The Jes on the Water 2015
Each year the Coláiste Iognáid Rowing Club competes in a number of heads of river and regattas around the country, culminating in the Irish National Rowing Championships at the National Rowing Centre in County Cork.
For news of events in previous years, click on the following year links.
2014 -- 2013 -- 2012 -- 2011 -- 2010 -- 2009
Irish Rowing Championships
The 2015 Irish Rowing Championships proved to be highly successful for the Jes rowers. The highlights were three significant victories - the boys J16 8+, the girls J15 coxed quad and the girls J14 coxed quad. In addition, there were two 2nd place finishes and a host of other strong performances.
The win by the J16 eight was one of the biggest Jes victories at the National Championships for several years and the first win in this event since 1999. In the run up to the regatta, the boys had been pipped in a number of their races by Portora and the Bish. Nevertheless, they came to Cork in a positive mood, determined to turn the tables on their rivals. In a very strong start, they took a firm grip on the race and opened up an important early lead. Controlling the race from the front, they built on this lead as the race progressed. They were never in trouble and won by two lengths with an impressive display of rowing in extremely difficult conditions that received considerable praise from the on-course commentator. A special word of thanks to coaches Liam Molloy and John Lawless and to all the other coaches who supported the crew throughout the year.
The 2nd year girls J14 quad had several victories during the year and they continued their good form at the Championships with yet another comfortable win. The crew was Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne and Anna Young (cox).
The win for the girls J15 quad was in one of the most exciting races of the regatta with just one length covering the first three boats. It turned out to be a battle between two Jes crews who took 1st and 2nd places. In another twist, the two boats were coxed by brother and sister, David and Anna Young with David taking the honours on this occasion. The winning crew was Eimear Sheridan, Hannah Power, Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne and David Young (cox) while the runners up were Rachel O'Malley Raecke, Anna O'Donoghue, Aoife Dempsey, Jessica Barrett and Anna Young (cox).
Elsewhere, the girls J16 8+ did not have the best of days and finished fourth in the final. However, this crew can reflect on a highly successful season in which they had many notable wins. In the girls J15 scull, Caoileann NicDhonncha claimed 2nd place in one of the most competitive of the scull finals.
The Championships capped off a highly successful season for Jes rowing. A big thank you must go to all of the coaches (almost all ex-Jes rowers themselves) who so willingly give their time to the coaching. Without their tremendous efforts, the club would not be enjoying these successes. A thank you also to all other supporters, friends and volunteers who help make the club what it is today.
A sequence of photos from the end of the boys J16 8+ race now follows.
From top: 1. At the 1250m mark, it is just possible to make out the Jes boat in the middle as the crew battles against the wind and the rain. 2. With 250m to go the boys are well ahead and they move powerfully over the white-caps. 3. The bow ball is just crossing the line. 4. A few seconds later there is elation in the boat.
The celebrations begin
Tired and wet but elated
The full senior boys squad plus coaches on the podium: (l to r) Daragh Coughlan, Conor O'Sullivan, Liam Molloy, Luke Smyth, Mayor of Co. Cork, Philip Buckley, Mark Ryder, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coughlan, David Young, Thomas Power, Brian Maye, Robert McInerney, Luke Mulliez, Mike Sampier, Adam Burke, Luke Slemon, Matthew Kelly, Seamus O'Donoghue
The winning girls J14 quad with thir coaches (l to r): Nicole Cooke (coach), Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Anna Young (cox), Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne and Sarah Sheridan (coach)
The winning girls J14 quad was well ahead in their race
Proud mothers of the J14 girls quad
The winning girls J15 quad on the podium wih their coaches: (l to r) Daragh McCarthy, Amy Phelan, Nicole Cooke, Sarah Sheridan, Eimear Sheridan, Roisin gavin, Holly McHugh, Hannah Power, Anna Coyne, Naomi Colclough, Aine Gavin
The second place girls J15 quad: (l to r) Anna Young (cox), Rachel O'Malley Raecke, Aoife Dempsey, Anna O'Donoghue and Jessica Barrett
Another J15 girls quad - finished 3rd in their race: (l to r) Holly McHugh, Carley Mannion, Ruby Murphy, Ciara Walsh and Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox)
The girls J16 8+ pushing hard in the final: (l to r) Maebh Newman, Imogen Silke, Sarah Curtis, Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Molly Curtis, Laoise NiGhriofa, Conor O'Sullivan (cox)
Ruth Griffin near the finish of her J14 scull race
Anna O'Donoghue was in action in the J15 scull
First year girls: (l to r)Eleanor Egan, Ellen Forde, Katie Ryan, Roisin McGrath, Maria Karapish
First Year boys: (l to r)Thomas Hume, Niall Cahalane, Tom McGuinness, Tom Kavanagh, Luke Flynn
The rowers listen intently as the coaches outline the strategy
Finally, team bonding is very important
Cork Regatta
The two day Cork Regatta took place on June 20th, 21st at the National Rowing Centre. The Jes brought a large team to this regatta - a total of 34 rowers. They certainly did not come away empty handed with three big wins and a host of other strong performances. The regatta is seen as the ideal preparation of the Irish Rowing Championships that will be coming up in the second week of July at the same venue.
