A senior eight cobbled together between two of rowing's minnow clubs yesterday emerged as the unlikely national title holders from a Sprint championship that was noticeably bereft of Dublin and Limerick crews.

The no show by the sport's big hitters - many of which resume winter training this week - left the Clonmel and Cappoquin composite eight to seize an opportunity that rarely comes their way at senior level. The half-length win against two other makeshift crews, reflected Munster's weekend domination on the short Fermoy course.