The Junior 18 Eights at Muckross Head of the River promises to be one of the most thrilling and fiercely competitive events of the weekend. With six crews from some of Ireland’s top rowing clubs, this race will highlight the power, coordination, and teamwork required to master the sport’s largest and most dynamic boat class.
Castleconnel Rowing Club (Crew C)
Representing Castleconnell, Crew C is a strong team with Mark Kiely, Ronan O’Brien, Barry Wilmot, Xavier Ciszek, Cace Macmillan, Aidan Donnelly, Sam Hourigan (stroke), and Luke Fitzgerald (cox). Castleconnel has always boasted depth of talent and made a habit of fielding a number of high-quality crews at major regattas. This crew brings youthful energy and determination to the event, aiming to put in a competitive performance and secure a strong finish.
Presentation College Cork (Pres Cork)
The Pres Cork crew features Bob Lee, Barry O’Connor, Darrach Fanning, Matt O’Connor, Shay Rooney, James Power, Leo Porion, Sam Hernan, stroke, and Odran Murphy, cox. One of the most established schools in Irish rowing, Pres Cork always puts out strong, cohesive crews. Their focus on technical precision and boat speed ensures they are always in contention for top spots. Expect a polished and determined performance from this crew.
Cork Rowing Club
The Cork crew is led by Cillian Monahan (bow), with Killian O’Mahony, Peter O’Connell, Sean McHugh, Conal Gillard, David O’Connor, Aaron O’Leary, Peter O’Connor (stroke), and James Loughran (cox). A club steeped in tradition and success, Cork brings experience and depth into this event. Their oarsmen are known for being able to combine raw power with strategic execution, and for that reason, they should be considered strong contenders for the podium.
Castleconnel Rowing Club (Crew B)
Castleconnel‘s Crew B fields Aidan Donnelly (bow), Cace Macmillan, Cillian Gleeson, Rowan Butler, Jamie Quigley, James Kiely, Gabhain O’Rourke, Sam Hourigan (stroke), and Luke Fitzgerald (cox). The second entry from Castleconnel shows this club’s depth. This young crew will be a combination of emerging talent and some decent technique, so they too will be keen to put their best foot forward in such a competitive field.
St. Michael’s Rowing Club
The St. Michael‘s crew features Oisin Foster, Sean Geary, Art Thornbury, Zack Duggan, Jack Rafferty, Timothy Layton Gouws, Cian McNamara, Evan O’Byrne (stroke), and Ciaran Geary (cox). Limerick-based St. Michael’s is one of the most successful clubs in Ireland and tends to produce dynamic and competitive eights crews. Having dominated junior events in the past, their rowers are bound to show commanding performance on race day.
Castleconnel Rowing Club (Crew A)
The leading crew from Castleconnel, Crew A, consists of Cillian Gleeson at bow, Alex Kennedy, Noah Quinton, Daniel Hickey, Arran Kinsella, Artur Siuda, Donncha Donnelly, Matei Ventuneac at stroke, and Luke Fitzgerald as cox. This crew brings together some of the club’s most promising junior rowers and will look to lead the charge for Castleconnel in this event. With strong teamwork and a focus on speed, they will look to set the pace and challenge for top honors.
Prediction:
The Junior 18 Eights event at Muckross Head of the River will be a scintillating contest pitting some of Ireland’s very best juniors. Castleconnell boasts a remarkable three crews from its club; Pres Cork, Cork, and St. Michael’s also proffer a depth-laden lineup each. The race is bound to underscore the finesse, power, and precision marking the very top level. Expect a fierce tussle for supremacy in this one of the most exciting events of this race.
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