Southside rowers make some big waves at world competition

TWO rowers from the St Michael’s Rowing Club in Dun Laoghaire qualified for and competed in the World Coastal Rowing Championships in Hong Kong.

This was the first time the club participated in the prestigious event.

Club members, Colm Crily and Martin Dowd competed in a coastal double scull (CMx2).

The team faced a difficult qualifying heat on the first day when they rowed a 4,000m course consisting of five turning points, as they had to deal with an unexpected hand injury, but they managed to qualify for the Final B on the following day, Saturday, where they placed 14th.

“Participating in the Worlds was an amazing experience for the team, as we were venturing into uncharted territory for us,” said Colm Crilly.

“It was a tough competition, but we are proud to have represented the club and worn the colours. Thank you to everyone for their support,” added Martin Dowd.

The St Michael’s Rowing Club has so far promoted traditional East Coast clinker-built skiff rowing, building on the heritage of the hobblers of old.

Having two rowers compete in a men’s double coastal scull is an exciting beginning for the club, which is currently looking to expand its current fleet of six skiffs and a One Design boat to include a Celtic Longboat.

“This is a great feat for the team,” said Gary Bryne, St Michael’s Captain. “The club is delighted and proud of what they achieved.

“We would like to thank the organisers, Rowing Ireland and Irish Offshore Rowing for their efforts in promoting this wonderful sport.”

St Michael’s Rowing Club was founded in Dun Laoghaire Harbour in the early 1920s.

Today the club consists of over 100 members, from all walks of life, with all abilities catered for, from complete beginners to experienced rowers.

Crews train Monday to Friday from March to September, from 6pm to sundown, in six traditional wooden boats: the Dunleary (1972), the Eileen (1981), the St Michael (1999), the Dun Laoghaire Nua (2014), the Naomh Micheal (2015), and the Gráinne Mhaol (2018), and a one design boat, the Eibhlin Nua.

During the summer months crews compete on the East Coast regatta circuit run by the coastal rowing clubs from Skerries to Arklow.