Why I Row: Paul Hornibrook

When did you begin rowing?

It all started in the winter of 1987.

Why?

In school we spotted a presentation for rowing. It seemed a good idea as we would miss a particular class at the time. The presentation was given by Mike Heskin and Bernard Brennan. They showed us a video and it looked cool so I decided to sign up there and then.

Do you have a favourite seat?

I have a few actually: the 7 seat in an eight, because you’re the link between the rhythm maker and the rest of the crew; the bow seat in a four, as you can anticipate anything from race calls to balance; and the obvious one is my seat in the single — it’s all down to me when it goes well or bad.

What was your top challenge?

My number one challenge was always to win a pot. I was lucky to be involved with a small but great squad in 1995 coached by Mike Heskin and Gerry Small where we won two pots: the pair with Gearóid Mitchell, and the four with Gearóid, Paul Murphy and Mike Ward, coxed by Liz Kelly.

What would you like to learn or improve?

Top goals and things to improve on have changed to coaching again. In the past I have helped some scullers to win pots. When asked to help out in the Jes last year, I jumped at it. Already we have had two girls race for Ireland at the Coupe and a very close 2nd place in the JW4- at Champs. With our current squad, our goal is to have more girls represent Ireland and win a pot, which is a very achievable goal in my opinion. In coaching, you never stop learning.

Favourite spin?

Two stand out. Firstly the heat of the pairs championship: we came out on top of a very tight race, winning by 2 feet ahead of 2nd, who in turn finished 2 feet ahead of 3rd.

The second spin was in the single a couple of years ago. It was a rare flat calm morning; the only wash came from the odd swan. It was one of those spins where I paddled square blades with my feet out of the shoes. Everything about it was amazing.

What do you love most about rowing?

The rowing itself and what it has done for me as a person from the age of fifteen. I just love it.