The inaugural IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Rowers Corporate Championship ends in World Record Glory!
On Saturday, 21st March 2026, the Ken Wall Centre of Excellence was transformed into a powerhouse of passion, purpose, and performance as 16 outstanding corporate teams came together for the very first IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Rowers Corporate Championship.
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The determination was inspiring. And the competition? Absolutely fierce! SportsKey emerged victorious, claiming the title ‘Ireland Corporate Rowing Champions, 2026’, achieving the greatest distance rowed in one hour at 17,632 meters – a phenomenal accomplishment in a field packed with talent and heart. Congratulations to Salesforce and CrossFit 536 teams who finished second and third respectively with 17,205 and 17,197 meters rowed in one hour.
All of this, proudly driven by a shared mission: supporting two truly remarkable causes – Barretstown and the IRFU Charitable Trust.
But that was only the beginning…
A World Record. Again.
Alongside the Corporate Championship, the extraordinary Rugby Rowers – a collective of legendary rugby and rowing greats – delivered something truly historic. With unwavering grit and teamwork, they smashed the 24-hour non-stop rowing record for men and women over 40 years of age, securing their fourth world record in spectacular fashion.
This incredible “Four-in-a-Row” achievement builds on their legacy of excellence: first in 2019, again in 2021, a third in September 2024 with the fastest 100km row (men and women over 40), and now this latest triumph – a testament to resilience, unity, and an unbreakable spirit.
Rowing Heroes
To every single Rugby Rower – your commitment, endurance, and heart are nothing short of inspirational. Led by women’s captain Helen Hannigan and men’s captain Kevin McLaughlin, alongside an extraordinary line-up of athletes and supporters, you have once again shown what is possible when purpose meets passion. Congratulations and thank you: Stephen Bradshaw, Bob Casey, Brian Collins, Claire Corcoran, Ryan Corcoran, Stephanie Corcoran, Susan Doyle, Stephen Ferris, Sive Geoghegan, Fintan Gilsenan, Ann Marie Hearne, Paddy Johns, Albert Kehoe, Sam Lynch, Sharon Lynch, Kenny McDonald, Colin McEntee, Nigel Osborne, Declan O’Brien, Caitriona O’Kelly, Mal O’Kelly, Edel O’Sullivan, Chris Pim, Stephen Rooney, Michael Swift, Niall Treston, Sandra Wall, brothers David and Paul Wallace, and Suzanne Wallace.
Behind the scenes, the event was powered by an incredible team of volunteers and supporters including Team Manager Mick Kearney, Bobby Byrne, Peter Doyle, Niall Farren, Professor Robert Kelly, Alan Laing, Phil Lawlor, Cian Mangan, Dermot McCaffrey, Niall Mulvihill, Maurice Neligan, Orla ni Murcheartaigh, Professor Pierre Thirion and Professor Fred Wood. With immense gratitude, we thank the entire volunteer crew whose time, energy, and belief made this very special event possible.
We are deeply thankful to Leinster Rugby and Trevor Hogan for hosting the rowers at such a world-class facility, and to Garry Ringrose and Johnny Sexton for bringing insight, humour, and inspiration to a brilliant post-event Q&A – part of a fantastic BBQ hosted by the ever-supportive Old Wesley RFC who have been nothing short of incredible.
Our Incredible Corporate Teams
To the 96 corporate rowers across 16 teams – you were phenomenal. Your energy, camaraderie, and commitment lit up the entire event: AIB (two teams), Applegreen, Arachas, Broadlake, EY, Goodbody, KPMG, PwC, RBC Brewin Dolphin, Salesforce, Snap and champions SportsKey, along with teams led by Alex Kelly, Conor Costigan, and Ian Lynch’s CrossFit 536. Your contribution went far beyond competition and showed what it truly means to come together in support of something bigger than ourselves. Your enthusiasm and generosity will make a real and lasting difference to those supported by Barretstown and the IRFU Charitable Trust.
We also extend our sincere thanks to all event partners and supporters including Business Plus, Cavistons, Circle K, Extra.ie, Foresthill Financial Planning, Heineken, Home Store + More, J.P. Morgan, Party Shop, Smurfit Westrock, Suntory and VitHit – and to the IRFU for providing kit and continued support.
Stronger Together
This event was more than a competition. It was a celebration of community, resilience, and the extraordinary power of teamwork. It proved, once again, that when the rugby family unites, incredible things happen – and lives are changed for the better.
To everyone who has already donated – thank you. Your support means everything.
If you would like to be part of this incredible journey, you can donate at: https://irfucharitabletrust.enthuse.com/cp/537c1/donate#!/
Together, we are making a difference. And this is only the beginning.
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Video music www.pixabay.com © Begench Begenjov
