Gannon balance of power may shift

Tomorrow's Gannon Cup, which pits Trinity against UCD in Ireland's Boat Race, looks set to give the crowds lining the Liffey in Dublin the closest contest in years.

Trinity have managed to win the last six consecutive Gannons, but the closeness of last year's contest, with UCD setting the early pace only to see Trinity power past to win, is one reason for the suggestion that power may be about to shift; more convincing is the news coming from the camps.

"We definitely are major underdogs for this one," says Trinity coach Sebastiaan Peeters. Only two oarsmen in his crew, Nick Heathcote and club captain Tom Bruxner, along with cox Niamh O Dunlaing, were in last year's winning boat, and, more importantly, UCD put together two wins over Neptune's senior eight over the course last weekend.

The picture is not all negative for the defending champions, of course. They had a competitive outing in the Netherlands in recent weeks, and in stroke man Andrew Coleman they have one of the most experienced oarsmen in Ireland.

Only 25, Coleman won the Gannon with Trinity on his three outings, 1997 to 1999, and he is now back from a yearlong sojourn with Neptune.

His direct opponent in the stroke seat of the UCD crew is also a young man, but with an impressive pedigree.

Neil Casey (20) had a very fine 2000, winning a national senior title as part of a double scull with Brendan Dolan, and finishing ninth in the lightweight sculls in the world under23 championships.

The UCD boat also features formidable former Muckross man James Mangan in the number three seat and fellow countyman Oliver Jagerman in four. Francis Maguire, Brian Farrell and James McCullough were also in the boat which did so well last year.

The men's senior race, which begins at 4.15 should be quite a contest. There is again a full programme, sponsored by Boru Vodka, with a women's senior (4.45) and novice race (5.0) and a men's novice race (4.30).

The captain of UCD's senior women's crew, Kate O'Flynn, has had to drop out because of injury. All the races will be run from O'Connell Bridge to close to Heuston station.

Earlier tomorrow, starting at 11 o'clock, the extraordinary general meeting of the IARU will take place at the Garda boathouse. The incorporation of the union is part of the agenda, but much of the debate may centre around two motions which strive to rationalise the grading system used at present.