Carrick rowers strong showing at Head of the Garavogue

Carrick Rowing Club enjoyed a very successful return to competitive action at the Head of the Garavogue hosted by Sligo Rowing Club. This was the clubs first outing of 2023 since our own Head competition back in December.

Saturday morning provided good conditions as clubs rigged boats and met with fellow participants from Galway, Galway University, City of Derry, Enniskillen, Loughros(Donegal), Tribes, Garda and St. Joseph's. With over 150 crews and 300 athletes taking part it was a busy morning building boats at the mouth of Lough Gill. Thankfully we had a great pitch for the day thanks to auxiliary club driver Mr. Finbarr Feely, thanks Finbarr. 

In a similar format to most Head competitions there was a morning time trial at 11 am followed by an afternoon event at 2pm. Carrick brought a mix of youth and experience to proceedings as some of our seasoned athletes took to the water with some crews entering their first competition. 

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In the Junior Women's Quad Carrick slipped an experienced crew of Rebecca Lee, Leah McLoughlin, Lisa McGovern and Sarah O'Leary who went on to win the pennant in this category in a time of 13.03. Joe Chilton picked up a fine win also in the Junior 18 Men's competition after battling some tough opposition on the Garavogue. 

Carrick double of Mae Harman and Sarah Lee were unfortunate to miss first place due to some obstacles on the course but nevertheless put in a very competitive row. Carrick Junior 18 Men's Quad finished a very respectable 3rd place despite being two years Junior for this category, we'll done Fionnan, David, Marcus and Donal. 

Carrick also entered three Junior 14 Women's Coxed Quads and one Junior Men's Coxed Quad in their first Head competition and all crew rowed very well which bodes well for the future. 

Watching on from the banks of the river were club coaches, parents & supporters without whom travel to events and participation would not be possible. As always Club President Gabriel Cox was on hand taking note of our crews, times and technique and ensuring high standards of rowing are adhered to. This support and experience is invaluable to Coaches and Crews alike. 

The afternoon brought more solid performances from our Carrick crews despite a headwind that was determined to slow racing. Cormac McKiernan brought home the Junior 16 Pennant after a very measured performance despite some strong local performances from Sligo Rowing Club in the Mens Scull. 

Carrick doubles of Fionn O'Leary & Ruben McCann and Caoimhe McGovern & Emily O'Connor put in strong showings finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in their categories. Carrick J15 Womens Quads put in some solid placings with 2nd and 3rd in this competition. Mae Harman and Sarah Lee battled in the Junior 18 Scull finish 2nd and 3rd respectively to bring proceedings to a close for Carrick. 

A quick turnaround with all members digging in got the trailer packed and ready for home. This was a very successful outing for the club with some well deserved pennants, some excellent Rowing and most importantly a healthy day of racing, camaraderie and memories. We look forward to some more of these days in 2023 as Regatta season is on the horizon. 

Next up will be Neptune and Commercial Rowing Club Regattas on April 1-2. Younger crews under the tuition of Gabor Stefscik, Club Captain John Lowe, Vice Captain Orna Gilhooley and  Coach Jerome Kilbride will tackle the Sunday event while Saturday will see action for the older crews in J16 and J18 events. 

Coaches Barry Ryan, Mick O’Rourke and Mark Butler which marshall these rowers on the day. The club will see over 60 rowers and coxes taking to the water representing the club on that weekend which is a strong endorsement of the working ongoing down at Boathouse Bay. 

With these numbers hitting the water on a regular basis for training new Coaches are always welcome to join the team at the club. Any former Oars with some time on their hands who would like to give back to the sport are always welcome. 

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There will be onsite training provided and also opportunities to gain the Rowing Ireland qualifications for Coaching. In recent times the coaching qualifications have been supported by Leitrim Sports Partnership training funds. These are a great support to our club and others. 

In other news Lough Rinn Regatta is at the advanced planning stage in conjunction with other clubs involved in Connacht Rowing. We will provide some more updates of this massive event in future posts.