Crisis for Fennessy

WITH the success of the Olympic coxless four providing the backdrop to their a.g.m. last weekend, Ireland's domestic clubs conceded ground to the internationals and in doing so handed the new IARU president, Tom Fennessy, a new problem.

International experience and the development of university rowing were issues that were highlighted as needing urgent attention by outgoing president, Dermot Henihan.

Ireland's under 23 squad is now accepted as being a necessary stepping stone to senior international competition, but has already suffered from fixture clashes.

Last year's Nations' Cup coxed four had to be withdrawn at the last minute when Tribesman refused to release three oarsmen from their championship boat. By a narrow margin, the clubs voted to move the date of the senior and lightweight championships from July back to September 19th and 20th.

"Oarsmen have had to leave the smaller clubs who wanted them to row in the nationals, rather than international events and that has been to the detriment of the athletes, and the benefit of clubs like Neptune," said the under-23 coach, Malachy McGlinn.

However, the changes in the domestic rowing calendar received a hostile reception from university and schools representatives. "It is the nail in the coffin for college rowing. How do they expect people to compete in an event a week before start of college? We're considering boycotting the union's calendar and UCDL will probably target the English championships now," said Cara Hanrahan.

The split now leaves Tom Fennessy, who was elected president on the Munster, Leinster and Ulster vote, with the possibility of an early emergency general meeting.

The clubs voted against an increase in the international levy they paid for the union, opting instead to introduce an individual registration fee which starts at £5 for juniors and rises to £10 a year.