Limerick and national schools regatta

Next weekend sees Limerick host one of the busiest weekends of rowing with both Limerick Regatta and the National Schools Regatta taking place in O’Briensbridge. Building on the success of previous years and thanks to the efforts of the organising committee the 2015 Limerick Regatta will have a record entry.

Hosted by the combined efforts of all Limerick’s Rowing Clubs, the regatta is celebrating 145 years in existence and is 1 of just 7 ‘full status’ regattas on Rowing Ireland’s racing calendar. Over 1,200 athletes from all over Ireland will make the trip to the O’Briensbridge course for a packed schedule of rowing with events from Junior 14 -18, Novice, Intermediate, Senior and Masters.

With a packed schedule Saturday’s racing starts at 8am through to 6.30pm, with over 55 finals being decided from 12-2pm & 4:30-6:30pm. Local crews from Athlunkard, Castleconnell, Limerick, Shannon, St. Michael’s & UL will be keeping up hopes for home wins.

Sunday has Limerick Regatta hosting the National Schools Regatta for the second year in succession. 2015 sees an unprecedented entry of almost 400 crews, representing 71 schools from all 4 provinces including Portora from Enniskillen & Methodist College from Belfast. This is the largest entry in the event’s history. This event continues to grow from its start as part of the University Championships hosted by UL in 2006 with a dozen crew completing.

Last year the ‘Victor Lodorum’ Trophy for best overall school was presented to Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy. On Sunday local club crews will swap their club colours to complete for their schools Ard Scoil Ris, Castletroy College, Laurel Hill, Gaelcolaiste Luimnigh and Colaiste Chiarain.

The regattas are run over a 4 lane buoyed 1,500m course (races for Junior 14, 15 & veterans are over 1,000m). The course runs towards O’Briensbridge with excellent viewing positions at the start and finish lines with live commentary, and it’s free to all spectators and supporters.

Parking restrictions apply so visitors are advised to park in the town and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque river bank to the rowing enclosure.

Catering facilities are hosted this year by Castleconnell Boat Club with purchases going to support the clubs ongoing fundraising efforts. Tea, coffee, cake and from the competitors point of view the most important – PASTA will be on offer as well as lots more.

Full details on the event including the draw, competitors, photos, live tweets, results and most importantly the catering menu can be found on www.rowingireland.ie and on the Limerick Regatta Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/limerickregatta