Huge entry for Carrick regatta

In what will be a very exciting week for the sport of rowing, Carrick Rowing Club is reporting a huge entry for the annual regatta on Sunday, August 4th.

This last regatta of the year will bring the curtain down on a very long, exciting season for Carrick RC, which has brought the club all round the country to many Heads of the River, regattas aplenty and also the running and hosting of Head of Lough Rinn, Lough Rinn Regatta and the Rowing Ireland 1K Classic all at the Mohill venue.

At the close of entries on Wednesday evening last there were over 200 crews entered from Junior 13 to Veteran Masters in all boats from singles, doubles, quads, 4’s and 8’s in the men’s and women’s divisions.

There is also a healthy local entry with many of the seasoned competitors fresh from the Irish National Championships looking forward to some last races before the close of the season. Along with these rowers there are some other very experienced crews looking to get back out on the water for some competitive action. Carrick Regatta is also traditionally one where new rowers might make their competitive debut, this year will prove no differently as organisers welcome regular visitors from thirteen visiting clubs including Athlone, Bann, Ballina, Belfast, Enniskillen, Garda, Galway, Lady Victoria, Lagan, Newry, Portora, Portadown and St Hilda’s, an international visitor to the banks of the Shannon.

All these clubs and crews will race across the many categories available on the day but no doubt Athlone, Sligo and Carrick will all have a keen interest in raising the Tony Keane Perpetual Trophy on Sunday evening for the best overall club, while the rowing may look leisurely and easy these crews will all be exerting their full force behind the oars.

Racing and heats will take place from early morning on beautiful stretch of the Shannon opposite the Landmark Hotel through to the finish line on the quays adjacent to the Moonriver Moorings.

Organisers acknowledge the support of Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Sports Partnership, Leitrim Civil Defence, Waterways Ireland and the Order of Malta and the club’s on the water team of helpers without whom the event would not take place.

Everyone is welcome indoors for a cup of tea and slice of cake. The dedicated team of helpers/parents have all at hand as this day is also a major fundraising day for the club and any small donation would be welcome.

For anyone who cannot make the day be sure to keep an eye online where Carrick on Shannon’s team of master photographers Mark Kelly, Gerry Faughnan and Keith Nolan will all capture the events of the day in beautiful hue, light and colour.