ST Michael’s Rowing Club last week hosted the ‘Head of the River’ race, which was staged in Limerick for the first time in 25 years.
Racing began at the cement factory bend of the River Shannon all the way up past Barrington’s Pier and the Dock Wall with the finish line between the Clayton Hotel and Shannon Bridge. Over 70 crews took part in the 5.5km time trial event, which was hailed locally as an “outstanding success”.
St Michael’s Rowing Club Captain, Brian Richardson explained, “The Head of the River Race is a unique event as all crews launched from the club’s new slip with an armada of 70 crews rowing en masse down river to the race start.”
“I was rowing myself in the St Michael’s veteran eight. It was a cracking race. I just want to thank everyone in the club who ran the event and all the crews who travelled from Limerick, Dublin, Galway, Carlow and beyond.”
Local crews tasted success with St Michael’s winning the men’s J18 double sculls, women’s J18 eights and the men’s junior 16 quad sculls. There were also very strong performances from the other local crews including Athlunkard, Limerick, Shannon, UL and Castleconnell.
A composite of Shannon and Castleconnell rowing under Castleconnell colours took home the silverware in the men’s masters eights and were the third fastest crew overall.
The event also saw an international entry as St Michael’s hosted Societe des Regates Messines from Metz in France, who competed in the Women’s Masters 4x event.
St Michael’s President, John O’Sullivan, was on hand to present pennants for category winners.
“I was delighted with how effectively the event was run and to see all crews enjoying themselves. A great day of racing was had by all. It was particularly pleasing to see the people of Limerick City take to the banks of the Shannon to support all crews,” John enthused.
by Alan Jacques
