Cover Image by Mark Kelly (thewateredge)
The first Grand League event of the year, Skibbereen Regatta marks the end of head season and the dawn of regatta season. With two action-packed days of racing, Skibbereen Regatta offers clubs their first proper opportunity to size up their competition and see if the winter miles have paid off. The men’s senior, intermediate and junior pairs will all face off in a time trial, with the top six pairs making it to the final of Division One.
University of Limerick (ULRC)
After an impressive showing at last month’s Irish trials, finishing in second, the pairing of Sean O’Neill and Adam Grace will want to climb one spot further to the top of the podium this weekend. Both athletes were in the championship-winning men’s inter four last year, giving them a great deal of experience racing on this course.
Cork Boat Club ‘C’
Despite being billed as the “third crew” I expect we’ll see some serious speed from the duo of Barry O’Flynn and Thomas Earley. O’Flynn’s 2024 season ended in spectacular fashion, seeing him claim victory in the men’s senior eight, coxless four and pair at last summer’s National Championships. This season, he switches from previous pair partner, Fionnan Tolan, to two-time national champion, Thomas Earley. Will his success from last season continue following this change in bowman?
Cork Boat Club ‘A’
Another crew from the Marina, Cork’s Jonny Cuddy and Michael Cronin were both key parts of boat club’s championship-winning crew, sitting in stroke and bow seat, respectively. Swapping from such a fast-paced boat to the much more technical boat of the pair can be a challenge, so it will be interesting to see how this team fares.
Prediction
There is an undeniable level of talent across the field in the event. However, I would hedge my bets on Cork Boat Club’s ‘C’ crew taking the win, although I wouldn’t write off ULRC.
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