Tin Fish Tales: Irish Indoor Rowing Championships

There have been precious few opportunities to race this season so the chance to get out and work at free rate, even if it was on the rowing machine was grabbed by the squad today at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships. While I am well aware that rowing machines do not float, the ability to get out and perform in an environment you're not particularly keen on at a time not of your choice is an important one. Add to this that this event is a component of the Irish rowing team selection strategy and it made for a healthy focus for all.
The day started with Ciarán in the LTA category, this is a 1k event as the LTA 4+ races over this distance internationally. This was also Ciarán's first time over 1k in a test environment. A steady start saw Ciarán sitting just behind the early leaders, Ciarán stuck at his target split well and was well able to move on in the final quarter to take 1st place by 0.2 of a second. Great result and a great start to the competition for UCCRC.
The third race of the day was the next highlight for the UCCRC. The Men's Open Lightweight event which saw Justin Ryan pitched among others, against his old club mate and training partner Niall Kenny. Justin set off loose and steady sitting behind Niall the whole way down the track and following Ciarán's example put in a blistering finish to win his category by 0.1 of a second. Another medal for Justin and UCCRC.
The biggest batch of UCCRC athletes then went off in the U23 event with light and heavies racing at the same time. 4 personal bests were pulled out of the bag including a great 3rd place for Andy Harrington and a good step on from John Griffin, closing the gap on some of the established successful U23 lightweights.
Whether those that raced feel happy with their result or not, the event has provided plenty of information for each member of the squad and coaches- with several areas that can now be addressed in training and improved upon in future races.
While I am keen not to look backwards, it is worth noting that almost all of the scores produced today by UCC athletes are in a different ball park from those being produced in the last 2 seasons. In many cases, that different ball park is also in a different galaxy.
Good job, now back to work!