Back Row (l to r): Aoibhinn McPhillips, Eimear Sheridan, Ciara Walsh, Ruth Griffin, Holly McHugh, Anna O'Donoghue, Aoife Dempsey, Carley Mannion, Hazel McNamara, Anna Coyne, Ruby Murphy, Roisin Gavin, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Conor O'Sullivan, Shane O'Halloran, Luke Slemon, Luke mulliez, Brian Maye, Robert McInerney, Mark Ryder, Seamus O'Donoghue, Luke Smyth (coach), Daragh Coughlan, Liam Molloy (coach), Front Row (l to r): Naomi Colclough (coach), Aine Gavin (coach), Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke, Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Laoise NiGhriofa, Molly Curtis, Sarah Curtis, Thomas Power, Philip Buckley, Daragh Coughlan, David Young, Adam deBurca, Daragh McCarthy (coach)
For the J16 girls 8+ A crew, it was a case picking up from where they left off in Galway the previous week with another victory over Shandon and the Jes B crew. The strength in depth of the club at the J16 level for girls is great to see and both crews have made enormous strides in sweep racing over the last six month. The winning crew on this occasion was Laoise Ni Ghriofa, Rachel Trench, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Molly Curtis, Grace Egan, Sarah Curtis, Imogen Silke, Meabh Newman and David Young (cox).
It was also more of the same for the girls J14 quad. They took the win by coming from behind in a very tight race that took place in difficult windy conditions on the Saturday afternoon. The crew was Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne and Hazel McNamara(cox).
The boys J16 4+ also had a comprehensive win at the regatta - another of many wins that they have had this season. The Jes rowers were Philip Buckley, Daragh Coughlan, Thomas Power, Mark Ryder and Conor O'Sullivan (cox). Again there was disappointment for the J16 8+ where they were just pipped by a narrow margin in a close race. There was also an impressive row from Daragh Coughland and Brian Maye who won their heat in the J16 double but they did not have luck with the final.
The winning girls J16 8+ (l to r): coaches Aine Gavin and Naomi Colclough, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Laoise Griffin, Rachel Trench Molly Curtis, Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke, Sarah Curtis, Grace Egan, cox David Young and Daragh McCarthy (coach)
The happy girls J14 quad with their trophies (l to r):Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Hazel McNamara (cox), Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne
The boys J16 four who took gold (l to r): Mark Ryder, Thomas Power, Daragh Coen, Philip Buckley, Conor O'Sullivan (cox)
J18 sculler, Seamus O'Donoghue gets advice from coach Liam Molloy while Luke Smyth checks the schedule
The boys J16 8+ (l to r): Conor O'Sullivan (cox), Philip Buckley, Mark Ryder, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coughlan, Thomas Power, Adam deBurca, Robert McInerney, Luke Mulliez
Luke Slemon (l) and Seamus O'Donoghue were in the J18 double
Brian Maye (l) and Daragh Coughlan rowing down to the start
A second J16 4+ (l to r): David Young (cox), Adam deBurca, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coughlan, Robert McInerney
Relaxing between races in the new accommodation
A section of the travelling support
Packing up to go home under the watchful eye of Liam Molloy (left)
And remember that the 8 will get there quicker if everyone is going in the same direction!
