Head of the River could take place next month

SLIGO Rowing Club’s annual Head of the River event which was scheduled for Saturday the 15th February could be rescheduled for late March according to the club.

The recent storms Ciara and Dennis swept the country and prior to the event and with rowers and boats travelling from all across the country, the decision was made to postpone the event.

Rory Clarke, PRO with Sligo Rowing Club, said: “We were closely monitoring the weather apps and the progress of Storm Ciara throughout the week.

“Just as it looked like there may be a window in the afternoon to run the head over a shortened course on the Hazelwood stretch, the imminent arrival of Storm Dennis which hit the country at the weekend made the decision in the end an easy one with high winds in the morning and afternoon rendering the event a non runner.

“With boat trailers from clubs around the country including Athlone, City of Derry, Belfast BC, Enniskillen, Portora, Carlow, Galway and Offaly RC scheduled to arrive Saturday morning the call was made Wednesday night to cancel the event and to communicate to all concerned that the event would not be proceeding.

“Sligo Rowing Club would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of Sligo Sport & Recreational Partnership, Sligo Borough Council and the various individuals and clubs including Sligo Sub Aqua Club, Sligo Yacht Club and Sligo Civil Defence who were making their boats available to help marshal the river and without whose assistance the event simply would not be possible.

“A sincere thank you to all,” Rory added.

“Sligo Rowing Club are considering running the event in late March but will make the decision closer to the time once consultations are had with potential clubs who may attend, the concern being it may be a little close to the sprint regatta season which starts in April.

The club’s immediate attention now turns to preparations for racing at the Head of the Erne in Enniskillen and the Head of the Corrib in Galway which are to be ran over the coming weeks weather permitting.