NUI Galway women crews set for big Henley Regatta

By Ruth Elwood

A number of NUI Galway women crews travel to the Henley Women’s Regatta this week. They are competing in three boats, two Championship 8s+ and a Developmental 4+. This comes just two weeks after their five wins at the London Metropolitan Regatta. The colege have 24 rowers  in total taking part and are looking forward to the event

The crews have undergone tough preparations with an intense regime that involves 6 30am spins up the river, followed by a day’s college or work, and a gym session in the evening. With 12 training sessions a week, their dedication cannot be questioned.

Crew member Sorcha O’Donnell explains what it’s like travelling as an Irish crew: “We’re definite underdogs. We trust each other; we perform best in big boats.”

Club Captain Georgina Deane believes this trip will be one to remember. ”It’s an exciting prospect, the racing is different to Ireland. We don’t know much about the opposition at all. The girls are excited to be racing as there have been mass cancellations of regattas during the season.

The NUIG crews are also attempting to qualify for the Remenham Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, something an Irish women’s crew has never achieved before. This trip serves as perfect preparation before the Irish Rowing Championships which take place in July.

The crews will be taking part in a time trial on Friday and compete across the weekend. To follow their journey, there will be a live stream available   under ‘Women’s Henley Regatta 2018’ on Youtube.