The 2025 Rowing Ireland February Trials were cancelled after the completion of this preview.
The allure of international representation drives many a rower to commit to endless sacrifices in the pursuit of speed, stamina, and strategic mastery.
This weekend, Ireland’s top domestic talent will take the next step in their quest for an Olympic medal. Here are our picks to take top honours in the junior men’s single sculls.
Mattias Cogan (Skibbereen Rowing Club)
Mattias Cogan from Skibbereen Rowing Club achieved first place at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships with an impressive time of 6:03.5, setting a new Irish record at the age of just 17. This remarkable accomplishment highlights his exceptional talent at the junior level. Mattias has a history of outstanding performances, having rowed in the U19 coxed four at the World Rowing Junior Championships held in St. Catharines, Canada, last summer, where he finished fifth. With his transition from sweep rowing to sculling, there is no doubt that Mattias will continue to deliver exceptional performances both on and off the water.
Jack Rafferty (St Michael’s Rowing Club)
Jack Rafferty of St Michael’s, recognised for his strategic approach on the erg, secured second place with a time of 6:15.3 at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships. As he embarks on his final year as a junior rower, he is set to tackle the infamous trials course once more. Additionally, having received the ‘Men’s Junior Rower of the Year’ award from Rowing Ireland, Jack has an impressive history of resilience in both international competitions and at his home club, St Michael’s.
Evan O’Byrne (St Michael’s Rowing Club)
A promising rower from St Michael’s, Evan O’Byrne, secured sixth place at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships – a little way behind his peers – with a time of 6:23.8. However, he has consistently performed well at sculling events, having won the junior 16 single at the Irish Championships last July. Last year, Evan rowed in the men’s coxed four from the stroke seat alongside Mattias. It will be intriguing to observe Evan’s performance and whether he can surpass his competitors to advance through the trials once again.
Richard Heaslip (Athlone Boat Club)
The esteemed sculling club of Athlone has registered Richard Heaslip for this year’s trials. Having finished fourth in the junior 16 single last July, Richard will likely attract considerable attention in the upcoming season. After finishing in 13th place on the erg, this J17 athlete is poised to impress with his remarkable sculling skills, though faces an uphill battle when it comes to pure power.
Harry McCartney (Methodist College Belfast Rowing Club)
All the way from Malone Road is Harry McCartney of Methodist College Belfast. Harry just missed the podium at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships, coming in fourth with a time of 6:21.2. As a consistent sculler, Harry has previously achieved success, notably claiming first place in the men’s double at the 2024 Home International Regatta. He is no stranger to these trials and will look to cement his dominance once again.
Predictions
It will be interesting to see the results of this year’s trials with so many strong competitors battling it out to represent Ireland internationally. If I were forced to choose between them, I would have Mattias Cogan of Skibbereen out front, closely followed by Jack Rafferty and Harry McCartney.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
