New Year and New Head Coach
January did not only bring a new year, but a new head coach to the banks of the Lagan. As Mark Fangen-Hall departed for a new role with ‘Mercantile Rowing Club’ in Melbourne Australia, Cork Native Michael Desmond took over the ropes as head coach here at Queen’s University. Mick comes to Belfast with an impressive resume, having over 25 years coaching experience in Ireland, and coached a number of crews to success at the Irish national championships. In addition to this Mick has worked with a number of International athletes and approaches is first university coaching post having moved on from ‘Commercial Rowing Club’ in Dublin.
With everyone back and well rested after the Christmas break Mick quickly got to know everyone and has made the change of head coach smooth and easy for everyone involved. Mick is positive about the personnel within the club and with his expertise, and the athlete’s passion 2012 looks to be a promising year.
Blessington Training Camp
With a quiet racing schedule in January and with winter exams finished, the Queen’s Senior and Inter men’s crews travelled to the sun soaked Wicklow Mountains for a 5 day training camp on Blessington Lake.
Although the weather conditions were challenging the crews were able to concentrate on their rowing and making the boats go quick, Without the distraction of other boats and bridges that would have been seen on the Lagan. With ideal accommodation and stunning scenery everyone had an enjoyable and productive camp to welcome in the New Year.
Novice Corner
With the senior men and women having moved south for the training week the novice men and women stayed in Belfast for a shorter 3 day training camp. This was on the back of a disappointing trip west for the Sligo Head. Having made the early morning drive to Sligo the race was called off due to strong winds on the course.
Despite this set back and as an alternative to the racing in Sligo the novice men and women took the opportunity to have a training day on the river Erne in Enniskillen. They would like to thank ‘Portora Boat Club’ for a warm welcome and for providing the team and coaches with motor boats at such short notice, helping to make such a productive day despite the early set back. You can track the monthly progress of the Novice men on their Rowing blog (QUBBC novice men 2011/2012 blog)
This has been up to date since last October.
The clubs first race of the New Year will be the ’Lagan Head of the River’ on 25 February 10am and 1pm. Feel free to call into the club and cheer on the 2012 Queen’s crews.
http://qubbcnovicemen20112012.blogspot.com/
