The first phase of the High Performance coastal rowing trials took place at the National Rowing Centre on Saturday 9 August and proved to be a great success. Each athlete completed a 2K water trial in a coastal single, with the event running smoothly thanks to the efforts of volunteers and Rowing Ireland staff.
In the senior women’s category, Sophia Monahan of Shandon Boat Club, who recently represented Ireland in the A final at the U23 World Championships, posted the fastest time of the day. Her sister Isabella, returning from a strong showing at the Home Internationals, was the quickest in the junior women’s category.
The senior men’s event saw Donagh Claffey of University of Galway Boat Club, a medalist at the U23 World Championships, mark his first ever race in a coastal single with the top time in his grade. It was not only international athletes making an impression, as Luke Nixon of Kilmacsimon Rowing Club, this year’s Rowing Ireland Club of the Year, delivered a blistering performance to lead the junior men’s category.
The High Performance Selection Panel will now review the results before inviting selected athletes to Phase 2 of the trialling process.
