Offaly Rowing Club do well at Carlow regatta

A large rowing contingent of Offaly rowers attended the annual two-day rowing regatta in Carlow during the June bank holiday weekend.

Saturday

Saturday’s racing got off to a strong start with the J18 sculls. Both Róisín Byrne and Saebh Keohane both won their heats and made it through to the semi-final where they met each other.  It was a tight finish between Róisín and Sadhbh in the semi-final of the race with Róisín coming out on top after a fantastic race between team mates. In the end it was victory for Róisín in the J18b1x.

Success followed with the men’s masters single sculling races. John Ward placed 2nd in his heat, while Conor Gilsenan placed 1st progressing to the semi-final and final. In the final, Conor placed 2nd.

After a short Hiatus Catriona Nolan took the stroke seat in a double with Melanie Kelly in bow. Placing second in their heat, the women who are nicknamed “Double Trouble” had a strong and steady pace throughout their race.

Next was the Offaly J18 quad ( Róisín Byrne, Emily Byrne, Lyla Kane, Saebh Keohane) who came up against Carlow. An unbelievably well paced row saw the girls place first.

Next up was Adele O’Dwyer and Melanie Kelly in the women’s masters single sculling. A straight final, some friendly competition between team mates, and plenty of fun, Adele O’Dwyer placed first. Not only did Adele place first she received her first rowing regatta medal, a huge achievement, and proud moment for the masters of Offaly Rowing Club.

Ben Ward showed excellent rowing technique on Saturday. Placing first in two heats progressing to the final of J18B single scull race where he placed 2nd.In the J18 double Lyla Kane and Emily Byrne put on a great performance coming in 2nd in their final.Their first time rowing together, Conor Gilsenan in stroke and Adele O’Dwyer in bow placed first after a fantastic neck and neck the mixed recreational double race.

Sunday

Racing on Sunday got under way for Offaly when Katelyn Taylor launched from the slip for the J14 scull race. Katelyn, in a very tight race placed 2nd in her race.In the MJ14 single sculling Oran Samson placed in 2nd in his race.In the  WJ14 double Ealga McCauliff and Katelyn Taylor placed first. A tremendous result for the two girls.Womens J15 doubleWomens J15 scull Blaithin Clarke placed a strong second.In the Men’s J14 double Oran and John placed first after a competitive race.

Offaly Rowing Club offers a trial membership for those interested in trying the sport of rowing- both juniors and adults. Contact the club on Facebook, or email the secretary at secretary.offalyrowingclub@gmail.com for details.