World Champ Murtagh Returns to Boston for Head of the Charles

By Katie Lane

This year’s World Rowing champion in the women’s single Fiona Murtagh will return to Boston to compete in the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta, October 17-19. Murtagh captured the gold medal for Ireland by .03 in Shanghai in September, ousting Great Britain’s Lauren Henry at the line.

“October in Boston is my favorite thing in the world,” said Murtagh. “It’s been so long since I’ve experienced that and I’m just really looking forward to it. It’ll be a great opportunity for me to catch up with people and experience something new.”

Murtagh is no stranger to the Head of the Charles. While rowing for Fordham University, Murtagh won back-to-back in 2014 and 2015 in the women’s club four, holding the course record of 18:19 until 2023 when Duke University improved it to 17:46. In her final year at Fordham, she raced in the club eight that placed fifth overall.

“Ten years can really change a girl, especially going from an eight to a single,” said Murtagh. “Racing the single, let alone racing the single at the Charles, has been a bucket list item.” She noted that this year will be interesting, having to navigate the course herself rather than having a coxswain.

“The Charles is interesting because of the steering. It has corners and turns. If anyone reading this is watching on the day I come down the course and wants to give me a shout so I don’t hit a bridge that would be great!”

Outside of steering, Murtagh is looking forward to coming down the course and “just giving it a go and having fun.”

Murtagh will race bow #4 in the women’s championship single on Saturday October 19th, 2025.

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