Galway rowing champ seeks funding for tilt at Olympic glory

A Galway rower who took bronze at the World Championships and is also a past winner at iconic Henley Regatta is desperately trying to achieve her ultimate goal – to compete in the Summer Paralympics in Paris in two years’ time.

It’s a dream that had almost died for Clarinbridge rower and Galway Rowing Club member Katie O’Brien because she has built her stellar career as a single sculler – but that’s not a discipline at Paris 2024.

Her efforts to secure a male partner for the mixed boat looked doomed to disappointment – until she met Steven McGowan, a Roscommon man and now another proud member of Galway Rowing Club.

There is, however, still one other obstacle to overcome on their way to fulfilling their dream – and that’s funding; which is why Katie is now putting out the call for corporate sponsors to share the journey to Olympic glory.

Katie, a qualified vet, combined that with full-time training until recently – but now she has left her job to follow her dream full-time in the run-up to 2024.

The 25-year-old began para rowing at the age of 16 back in 2012 after watching the Paralympics that year.

“Since then, I’ve had a dream of standing on the podium wearing the Irish flag with a medal in my fist,” she says.

Katie, who is a sister of former Connacht Rugby star Sean and herself a past recipient of a Galway Sports Star Award, was born with the congenital condition, Spina Bifida – but it has never held her back in sport, work or life.

“My parents (Ian and Aileen) were told I would never walk, but I’m fortunate enough to be up on my two feet with just the help of a leg splint,” she says.

Katie and Steven have set up a GoFundMe – but, realistically, to reach their target they need a main sponsor, or, failing that, partnership with another sponsor.

Katie is more than happy to engage with potential sponsors or supporters, to explain in even greater detail as to what is involved. She can be contacted, by email, at Katieobrien1996@gmail.com

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie