Offaly Rowing Club enjoys success in Limerick

Offaly Rowing Club enjoyed a successful outing to Castleconnell Boat Club, Limerick on Saturday last.

A large group of 18 athletes travelled, and for many, it was their first competitive outing. Conditions were far from ideal, with wind and rain prevailing on the day over the 3.2km course. The club's new 6x6m pop up tent, sponsored by Kilsaran, Tower Civil and Irish Casings provided great shelter!

The first Offaly crew on the water was the MJ15x4 of Ben Ward, Jacob Keenan, Tadhg McNamee, Óran Sampson and cox Annie Pidgeon. It was Jacob, Tadhg and Oran's first trip away and the crew finished seventh in a large field.

Next up were the WJ15x4 of Nicole Duke, Bláithín Clarke, Lyla Kane-Walsh, Sadhbh Keohane and cox Anna Walsh. The women rowed very well in testing conditions and finished third.

They were followed by the WJ14x4 of Annie Pidgeon, Ciara Chambers, Katelyn Taylor, Anna Walsh and cox Lyla Kane-Walsh, a novice crew, who rowed very well in their first competitive outing.

Offaly Master Sean Keohane teamed up with his former UCC team-mate James Morris, who is currently rowing for Tralee. They were narrowly beaten into second place by a double pairing from Offaly’s neighbours, Athlone Boat Club. Likewise, Conor Gilsenan, racing in Masters x1 was also second, with his clubmate, John Ward coming in seventh. Róisín Byrne had her first outing of the day, coming a credible fourth in the WJ18x1.

Offaly then had their first victory of the day, when the MJ15x2 pairing of Ben Ward and Finn Bagnall-Condron stormed home a clear 25 seconds ahead of second place. These athletes then raced in the single competition, coming eleventh and seventh respectively.

The junior men were followed in the Women's Masters category by Adele O'Dwyer who, in extremely difficult conditions came in a respectable sixth. The WJ15x2 pairing of Sadhbh Keohane and Lyla Kane-Walsh came ninth on the day, with the WJ14x2 of Nicole Duke and Bláithín Clarke claiming third in their category.

Finally, Róisín Byrne brought home Offaly's second victory of the day, winning the WJ16x1. All agreed that it had been a great day out, despite the inclement conditions.

Offaly Rowing Club offers trial membership for those wishing to try out the sport. Contact the club via email (secretary.offalyrowingclub@gmail.com) for more information.