Cork stages three separate events this weekend, with some excellent contests in prospect. The Centenary Sculling Challenge in the heart of Cork city this evening pits the winners of the three big sculling ladders - Dublin, Cork and the Lagan Scullers Winter League in Belfast - against each other. The contest will celebrate the centenary of the rowing union, but may continue in future years.

In the men's event, Ireland's top heavyweight sculler, Albert Maher of the Neptune club in Dublin, is expected to beat Shandon's Noel Monahan and Enda Marron of the Lady Victoria Boat Club. With home advantage, however, Monahan may fancy his chances, although Maher is himself a Corkman.

Ailis Holohan of Commercial in Dublin will fancy her chances in the women's race, where she faces Allison Downey of Bantry and Frances McGrath of the Belfast Rowing Club. Both races, sponsored by Guinness, are scheduled for the Marina and the finish will be at the old regatta finish. The women's race is set for 6.30 and the men's seven o'clock.

The senior men's eight, for the Leander Trophy, and the junior 18 eights may provide the highlights of the Cork City regatta tomorrow at Farran Wood, Inniscarra.

With none of the biggest names from Neptune taking part, Garda may fancy their chances, although their neighbours Commercial may have a say. The performance of a Skibbereen/Muckross composite may also give some pointers as to the maturation of the talented youngsters from the two clubs.

In the junior eight, the standard may be high: Colaiste Iosagain and St Joseph's in Galway may present earnest challenges.

On Sunday the spotlight switches to the Fermoy regatta, where rowing begins at 8.30 a.m. There are 63 races scheduled.

The profile of Irish rowing at the Olympics in Sydney should be high: Dermot Henihan will be manager of the pre-games training camps - and not manager of the Irish team as stated here two week's ago. Rowing union administrator Peadar Casey has the team manager's role.