Rosie McCann Appointed as New Chair of Weightlifting Northern Ireland

British Weight Lifting (BWL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rosie McCann as the new Chair of Weightlifting Northern Ireland (NIWL).

As the governing body for Olympic weightlifting in Northern Ireland, NIWL is dedicated to promoting participation, supporting athlete development, and fostering a strong network of coaches and clubs.

Rosie's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation as it continues to build on its mission to grow the sport and champion excellence at all levels.

We sat down with Rosie to learn more about her vision for Weightlifting Northern Ireland, her background in sport, and what she hopes to achieve in her new role as Chair.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved in weightlifting?

Rosie: I’ve been involved in weightlifting for the past seven years. I started lifting at Mid Ulster Weightlifting Club in Cookstown and was hooked straight away! I wanted to learn everything I could about the sport, not just as an athlete, but behind the scenes too, so I went on to complete my coaching qualifications. I’m now proud to be Head Coach at the club.

Weightlifting has given me so much, and over time, I’ve become really passionate about helping others find their place in the sport, whether that’s on the platform, in coaching, or through community involvement.

What motivated you to take on the role of Chair at Weightlifting Northern Ireland?

Rosie: Over the last few years, I’ve seen first-hand just how much work has gone into developing the sport here in Northern Ireland, especially through my previous role on the committee as Safeguarding Officer. That experience has given me a real insight into the inner workings of the organisation and helped me see areas where I could help move things forward.

When the opportunity to step into the Chair role came up, I felt ready and motivated to build on the great progress already made, and to be a voice for continued growth, inclusion, and visibility across all levels of the sport.

What are your main goals or priorities as Chair over the coming months and years?

Rosie: Looking ahead, the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be a major focus for NIWL. Supporting our athletes on the pathway to qualification, ensuring they have access to the coaching, facilities, and competitive opportunities needed to succeed, will be a top priority.

One of my biggest goals is to build on the success of our recently completed schools project, which introduced weightlifting to young people across Northern Ireland, many of whom had never had access to the sport before. That work is something I’m really proud of, and I want to see it continue and grow.

Another key priority for me is increasing female participation, not just on the platform but in coaching, officiating, and leadership roles. As the first female Chair of NIWL, I’m incredibly proud that we now have 43% female representation on our committee, possibly the most we’ve ever had. With Karen McAvoy recently coming on board as Secretary, it’s a really positive step, and I’m hopeful it will inspire more women to get involved in all areas of the sport.

Our committee may be small, but it’s passionate and determined — and I’m excited for what we can achieve together.

Matthew Curtain, CEO of British Weight Lifting, commented “We’re delighted to see Rosie McCann take on the role of Chair at Weightlifting Northern Ireland. Her leadership and passion for the sport will be instrumental in driving growth and strengthening the partnership between our organisations. We look forward to working closely with her to support the continued development of weightlifting across the region.”