Limavady student celebrates Irish Rowing Championship Junior 16 double success
15-year-old Anna Cochrane secures national podium finish in Cork alongside double partner Sarah Campbell.
Limavady High School student Anna Cochrane is celebrating a fantastic achievement after securing a silver medal at the Irish Rowing Championships in Cork, held from July 10–11.
Competing alongside her doubles partner, Sarah Campbell from Bann Rowing Club, 15-year-old Anna was delighted to claim silver in the Junior 16 Double Skulls at the prestigious national competition.
The achievement was particularly notable as Anna and Sarah were both competing up an age group, taking on some of the country’s most talented 16-year-old rowers.
Anna explained how her hard work and commitment to training helped her achieve silver at the championships: “In the lead-up to the championships I was training around nine sessions each week.
“That included water sessions, erg training and strength work.
“It was hard work balancing training with school exams, but all the preparation was worth it.
“The race was really competitive and we knew it would be close.
“My doubles partner, Sarah, and I just focused on giving everything we had from start to finish.
“At the half way mark, I had a clear view of the race and realised we were pushing second place.
“We decided to up the rate, keeping it long and strong!
“At the last 500m mark I looked over and saw that we had taken a massive leap, giving it everything to the finish. It felt amazing!”
Anna first discovered rowing after joining Bann Rowing Club, where she quickly developed a passion for the sport and became part of the club’s supportive community.
She explained how she became involved and what inspired her love of rowing:
“I started rowing a few years ago when I joined Bann Rowing Club.
“My mum encouraged me and signed me up for a summer learn-to-row programme, which is where I first gave it a go.
“At first, I just wanted to try something different, but I quickly realised how much I enjoyed it.
“I love being out on the water and challenging myself to improve.
“I’ve also made some really good friends through rowing and enjoy being part of such a supportive team.”
Anna’s success was part of an impressive showing from Bann Rowing Club at the Irish Championships, with the club also securing a silver medal in the Women’s Junior 18 squad.
Bann Rowing Club head coach Geoff Bones spoke with pride about the achievements of the club’s young athletes, highlighting the dedication and commitment which goes into competing at national level:
“Anna is part of a group of five girls, Anna and another girl who she rowed the double with and won the silver medal, Sarah Campbell, have just moved into the group that I coach.
“They are finding their way but are displaying definite scope and talent!
“They are rowing up a year and performed really well.
“We go to the Irish Championships every year and we take a group of 16s down to give them a taste of competing at an all-Ireland level, although those events are not championship events, they are taken for the experience.
“It is good to see any young rower to do well at that level, it shows all the work that they do over the year, it’s not a matter of turning up and putting the boat in the water and getting a medal!
“They work very hard and the commitment that they put into it is very commendable!”
The championships marked the culmination of a busy year for Bann Rowing Club. While the 2025/26 season has now drawn to a close, the club is already looking ahead to another competitive season and further opportunities for its talented young athletes.
As part of its efforts to encourage the next generation of rowers, the club has also been visiting local schools to offer taster sessions through its Learn to Row Scheme. Beginner sessions are also being held throughout the summer for those aged 13 and over, with pre-registration required.
W18 squad competitors Lyla Hull, Lydia Quigley, Faye Greene and Sarah Campbell are also rowing up an age group and will have another opportunity to challenge for the top spot next year.
Geoff highlighted the potential within the young squad, as well as the inspiration provided by former Bann rowers who have progressed to compete at elite international level:
“We have had some very good athletes, Hannah Scott, Ellie Kate Hutchinson is doing very well, Hannah and Ellie Kate are competing at international level and there is every hope now that the girls in the squad will achieve the same.
“When they are home, the two girls would come down to the club for training nights and the girls have a chance to meet them and chat to them.
“Hannah and Ellie Kate would have come through our club and have got scholarships to the States; there has actually been nine girls from the club have got scholarships to the States.
“If the girls fancy that idea, there is the possibility of going to the States, getting educated and being able to row, it is a good opportunity for them.
“What we are looking at next year to progress a bit further and pick up a few Irish championships!”
Anna spoke about her hopes for the future:
“I’m excited about what the future might bring.
“It would be incredible to row internationally one day or maybe have the chance to study abroad on a rowing scholarship, but I know rowing is a really competitive sport and results play a big part.
“Right now, I’m just focused on working hard, enjoying the process, and staying healthy and happy in the sport.
“If I can keep doing that, then hopefully great things will happen!”