Back on the Bann: The 1984 Champions Reunite for One Epic Row

On Saturday, April 12th, a crew of former rowing champions made a powerful return to the River Bann.

The Junior Women of Bann Rowing Club, who took gold at the Irish Rowing Championships in 1984, reunited for a long-anticipated row, one that had been over 40 years in the making.

What began as a hopeful idea among old teammates finally came to life through social media, determination, and the unbreakable bonds forged by their shared sporting past.

What made the occasion all the more poignant was the absence of a cherished teammate. Bernadette (Bernie) Mullan, the crew’s original coxswain and driving force back in ‘84, sadly passed away in December 2024.

Before setting off, the reunited crew and support launch held a moment of silence in Bernie’s memory, a touching tribute that underscored just how much she meant to the women and the wider Bann community. Her presence was deeply missed, but her spirit was very much felt.

For a group who hadn’t rowed together since the era of Walkmans and shoulder pads, there were naturally a few nerves. But the moment they gripped the boat, muscle memory kicked in and it was, as one member put it, “business as usual.”

The boat was expertly coxed by Martin Clyde, himself a rower from the early ‘80s, whose calm, familiar voice brought a steady focus and a wave of reassurance. The crew quickly settled into their rhythm, gliding down the Bann with impressive synchronicity.

Adding gravitas to the occasion was the presence of renowned coach Geoffrey Bones in the safety launch. Known for guiding athletes to national, world, and even Olympic glory, Geoff offered a few well-received tips, and his offhand remark, “They’re not bad,” was taken as the ultimate endorsement. From a man with his calibre of coaching, it meant the world.

Also in attendance was the crew’s original junior coach, Paddy McFeely, who didn’t hesitate to get in the launch for a closer look. Watching his former rowers find their flow again after all these years was, by all accounts, a moment of pride and nostalgia. The verdict? “They still have it.”

Crew members included Martin Clyde (cox), Karen Bones (stroke), Jane Carton, Gemma Nicholson, Marie Ferguson, Alison Hodgkinson, Tanya McMinn, Stephanie Quigley, and Julie Campbell (bow). Together, they not only recreated a piece of rowing history, they reignited something none of them realised they'd been missing.

There’s already quiet talk about whether this will truly be a one-time event. The idea of entering a Masters race is floating around, and after this weekend’s performance, who would bet against them? The legacy of 1984 lives on, and judging by Saturday’s row, it’s not done yet.