Rowing News round-upThe saga of the NUIG intermediate eight seems to be be drawing to a close. The chief executive of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union, Martin Corcoran, said yesterday the club had accepted the fine of €500 imposed because one of the members was deemed ineligible when the crew won at the National Championships last year.
The question of Rob Michael of Commercial, which seemed settled last month, may not have run its course, however, and comes before a meeting of the executive of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union tomorrow.
It may be only October, but boats go on the water in the first act of the selection process for international teams in Galway tomorrow morning. The regional time trial for those from the western region who hope to be in the mix for selection for Ireland at top international level is scheduled over two days and the emphasis is on long-distance work, with a 4,000 metre stretch set out.
Athletes who competed at the World Championships are exempt, but Ireland's head coach Harald Jahrling, who is on holidays in Germany, said yesterday he hoped for a good turnout in the process. Cork and Limerick are set to stage their equivalent events over the next two weekends, and Dublin tests are pencilled in for early next month.
This is an inaugural run for these tests, but tomorrow's time trial of the Dublin Sculling Ladder is in its 40th year. It is on course to again draw an impressive number of competitors to Islandbridge, including last year's winners, Albert Maher and Caroline Ryan.
Last weekend's Cork equivalent saw Noel Monahan and Caroline Murray top the lists.
Organiser Michael Johnston said that tests in a single scull were a good idea for every rower. Any with ambitions to represent their country might well take note that Jahrling intends to again make trials in a single a key part of his programme.
Rowers seeking activity this weekend will also be involved in the Portadown Marascull, which has an entry of 40 crews, almost all from Ulster.
Away from the senior action, a number of clubs are striving to tend the roots of the sport. Mick Desmond, the club captain at Dublin club Commercial, has stepped back from coaching seniors to cultivate a group of 14 to 16 year-olds from local schools Coláiste Phádraig of Lucan, Mount Sackville and Loreto, Crumlin.
