John Keohane set for action at Limerick Regatta

Big entries have been a feature of the rowing season so far, and tomorrow’s Limerick Regatta at O’Brien’s Bridge fits right in. Four hundred crews from 33 clubs have signed up, with a race scheduled every four minutes from 8.30 am to 7.15 pm.

Sinead Jennings and Monika Dukarska are just two of the entries in a strong field of six in the women's single sculls, while John Keohane, recently chosen to represent Ireland at the European Championships, is the standout name in the men's single sculls' entry. In the men's senior eight, local club St Michael's are set to face Trinity. The organisers will pronounce this morning on whether the forecast winds will result in a cancellation.

Unexpected boost
The ill winds which forced last weekend's trials to be brought forward to the Saturday morning held an unexpected boost for Presentation College. Their junior eight had a little more time before travelling to England to compete on Sunday at Wallingford Regatta on the Olympic course at Eton Dorney. The crew finished fourth of the 10 competing crews in the Junior 18B event.

The Irish crews in action at the giant British University Championships at Nottingham came from Queen’s University. The men’s lightweight pair and women’s beginners’ eight from the Belfast college took second places, which finished on Monday. In recent years Queen’s have had some remarkable results in this regatta, and they won the men’s championships eights title in 2010.

The development of a multi-lane course at Lough Rynn in Leitrim remains on track. It is understood the laying of the course is being put out to tender. Regattas could be staged at the venue next year.