Castleconnell Sprint Regatta
This year, the club sent a relatively small team to the Castleconnell regatta; first years and second year girls. However, they got plenty of good experience in advance of Champs and the second year girls again came away with plenty of winners medals.
There were two victories in the J15 girls quads, another win in an invitational quad while Caoileann Nic Dhonncha also claimed a victory in the J15 single scull.
J15 girls winners: (l to r) Caoileann NicDhonncha, Carley Mannion, Hazel McNamara (cox), Ciara Walsh, Ruth Griffin
J15 girls winners: (l to r) Roisin Gavin, Rachel O'Malley Raecke, Jessica Barrett, Hazel McNamara (cox), Anna O'Donoghue
Invitational girls winners: (l to r) Aoife Dempsey, Rachel O'Malley Raecke, Hazel McNamara (cox), Ruth Griffin, Carley Mannion
Caoileann NicDhonncha (above) who won the girls J15 single scull and crossing the finishing line (below)
J15 girls just after crossing the finishing line - hands in the air from the cox (Hazel McNamara)
All smiles from the winning J15 girls after the race: (l to r) Hazel McNamara (cox), Caoileann NicDhonncha, Ciara Walsh, Carley Mannion, Ruth Griffin
First year boys enjoying the day: ( l to r) Thoma Hume, Niall Cahalane, Tom McGuinness, Tom Kavanagh, Luke Flynn
Girls J15 double: Ruth Griffin (bow), Aoife Dempsey (stk)
Carley Mannion (bow) and Ciara Walsh (stk) also in a girls J15 double
Galway Regatta
The Galway Regatta took place on June 14th and the good weather again made for a great day’s racing. The regatta proved to be very successful for the Jes rowers. With crews entered in 12 races, the Jes had five 1st place finishes along with six highly creditable 2nd places.
The final of the girls J16 eight with the two Jes crews side by side going past Menlo Castle
Without a doubt some of the best racing took place in the girls J16 8+ where the Jes had two boats entered. In the first semi-final, the Jes B boat, where all girls were U15, was up against Galway. The Jes crew prevailed by a length over their local rivals. Next up was the Jes A boat against a very strong Shandon crew that had taken the honours in Dublin earlier in the year. This time the Jes turned the tables and also took a one length victory. This set up an all Jes final for later in the afternoon. It proved to be a very tight race with the younger girls in the B boat pushing the A crew all the way to the finish before the A crew eventually got the win by a mere half a length. It was tremendous to see two Jes eights competing head to head against each other to such a high standard. The winning crew was Conor O'Sullivan (cox), Laoise Griffin, Sarah Curtis, Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Molly Curtis, Hannah Power, Imogen Silke and Meabh Newman. The crew of the Jes B boat was Aoibhinn McPhilips (cox), Caoileann McDonagh, Eimear Sheridan, Ciara Walsh, Hannah Power, Roisin Gavin, Anna O'Donoghue, Anna Coyne and Holly McHugh.There were two other victories for girls crews during the day. Caoileann NicDhonncha had three very competitive races on her way to taking victory in the girls J15 single scull event. In the under 14 quad, there was also a win for a very strong Jes crew consisting of Anna Young (cox), Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin and Anna Coyne.
In the boys J16 double, Brian Maye teamed up with Daragh Coughlan teamed up for an impressive win. Both Brian and Daragh were back on the water in the afternoon, this time in sculls. Both boys progressed to the all Jes final with Brian just finishing ahead of Daragh on this occasion. These J16 successes did compensate a little for the narrow defeat of the boys J16 8. Another notable performance came from Seamus O’Donoghue in the J18 single scull where he battled through two heats to take 2nd place in the final.
The Galway Regatta was also the first outing of the year for the 1st year rowers and if was great to see two girls crews and one boys crew compete on the water. All can be proud of their performances and can look forward to more action in the future.
