This weekend marks the largest race on the rowing Ireland calendar, Irish National Championships. Taking place at the National Rowing Centre in County Cork, every athlete will want to show the speed they have been working towards for the whole 24/25 season.
With only five entries, women’s senior coxless four is a straight final on the Friday morning. This means fresh legs and the promise of tight racing.
University College Cork
First up is the crew from University College Cork. Based in the Marina in Cork this club have had a strong year, winning the Overseas pennant at Women’s Eights Head of the River and senior eight and coxless four at the University Championships. Made up of three out of the four from that University Championship winning four, they welcome Lauren O’Brien to the stroke seat. The two time U19 World Championship’s rower, Kate Reidy, sits in the two seat and will be sure to bring the years of racing experience to this crew. Having won this event at University Championships they will want to end the season on another high.
Dublin University Ladies BC
With three out of four of this crew recently winning Cork City regatta in this very category, Dublin University Ladies BC have recent success on their side to help produce them the win. The athlete who is an addition to this crew since Cork City is bow seat Grace Healy. A U23 World Championship rower for Ireland she clearly has the speed and power to send this crew down the 2000m course. Alongside this, stern pair is made up of Adelaide Telzrow and Maria Mezquita Garcia-Poggio who came third on the Saturday of London Metropolitan Regatta in Championship pairs. This consistency in stroke will be sure to benefit this crew.
University of Galway
Last year’s champions in this event University of Galway have entered another strong crew, as they hope to claim the title again. Madison Donnelly and Emma Fagan both return to this event from last year and will hope to use their experience from trialling and the Home International Regatta to retain the championship. However, with the strength in the event this year it could be tough for them, but I am sure they will not go down without a fight.
University College Dublin/ Old Collegians
The only composite entered into this category it will be interesting, as current and alumni of University College Dublin join forces to try take the win the coxless four. Sitting in bow pair are sisters Alison Daly and Sarah Daly who will also be racing a senior pair together at the regatta, proving the speed, they can bring together. Three seat and Old Collegian rower Aileen Crowley is no stranger to racing with her old university as she recently won senior coxless four at Skibbereen Regatta in another UCD composite crew. Having come third in this category last year, this student-alumni crew will want to be pushing for that win.
Prediction
I believe this race could be one of the best ones to watch at the Championships and could go right down to the line, as all those racing will want the converted championship pot. However, I think either University College Cork or Dublin University Ladies will claim the win as they have proved their speed in the coxless four throughout the whole 2024-2025 season.
