< Back to CLUB NEWS

News 2013

The Duck Race

The crowds flocked to the banks of the canal by Ward's shop for this year's installment of the duck race. In weather conditions that definitely favoured the ducks, they were treated to one of the most exciting races in years. It was not long before the 200 hundred ducks were bobbling their way along the water at a tremendous pace - cleraly benefiting from their hours of training on the Corrib and in the gym. In a very tight finish , 103 just had the edge on 101 by a beak (or was it a canvas). There was clear water back to 164 who came in third.

The results were as follows:

1st - number 103 - Jack Mannion - Seller Colette Lydon

2nd - number 101 - Conor and Eoghan Coughlan - Seller Eleanor Coughlan

3rd - number 164 - Tom McHugh - Seller Colette Lydon

4th - number 88 - Una ? - Seller Mary Kilrane Hannon

Our thanks to all who helped out with the event and to everyone who supported our fundraiser.

The winning ducks all in a row

Letter from Ms. Catherine Hickey, Acting Principal and Secretary of the Board of Management, Coláiste Iognáid

Following its meeting on Wednesday, September 25th 2013, the Board asked me to express its thanks and congratulations to the parents, past pupils, coaches and students of the Rowing Club in particular for their performances during the summer months when the rest of us were enjoying the summer school break.

The Board is very conscious that the hard work of the Rowing Club community throughout the year comes to a climax during the months of June and July when the school is closed for the summer holidays. The Board would not like the Rowing Club members to think that since its major events are outside the normal school going period that their hard work and achievements are not noted and enjoyed.

I’m writing on the Board’s behalf to express my own and the Board’s appreciation of all the Rowing Clubs members contribute to the life of the school and to the welfare of the students in particular. We are very conscious that the great success that the Club achieved during the summer months is the fruit of dedicated coaching and committed training by students. We would like to convey to club members the deep appreciation of the Board for all that the Club has achieved and contributed not only last year but over the years.

The Board is also conscious of the contribution that the Club members made during the unenviable task of emptying the Griffin building before refurbishment and helping to furnish it again after refurbishment so that it was ready for the start of the new school year on Monday, 26th August, 2013. The Board would once again like to convey its thanks for both the offer of help and for the help that was given.
In expressing our heartfelt thanks and congratulations, the Board wished the Rowing Club every success in the year ahead.

With every good wish,

Yours sincerely,

Ms. Catherine Hickey
Acting Principal and Secretary of BoM, Coláiste Iognáid
(Dated October 1st 2013)

Two Jes Rowers and Coach selected for Ireland

Michael Lawless and Kai Mc Glacken were selected to represent Ireland at this year's Home Internationals at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, England. They competed in both the Men’s Junior 18 Coxed Four and Eight at the end of July.

Michael and Kai are following in the footsteps of former Jes athletes who have rowed for Ireland. In recent years these have included Olympian Cormac Folan, World Under 23 Lightweight Silver Medallist Niall Kenny. Also, Neasa Folan, Heather Boyle, Andrea O' Grady, Aifric Keogh, Zoe Mannion, Eddie Mullarkey, Keith Duffy and Andrew Bell, all represented Ireland in junior rowing while students at the Jes.

Colaiste Iognaid Head Coach, John Lawless was also selected as coach for these Four and Eight crews at the Home Internationals. As further recognition for the club, the Irish team was based at CIRC as it prepared for the regatta.

Congratulations to Michael, Kai and John on these outstanding achievements.

Michael Lawless (left) and Kai Mc Glacken

The Annual Barbecue

The CIRC barbecue and blessing of the boats took place as usual the day after the national championships – this year the 22nd July.

This is now a well establised rowing occasion in Galway and again the Jes rowers welcomed their parents and families, coaches, and former Jes rowers – many of whom are now rowing for the National University College in Galway. The Club also enjoys welcoming their friends and neighbours from the other Galway rowing clubs.