Related Stories
-
IronMen, Olympic distances and podium finishes!
-
Big midweek game approaching
-
Cappoquin win Fraser Cup
-
Major boost in numbers for Ballyhoura Active Series
-
Young Hurler of the Year Award
-
Outstanding tug-of-war
-
Medal fever takes over at Lee Regatta
-
Mary Beecher takes honours
-
O’Brien’s diamond shines brightly
-
Tipperary overcome Cork in Munster MFC semi-final
-
O’Neill looks well sharp at York
-
Summer camp under debate
While it was a quiet weekend for most of our oars people, our high performance rowers were on the road to Dublin Metro regatta and overseas to Nottingham in England. Zoe Sohun and Eimear Ryan were on the road to Metro. Zoe was competing in Junior 18A single sculls and Eimear in the junior 18B single sculls. This was a huge test for both girls as this regatta is one of the Grand League series and all of the top rowers compete.
Eimear was first out on the water and rowed her best race of the season to qualify for the final. The final turned out to be a fantastic race with the first three being separated by less then one second. Eimear had to give way this time, but it is evident to all that it will not be long before Eimear will be collecting the winning bouquets. Next it was Zoe’s turn. Her main rival would be Rodgers from Commercial RC. Zoe had an old score to settle. Rodgers had beaten Zoe by half of a boat length at the national championships last July.
Zoe was determined to put down a marker in the semi-final. She stormed into a 3 length lead and despite Rodgers best efforts, Zoe prevailed to win by 5 seconds. Buoyed by her success Zoe went into the final, full of confidence. Her confidence was well placed. Displaying a powerful performance she left her competitors including Rodgers in her wake.
As the umpire sounded the siren as Zoe crossed the finish line, Zoe had 10 seconds to spare on a desolate Rodgers. Zoe must now be a certainty to be included in the national squad for the Home internationals, which will take place in Nottingham.
Nottingham was where our international rower Hilary Shinnick was competing this weekend. The British Schools championships were being hosted there. Hilary was representing Fermoy RC in the International Junior 18 singles. Rowers from all parts of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Europe were competing at this prestigious event.
Hilary faced twenty top class competitors. In a time trial the fastest twelve would make it to the semi-finals. Leaving nothing to chance Hilary set the fastest qualifying time. Hilary was drawn in the second semi final. She led from start to finish, covering the 2000 Meter course in an impressive 8:10.57. It was wonderful to hear a Fermoy rower being called as the winner at this hallowed venue. Excitement and expectations grew as the final approached. In one of the best race witnessed over the weekend, three athletes powered down the course, Leyden of Holland, Jacques of Belfast and Shinnick of Fermoy.
With 500 meters to go Hilary was in 3rd place, but with ever stroke she was closing in on Leyden and Jacques. Unfortunately the finishing line came too soon. Leyden winning in 8:02.52. Jacques second in 8:04.45 and Hilary third in 8.05.88. The next competitor was a further 10 seconds behind. Congratulations Hilary, we are all so proud of you.
On Tuesday last we at the club were honoured with a visit by Morten Espersen, who recently was appointed director of Rowing Ireland. Morten took our young members on a coaching session, which lasted longer then had been intended, such was the interest shown by all involved. Morten was very impressed by the standard of rowing and by the work being put in by the team of coaches at the club.
The June Bank Holiday weekend sees the club travel en mass to take part in Carlow’s Regatta. We have a huge entry and hopefully all will enjoy the experience.
blog comments powered by Disqus