Champion Irish rower dies after freak fall in Poland

She was just 23.

A young Irishwoman has died after suffering injuries in an accident in Poznan, Poland. Ailish Sheehan from Kildimo in Co. Limerick was competing in Poland at a rowing event. Last Sunday evening, the young woman fell on a footpath while celebrating with her teammates Rebecca Edwards, Annie Withers and Gillian Cooper, after they crossed the finish line to take bronze for Team Great Britain.

Image via ULCB

  British Rowing and Rowing Ireland have extended their condolences in a statement released today.

“Rowing Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the death of the Ailish Sheehan. “Ailish, a postgraduate student at Goldsmiths, University of London representing the University of London Boat Club, was involved in an accident after the culmination of the 2016 FISU World University Championships for Rowing in Poznan, Poland on Sunday evening. “BUCS, British Rowing and Rowing Ireland are providing support to her family during this difficult time and ask for their privacy to be respected. “British Rowing and the wider rowing family sends their heartfelt condolences to Ailish’s family and friends at this tragic time. “On behalf of everyone at Rowing Ireland, we wish to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ailish and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

https://twitter.com/BritishRowing/status/774248844137795585  

Lead image via British Rowling/Twitter