The time has come again for the start of the Head Season, and many crews will meet for the first time this weekend in Enniskillen at Erne Fours Head. Opening the morning racing are the Open Quads, a division known for its fierce competition, with established crews and rising talents alike trying for early dominance. As the winter training block begins to find its rhythm, all eyes will be on who sets the standard to win the first major title of the year.
Senior
As in the previous year, only two universities are entered into this category: Queen’s University Belfast (QUBC) and the University of Galway (UGBC). A unique scenario arises in this category, as many of the boys from these two universities have raced together internationally. How will they fare against their former crewmates?
With UGBC bringing two quads to race, there is substantial depth to the squad, which is brilliant to see at a senior level, and a certain internal rivalry, making for great racing to spectate. Having raced in this event at the Irish Championships in July, where they placed second, these boys have good momentum to carry into the new season. The crews have athletes who have recently represented Ireland internationally at U23, such as Martin O’Grady and Donnacha Keeley, and this experience is likely to give them the edge that they need on the notoriously fast course at Erne.
Meanwhile, QUBBC, a sculling powerhouse, will aim to disrupt Galway and retain their title from the previous year. Similarly, this crew also has U23 and senior representatives alike, most notably Irish international Konan Pazzaia, and are sure to want to start this new season on the right foot. Having not competed in this lineup recently, it will be interesting to see how this combination goes up against the slightly more integrated crews from Galway.
Intermediate
The intermediate field is not to be overshadowed by the seniors, a competitive field of five crews, promising an engaging contest on the water.
Lagan Scullers Club
Known to frequent the River Lagan often, Lagan Scullers come to Enniskillen to prove their homegrown talent. With a recent Henley Royal Regatta campaign, this crew is likely to shake up the field. Their experience is hard to rival from the other crews, and this additional knowledge could be the deciding factor on the Erne.
Queen’s University Belfast
The boys from Queens enter two quads into this category, hoping to beat their neighbours on the Lagan. With crews comprised of BUCS medallists from the past season, ranging from beginners to intermediate and championship levels, there is an evident showing of squad progression and depth from all the athletes. The second quad here could provide an element of surprise, wanting to come as close to the first quad as possible, and adding additional pressure to all the other competitors as well.
Neptune
Known for being a well-drilled crew, Neptune brings their reputation as strong racers with them. Strokeman Gavin O’Dwyer recently competed in the Club single at the Head of the Charles Regatta, whilst Andrew O’Connor has an Intermediate scull Championship. Although it is unusual to see a sculling crew, as the club has a strong history in sweep rowing, I am watching these athletes with anticipation to see how they adapt in an extremely competitive category, without the comfort of a cox to steer the difficult meanders of the Erne.
Commercial
The youngest of the group, Commercial, promises to bring some new talent up through the ranks. International junior representation is a notable feature of this crew, with bowman Jack Butler competing at the Coupe in 2018, and some of its members have a Henley Royal Regatta campaign under their belts; they are not to be overlooked. Experience is not all, so hopefully, with a good line, these boys will give the rest of the field an excellent race.
Predictions
Difficult to say who is going to come out on top for both categories. For Senior, I think it will be tight between all three, but carrying on from the positive end to last season, UGBC A is just coming out on top over QUBBC. For Intermediate, I think it will be another tight category, with QUBBC A coming away with the win, with QUBBC B and Lagan Scullers coming in close behind. A fight is sure to be seen in both of these categories, and it is not a race to miss.
