Olympian Richard visits Probus

Richard recounted his journey from his schoodays at Coleraine Inst to his participation in the Athens and Beijing Games, travelling throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, using public transport to attend training sessions.

Studying architecture at Queen’s University in Belfast he decided to give up his studies to become a full time rower.

Richard described how his love of rowing had been honed from school,Bann Rowing Club and his colleagues in Team Ireland.

His friends, Alan Campbell and Richard and Peter Chambers were also congratulated by Richard in their part in putting Coleraine on the map through their heroics at London 2012.

Richard has now retired from sport and works for the Sports Institute. Happily married with two children he lives in Coleraine. He concluded his most interesting talk by taking questions from members.

Nigel Semple proposed the vote of thanks,congratulating Richard on his most professional presentation and this was duly passed on by the President.