Hello from Belfast!
After unloading the boats and putting them back in the boathouse ready for the start of next season, we can bring you the final update from our Irish Championships weekend.
Sunday kicked off with a fantastic result for the Men’s Novice 8+ who’s race had been rescheduled for 7.30am! The boys brought it home with clear water, a complete undefeated regatta season for them. A huge congratulations to the crew and their coaches for this fantastic achievement.
A switch back to the original schedule meant a quick turn around for the novice men who headed out in 2 club 4+. With the 2 crews in the same heat, the A crew flew through to the semis comfortably with the B crew just missing out. The A crew was just pipped to the post in the semi but after giving their all in the 8+ race that morning the boys finished their novice season with smiles on their faces.
The men’s club also fielded Ross Taylor and Michael McNamee in the Lwt1X where they were both drawn in the same heat as Olympian Gary O’Donovan. Michael came 3rd in the heat and Ross just missed out on making it through. In the final Michael came 6th with the olympians leading the field.
Sunday Morning’s races for the Ladies club began with the Intermediate 4+ who came fourth in their heat and narrowly missed out on a position in the final. The Woman’s Club 8+ was the next race of the day, the girls won their heat with a commanding lead, qualifying for the final. In a very competitive race the girls finished in 5th position.
This drew the Irish Championships to a close for the Ladies Club, sadly no pots were won however there was excellent results achieved by the girls competing. The hard work and dedication this year by the girls has been fantastic and this high level of dedication is set to continue into the next season. A massive thank-you to all the coaching staff who assisted and lead the training for the Ladies Club this season.
Finally, over in Serbia our senior athletes were doing us proud as Miles and Chris in the Lwt2X finished with a bronze medal as did Sam in the open 1X. The boys representing GB helped to retain the Salver for the squad.
The Men’s Club can look back on a highly successful season, with our novices completing the full sweep of regattas and our Intermediates a Championship 8+ medal at BUCS. Our senior athletes brought home medals all over Europe from the likes of both BUCS and EUSA. A huge thanks to all our coaches, families and support network of Lady Victoria Boat Club.
We look forward to building on this year with Trevor McKnight and Mick Desmond leading both clubs onto further success.
Yours in rowing
Abbie Ellis-Saunders and Lucy Burrows
