The Queen's University of Belfast Boat Club was founded in 1931, due to the work of four founding members:- J.W. Rigby, D.B. McNeill, F. Maunsell and J.F. Doggart. Towards the end of January 1932 the newly-formed Club signed an agreement with Belfast Commercial Boat Club (BCBC) for accommodation that was its home until 1951. Membership rose from a dozen or so in 1932 to a maximum of 65 by 1937. The Club competed regularly in regattas in Ireland and Scotland. Rowing was maintained at a low level throughout the war years; however, after the war the club really started making an impact, and under the vigorous Captaincy of F.J. Boyle (1944/45) it won the Wylie Cup (Irish University Championships) for the first time. Success continued under H.F. Jackson in 1945/46 when the club retained the Wylie Cup, and next year went to Henley Royal Reggatta for the first time. In 1947 a Queen's four won the Metropolitan Challenge Cup (the 'Blue Riband' of Irish Four rowing) and many other trophies. In 1951 the university provided a "temporary wooden structure" on the site of the present Club House, which was officially opened during the Captaincy of John Gorman, when the club went to the Putney Head of the River and came... Read More