Ready to row out the boat for new members
A LANDMARK synonymous with the Limerick skyline is Shannon Rowing Club building on Sarsfield Bridge, where members are gearing up to re-establish the spacious and impressive building as a centre of activity and entertainment.
On a recent visit to the building, which to the onlooker appears to be floating on the river Shannon, the club’s rich history shone like a beacon.
Like most other sporting organisations, Shannon RC is going through a difficult period, but it is all shoulders to the wheel to ride out rough waters and strengthen membership.
The plans for the building were drafted up by famous turn of the 20th century architects Clifford-Smith of London, and had originally won a competition for the construction of a clubhouse in South Africa.
However, the blueprints were used by Goughs of Limerick to build the rowing club on Sarsfield Bridge, which was completed in 1905 and fitted out internally in early 1906 at a total cost of £10,000.
The walls are now adorned with the achievements of their members and each president, the first being WR Clery from 1866 to 1888, are listed on a plaque in the hallway.
Paul O’Dowd, voluntary events manager from Farranshone, whose grandfather and father, both named Gerry O’Dowd, were former presidents, explained that a recruitment drive is currently on for would-be rowers to sign up.
“We are recruiting for junior and novice rowers, as well as experienced oarsmen to return at intermediate level,” said Paul.
“It’s a tough time for everyone and we don’t want to see the club, which has such an important role in Limerick’s history, to fall by the wayside. We are hoping everyone will get involved to keep it afloat”.
The success of their various crews is obvious throughout the building.
They took the national Senior Mens Eight title in 2007, Aoife Gilligan, Ardnacrusha, won the first ever female rowing scholarship to UCD, while Kenny McDonald’s world silver medal has pride of place on the wall.
Honorary members include Michael Noonan TD and Judge Tom O’Donnell, while the club has visited by such legends as Alex Higgins, Ken Doherty and Jimmy White who have availed of the fantastic snooker facilities.
The club is deceptively spacious and includes a members bar, gym, conference room and function rooms that are available for hire.
Jazz is revived in Limerick on a monthly basis when the club becomes a Speakeasy, with live music followed by a local DJ, and the nights have proved hugely popular.
Funds raised through jazz nights and function room hire serve a purpose, with the money pumped into the rowing club, which has been long established as central to the sport in Limerick.
