Local crews in league of their own at annual Galway Head of River

Date Published: 21-Mar-2013

 THE early morning fog lifted just in time last Saturday to reveal perfect rowing conditions for the annual Head of the River Race. The event, jointly hosted by NUI Galway Boat Club and Tribesmen Rowing Club and sponsored this year by Boston Scientific, was a major success.

Almost 300 crew representing over 30 clubs from all corners of Ireland were vying for silverware on the Corrib, but competition was difficult for the visitors as most of the prizes remained with the local clubs.Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Terry O’Flaherty, fired the starting pistol to signal the start of Head 1, which resulted in wins for Galway Rowing Club in the Women’s Senior Eights, and for NUIG’s graduate club, which competes as Grainne Mhaol Rowing Club, in the Men’s Senior Fours.

Head 2, for sculls and pairs, was started by Paul Walsh of Boston Scientific, a former St Joseph’s stalwart. The fastest men’s sculler was Niall Kenny of NUIG, while the women’s title went to Cork Boat Club. The men’s pairs event was won by a combination from NUIG and St Joseph’s. The junior men’s and women’s sculls were won by St Joseph’s (Smyth) and Carrick on Shannon (Kelly).

The highlight of the day, Head 3, was started at 4pm by Dr Pat Morgan, Vice President of NUI Galway. This Head saw the men’s eight from NUIG, Grainne Mhaol and St Joseph’s take the title of the Fastest Crew of the day.

Meanwhile, St Joseph’s warmed up for their trip to Australia this week, to compete in the Australian Junior Championships on the Sydney Olympic rowing course, by comprehensively beating Presentation College of Cork to win the Junior Eights event.

Colaiste Iognaid also scored several wins, including the Men’s Junior 16 event. The only major events to be taken by visiting crews were the Women’s Senior 4 event, won by Cork Boat Club, and the Men’s Masters Eights, won by Belfast Rowing Club.