As part of the implementation of its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, Rowing Ireland is pleased to announce several new appointments that reflect its commitment to system-wide development, Club and athlete support, and long-term competitive success.

These appointments represent a significant step in building the capacity and capability required to deliver on the organisation’s strategic objectives, particularly in high performance, participation growth, governance, and athlete and club-centred support.

High Performance Appointments – Building Excellence and Depth

Under the High Performance Lead Coach of Dominic Casey, one of the world’s most accomplished rowing coaches, Rowing Ireland is enhancing its High Performance Coaching Team through the addition of new roles that directly support talent development, performance delivery, and athlete preparation.

Dominic Casey – High Performance Lead Coach, bringing his exceptional experience and proven leadership to guide Ireland’s top rowing athletes on the International stage.

Clara O’Brien – High Performance Pathways Coordinator, supporting athlete development and working closely with clubs to align progression pathways with Olympic and International performance targets.

Ed Hartery – Interim High Performance Coach. A sports science graduate and PhD candidate at the University of Limerick, Ed brings extensive experience in athlete development and has played a key role in supporting Ireland’s emerging rowing talent. In addition to his coaching duties, he will also provide dedicated support to the Para rowing programme, further strengthening Rowing Ireland’s commitment to inclusion and the progression of Para athletes within the High Performance pathway.

Denise Walsh – Interim High Performance Coach, brings a decorated international rowing career to her current role. Her achievements include a silver medal at the 2017 European Championships and a Silver at World Cup I in Belgrade (2017). Denise remained a part of the High Performance programme until 2019 and now contributes her expertise to coaching and mentoring the next generation of athletes.

Daniel Blaser – Interim High Performance Coach. Joining from Basel Rowing Club, Switzerland, Daniel brings a strong track record in developing junior international talent. His Coaching highlights include a silver medal in the Junior Eight at the Coupe de la Jeunesse and a bronze in the Coxless Pair (2023). In 2024, he guided several athletes to international selection with the Swiss Rowing Federation.

Ciara Harte will continue in a full-time interim position as High Performance Operations Manager, while also remaining Acting Women in Sport Officer until the return of Ceara O’Connor. Her dual responsibilities reflect Rowing Ireland’s commitment to both strengthening operational delivery within the High Performance programme and maintaining momentum in gender equity initiatives across the organisation.

Organisational Development – Strategic Capacity Building

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement and aligned with its organisational priorities, Rowing Ireland is introducing several key operational roles. These positions are designed to strengthen internal systems, support Rowing Ireland clubs, and foster a more inclusive and athlete-centred environment:

High Performance Wellness Officer
Based at the National Rowing Centre, this new position will manage High Performance athlete nutrition and recovery services. The role is central to ensuring the daily fuelling and wellness needs of athletes are met as part of our high-performance environment.

High Performance Coastal Coordinator: As part of Rowing Ireland’s continued development of coastal rowing, a new position has been created: High Performance Coastal Coordinator. This role will focus on supporting the organisation and delivery of coastal trials, as well as coordinating the development and progression of athletes along the High Performance coastal pathway.

Head of Governance and Planning
A senior leadership Operations position working closely with the CEO to ensure that Rowing Ireland remains compliant, financially sustainable, and strategically aligned. This role will be pivotal in delivering on our strategic plan, strengthening operations, and future-proofing the organisation for long-term success.

Indoor Rowing Project Officer
A newly created post focused on growing the discipline of indoor rowing across Ireland. This role will drive increased participation, broaden access, and establish a performance pathway within this rapidly developing area of the sport.

Safeguarding and NRC Officer
This dedicated role will enhance oversight and provide direct support to athletes and clubs, reinforcing our commitment to athlete welfare. The appointment follows the transition of Tadhg Branigan to the Events and Coastal Rowing role, where he will support the growth and integration of coastal rowing in the lead-up to Los Angeles 2028 and oversee the continued development of our event strategy.

Further information, including detailed job descriptions and application procedures, will be made available in due course.

Continuity and Growth

Alongside these new appointments, Rowing Ireland confirms that its existing leadership team remains in place, ensuring continuity across all core areas of operation.

Together, the existing team and new roles will work in alignment with the 2024– 2029 Strategic Plan to deliver an integrated, athlete-centred system that supports both high-performance success and grassroots development.

Looking Ahead – Strategic Growth and Renewal

These appointments mark a proactive and ambitious step in Rowing Ireland’s ongoing organisational development and performance planning. As we prepare for a new era of delivery, our work is guided by a clear strategic vision and long-term commitment to excellence.

Our priorities remain clear:

Building world-class systems to support performance and participation.
Enabling sustainable, long-term growth.
Championing athlete-focused environments.
Expanding the reach and impact of rowing in all its forms — on water, on land, and on the coast.

The full Rowing Ireland team and their contact details are currently being updated and will be available here shortly: https://www.rowingireland.ie/about-us/staff/