This three-kilometre race takes place on the River Shannon, and with the new format allowing six different fixed time trials to take place over the day, the event will surely bring some close racing over many categories. The women’s junior eights take place in the morning, and with only two entries, it should prove to be an exciting race to see which one will come out on top.
Castleconnell Boat Club
Setting off first is Castleconnell Boat Club. After placing fifth at the Irish Championships in July – in a crew broadly similar to the one racing this weekend – they will be keen to demonstrate their winter progression and enter 2025 with renewed energy. The stern pair, made up of Ava Leahy and Meabh Kelly, were also part of the crew which came away with the win in the junior coxless four at Erne Fours Head back in November; it’s clear they know how to put in a fight for the win, so having them as stern pair could prove invaluable.
Cork Boat Club
This Cork Boat Club crew is mainly made up of J16 rowers, which will be a challenge as they come up against the more experienced Castleconnell crew. The stern pair of this crew is bringing the experience, however, as both Lorna O’Duibhir and Eva Fisher competed and came fifth in the Junior 16 eights at the 2024 Irish Championships. Could this Cork crew prove that age is just a number and take the win over Castleconnell?
Prediction
With only two entries it will be exciting to see Cork chasing down Castleconnell on the Shannon. However, with home advantage and a more experienced crew I think Castleconnell will take the win on this weekend.
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