As the new season gets underway that can only mean on thing… head racing season. St Michael’s Head of the River is a three kilometre race taking place in O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare on 12 October. Crews will be coming from a range of clubs all over Ireland to compete and will be the first race for many since the summer break. A new season will bring new combinations, promising some potentially unpredictable results and with only five crews entered to race in the category it could be an event of fine margins between all involved.
Lee Valley RC (A)
One of the two Lee Valley RC crews that is entered into this category is made up of Eimear Curtin and Keelin Keeting. Being only a stone’s throw away from the Irish Olympic team training out of the Irish National Rowing Centre and with multiple members competing internationally over the summer, crews from Lee Valley promise to have the hunger for the win. This double joins forces for their first race of the season and will look to start on a high with a strong result.
St Michael’s RC
This St Michael’s RC crew of Aida Hahir and Cloda Phillips looks to claim their first victory of the season on their home turf. Coming off the back of winning gold at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in the junior women’s coxless four, the duo swap back to sculling to be favourites to keep the winning streak going and claim the win. They also have the advantage of the race being on their home water which could help them as they aim for victory.
Muckross RC
Another contender for a fierce battle on the river Shannon is the crew making the trip from Muckross RC. Made up of Aine O’Sullivan and Khim Fleming, they come off a fourth place finish in the Junior 18 quads at Irish Championships in July and are sure to want to start their season off strong. Both have plenty of experience, and they will want to use this skill to navigate down the Shannon in the hunt of the other crews.
Prediction
Riding off their win at Coupe this past summer, St Michael’s are the favourites to take the win on their home river. However, it not clear who will take second place as it could be a close battle between the pairings from Muckross and Lee Valley’s A crew. The other places could go to anyone else in the field as the new season marks a fresh start to racing and all crews will want to start well this year.
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