It was a historic weekend at the National Rowing Championships in Iniscarra for Cork Boat Club. The club picked up 3 National Championships in the Senior Men’s 4-, 2- and 8+, after years of close 2nd places. Not only was it the first full Cork Boat Club crew to win the Senior 8 title, but also the first Cork club to win the title since its inception in 1912.
The same crew fresh off of winning the Leander Trophy in Cork Regatta, and maintained their success at the championships, beating strong UCD, UGBC/UCC and Commercial crews in a time of 5:45.
The Senior Mens’ Squad having been chasing this illustrious trophy for 8 years now, with too many 2nd place finishes in recent years, all to UCD’s top crew. This rivalry has been back and forth across the Head Season and into the summer racing. For anyone who couldn’t make it to see thr race, the National Rowing Centre was electrified with the support for the Brown and White. From our active juniors, to the Boat Club legends that live in the pictures in Muireann’s Cafe, it was truly a sight to be seen with so many Boat Club members out to support our boys in the biggest race of their season.
It goes without saying that the work the Senior Men’s squad put in this year was reflected in their success, and that none of it would be possible without the support of those in the background. A few sayings from the weekend that we picked up on include “there are more than 9 people in this winning crew” and “it takes a village” have never been truer than they are right now. From the squad members who kept the winning crew honest throughout the entire year, fighting for selection, to the helpers in the cafe and everyone in between, it was a club effort to take this title home this year.
There were also multiple other success which can’t go unnoticed from the weekend. 3rd place in Intermediate 8+ and 4+, 3rd place in Women’s J16 Quad and many other notable performances, the club is so proud to be home to these athletes who have competed at the top of their disciplines all year, and carried that success into the Championships. The future is bright for the club.
We’ll leave you with a quote that we believe echos the attitude of the members in the club, and this history that fuels our athletes and coaches to create new history like our Senior Men last weekend.
“You’re standing on the shoulders of giants”.
Senior Mens 8+ Crew:
Stroked by Jonny Cuddy, Thomas Earley, Barry O’Flynn, Fionnán Tolan, Andy Harrington, Ciarán Brady, Peter Grogan, Michael Cronin, Coxed by Sarah Lonergan
Senior Mens 4- Crew:
Jonny Cuddy, Fionnán Tolan, Thomas Early, Barry O’Flynn
Senior Mens 2- Crew:
Barry O’Flynn, Fionnan Tolan
Coached by Malachy McGlynn, Noel Carey and Dave Walsh