The final point of interest for the Jes on the day was a 60th reunion for the surviving members of the 1955 Anderson Cup winning crew from 1955.
The winning J16 8+ (l to r): Laoise Griffin, Sarah Curtis, Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Molly Curtis, Hannah Power, Imogen Silke, Meabh Newman, cox Conor O'Sullivan (missing from photo)
Caolieann NicDhonncha who was an impressive winner of the girls J15 single scull
The victorious girls J14 quad (l to r): Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne and Anna Young (cox)
The J16 8+ B crew (l to r): Holly McHugh, Anna Coyne, Anna o'Donoghue, Roisin Gavin, Ruby Murphy, Ciara Walsh, Eimear Sheridan, Caoileann NicDhonncha and Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox)
Daragh Coughlan (l) and Brian Maye who won the J16 double
Brian Maye also won the J 16 single scull
Seamus O'Donoghue who was runner up in the J18 single scull
Luke Slemon (l) and Seamus O'Donoghue were runners up in the J18 pair
Luke Slemon competing in the J18 single scull
Holly McHugh (l) and Ciara Walsh were finalists in the J15 double
Another J15 quad (l to r): Hazel McNamara (cox), Rachel O'Malley, Aoife Dempsey, Anna O'Donoghue and Jessica Barrett
A happy group of girls pose for the camera
A girls J14 quad compete at their first regatta
Another girls J14 quad
The boys J14 quad compete: (l to r) Daire Elberse (cox), Tom McGuinness, Tom Kavanagh, Domnic Cahill, Thomas Hume
A group of 1st year boys and girls after their races: back (l to r) Katie Ryan, Ellen Forde, Tom McGuinness, Tom Kavanagh, Niall Cahalane, Domnic Cahill, Thomas Hume, front (l to r) Eleanor Egan, Elsie Carney Frazier, Isabela Gannon, Roisin McGrath
Some of the Jes parents smile for the camera
The stars of the 1955 eight
Dublin Metropolitan Regatta
The rowers from Colaiste Iognaid enjoyed considerable success at the 139th Dublin Metrolpolitan Regatta that took place on Blessington Lake on Saturday last. The event attracted rowers from all over the country with a total of 384 crews competing in bright sunshine and calm waters at the Co. Wicklow venue.
The highlight for the Jes came in the boys under 16 where they claimed two victories. The first was in the J16 eight where they enjoyed a comfortable win over Commercial. The winning crew was Daragh Coughlan, Brian Maye, Shane O’Halloran, Daragh Coen, Thomas Power, Mark Ryder, Robert McInerney, Philip Buckley and David Young (cox). The second win came in the J16 four in one of the most exciting finishes of the day. The Jes boat just edged St. Michaels at the line by margin of less than one second. The victorious oarsmen in this boat were Mark Ryder, Thomas Power, Daragh Coen, Philip Buckley and Conor O’Sullivan (cox).
The winning boys J16 eight cruising to victory (above)
Below: (l to r) Robert McInerney, Thomas Power, Daragh Coughlan, Mark Ryder, David Young (cox), Brian Maye, Daragh Coen, Philip Buckley, Shane O'Halloran
The winning boys J16 coxed four with their coaches: (l to r) Mike Sampier, Mattie Kelly (coaches), Thomas Power, Mark Ryder, Conor O'Sullivan (cox), Philip Buckley, Daragh Coen, Liam Molloy (coach)
The girls J16 8+ did very well again, taking second place to rivals from Shandon. Nonetheless, it was a top performance, beating novice Trinity crews and a J18B crew from Neptune. The girls look forward to challenging again at upcoming regattas.
The two WJ15 4x+ quads raced to take 2nd and 4th places in strong competition. The younger WJ14 4x+ proudly earned a 3rd place. Impressive results from the dynamic crews who raced sweep events at the last regatta.
Next up for the crews will be the Galway Regatta on June 14th.
