Poor safety culture at Limerick rowing club contributed to Amy Mulcahy's injuries

The Marine Casualty Investigation Board said Athlunkard Boat Club's “complacent and hands-off” attitude towards safety during activities on the river contributed to the incident

Amy Mulcahy and her mum Sharon. Amy became submerged underwater after the rowing club's boat capsized when her hair became entangled with one of the boat’s rowlocks. Photo: Press 22

The poor safety culture at a Limerick rowing club was a contributory factor in an incident in which a 12-year-old girl suffered life-changing injuries when she became trapped under a rowing boat after it capsized on the River Shannon two years ago, an investigation has found.

However, a report by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board said contributory and causative factors for the incident extended beyond the decisions of the coaches on the day “to the higher levels of club culture” and the ethos of the sport’s governing body, Rowing Ireland.