Crowds descend on Carrick-on-Shannon for Waterways Ireland Rowing Regatta

Carrick on Shannon's Annual Rowing event, the Waterways Ireland Sprint Rowing Regatta took place on the bank holiday week-end and once again attracted a large entry from all around the country. 350 people entered, up approximately 10% on 2008, with the four corners of the country represented across the different categories of racing.

The first race of the day began at 9.30am with racing continuing every four minutes when 93 races later at 5.30pm the event closed with the Mens Senior 8 final. Queens University Belfast won the Mens Senior 8 title having come agonisingly close in the National Chapionships just two weeks ago. Killorglin RC, Kerry on their first trip to the event won the Womens Senior 8 title.
The 2 big races of the day - Jonny Curran of London RC won the Mens Senior single sculls while Irish International Monika Dukarska of Killorglin RC won the Womens Senior single sculls over fellow Irish International Dympna Kelly of Carrick on Shannon RC

Watched by a crowd of 400-500 people over the course of the day, the event ran smoothly. The organisers Carrick Rowing Club spoke appreciably about the co-operation of other waterway-users in respecting the safety of the competing rowers and thanked Waterways Ireland for their work in closing the navigation to facilitate the event.

Director of Marketing & Communications with Waterways Ireland Martin Dennany said 'I am delighted that the time spent working with Waterways Ireland in planning the event provided for a smooth running fixture and congratulate the winners on their success and the club on a well-run event.'