Sun-baked start to rowing season at Sneem Regatta

IT was as if the elements knew it was the start of the coastal rowing season on Sunday, as the best day of the summer so far surfaced for the Sneem Regatta.

Irish Coastal Rowing PRO Mary B Teahan was present for the opening regatta of the coastal rowing calendar, and she told The Kerryman that the quality of the conditions was matched by the public’s enthusiasm for the meeting and the standard of racing on show.

“It all took place in perfect conditions for rowing, and neither the crowds nor the competitors failed to impress in fulfilling their roles,” Mary said.

“From the very first race, the 12-men-to-a-boat Seine Boat race won by the Liberator ahead of Cnuicín, the standard of competition was superb.

“Having that race as the opener was a change to the timetable, but we felt it worked as it highlighted traditional rowing at its best. It was a fabulous contest to watch, setting the tone for all that followed.”

Valentia took the first two four-oars races of the day, winning both the mixed and girls contests for under-14s. Thereafter, Callinafercy took three wins, including the Senior Men’s and Under-18 Boys competitions, with Cromane and Templenoe winning the under-16 boys and under-18 girls contests respectively.

After more than one nearmiss, the home club struck in the last race of the day, with Sneem’s Senior Ladies team getting the better of Valentia.

“The under age racing was simply scintillating,” Mary said. “I was very impressed by the Callinafercy Under-16 Girls, and the Under-14 Girls’ race was a terrific contest as Valentia beat Portmagee in a very close finish, with Cromane in close pursuit.

“All roads lead to Cromane next weekend with the draw for the buoys down for 2.30pm,” she added.

“The first race of the day is at 2.50pm and the much-loved Seine race down for 5.50pm. This year the club has organised a fund-raiser, so there’s all the more reason to be part of a day organised by a Rowing Club who has tradition at heart of their club.”

Callinafercy Minor Boys Gold Medalists (from left) Killian Kerins, Padraig O Sullivan, Cieran O Sullvan Cox, John Joe O Sullivan, Cian O Sullivan and Aaron Houlihan at Sneem Regatta.

Portmagee U14 Ladies Silver medalists (from left) Jane O’Connor, Julia Cremin, David Hussey (Cox), Aoife Murphy and Meave Daly

Cromane U16 Boys Gold Medalists Dylan Falvey, Cian Falvey, Mike Scannell (Cox), Chris Scannell and Alex King.

Cromane U-14 Mixed Bronze Medalists (from left) Darragh Lynch, Cara Hayes, Liane Teahan Cox, Caitlin McMahon and Molly McCarthy.

Sarah Kennedy, Aoife Murphy, Cieran O Sullivan, Orla Murphy and Avril Murphy.

Ella Corcoran, Mary Beth O’Donoghue, Aisling O’Shea & Katie Trew.

Sneem Senior ladies Gold Medalists Geraldine Breen, Caroline O’Sullivan, Mike Shea (Cox), Leah Turner and Mary O’Shea.