Four members of Gaoth Dobhair’s Cumann na gCurach travelled to Warrenpoint in County Down last weekend to compete in Carlingford Lough Currach Club’s 18th annual International Championships.
These championships generate great interest domestically as well as further afield and attract a number of clubs ranging from collegiate to masters’ level.
The event this year saw crews from Ireland, England and the USA compete over two days in a high volume of events including single, double, treble, mixed and an ‘out of a hat’ competition where crews were compiled on a composite basis which engendered a great sense of camaraderie between clubs.
While the championships centre on a healthy sense of competition, the event itself is bookended and punctuated by a variety of cultural events with activities provided for participants and spectators to enjoy such as traditional music, dance and story-telling.
Cumann na gCurach members Fíona Nic Fhionnlaoich and Ó Domhnaill brothers Ronán, Simon and Michael travelled to compete in this year’s event in a number of exciting heats, semi-finals and finals.
The four rowers secured an impressive eight podium finishes.
They included:
* 2nd place for Ronán, Michael and Fíona in the mixed trebles
* 1st for Ronan and Fíona and 3rd for Simon in the mixed doubles
* 2nd for Michael and Ronan in the men’s doubles
* 3rd for Fíona in the Ladies’ singles
* 1st for Ronán and 3rd for Michael in the Men’s singles
* 2nd for Ronán in the ‘out of a hat’ race
Club chairperson William Boyle was delighted with the club’s showing.
He said “I am delighted that they had a good weekend in Warrenpoint, it is a very well run event and we always receive a warm welcome there. Carlingford Lough Currach Club go above and beyond to ensure that everyone has a good time there.
“It is more than a competition, it is a social event and an opportunity to share an affinity for traditional rowing with others. Friendships have been created and sustained for many years since the beginning of the championships 18 years ago.”
Cumann na gCurach can be found on Facebook and Instagram and welcomes enquiries from prospective members.
