
Dominic now stands among an illustrious group of UCC honourees, including actor Jeremy Irons, Lord David Puttnam, and humanitarian Dr. Adi Roche, all celebrated for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The ceremony began at 6:30pm and featured an introduction by Dr. Brian O’Flaherty, Programme Director at UCC and President of Lee Rowing Club, who highlighted Dominic’s remarkable career and influence.
Dominic Casey’s name is synonymous with Irish rowing excellence. As a former champion sculler in the 1980s, Dominic claimed numerous National Championships in both single and double sculls. His transition to coaching has spanned over four decades, during which he has become a cornerstone of Irish rowing success.
As Head Coach of Skibbereen Rowing Club, Dominic achieved extraordinary results, leading the club to secure 199 National Championship titles and producing 229 green jersey athletes. Many of these athletes have gone on to compete on the world stage, including the Olympics.
Since 2016, Dominic has been High-Performance Coach for Rowing Ireland’s lightweight teams, guiding them to unprecedented success. His coaching achievements include 32 senior international lightweight medals and some of Ireland’s most historic moments in rowing. Highlights include Ireland’s first Olympic rowing medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, a gold medal and world record in the lightweight double sculls at Tokyo 2020, and, most recently, another gold in the Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Dominic’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest rowing coaches globally.
The rowing world has been effusive in its praise for Dominic’s contributions:
Annamarie Phelps, President of European Rowing:
“Dominic Casey has been pivotal to the success of Irish Rowing, contributing to its status as a leading light across the European rowing nations. This award is much deserved, recognising years of dedication, learning, and nurturing that have inspired generations of athletes and coaches.”
Jane Williams, President of Rowing Ireland:
“On behalf of Rowing Ireland, I warmly congratulate Dominic on this well-deserved recognition. His clear vision, dedication, and quiet leadership have not only brought glory to our sport but also inspired countless rowers to achieve their best.”
Michelle Carpenter, CEO of Rowing Ireland:
“Dominic Casey has elevated Irish rowing to unprecedented heights. His coaching of the lightweight double sculls and other crews has led to Olympic success, including two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His philosophy centres on athlete empowerment, inspiring a new generation of rowers to achieve greatness.”
Rowing Ireland extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dominic Casey and his family on this monumental achievement. This honorary doctorate is a testament to his exceptional contributions to Irish rowing and the global sporting community. Dominic’s relentless dedication, innovative coaching methods, and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless athletes to reach for greatness.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, Rowing Ireland looks forward to many more successes under Dominic’s guidance and leadership. Congratulations, Dominic, on this well-deserved recognition!
