Dooley rows in behind Olympic hopefuls

12/20/2006 -

THE Irish Amateur Rowing Union (IARU) has described the donation of a new Ford Ranger by Carlow-based Ford dealer, Dooley Motors, as “a welcome boost” to the sport of rowing in this country.

Managing Director Anthony Dooley handed over the keys to the new 4x4 vehicle, which will be used by the IARU to transport boats, equipment and team members to and from international competitions as Ireland’s elite rowers aim to qualify for 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The handover was made by Anthony Dooley, Managing Director of Dooley Motors, who said he was delighted to support Irish rowing.

“For a small country we punch above our weight when it comes to rowing,” he said. “Yet for all our success in the sport, rowing still wouldn’t have as high a profile as some of the other Olympic events. “Donating this Ford Ranger is an opportunityfor us to help the rowing union, and the rowers themselves, as they get ready for what will hopefully be a really successful Olympics in 2008.”

In fact, Ireland has enjoyed more international success in rowing than in most other sports.

Irish crews have won a total of 15 World Championship medals since 1991 - four gold, five silver and six bronze - while two Irish boats have finished in fourth place at Olympic games. Currently, Irish rowing has three crews in the top ten in their class, while the current men’s lightweight four is ranked 3 in the world.

In 2006 the men’s lightweight four won the Rowing World Cup series --the first time an Irish crew hasachieved this honour.