Bill Baker writes…
Members are invited to join family and friends for the naming of the new Empacher coxless 4 after John Cooney on Saturday 13th April at 3pm. Tea and cake will be offered in the Long Room, with other beverages available.
John died on 21 March 2018 aged 54 after a long struggle with lymphoma. He was part of the successful heavy and lightweight squads at LRC in the 1990s finishing 6th for LRC 1 at the 1992 Head. He was selected for the first Head eight the following year but was disappointed to pull out on the morning with illness.
He rowed in the 1994 lightweight London crew that represented England in the Commonwealth Regatta in London Ontario winning gold ahead of Australia, silver and Canada, bronze. Earlier that year the same crew won open and lightweight eights at the National Championships at Nottingham, their time of 5.43 the lightweight record for the event to date.
John loved rowing and LRC was especially close to his heart. A party animal, he made a big impression on all who knew him. He contributed hugely to the club with his humour and larger-than-life personality. His interests extended well beyond rowing – he was a self-taught guitarist, elite level cyclist, filmmaker, keen motorcyclist and car enthusiast. He threw himself into life with gusto and an infectious enthusiasm.
He would be absolutely thrilled to know that an LRC boat bears his name.
