Tuohy criticises trials process

Rowing: The coach of one of Ireland's strongest clubs, NUIG, has severely criticised the national trials process which begins next week.

Tom Tuohy, who coached an NUIG/Skibbereen crew to victory in the Visitors' Cup at last year's Henley Royal Regatta, said yesterday there is not the strength in depth in Ireland to put together Olympic or World Championship crews in heavyweight events this year, and that an attempt to do so is wrong-headed.

"I personally don't think there is an Olympic crew there. I think it will be the biggest demoraliser ever to bring them to pre-Olympic qualifiers," Tuohy said.

Athletes who join a programme at this point will have to make sacrifices financially, Tuohy added, and clubs will be deprived of their abilities when they are part of the international set-up.

Tuohy contends an alternative programme could see the best of Ireland's heavyweights come together to form an eight to compete in the Ladies' Plate at Henley.

Even if unsuccessful at the first attempt, such a crew might win in the second year and would provide the basis for an international crew, perhaps in a smaller boat.

Tuohy's views are in direct opposition to those of national performance director Richard Parr, the man behind the trials, who said yesterday the depth of talent among heavyweight men is "quite good".

"People are buying into what's happening," Parr added.

One of the best performers judged by ergometer (rowing machine) scores, Dave Kealy of Lady Elizabeth, will not attend the trials, but will compete instead with his club in the London head of the river, which clashes with the start of the trials tomorrow week.

Lady Elizabeth's decision to prioritise the London head has resulted in a no-show by them at tomorrow's huge Tribesmen head of the river in Galway, in which they would have clashed with the other form eight of the moment, NUIG.

Over 50 clubs will be represented in the event which traditionally kick-starts the year, and the men's open four also has four crews formed from national squad members based in Ireland and rowing as Tara.