CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF QUEEN’S LADIES BOAT CLUB  

27 May 2019

The 15th annual Queen’s University Boat Race takes place next month when 27 crews will take part in a series of races on the River Lagan (on Saturday 8 June) and with Queen's rowers taking on Trinity College Dublin in the main events.

As well as the main event where Queen’s takes on Trinity in both Women’s and Men’s races along the 2km route, there will also be junior races with local schools and alumni.

This year Queen’s rowers will also be celebrating 50 years of the Queen’s Ladies Boat Club.

The Ladies Boat Club was formed in 1969 by four keen women rowers – Lydia Docherty, Theresa Woods, Mary Seager and Anne Wardman. When they began, they had no boats, blades, or coaches, but they managed to establish QUBLBC in May 1969. The same year, they raced their first regatta, the Queen’s Regatta.

The Club of four prospered in the seventies, as they purchased their first set of blades and boat, and hired their first coach. They went on to enter competitions for the first time across Britain and Ireland.

Over the last 50 years the Club has grown significantly, with 58 novice members and 17 senior members taking part in the 2017/2018 season.

In 2013, four members were selected to represent Britain at World University Rowing Championship, and for each of the past four years members have qualified to represent Ireland at Home Internationals.

Kevin Murray from Queen’s Sport commented: “This year marks a significant milestone for the Ladies Boat Club here at Queen’s and we look forward to celebrating in style at this year’s Boat Race.

“We encourage any alumni out there to get in touch and come along to the recently renovated Boat House, renew old friendships and cheer on the young women and men at Queen’s during this year’s University Boat Race.”

The Ladies Boat Club, which is affiliated with Rowing Ireland, participates in most Irish competitions and regattas, including Bann Head, Erne Head, University Championships, Irish Championships, Cork Regatta and Dublin Met. Crews are also sent to Women’s Head of River, BUCs Head and BUCs Regatta and Women’s Henley.

The 2019 Queen’s University Belfast Boat Race will be staged at Queen’s Sport Boathouse. Access is by ticket only (costing £10 including BBQ) which are available from Queen's Sport reception, or by calling +44 (0)28 9068 1126.

Media enquiries to Jemma Greenlees at Queen’s University Communications Office, tel: +44 (0)28 9097 3087.

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