Sligo HOR

Feb 18, 2024

CIRC went to the Sligo Head of the River for the 2nd time ever on Saturday 17th of February. The head was run as a time-trial, with different crews starting at 40-second intervals. Bigger (faster) boats went first and single sculls were the last to race. There were 2 heads scheduled - one for the morning and the next in the afternoon. Light rain was forecast for the entire day so we were all pleasantly surprised when it dried up after the first head. However, about half an hour later, it bucketed down - just as every crew was slipping for the afternoon head.
But this miserable weather didn't prevent the Jes rowers from making their mark in this event:
Morning Head
CIRC's MJ16 Double finished 20 seconds ahead of its nearest competitor, to take the pennant.
Then, in a near miss, or MJ14 coxed Quad finished in a time that was 0.8 seconds behind Athlone (the race winners).
This was followed by a win for Sophie Ryder and Grace Flaherty in their J14 double.
Our MJ16 8 came took 3rd place and our Women's J15 Double came in the middle of the pack (4th). Two of or senior men (Alex Bogue and Frank O'Brien) entered the club single sculls category, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively.
Afternoon Head
Our Men's Club Double finished 2 seconds ahead of Athlone, to take 1st place.
The WJ16 coxed Quad took 3rd place.
Then the MJ15 Double finished the course 32.5 seconds ahead of its nearest competitor, for the 4th pennant of the day.
The CIRC Women's J15 coxed Quad had the exact same time as Galway Rowing Club's WJ15 Quad (12:53.2), earning them joint 2nd place.
Both clubs were also competing for the Women's J14 coxed Quad pennant; however the younger crews weren't as evenly matched, with CIRC coming 2nd in that race.
All in all, it was a great day's rowing and spirits were high, despite the weather.

Other Photographs


More images are available View Images