The first rowing event of the season, the Neptune Head of the River at Blessington on Saturday, yielded an expected win for the host club in the "senior eights" - but it was the club's quadruple scull which actually won. Under the rules the quad of Derek Holland, Sean Jacob, Albert Maher and Colm O'Rourke competed in the same class as the big boats and duly won on a beautiful, clear day. The head was an auspicious one for Athy Rowing Club: when their young women's novice four rowed down the course it was the very first major event for the club, which is one of the three to affiliate to the Irish Amateur Rowing Union this year. The addition of Athy, Flesk Valley and Anna Liffey brings the total to a record 70.