The men’s junior quad is seen as the blue ribbon event for Irish junior sculling, and this year’s renewal sees a staggering 27 crews vying for a chance to claim the 2025 title. Due to the large entry, crews will only progress to the final based on the fastest six heat times. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.
Lee Valley RC
On their home waters, Lee Valley juniors have been showing promise in their results from the season so far. At Cork Regatta, their quad finished third, just four seconds off the winners, and coach Mick O’Callaghan will ensure his boys are primed for the Championship race. It will be the crew’s first time racing Junior 18 level, but the stern pair of Darragh O’Mahony and Colin Creedon have shown last year they have the potential when winning silver in the Junior 16 double.
St Michael’s
Finishing in bronze medal position last year, St Michael’s A crew will hope this is their year for glory. Two of the 2024 crew return, and both oarsmen have already enjoyed a successful season representing Ireland at the U19 European Rowing Championships. Strokeman Jack Rafferty won a bronze medal in the double whilst three-man Evan O’Byrne competed in the quad. In the bows, newcomer Art Thornbury will represent Ireland at the Home Internationals.
Cappoquin
Also hoping that this is their year for the win is the crew of Cappoquin. All but one return to improve on their silver medal. Newcomer Luca Madden hopes to push his bow in front and will be well supported by the experiences of Bill Murphy, Michael McGrath, and Cillian Aherne. At Cork regatta, this crew finished third in the time trial but sadly had to withdraw from the final.
Methodist College
Under former Irish lightweight Miles Taylor, Methodist have seen several of their athletes make it to the Irish junior squad and domestically, their crews have been featuring in many big finals. This crew is possibly the one to threaten St Michael’s chance of a win, having finished 0.2sec behind them at Cork Regatta. Stroked by Harry McCartney, they will be fuelled by the result they achieved two weeks ago and come into the Championships with hopefully that extra sprint. In three, Daniel Crozier will look to bring the racing experience he has gained from competing at the U19 European Rowing Championships in the coxless four.
Prediction
If the results of the Cork Regatta two weeks ago are anything to go by, the Championship final will be a thrilling race. St Michael’s and Methodist were separated by practically a bowball, and both crews will be hoping not to endure the nerves of waiting for a photo finish result. Keep an eye on Cappoquin, who were unlucky not to contest the A-final at Cork Regatta, but will look to make amends this weekend whilst Lee Valley could also find themselves in the mix for the title if they have found more speed in their final block of training on the Championship course.
