Athlone Boat Club completed their rowing endeavours for the season with participation at a friendly regatta in Lough Rynn in recent times.
With news emanating that the 2020 Irish Rowing Championships and numerous large scale regattas were cancelled due to the persistent presence of COVID-19, the outing in Lough Rynn was a welcome experience.
Joined by the Sligo Rowing Club, Commercial Rowing Club and the Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club, the Athlone Boat Club competed in both the Junior and Master categories.
Beneath the scorching sun, the caravan of trailers piled high with boats arrived at Lough Rynn and the work of putting the boats together commenced.
The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, with all participants, coaches ad spectators eagerly looking forward to the day ahead and the challenges that it presented.
The calm reflective water was disturbed only by the boats proceeding to the starting line and crossing the finish line. The Junior 15s doubles started proceedings as the competition began in earnest.
Sitting on the embankment the coaches and those in attendance scanned proceedings through binoculars to give a running commentary on how the teams were progressing.
As per usual, Athlone Boat Club did not disappoint with wins in Junior 15 2s for Zach Meegan and Liam Rowan, Junior 16 1s for Cian Scanlon and Junior 18 2s for Andrew Carroll and Martin O’Grady. The club’s Master’s were represented by both Paul Gallen and Alan Kenny with Paul attaining success.
Whilst the season ended abruptly, training will continue in anticipation of the 2021 championships and regattas alike.
