September University of Galway congratulates world champion alumna rower Fiona Murtagh

University of Galway has extended warm congratulations to alumna Fiona Murtagh, who claimed gold in the women’s single sculls at the 2025 World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.

The Galway rower, who started in the sport with Galway Rowing Club and now rows with the University of Galway Boat Club, led from the early stages and secured the top spot on the podium in a photo finish, in a time of 07:12.27, just 0.03 seconds ahead.

President of University of Galway, Professor David Burn, said: "On behalf of the entire University of Galway community, I want to congratulate Fiona on her gold medal success in Shanghai. We are immensely proud of her journey from our campus to the world stage - not least as she continues to represent University of Galway Boat Club.

“Fiona’s victory in Shanghai is a pinnacle of a remarkable career and a phenomenal level of dedication, talent and athleticism that is required to compete in elite rowing. Even moreso, winning world championship gold in the single sculls - the gladiators of rowing - confirms her place among Ireland’s sporting heroes. She will be an even greater inspiration to current and future generations of athletes at the University and much further afield."

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, University of Galway, said: "Fiona’s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. To win a World Championship gold medal in such dramatic circumstances demonstrates her incredible talent, determination and composure under pressure. She is an inspiration to all of us here at the University, particularly our student athletes who can see what is possible with dedication and hard work."

Fiona Murtagh’s World Championship gold follows on from Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020, when she rowed in the Women’s Four.

The win was followed by Fintan McCarthy and Mags Cremen in the mixed double sculls, who also secured gold.

Fiona Murtagh completed the MBA at University of Galway, graduating in 2023. She has won numerous national titles for the University of Galway Boat Club – the latest being a member of the women’s senior 8 in July 2025. She will be representing the University at the prestigious Head of The Charles in Boston over the weekend of October 17-19, 2025 - one of rowing’s flagship events, passing by the famous Harvard Boat Club.

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