Michael O'Boyle lays down a high mark after winning Sports Star award in rowing

Loughros Point Rowing Club star Michael O’Boyle hopes to make this year as successful as his lasts following the Ardara native after starting the 2024 season on a high by clinching the Rower of the Year accolade at the Donegal Sports Star awards in Letterkenny. 

Last night’s achievement marks a significant milestone for the 18-year-old, who is determined to build on his past successes and elevate his rowing career to new heights. 

“I definitely wasn’t expecting this award. It was more about living in hope that I’d win, rather than thinking I’d actually win. We just held our breath at the table before the winner was announced. Really it was a surreal moment,” O'Boyle humbly remarked about the unexpected honour. 

The excitement in the room was palpable, and O'Boyle humorously shared; “It was funny before they announced the winner, I looked across the table at dad, and he was so nervous that he couldn’t even look at the screen. I think he was more nervous than me.  

“I was in for the award last year and I didn’t win it, so, to come back this year and have your name called . . . I was over the moon about it to be honest.” 

However, despite the success, O'Boyle is not resting on his laurels. 

“There’s not going to be much of a change in how I prepare myself this year compared to how I prepared in 2023. I’m doing my Leaving Cert this year, so it might not be as heavy, but it’s just about enjoying myself and trying to reach the same heights,” said O’Boyle. 

The Leaving Cert student has represented Ireland for the last two years, winning a European bronze at the European Championships in the beach sprint in Italy last Autumn, having dominated various events throughout the last few years with his exceptional skills. 

The accomplishment of qualifying for the Irish team is a testament to O’Boyle's unwavering commitment to his craft, and there is still more to come from the Ardara man. 

“I can’t do the underage grades anymore, I’ll be up in the senior ranks from now on. We’ll have qualifiers in the summer and actually, our club will be hosting a qualifier in July for the beach sprint, so hopefully there’ll be no pressure. We’ll give it a go and see where it takes us. 

“At the moment between school, training, and of course the dark nights, it’s just about finding a balance with it all. You have to keep on top of it and make sure you’re committing as much as you can to both the sport and your studies too.  

“Sport for me is mainly a stress reliever from other parts of life. It keeps you level-headed. Doing the Leaving Cert and keeping with the rowing definitely keeps the head clear.” 

But despite all the success, O’Boyle credits his trainer and main supporter, his father, Martin, while also expressing gratitude towards his teammate Cian Sweeney. 

“Dad has been involved with me in rowing since I was about 12. He introduced me to the sport. Between advice, training, agreements, and disagreements, he’s supported me the whole way. He’s been brilliant to have,” said O’Boyle. 

“I have an excellent team, my rowing partner Cian Sweeney arrived last night at the awards to surprise me despite being on a cargo boat working since last August. He arrived to everyone’s surprise. It was brilliant to see him again. 

“We have a great partnership, we rowed in the European Championships together in Spain and the World Championships in Wales in 2021. We were together a lot over Covid, just constantly training. He’s a brilliant lad.”