Castle Rowing Club in Ballygally, County Antrim, celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 10 at Hillmount House in Larne. The event brought together over 80 members, ranging from children to senior citizens, for a dinner and prizegiving.

Club members received awards for their performances at the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships held in Bantry, County Cork, in August. Castle crews won gold in Novice Mixed and Legends Ladies, silver in Legends Mixed, and bronze in Novice Ladies. Additional medals came in composite crews: silver with Troll Rowing Club in Heritage Masters Men and bronze with Valentia Island Rowing Club in Men’s Seine Boat.

Founder member Eilis Magill was recognised for her organisational work. She said the club is about the people who help, cheer from the shore, organise fundraising, tow trailers, mend boats, and brave the weather. She noted the pride looking back on 10 years of achievements and excitement for the future.

Castle Rowing Club was established on October 18, 2016, reviving a club active from 1928 to 1939. Rowing in Ballygally Bay dates back to at least 1862. The club received support from rowers in nearby Glenarm and Carnlough. Founder members include John Magill, Gordon Millar, and Stephen Snoddy, with James Somerville joining as cox.

The club competes in regattas across Northern Ireland and beyond, from Cushendun to Strangford Lough and the River Boyne. In eight All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships, members have won 12 gold, 15 silver, and 35 bronze medals. The club was named Club of the Championships in 2022, and John Magill, Gordon Millar, and Stephen Snoddy have received All-Ireland awards for dedication to rowing.

Castle Rowing Club is part of the Antrim Coast Rowing Association and helped secure and host the 2025 All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships in Glenarm, which attracted 36 clubs.

The club operates without a permanent boathouse, transporting boats from temporary storage to Ballygally Slipway for each training session. Members are currently seeking a suitable location for a boathouse.