Ireland’s day at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam was one of fine margins and encouraging signs from new combinations, with the Men’s Four finishing their campaign strongly while the Women’s Four and Women’s Quad both coming within touching distance of the World Championship A Finals.
New Men’s Four Finish Strongly
Ireland’s Men’s Four of McQuillan-Tolan, Doran, Murphy and Dorney, opened the day with an encouraging second place in the C Final, crossing in 6:09.62, behind Canada in 6:07.21 and more than three seconds clear of Denmark.
This is a new Irish combination with only a handful of races together, and they had missed a semi-final place earlier in the Championships by just one second. Their response was a strong one.
Against a Canadian programme with a long tradition of excellence in sweep rowing, Ireland remained competitive throughout and finished their Championships with another indication that this crew has potential.
Women’s Four Just Outside A Final
The Women’s Four of Claire Feerick, Emma Waters, Aisling Hayes and Emma Fagan came within 3.25 seconds of securing a place in the World Championship A Final after a strong semi-final performance.
Australia won in 6:35.52, ahead of the Netherlands in 6:38.15, with Germany taking the crucial third qualifying position in 6:44.19.
Ireland were next in 6:47.44, well clear of Denmark and China but on the wrong side of the line that matters most in a World Championship semi-final.
Fourth is an unforgiving position – close enough to know you were genuinely in the contest, but without the reward of an A Final.
The crew will have the opportunity to finish their Championships strongly in the B Final on Saturday morning.
New Women’s Quad Come Within 1.51 Seconds
Ireland’s Women’s Quadruple Sculls crew of Sophia Young, Emily Hegarty, Alison Bergin and Izzy Clements came even closer, finishing fourth in 6:28.94 and missing the final qualifying position by just 1.51 seconds.
The Netherlands won an excellent semi-final in 6:22.91, with Great Britain second in 6:25.52. Australia claimed the third and final A Final position in 6:27.43, with Ireland next across the line.
What makes the Irish performance particularly encouraging is that this is a new combination which has only recently come together, with Amsterdam providing their first experience of racing together. To find themselves within 1.51 seconds of a World Championship A Final at the first attempt provides both the athletes and coaches with plenty to build upon. The gap they need to close is visible. And, importantly, it doesn’t look very big.
A Day of Fine Margins
Ireland’s day in Amsterdam was ultimately one of fine margins and encouraging signs from developing combinations.
Whilst there will inevitably be disappointment in two fourth-place finishes, there is also perspective. These are developing Irish crews already finding themselves within seconds of the world’s best, which is encouraging for the future.
All Irish eyes today will be on single scullers Fiona Murtagh and Fintan McCarthy in quarter final action, and the Women’s Double of Mags Cremen and Zoe Hyde as they contest the A Final on the Bosbaan in Amsterdam (see schedule below).
Rowing Ireland Racing Schedule – Friday 28 August 2026
| Event | Athlete(s) | Race Time (IST) |
| W1x QF3 | Fiona Murtagh (University of Galway BC) | 12:15pm |
| M1x QF2 | Fintan McCarthy (Skibbereen RC) | 12:32pm |
| W2- B Final | Natalie Long (Lee Valley RC) Imogen Magner (Lee Valley RC) | 12:55pm |
| W2x A Final | Zoe Hyde (Tralee RC) Mags Cremen (Lee RC) | 16:35pm |
Photo Credit: Conor Lyall.
