Rowing coach who continues to break the mould

FOR almost three decades, Ballinrobe native Tom Tuohy has been to the fore of Galway and Irish rowing, coaching numerous NUI Galway (formerly UCG) crews to national and international success.

Tuohy’s résumé is an impressive read. Since 1986, he has been coaching men’s teams to national titles, and for the past two years running, 2009 and 2010, he has guided both the NUIG men’s senior coxless fours and eights to the Championships of Ireland accolades.Under Tuohy’s stewardship, NUIG also won the Wylie Cup (university championships) on 10 occasions in an 11-year spell between 1987 and 2007, with Irish rowers such as Alan Martin and Cormac Folan becoming household names throughout this time. No doubt, another measure of Tuohy’s impact on the sport, both locally and nationally.The roll of honour on the international scene is just as remarkable. In 1987, he inspired the College to the Thames Cup (men’s eights) at the Henley Royal Regatta, before he coached NUIG’s men’s coxless fours to victory in the Visitors Challenge Cup at the same venue in 2003 and 2005.

He also tutored an NUIG crew to a bronze medal, behind Germany and Romania, at the 2003 U-23 World Championships in Belgrade, which Tuohy describes as one of the most memorable moments of his sporting career. “I suppose, it wasn’t really a highlight, it was more the enjoyment factor of it. That was a fabulous trip. We won a bronze medal, with was a great achievement, but the trip itself was an enjoyable trip.”

Not to be outdone, an all NUIG crew claimed the silver medal in the heavyweight coxless fours at the World Student Games in Brive, France the following year. Tuohy says they were all highlights.

“Winning last year’s championships (men’s senior coxless fours and eights Champions of Ireland) was also a highlight, winning back-to-back. And we will try to win another one. We don’t talk about two-in-a-rows or three-in-a-rows, but we will be seriously trying to win another championship,” he continues.

“I suppose, the first win in Henley (1987 Thames Cup) was fabulous. Every win in Henley is great, because you are beating crews that people read about and talk about. I mean, in 2003, when we won the Visitors Challenge Cup for the first time, we beat Oxford, Cambridge and the Dutch U-23 national squad on the way to the final. As I say, you beat crews that people read about. So, if you win in Henley, it is fabulous.

“The whole Henley thing, though, is unique. It is a social occasion as well as a rowing event. The clubs gather there, and they enjoy their picnics. It is the Ascot of rowing. So, to win there, and to be presented with medals from somebody from royalty! I know, it might sound pompous, but at the same time you enjoy it. Actually, one year, [President] Mary McAleese presented us with medals over there. That was another great trip.”

Although Tuohy has been to the forefront of Galway rowing over the last three decades, his love for the sport extends back way further. He, himself, started rowing in ’73 in the then UCG, with which his brother Jim also competed. “In 1975, we won our first championship; it was what is now the intermediate eights, but back then it was called junior ‘A’. It was the first time the College had won anything for years. I finished rowing in 1977, when I finished college.”

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.