The girls J16 eight: (l to r) Holly McHugh (cox) Laoise NiGhriofa, Sarah Curtis, Molly Curtis, Hannah Power, Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Imogen Silke, Meabh Newman
A girls J15 4X+: (l to r) Anna Young (cox), Holly McHugh, Aoife Dempsey, Rachel O'Malley-Raecke, Jessica Barrett
The girls J14 coxed quad getting some last minute instructions from coach Sarah Sheridan: (l to r) Anna O'Donoghue (cox), Ruby Murphy, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Anna Coyne
Action from the boys J18 double: (l to r) Luke Slemon, Seamus O'Donoghue
The boys J16 double: (l to r) Luke Mulliez, Adam deBurca
Schools, Limerick Regattas
A happy group of Jes rowers - winners of the J16 8+: (Back l to r) Laoise NiGhriofa, Eimear Sheridan, Conor O'Sullivan (cox), Imogen Silke, Meabh Newman, Naomi Colclough (coach), (Front l to r) Grace Egan, Rachel Trench, Moly Curtis, Sarah Curtis
The Limerick and Schools Regattas took place at O’Briens Bridge on the weekend of April 25th, 26th. For the Jes, the main focus of the weekend was the Schools Regatta and this proved to be enormously successful for our young rowers. This year’s Schools Regatta attracted the largest entry ever (over 400 entries from 71 schools) and it was great to see so many schools competing from all over the country including some very strong contingents from Northern Ireland. It is now one of the most significant events for junior rowers on the Irish rowing calendar.
There is no doubt that the Jes J16 and J15 girls stole the show – four races entered and four comprehensive victories. They are now All-Ireland schools champions in the J16 eight and four and the J15 eight and four. This is a remarkable achievement. It is a testament to their skill and dedication and the hard work that they have done on the Corrib and in the gym this year.
The morning began with a big win for the J15 8+ in the first final of the day, followed by a win by the J16 4+ crew. Then in the afternoon, the J15 4+ had an impressive come from behind victory and the day was successfully rounded off by a win for the J16 8+ over some strong opposition from northern schools. The victorious crews were: J16 8+ (Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke, Rachel Trench, Grace Egan, Sarah Curtis, Molly Curtis, Eimear Sheridan, Laoise NiGhriofa (stk) and Conor O’Sullivan (cox)), J16 4+ (Meabh Newman, Laoise NiGhriofa, Eimear Sheridan and Grace Egan (stk) and David Young (cox)), J15 8+ (Holly McHugh, Anna O’Donoghue, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Hannah Power, Anna Coyne, Ruby Murphy, Caolieann Nic Dhonncha (stk) and Conor O’Sullivan (cox) ), J15 4+ (Ruth Griffin, Carley Mannion, Ruby Murphy, Caoileann Nic Dhonncha (stk) and Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox)).
A particular word of appreciation must go to their coaches; Daragh McCarthy, Aine Gavin, Nicole Cooke, Sarah Sheridan and Naomi Colclough. All of these were rowers themselves at the Jes until recently and are now giving an enormous amount of time to coaching, despite their own study commitments. These coaches have also benefited a lot during the year from the advice and guidance from some of the more experienced coaches in the club.
The boys also had some creditable performances. The J16 8+ were edged out in very tight races at the Limerick Regatta and the Schools Regatta – by a canvas on both occasions. They also had a very impressive second place in the J16 4+ at the Schools Regatta. There were also some very strong sculling performances at the Schools Regatta; Robert McInerney and Mark Ryder (4th and 5th ex 24 in the J15 event).
There is definitely much to look forward to for all crews as the summer approaches and the future of Jes rowing is in very good hands.
The winning girls J15 eight on the victory podium: (Back left to right) Hannah Power, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Roisin Gavin, Ruth Griffin, Conor O’Sullivan (cox), Nicole Cooke and Sarah Sheridan (coaches), (Front left to right) Anna O’Donoghue, Holly McHugh, Anna Coyne, Ruby Murphy
A happy looking crew - the girls J15 four arriving back at the slip after their win: (l to r) Caoileann Nic Dhonncha, Ruby Murphy, Carley Mannion, Ruth Griffin, Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox). Waiting to welcome them are coaches Nicole Cooke (left) and Sarah Sheridan (right)
The victorious girls J16 eight approaching the finishing line well ahead of their rivals: (l to r) Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke, Rachel Trench, Grace Egan, Sarah Curtis, Molly Curtis, Eimear Sheridan, Laoise NiGhriofa (stk) and Conor O’Sullivan (cox) (missing from photo)
The winning girls J16 four in control of their race: (l to r) David Young (cox), Meabh Newman, Laoise NiGhriofa, Eimear Sheridan and Grace Egan. Top of the picture is the other Jes 4 who finished in third place.
