CANOEING:THE SLUMP in the world's economy has been reflected in the entry for the Liffey Descent this Saturday afternoon. The canoeing race, which runs from the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare, to Islandbridge in Dublin, will have an entry of 800 competitors, compared to 1,000 last year.
Mick Scanlon, who oversees the entry, pointed out that last year’s 50th running of the event drew a particularly big entry from outside the country. He said 800 was a break-even number for a huge competition which is run on a tight budget.
The most notable falls in numbers are from Britain and South Africa. One of the key travel agencies which brings in competitors from Britain has seen its take-up fall from 100 to 29.
Those who do take part in the testing, 28km challenge this year will have the benefit of being able to get on the water directly from the K Club car park. “Five minutes and you’re in the river,” said Scanlon.
Ryan and Greg Louw from South Africa, whose K2 (double racing kayak) was the fastest boat in the last two Liffey Descents, are not returning, which leaves the way open for an Irish boat to win the event. Gary Mawer will defend his K1 title – he will be hoping to take his 13th race win at the event – while Liam Banks will also defend his junior K1 title.
The women’s entry is extraordinarily low, with just one entrant – Aisling Smith – in the K1 as of yesterday. The event starts at 12.30pm with the first boats due at Islandbridge at about 2.15pm.
