This event was cancelled after this preview was completed
With numerous cancellations of water trials since September, this weekend will be triallists first chance to show what they can do on the water. In hopes of moving onto the next stage of trials and gaining selection for the Under 23 team this summer. Having 22 entries it promises to bring some close results.
Shane Rafferty (University of Galway Boat Club)
Having raced at both the U19 and U23 World Rowing Championships in the past two years, Shane Rafferty has plenty of successful trialling experiences and will not want that streak to end this year. After missing out on the A-final last year in the U23 quad by just 0.02 seconds, Rafferty will want to come back even stronger this year. Perhaps starting at the University of Galway this year will give him the extra bit of speed he needs.
Fergus Bryce (Queen’s University Belfast Boat Club)
Another member of the 2024 U23 quad that narrowly missed out on the A-final, Fergus Bryce will be hoping to get there this year. Bryce is also another seasoned triallist, having also competed at U19 World Rowing Championships twice in 2021 and 2022 and having won in the quad at the Home International Regatta in 2023. Going to a Rowing Ireland Pathway university (Queen’s University Belfast) has also meant Bryce has seen success at the Irish Rowing Championships last year, winning both senior quad and intermediate double, as well as going to Henley Royal Regatta last year where he was part of the Prince of Wales quad which got through to the semifinals of the prestigious regatta. This weekend will be a way for Bryce to show off his depth experience.
Donagh Claffey (University of Galway Boat Club)
Being another member of the U23 World Rowing Championship quad, Donagh Claffey will be another one to watch out for this weekend. Claffey more recently placed first in the U23 2000m event at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships (a compulsory event for those hoping to try). This win will be sure to have caught the eyes of the national squad coaches and a good result this weekend could be indicate of great things to come from Claffey.
Liam Walter (University of Limerick Rowing Club)
The first triallist on this list who was not in the quad last year is Liam Walter, who was in the U23 men’s coxless four that went to World Rowing Championships in St Catherines, Canada last year. This four managed to come second in the C final in a very competitive field. Walter appears to be making the change to sculling for trials this year as he has entered the single in the water trials this weekend. At the recent Irish Indoor Rowing Championships, Walter placed third in the U23 2000m so it will be interesting to see how he can transfer his erg speed into the single at the weekend after sweeping at the World Rowing Championships last year.
Ciaran O’Sullivan (University of Galway Boat Club)
Having raced at the 2022 Junior World Rowing Championships in the double, Ciaran O’Sullivan was recently selected to race for Ireland at the Home International Regatta last summer. O’Sullivan will be back this weekend to show what he can do on the water. I am sure he will want to push to the next step in his international rowing career and a good result this weekend is crucial for that to happen.
Donnacha Keeley (University of Galway Boat Club)
The only past U23 world medallist on this list, Donnacha Keeley brings both speed and success to trials this weekend, after winning U23 World Rowing Championships last year in the lightweight double. Keeley also recently won at Irish Indoor Rowing Championships in the U23 lightweight 2000m category, so I am sure he will be making the push to be as close to the openweight men when it comes to the water trial this weekend.
Predictions
With all the impressive racing experience in this category it will prove to be a tough one. However, I think Donnagh Claffey could end up with the win, followed closely by Fergus Bryce and Liam Walter. I also think you should keep an eye out for Donnacha Keeley as he is the only medallist, and is sure to put up a good performance.
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