Rowing Ireland has welcomed today’s announcement by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport confirming continued investment in high performance sport for 2026, delivered through Sport Ireland as part of the Government’s record €28.5 million funding allocation. Rowing Ireland has been allocated €1,155,000 annually from 2026-2028 under this funding stream, and €646,000 directly to athletes under the International Carding Scheme.
The announcement marks an important point in the cycle towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and reflects sustained commitment to supporting Irish athletes and National Governing Bodies in achieving success on the international stage.
Rowing Ireland was represented at the funding announcement by Interim CEO Matt McKerrow and High Performance Director Niall O’Carroll.
Rowing Ireland Interim CEO, Matt McKerrow, said:
“We’d like to sincerely thank the Government, Minister O’Donovan, Minister of State McConalogue, and Sport Ireland for the ongoing multi-annual investment in our athletes and into our High Performance programme through to Los Angeles.
This support is critical in enabling our athletes to train, compete, and perform at the highest level, and we look forward to continuing to support them in fulfilling their potential and delivering inspiring performances on the world stage.”
The funding provides continued stability for Rowing Ireland’s High Performance programme as preparations continue across the 2026 international season, with athletes building towards key benchmark events on the pathway to LA 2028.
Rowing Ireland High Performance Director, Niall O’Carroll, said:
“This continued investment provides vital support for our High Performance programme as we build towards LA 2028. It allows us to plan with confidence, support our athletes and coaches effectively, and ensure that we are creating an environment where performance can thrive. We are seeing strong progression across the squad, and this backing is key to sustaining that momentum on the international stage.”
Rowing Ireland remains committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability across all aspects of the organisation. The investment ensures that athletes remain at the centre of all decision-making, with continued support across training, competition and wellbeing.
With the 2026 international season underway, the focus remains firmly on preparation, performance and delivery at upcoming benchmark events. Rowing Ireland will continue to work closely with Sport Ireland and key stakeholders to maximise the impact of this investment and support sustained success on the world stage.
Rowing Ireland is confident in the direction of the programme and the continued progress of its athletes as the pathway to LA 2028 accelerates.
