The final head of the river event will take place in Enniskillen this Saturday, attracting crews from across the country to participate in Ireland’s longest head of the river race, promising a day filled with competitive racing.
Enniskillen Royal Boat Club
Enniskillen, with a strong history in rowing, is set to host another event on their home waters. The crew features only two new members from their championship-winning team, Sienna Howe and Emily Black, making this race particularly intriguing. With all four stern members in the trials process, the crew’s strength is already evident. Experienced coxswain Jessica Thompson, who has guided this crew since 2023, is well-acquainted with the course. Additionally, the bow four includes returning rowers Kate Huddlestone, Rhea Cartin McCloskey, and Eva Johnston, who have consistently competed in this category since 2023. This crew has undoubtedly dedicated significant effort both on and off the water to defend their championship title; the question remains whether they can achieve victory once more.
St Michael’s Rowing Club
Following their defeat at the last Erne Head of the River and a third-place finish in July at the Irish Rowing Championships, the stern pair of Cloda Phillips and Aida Hehir are particularly motivated to advance this season, especially after their impressive international performances. Cox Kate McNamara will aim to navigate the unpredictable flow and sharp corners effectively to secure the pennant. The bow four of this crew consists of Eve Foley, Rachel McNamara, Clodagh McDonagh, and Madeline Horan, with several members having previously competed in the junior 16 eight that achieved third place in the championships in July. This crew appears to be robust, and with experienced rowers on board, they are expected to perform well.
Castleconnel
Castleconnel aims to secure another victory following their success in 2023. The team is enthusiastic about returning to the Erne, and with all members of the crew participating in trials, it will be intriguing to observe their performance in an eight. The indoor rowing championships showcased commendable efforts from all crews, and with Sibeal Ni Fhlaithbheartaigh in the five seat, having won a bronze medal at the Irish Rowing Championships, this crew possesses a solid foundation. While their speed appears promising on paper, the challenge remains to translate that potential into effective performance on the water.
Prediction
In conclusion, I think that with more experience and strength than the other crews, Enniskillen will take the win as they know the course and have previously proven to be a strong crew.
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