Four members of Gaoth Dobhair’s Cumann na gCurach travelled to Warrenpoint in County Down last weekend to compete in Carlingford Lough Currach Club’s 18th annual International Championships.
Fíona Nic Fhionnlaoich and Ó Domhnaill brothers Ronán, Simon and Michael secured an impressive eight podium finishes.
The event this year saw crews from Ireland, England and the USA compete over two days in a high volume of events including single, double, treble, mixed and an ‘out of a hat’ competition where crews were compiled on a composite basis which engendered a great sense of camaraderie between clubs.
The Gaoth Dobhair rowers were placed as follows:
2nd place for Ronán, Michael and Fíona in the mixed trebles
1st for Ronan and Fíona and 3rd for Simon in the mixed doubles
2nd for Michael and Ronan in the men’s doubles
3rd for Fíona in the Ladies’ singles
1st for Ronán and 3rd for Michael in the Men’s singles
2nd for Ronán in the ‘out of a hat’ race
Club chairperson William Boyle added: ‘I am delighted that they had a good weekend in Warrenpoint, it is a very well run event and we always receive a warm welcome there. Carlingford Lough Currach Club go above and beyond to ensure that everyone has a good time there. It is more than a competition, it is a social event and an opportunity to share an affinity for traditional rowing with others. Friendships have been created and sustained for many years since the beginning of the championships 18 years ago.”
While the championships centre on a healthy sense of competition, the event itself is bookended and punctuated by a variety of cultural events with activities provided for participants and spectators to enjoy such as traditional music, dance and story-telling.
Cumann na gCurach can be found on Facebook and Instagram and welcomes enquiries from prospective members.
