Welcome to this week's Team Thursday, and this week it's rower, coach and committee Vice Chairman Conor Coffee.

Thanks Conor!

How long have you been rowing? 

This is going to be my 14th season rowing. I started when I was 12 years old after patiently waiting on the lakeshore for years cheering on my sisters, aunts and uncles. 

 

What’s your lifestyle?

I am a primary school teacher. 

 

What’s your favourite boat?

I am happy to row any boat but I have to say there is nothing better than rowing the Killarney 6, it has always been a favourite of mine. 

 

What are you excited about for rowing this year? What are your goals?

This year I am very excited to see how the young athletes progress through the sport. We have had some good success at indoors and coastal since I started coaching nearly two years ago. I can’t wait to see how they get on trying some flat water rowing. We have put down a good winters training and that should translate on the water now. I get great enjoyment of seeing how they progress. My personal goals for the year are to keep improving my own rowing skills, win some more medals and I suppose the biggest goal would be to win the Senior 6 race at the Killarney Regatta. 

 

Favourite rowing memory?

When we first got our coastal double delivered. We spent a Sunday out on the lake stopping at all of the landmarks such as Innisfallen Island, O’ Sullivan’s Cascade and Ross Castle to name but a few; swapping rowers in it at each stop. The rowing conditions were perfect on the day and the sun was shining.

 

Favourite thing about rowing? 

Rowing on the lakes of Killarney has to be the best thing about the sport. The views and the natural landscapes surrounding us are beautiful, you get a different view of all the regular landmarks from the water. Nothing beats it whether it’s a peaceful Sunday morning or an evening session after a busy day, giving you a chance to clear the head. 

 

Favourite short rowing story?

In the Killarney regatta 2018, we were doing well in the battle for the points cup. There was a novice boat entered but no crew selected so there was a big panic to put a six together. We went up and won the race and this was my first gold medal in rowing. My uncle Kieran was also in the boat and I remember him telling me that it took having him to get me across the line in first place. The boat also consisted of a father and son duo in Pat and Padraic Talbot, our legendary cox Patie Tagney and also Adrian Allman. 

 

Greatest achievement?

I think it would have to be winning the mixed sprint race at the all Ireland’s in Dingle 2024. Shortly before we hopped into the boat myself and Mike Allman might as well have tossed a coin to see who would get to stroke the boat, both of our preferred seats. We were both willing to oblige each other but in the end I sat into the opposite end of the boat to the bow seat. I’d say that was my first time sat there in years and I haven’t rowed that position since then either.

 

Fun fact about you? 

I like to stay busy as I balance rowing with set dancing and horse-riding.