Seamus O'Donoghue just after his single scull in the early morning sunshine
Robert McInerney and Adam deBurca (right) prepare for their double with some help from Seamus O'Donoghue and under the watchful eye of Liam Molloy (left)
The J15 girls 8 get their oars while the boys carry the boat down to the slip for them!!!
Three of the winning J15 8 relax after their win: (l to r) Anna O'Donoghue, Caoileann NicDhonncha and Roisin Gavin
Th boys J16 8 head down for the start of their race: (l to r) Philip Buckley, Mark Ryder, Daragh Coen, Shane O'Halloran, Brian Maye, Daragh Coughlan, Luke Mulliez (David Young is cox)
Daragh Coughlan in a scull
The J15 4 about to cross the finishing line with no other boat in sight - only a few swans: (l to r) Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox), Ruth Griffin, Carley Mannion, Ruby Murphy, Caolieann NicDhonncha
The J15 4+ with their medals: (l to r) Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox), Ruth Griffin, Carley mannion, Ruby Murphy, Caolieann NicDhonncha
The J16 4+ on the podium: (l to r) Grace Egan, Hannah Power, David Young (cox), Laoise NiGhriofa, Meabh Newman
Galway Head of the River
This year, the Galway Head of the River took place in glorious weather conditions and attracted a large crowd to the River Corrib on March 14th. It turned out to be a highly successful day for the Jes rowers with a number of important wins and a host of other highly impressive performances.
The key victory was in the boys J16 8+ where the Jes crew outclassed their rivals with over a minute to spare over the other competitors. The winning crew was David Young (cox), Philip Buckley (stroke), Mark Ryder, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coen, Thomas Power, Adam de Burca, Daragh Coughlan, Luke Mulliez. This win confirms the potential that they showed at the St. Michaels Head and it should be an exciting summer for this very talented crew.
Four of the J16 8+ crew teamed up in the 4+ and also had a very comfortable victory. The winning crew in this race was Daragh Coughlan, Daragh Coen, Shane O'Halloran, Adam deBurca and Conor O'Sullivan (cox).
There was also an impressive win for the girls J16 4+ who also recorded a comfortable win. The victorious crew in this race was Sarah Curtis, Hannah Power, Imogen Silke, Meabh Newman and Conor O'Sullivan (cox). The Jes girls also had a couple of uncontested wins in the J18 pair and the J16 8+. There were also a number of other strong performances from the girls including 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the J16 scull.
The dominant boys J16 8+ just passing Corrib Village and catching up on the boat that started a minute before them: (l to r) David Young (cox), Philip Buckley (stroke), Mark Ryder, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coen, Thomas Power, Adam de Burca, Daragh Coughlan, Luke Mulliez
Well ahead of their rivals, the boys J16 8+ heading towards the finish having just passed under the Quincentennial Bridge
The impressive boys J16 coxed four who also won their race: (l to r) Daragh Coughlan, Daragh Coen, Shane O'Halloran, Adam deBurca and Conor O'Sullivan (cox)
Tremendous effort and concentration from the winning girls J16 coxed four who had a comfortable victory over their rivals: (l to r) Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke, Hannah Power and Sarah Curtis plus Conor O'Sullivan (cox) - hidden from view
The girls J18 coxless four who performed admirably as all were rowing in a higher age group: (l to r) Laoise NiGhriofa, Rachel Trench, Molly Curtis, Grace Egan
The girls J18 pair: (l to r) Meabh Newman, Imogen Silke
The girls J16 8+: (l to r) Holly McHugh, Anna O'Donoghue, Carley Mannion, Anna Coyne, Ciara Walsh, Hazel McNamara, Ruby Murphy, Caoileann Nic Dhonncha and Hannah Wortman (cox)
The boys J18 pair going under the Quincentennial Bridge: Luke Slemon (bow), Seamus O'Donoghue (stroke)
The boys J18 4+ (l to r) Philip Buckley, Luke Slemon, Seamus O'Donoghue, Thomas Power and David Young (cox)
Two girls J16 coxed quads: (above l to r) Aoibhinn McPhillips, Eimear Sheridan, Ruth Griffin, Roisin Gavin, Jessica Barrett
(below l to r) Ruth Griffin, Carley Mannion, Anna O'Donoghue, Holly McHugh
The Curtis twins in action in the J16 sculls: Molly - above and Sarah - below
Also in the girls J16 scull - Laoise NiGhriofa
The girls J16 double: Hazel McNamara (bow), Caoileann Nic Dhonncha (stroke)
Earlier in the day - preparing for the races
The club also ran a fundraising barbeque during the Head with food being served from 8.00pm to 6.00pm. It was a great success and it contributed enormously to the atmosphere in and around the club.
