The launch of the 2026 Tribesmen Head of the River took place last night (Wednesday) in Electric nightclub in Galway. Galway Bay FM's John Mulligan was the MC for the glitzy event, which was attended by a large crowd representing all the rowing clubs in Galway, local business and political representatives, and members of the Tribesmen Rowing Club organising committee. The River Corrib played host to over 150 crews from Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the USA competing in a 4.2km time trial along Galway's iconic waterway in the 2025 Tribesmen Head of the River (THOR) last March, with the event now firmly established as one of Europe’s premier early-season rowing events. Next year will mark 50 years since the formation of the Tribesmen Rowing Club in 1976, so John Mulligan began his series of interviews by chatting to Tribesmen Club Chairman Colin Hanley...
John also caught up with Head of the River Committee Chairman Pat Boyle and asked him first about the launch happening 4 months out from the St Patrick's weekend event...
Coláiste Iognaid (The Jez) are one of the Galway clubs that regularly compete in the Head of the River, giving the school's students a wonderful opportunity to compete in a major rowing event at a young age. The Jez Rowing Club President, Noel Hume, acknowledges the benefits of those students being able to compete at an event in Galway that their families can attend...
Finally, John spoke to the University of Galway Rowing Club's Avril O'Toole about her thoughts on next year's Head of the River...
Some photos from last night's event:
