The historic and prestigious Trinity Regatta took place last Saturday, 17 May, in Islandbridge with over 150 races taking place in the sunshine between teams from across Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands. The atmosphere was electric with clear skies, warm sunshine and light wind setting the perfect tone for a day of racing and celebration. A strong crowd lined the towpath, creating a lively backdrop to the action on the water. Among the spectators were many Trinity and rowing alumni as well as current students, friends, and family, adding a sense of tradition, pride and energy to an event that showcases rowing at its very best.
The 2025 Regatta attracted crews from across Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, with a busy race schedule and vibrant social scene. Off the water, visitors enjoyed the Regatta Bar and Pembroke Enclosure, while guests and athletes were hosted at the Regatta Luncheon with distinguished guests Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle and Rowing Ireland President Jane Williams.
Racing on home water, both Dublin University Ladies' Boat Club (DULBC) and Dublin University Boat Club (DUBC) had good outings at the Regatta, showcasing their strength across multiple events. Alongside the naming of two new boats, the “Laura Cullen” 2- and the “Lucy Gwynn” 1x, DULBC took home wins in the Novice 4x+, Club 2 8+, Intermediate 4+, and Senior 4+. These wins, alongside second-place finishes in the Novice 8+, Club 2 4+, Intermediate 4+, and Intermediate 8+, led to DULBC also claiming the A.M.P. Coleman Perpetual Trophy for Overall Best Women’s Performance at the Regatta. DUBC also enjoyed another successful Trinity Regatta with some impressive racing and results all round including a strong win against UCD in the Novice 8 Men's Final and a convincing win by the Novice 4x+ over UCD. The Regatta was a great showcase of the strength of both boat clubs in Trinity and the passion of the alumni and supporters.
The Provost Dr Linda Doyle at the Trinity Regatta 2025 boatnaming ceremony
Other highlights included the Trinity Access Programme Rob van Mesdag Summer Camp exhibition race, an alumni-supported access programme that breaks down barriers in rowing and the traditional Trinity boatnaming ceremony. At the boatnaming ceremony, eight new boats were named in honour of Trinity Rowing alumni and supporters Laura Cullen, Lucy Gwynn, Piers White, Alan Thomas, Sir Brian Williamson, Tom Noble, Tom Freeman and Sir Antony Hart while surrounded by friends, family and members of DULBC and DUBC. The two new DUBLC boats were named after Laura Cullen, the DULBC novice cox from 1997–98 with the purchase supported by her former teammates, and Lucy Gwynn, the first woman Registrar of TCD which was selected by the Trinity Women Graduates Association, of which Lucy was a founder member. The boats were officially named and christened with champagne by the Provost, Dr Linda Doyle.
The Trinity Regatta, first held in 1866, is the university’s largest sporting event and a key fixture in Irish rowing. Originally raced in Dublin’s Docklands, it has taken place annually at Islandbridge since 1898, except during a brief pause from 1915 to 1921 due to the First World War. Renowned for its exciting two-lane, head-to-head racing, the regatta offers a unique alternative to the typical six-lane format. Races are held over an 1800-metre stretch of the River Liffey, creating thrilling knock-out contests that unfold in full view of spectators walking the adjacent tow-path.
Adding a unique cultural dimension to this year’s event, Trinity Regatta hosted a special pre-event in collaboration with the National Gallery of Ireland and Trinity’s Art History Department to mark 100 years since Jack B. Yeats painted ‘The Regatta at Islandbridge’ in 1925. Held in the GMB’s Conversation Room, the evening featured brief reflections from DUBC President Ted O'Moroche, DULBC President Rowena Mulcahy, Sarah McAuliffe, Curatorial Fellow from the National Gallery of Ireland, and Dr Angela Griffith, Assistant Professor at Trinity's Department of History of Art and Architecture, followed by a drinks reception. A print of the painting served as a striking reminder of the deep heritage and enduring spirit of rowing at Islandbridge, bridging sport and art in a celebration of shared tradition
"Trinity Regatta is a perfect reflection of what we aim to achieve through the Trinity Sport Strategy - excellence, tradition, and community," said Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin. "It's inspiring to see our student-athletes compete at the highest level while welcoming clubs from across Ireland and beyond to Islandbridge. Events like this are at the heart of our commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive sporting culture at Trinity."
Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle said, "The Trinity Regatta is always a special occasion - a celebration of sport, community and tradition. It’s wonderful to see our Trinity rowers, together with teams from across Ireland and around the world, coming together in world-class competition on the Liffey. The sight of past and present Trinity rowers in their DUBC and DULBC blazers at Islandbridge adds to the Regatta’s distinctive charm. This historic event is a real highlight of the sporting calendar at Trinity."
DULBC Captain 2025 Jane Prendergast shared, "Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters of DULBC and DUBC, the day was a fantastic tribute to the strength of the Trinity Rowing community. A huge thanks to the entire Regatta Committee, including the first-ever DULBC Chair Alicia O’Neill (Captain 2022 & 2023), for organising such an enjoyable celebration of our sport."
DUBC Captain 2025 Ben Reid celebrated another successful Trinity Regatta saying, "The regatta is a great showcase of the strength of both boat clubs in Trinity and the passion of the alumni and supporters. With crews from all over Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands, the regatta is always a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all involved and this years edition did not disappoint. Thanks to this years regatta committee who’s hard work made the event a great success."
Rowing Ireland President Jane Williams shared, "It was great to see the cooperation between the two Trinity rowing clubs producing a highly competitive and most enjoyable event."