LAST-minute lobbying appears to have swung a depleted Irish Amateur Rowing Union vote behind a motion before today's e.g.m. in Islandbridge which promises to reverse a key element in Irish rowing's long term strategy to develop international class athletes.

Brought by 10 Dublin clubs, the motion is intent on overturning an earlier vote for a two month extension in the rowing season by restoring the national championships to their traditional dates in mid July.

The IARU's initial choice of September 19th-20th for the senior and lightweight champion, ships followed concerns from the competitive rowing committee about fixture congestion in the busy international month of July, and in particular in avoiding a clash with the increasingly important Under 23s Nation's.

While the rescheduling has suited the training timetables of the many smaller clubs in Munster, the change has received a cooler reception from the leading colleges and clubs. Already, are leaving the sport, they say and rowers are only committing themselves to crews until the Royal Henley Regatta.

Dublin's Commercial club has been one of the prime movers behind the e.g.m. and its captain, Mark Kelly, believes that their alternative dates of July 18th-19th - a week after the World Cup regatta in Lucerne and a week before the Nations Cup in Milan - has considerable grassroot support.