PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania's Nicholas B. Paumgarten Head Coach of Men's Heavyweight Rowing, Al Monte, has announced the addition of veteran coach Fergal Barry to his staff as an assistant coach.
 
A 2014 Temple graduate, Barry makes the move to University City after several years as a coach with his alma mater. He joins Phil Brunner and John O'Brien as assistant coaches under Monte's tutelage.
 
"I am extremely excited to welcome Fergal to Penn," said Monte, who enters his second season overseeing the Quakers in 2023-24. "Throughout this process, it was clear that Fergal's high character and work ethic, coupled with his success and experience so far in the sport, make him the ideal fit for this very important role.
 
"I've known Fergal for quite a few years, and it's been great to follow his career over that time. His impact on every program he's worked with has been profound, and I am confident he'll help our student-athletes push themselves to new heights both on and off the water. I can't wait for him to get started!"
 
"To know me is to know my love of rowing," said Barry. "I am beyond excited to bring my passion and experience to the University of Pennsylvania. I sincerely thank Al for inviting me to join the Penn rowing community. I look forward to working with the team and recruiting the next generation of Quakers."
 
Barry served as a graduate assistant at Temple before being promoted to assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2019. Finally, he was the Owls' interim head coach in June 2023. Barry coached Temple's Freshmen/Novice program, leading that group to one Gold and three Silvers in the Dad Vail Regatta. 

A four-year member of Temple Men's Crew Varsity 8. Barry rowed under the tutelage of Dr. Gavin White while at Temple. His Varsity Eight crews won gold at the Stetson Sprints, the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta, the Philadelphia Frostbite, and the Knecht Cup. In the spring of 2011 and 2014, Barry raced in the Varsity Four and placed 11th at the IRA Championship both seasons.

A native of Galway, Ireland, Barry represented his home country at the Home International in 2007 and 2008, winning the Junior Men's Eights and Fours in 2007. He has also raced several times at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.