Quarterly Lunch with Special Guest, Rebecca Shorten
Quarterly Collegians Lunch Celebrates Resilience, Community and Olympian Spirit at Belfast Harlequins
The latest Methody Collegians Quarterly Lunch took place on Friday 23rd May at the Belfast Harlequins clubhouse, drawing an intergenerational crowd of alumni for an afternoon of reflection, inspiration, and camaraderie.
The headline guest was none other than Rebecca Shorten, former Methodist College Belfast pupil and Olympic silver medallist, who joined BBC Sport’s Nigel Ringland in a thoughtful and candid conversation. The timing was perfect, marking the start of the bank holiday weekend with a sense of pride and warmth that resonated throughout the afternoon.
Rebecca spoke openly about her formative years at Methody, and how the College helped shape her journey into elite sport. It was, as she described, a chance encounter in a science class that set her on the course to becoming a two-time Olympian and World Championship medalist with the British Rowing team.
Guests were treated to insights into the path, discipline, and resilience it takes to succeed at that level—and more importantly, got to know Rebecca as a grounded, ambitious, and quietly remarkable individual. With humour and grace, she even shared a lesser-known fact: it’s perfectly possible to have Olympic-level acrylic nails—as she proudly did for her entire rowing squad during the Games!
The atmosphere was relaxed and conversational. Rebecca fielded audience questions with generosity, sharing stories of her schooldays, experiences at Downey House and as a boarder, and memories of the tight-knit Methody rowing community. Guests had a chance to chat with her informally both before and after the lunch, adding to the friendly, inclusive tone of the event.
A truly special moment was when Hazel Ervine, Class of 1946 and a Life Member of Methody Collegians, had the opportunity to chat with Rebecca. At 96, Hazel, despite having recent major health issues, was determined not to miss the opportunity to meet an Olympian and fellow Collegian in person.
Hazel shared memories of her own Methody schooldays during the Second World War, with warmth and clarity. Her presence offered a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds that tie Collegians together across generations.
Thank you to Rebecca Shorten for her openness, to Nigel Ringland for steering the conversation so skilfully, and to all our Collegians who attended, it was an afternoon that will linger in the memory.
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