The trend of record entries for rowing events continues. Tomorrow’s Castleconnell head of the river has drawn an entry of 403 crews which will race from O’Brien’s Bridge in Co Clare to Castleconnell.
The head has an added attraction of the Bulls and Bears competition, with prizes for the winners. The top eight women's and men's single scullers will form two quadruple sculls which will then racefor attractive rewards. James Mangan, one of the organizers, says that about €1,500 to €1,700 has been spent on this competition.
The vast bulk of the entry are underage athletes – there are six junior 18 men’s eights entered – but former world champion Sam Lynch is also in the line-up for the day.
Castleconnell, following a welcome trend among Irish rowing clubs, has matched the rise in rowing numbers with big expansion plans. They are building a new boat house, which will give them access to three new boat bays.
“We are hoping to have it finished by spring,” said Mangan. The present boat bay will be converted into a gymnasium so that athletes “can row in the morning and lift in the afternoon”.
Irish rowers have been impressing in Australia. Richard Coakley (30), who rowed for Ireland at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, finished third at the New South Wales time trial at the weekend. Claire Lambe had also finished third in the Victoria Time Trial the previous weekend. The positions are ranked according to relative placings in their class.
