Big Boats line up for Liffey challenge

For the second consecutive weekend, Dubliners will get a chance to see big boats race down the Liffey. The Dublin Head of the River tomorrow

has drawn an entry of 42 crews, over 30 of them eights, headed up by five men’s senior eights and three women’s senior eights. The event is run on a time-trial basis, with UCD’s men’s senior eight the first crew off from the start near O’Connell Bridge at 3.15pm.

In last weekend's Colours races Trinity's senior women were surprise winners over UCD in the Corcoran Cup, while the novice races were shared. But the Gannon Cup for senior men stole the show.

Raced into a headwind, Trinity nosed ahead at the Ha'penny Bridge and remained marginally in front coming at Watling Street bridge. But they never surged a full boatlength clear, and UCD took the lead on the stretch opposite Guinnesses. The race ended with an unwanted drama as Trinity captain Luke Acheson collapsed with hypoxia and had to be taken to hospital.

International front
On the international front, Ireland lightweight single sculler Claire Lambe is entered in the biggest class in terms of numbers (14) at the World Cup regatta in Sydney next weekend – but the Dubliner is a good tip for a medal as none of the three medallists from last year's World Championships have travelled. Richard Coakley heads up the Australian challenge in an entry of nine in the men's lightweight single and should be among the medals.

At the Women's Head of the River in London, Queen's University, Belfast, fielded two intermediate eights and a novice eight in the elite section. The top Queen's crew placed 45th.

The new Rowing Ireland tracker system has gone live. One of the biggest advantages is that entrants for events will be able to pay entry fees online.

Meanwhile, next Friday is the closing date for applications for the post of team manager of the Ireland rowing team at the World University Championships.