Conditions were perfect for the Erne Eights Head of the River event on Saturday, with no wind or rain, it made for very competitive racing. For the third time since 1957, there were separate races for women and men, with 34 female teams and 59 male teams a record entry for the event! Clubs from all over Ireland travelled for the race.
In the morning women’s race, Enniskillen Royal Boat Club’s J18 eight set a new course record in their age category, finishing 18 seconds ahead of second-placed St. Michael’s and claiming the Sir Tony Hart Trophy.
The Dublin University Ladies Boat Club crew claimed the Brian Kidd Cup with the third-fastest time ever recorded at the event.
In the afternoon, the sun made an appearance and the men’s crews had better conditions to contend with. In the hotly contested J18 class with nine strong crews, Enniskillen crew claimed the win and the Devenish Cup with a 14 second margin over second placed Neptune and also set a new Junior 8 record time in the event.
The fastest men’s crew overall were University College Dublin men’s senior 8, with Olympic bronze medalist Daire Lynch rowing in the Seven seat coming home in a time of 18.27 minutes. Just 6 seconds off the course record.
Trinity College Dublin won the best senior club and Enniskillen Royal Boat Club won the best Junior club overall. Both clubs were presented with the Waterways Ireland Trophy which was presented by the CEO of Waterways Ireland John McDonagh.
The record-breaking results and strong competition at this year’s Erne Eights Head of the River event promise an exciting season ahead for Irish rowing.
