What’s been going on?
The last few months have been jam packed for us at Queen’s Rowing. With now having moved into our new Boathouse both Men’s and Ladies Clubs are throwing themselves into the Winter Training for Head of River Season. The new building and facilities are a great asset to both current rowers and our fresh intake of Novice athletes.
University Beginners Rowing Winter Sprints
This Saturday the 12th of December Queens University Belfast Boat Club shall be hosting the inaugural ‘Winter Sprints’ between Queens and Trinity College Dublin. The event is aimed to produce more early racing between both clubs whose rowing heritage is both rich and well known.
Trinity College Dublin will be assembling and boating from QUB boathouse. Parking for their boat trailer and bus will be in the car park outside MCB. The first race is scheduled 2pm and racing should conclude by 4pm.
This event could give a great indication how both University’s have been progressing during the early stages of this year and also shall serve as the precursor to Trinity Regatta 16th April 2016 and the University Boat Race on the 4th June 2016.
We wish all crews the very best of luck and look forward to seeing you all there!
2015 Annual Men’s Dinner
On Friday the 4th of December Q.U.B.B.C enjoyed its Annual Men’s Dinner in the Great Hall of Queens. This year there were over 90 attendees. Rowers both past and present had travelled from all over including one such gentlemen who flew from Barcelona that morning to spend the evening with fellow rowers. During the dinner a great deal of funds were raised for the Club and a special mention to all those who bought raffle tickets and made donations!
Throughout the evening the diners were entertained by both Guest Speaker Mr Andrew Wells who brought a light hearted and humorous touch to the evening with his words and also Captain Jason Armstrong whom recapped on last years performance by the club and outlaid his aspirations and determination to see Queens Rowing succeed over the coming year.
Also within the evening Mr David Beirne was awarded Novice of the Year whilst Brian Murray received the Donall Murphy Prize that was presented by his daughter Emer and wife Pauline. Finally the Milne Barbour Cup was awarded to Johannes Lobinger & Thomas Drummond for winning the Novice ‘Tub Champs’. A very special mention to Dr. Michael, his son John and grandson Jason who made up 3 generations of Armstrong Rowers present on the night.
Bann HOR and BUCS Indoors
Following on from our successful Annual Recruitment the Novice Squads had their first taste of real competition at the BUCS Indoors on Saturday the 28th of November in the Queens PEC. It was not only exciting to see such a large turnout from our own club but those from all over the Ulster Branch as well. Sadly no Novice crews were permitted to race at Bann HOR this year due to adverse weather conditions however Phil Costen and his assistant coaches Patrick Doherty & Mark McMullan have again been an inspiring and dedicated staff overseeing the development of the Beginners this year.
Head Coach, Mick Desmond’s Intermediate & Senior Squad did however get to travel to Bann HOR and there they won the Senior 8+ with a time of 00:13:39. A sound result for this crew that comprised of 7 out of 8 oarsmen being of Lightweight category.
Commemoration of Chris Rice
Due to the tragic loss of one of the clubs most influential and dedicated members Chris Rice, Queens Rowing in conjunction with Silm’s Healthy Kitchen joined together in a fund raising event at Victoria Square on Saturday the 17th of October. The event was part of a week long campaign to help raise funds for MacMillian Cancer Support in honour of Chris. The efforts by both Slims Kitchen and Q.U.B.B.C saw a grand sum of £2122.78 for a cause very close to ‘Ricey’.
It is good to see that the Sir Milne Barbour Challenge Cup is still competed for 64 years after Desi McLaughlin (stroke) and I (bow) won in 1951, the first time the cup was presented. Arthur Lewis (USA)