Castletownbere Rowing Club

Castletownbere Rowing Club
	THE Castletownbere Rowing Club had a very successful season at various rowing events and regattas around the coast. On Sunday, August 1, the club took part in the annual rowing races at Ahakista, where the following crews won their respective races: Under 14 girls— Mary O’Sullivan, Susan Murphy, Emer O’Neill and Rachel O’Leary. Under 14 boys —Brendan Dudley, Michael Murphy, Patrick O’Brien and Neville Holland. Under 16 boys—David O’Sullivan, Albert O’Sullivan-Greene, David O’Brien and Martin Power. Minor—Finbarr O’Sullivan-Greene, Gavin O’Donoghue, David O’Sullivan and David Sullivan. Senior ladies—Bernie O’Shea, Mairead O’Shea, Esther Dudley and Elizabeth Van Nulck. Senior men—Gavin Power, Sean Daly, Finbarr O’Sullivan-Greene and David Sullivan. On the following day, August Bank Holiday Monday, the club continued their winning streak at their home Berehaven Regatta, with all the above crews winning their races. Earlier this year, the Castletownbere club took part in the first ever Ocean to City Race.
This excruciating 14.7 nautical-mile race started at Crosshaven, headed out around the mouth of Cork Harbour, then up the River Lee, almost as far as Merchant’s Quay. The Castletownbere crew did very well in this race by finishing in the fastest time and coming in 12th overall after handicapping. It is hoped to have over two hundred boats taking part in this race in 2005. The club continued its success last Saturday week at the annual rowing championships which were held near Whitegate, East Cork, when the club’s senior men and ladies’ crews again proved their might by retaining their All-Ireland title for another year. The senior team of Gavin Power, Sean Daly, Finbarr O’Sullivan-Greene and David O’Sullivan rowed Finbarr Murphy’s (Bere Island) fibre glass boat to victory in the Open Classic 2,700m race. The same crew retained their outrigger gig senior title for the third year running. Also at Whitegate, the senior ladies’ crew of Mairead O’Shea, Bernadette O’Shea, Mary (Tim) O’Sullivan, Sandra Joy and Esther Dudley were pipped at the post in a tough race, but came home happy with second place in the senior ladies’ gig race for 2004. All the crews would like to take this opportunity to thank all their sponsors who have made it possible to travel to such events and bring the gold home to such a small club year after year. Rowing is a tough and demanding sport, and the club would like to thank its young members who keep it going, with a special thanks to Finbarr O’Sullivan-Greene and Mary (Tim) O’Sullivan, who are the club’s youngest All-Ireland champions. Credit is also due to Dan (The Master) O’Sullivan and John O’Shea for their continued dedication and commitment in the training of each crew. They are determined to keep gig rowing alive in Beara and, because of their efforts and commitment, teenagers and young adults have the opportunity to engage in a water sport, through which they can develop a wonderful fitness, the skill of rowing and the experience of being a member of a crew and socialising in a healthy environment with their peers. All this, in turn, gives the Beara area water entertainment over the August Bank Holiday. Sadly, to everyone’s disappointment, this year’s pig and pole competition at the annual regatta had to be cancelled due to the high cost of insurance. As we have said before, great credit is due to the rowing club for staging the annual regatta each year, especially this year when the town failed to hold its annual Festival of the Sea. Thought now must be given to next year’s regatta and if there’s going to be a festival as well and how the town can provide alternative water fun. With forward planning and local co-operation, there is no reason why the annual regatta cannot be made enjoyable for everyone.