St Michaels Head of the River
The Jes rowers had their first competitive outing for 2015 at the St Michaels Head of the River on February 21st. They were greeted by bright sunshine at picturesque O'Briens Bridge and it was an excellent opportunity for some good racing. It turned out to be a great day for the Jes with three key victories and a host of other strong performances. Clearly all of the hard work over the winter months was paying off.
The boys J16 eight+ had a tremendous win in their category - the first time that they raced in this boat. They finished more than one minute ahead of their closest rivals in a time that was 11th best of all crews that were on the water during the day. The J16 8+ crew was Adam de Burca (bow), Daragh Coughlan, Brian Maye, Mark Ryder, Daragh Coen, Shane O'Halloran, Luke Mulliez, Philip Buckley (stk) and Robert McInerney (cox). There should be a very exciting summer ahead for this very talented crew.
There was also a great win for the girls J16 8+. The remarkable feature of this win was that the crew was made up of girls who were all under 15 and had only started sweep rowing in the last couple of months. The girls crew was Holly McHugh (bow), Aoife Griffin, Ciara Walsh, Rian Spillane, Ruth Griffin, Hazel McNamara, Ruby Murphy, Caoileann Nic Dhonncha and Imogen Silke (cox).
The third win came in the boys J18 coxed four. Again it notable that it was a young crew with two of the boys still under 16. The winning crew was Brian Maye (bow), Seamus O'Donoghue, Luke Slemen, Philip Buckely (stk) and Luke Mulliez (cox).
Aside from these victories, there were many other very impressive performances from the Jes rowers even though there were several experimental crews and several who competed in older age categories. For example in the girls J18 double, the Jes had two crews competing and they were placed 2nd (Molly and Sarah Curtis) and 5th (Rachel Trench and Laoise NiGhriofa). This was a tremendous achievement as all four are still under 16.
These good performances are also a testament to the dedicated work of the coaches and there is much to look forward to as the regatta season approaches.
The boys J16 8+ racing to victory: (l to r) Adam de Burca (bow), Daragh Coughlan, Brian Maye, Mark Ryder, Daragh Coen, Shane O'Halloran, Luke Mulliez, Philip Buckley (stk) and Robert McInerney (cox)
The girls Junior 16 8+ prepare for their race: (l to r) Imogen Silke (cox), Caoileann Nic Dhonncha (hidden behind coaches Sarah Sheridan and Naomi Colclough), Ruby Murphy, Hazel McNamara, Ruth Griffin, Rian Spillane, Ciara Walsh, Aoife Griffin, Holly McHugh
The winning Junior coxed 4 takes to the water in ideal conditions: (l to r) Philip Buckely, Luke Slemen, Seamus O'Donoghue, Brian Maye and Luke Mulliez (cox)
A girls Junior 15 quad: (l to r) Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox), Rian Spillane, Ciara Walsh, Anna O'Donoghue, Roisin Gavin
The boys Junior 16 coxed four: (l to r) Adam deBurca (cox), Daragh Coughlan, Shane O'Halloran, Daragh Coen, Robert McInerney
Molly and Sarah Curtis putting in a huge effort in the girls Junior pair
Boys coach, John Lawless giving some last minute advice to cox, Adam deBurca. Liam Molloy (left) looks on.
