ROWING: NUIG's senior men's eight provided the big story of the Tribesmen head of the river in Galway on Saturday. Liam Gorman reports.

They took on a lightweight eight chosen predominantly from the national squad with a powerful row which had a dramatic climax when number four man Philip O'Connell suffered an asthma attack and was effectively carried through the last 400 metres by the rest of the crew. O'Connell was taken to hospital where he recovered after oxygen was administered.

Despite the unfortunate finish, NUIG were the fastest club crew at Ireland's biggest event in terms of boats on the water. The students were almost 11 seconds ahead of third-placed Lady Elizabeth, if over 16 behind the squad selection rowing as Tara.

NUIG received the winners' pennant, as Tara were not in competition for this award.

With an intermittent headwind, Tara, stroked by Neil Casey and including 1991 world sculling champion Niall O'Toole, covered the course in 12 minutes and 55.4 seconds. The squad heads off for a training camp in Spain this week.

"It was a bit of fun," said Timmy Harnedy, who rowed at number four.

Ironically, since they clearly wanted to best the Ireland squad crew, NUIG's season may be overshadowed by the fact that their young stars are almost all intent on gaining representation for their country and this may take them away from their club.

The eight, which cox Maedhbh Boyle said were "flying" on Saturday, are set to compete at the London Head in a fortnight, but may not be able to line out at full strength in the other big events of the season.

Boyle's sister Heather won the battle of the women scullers at the head. She also teamed up with Kate McCullough to win the open double scull.

Vicky Stephens and Rose McNena of the host club won the women's open pair - quite an achievement, since Stephens is a junior (under-18) and McNena can row at under-15 level.