Neptune Regatta

Apr 05, 2025

Crews from all over Ireland converged on Islandbridge, early on Saturday morning, for the first of 2 back-to-back regattas that weekend. Everyone enjoyed glorious sunshine, all weekend long, but there was a stiff headwind blowing up the course, which made for difficult rowing conditions and chilly spectating for anyone who couldn't get shelter from the wind.

There was stiff competition in the Women's J18 single scull time trials, with an average of only 2.4 seconds between each of the first 15 contestants. CIRC was ably represented by Yike Cai and Aoibheann ní Dhonaill, who both clocked up respectable times - which bodes well for next year, when they will both race in the same age category.

In the J15 coxed quads, Coláiste Iognáid's men triumphed over St. Josephs A in a straight final; but, our women unfortunately were up against a very strong Castleconnel A crew, and were unable to catch them.
The CIRC WJ16 8 was very unlucky - the crew was gaining on Enniskillen on the final straight but, unfortunately, caught a crab which crippled their momentum.
Our Mens J16 coxed quad lost to Commercial A by 2 lengths - familiarity with the river being enough to tip the balance over the length of the course.
CIRC's WJ16 coxed quad beat Galway in their heat, but encountered a fresh crew from Bane, 90 minutes later. Bane went on to win their 2nd heat and then the final, at the end of the day.
The WJ15 double, ably crewed by Lola-Mae McCormack and Izzy Howley only narrowly missed out to Commercial in CIRC's last race of the day.

The trailer didn't have to be moved, as the racing would be on the same stretch of water, the following day. So the CIRC crews were soon able to scatter to various accommodations (very few elected to return to Galway for the night), to arrive back the following morning, ready for another full day's racing.