Daragh McCarthy helps Grace Egan with some last minute preparation
The boys Junior pair: (l to r) Luke Slemon and Seamus O'Donoghue
The coaches give some more advice: (l to r) John Lawless, Mark Ryder, Liam Molloy
Luke Mulliez who coxed the Junior 4
Roisin Gavin and Anna O'Donoghue enjoying the sunshine at O'Briens Bridge
Imogen Silke helps to load the trailer
Ruth Griffin
Robert McInerney
Almost ready to go home
Irish Provinces Indoor Rowing
The Irish Provinces Indoor Rowing took place at the University of Limerick on Saturday, November 22nd. As all the action takes place in a confined location, there can be plenty of excitement, particularly in the relay events. 750 athletes representing 59 clubs took part in the competition. The Jes sent a relatively small team to this event but they still managed to come away with several medals.
In the girls under 14, Caoileann McDonagh picked up two individual medals with a silver in the 500m race and a bronze in the 4 minute piece. There was also a bronze for Cillian Blacoe in the boys 500m under 14 event.
In the boys 3rd year relay event (2000m), the Jes A crew were convincing winners with 20 seconds to spare over their nearest rivals. The winning crew was Philip Buckley, Darragh Coen, Brian Maye and Thomas Power. There was heartbreak however for the girls 2nd year relay team who were pipped for first place by just 0.4sec.
Caoileann McDonagh (left) on the podium
Cillian Blacoe gets his medal
The winning 3rd year relay team: Philip Buckley gets encouragement from his team mates (l to r) Darrach Coen, Brian Maye and Thomas Power
Adam Burke rowing for another 3rd year crew with team mates (l to r) Darragh Coughlan, Muke Muliez (hidden) and Shane O'Halloran
Another boys relay team (l to r) Cillian Blacoe, Mark Ryder and Conor O'Sullivan
Anna O'Donoghue rows for the girls 2nd year team with Ciara Walsh (right) looking on while Caoileann McDonagh (back left) checks the placing on the big screen
Castleconnell Head of the River
Another rowing season again began at the Castleconnell Head of the River which was held on November 1st. For the second year in a row, the weather was very windy and wet and the conditions for rowing were extremely difficult. Throughout the morning, the conditions continued to deteriorate and the Head was effectively cancelled just before lunch as the high winds made the rowing unsafe.
As a result, CIRC only managed to get 9 out of 22 crews on the water although all of those crews did complete the course without any incidents. With the weather being the only real winner on the day and with the conditions varying so much during the morning, it was difficult to realistically compare times. Nevertheless, the Jes did take the the honours in two events; the mens J14 double and the womens J16 eight. The crew in the double was Robert McInerney and Mark Ryder (stk). This was the first outing for the new womens J16 eight who performed very impressively on the day.
The Womens Junior 16 eight crossing the finishing line: (l to r) Sarah Curtis, Maeve Newman, Grace Egan, Molly Curtis, Hannah Power, Rachel Trench, Eimear Sheridan, Deirdre Coyne (stk), Imogen Silke (cox)
The mens J14 double getting some last minute advice: (l to r) Robert McInerney, John Lawless (head coach) and Mark Ryder
Womens J14 coxed quad: (l to r) Holly McHugh, Hazel McNamara, Anna Coyne, Caoileann NicDhonncha, Aoibhinn McPhillips (cox)
Womens J14 coxed quad: (l to r) Jessica Barrett (cox), Ruby Murphy, Carley Mannion, Anna O'Donoghue, Rian Spillane
Mens J15 coxed quad: (l to r) Philip Buckley (cox), Luke Mulliez, Adam deBurca, Brian Maye, Daragh Coughlan
Mens J18 sculler Donal Coen getting some shelter by rowing close to the bank
Mens J18 double: (l to r) Daragh Coen (stk), Kai McGlacken
Finishing the womens J14 double in the toughest of the conditions: Ciara Walsh and Hannah Wortmann (stk)
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