Denises Italian Job earns a bronze medal

Great weekend: Denise Walsh and Claire Lambe won bronze medals in Italy.

DENISE Walsh won a bronze medal at the Memorial Paolo d’Aloja international regatta in Piediluco, northern Italy over the weekend.

One of three Skibbereen rowers representing Ireland in this popular international regatta that saw 27 countries take part, Denise competed in the women’s lightweight double with her partner Claire Lambe.

The duo came second in their heat on Friday and secured a place in the final on Saturday, where they took bronze in a time of 7.18, with South Africa and Italy finishing in the top two positions.

Denise and Claire also took part in the women’s heavyweight double on Sunday and finished fifth.

Skibbereen brothers Gary and Paul O’Donovan turned in two strong performances on both Friday and Saturday in the men’s lightweight double, finishing third on both days. They just missed out on the finals.

This regatta provides essential experience to all rowers ahead of the forthcoming European Championships in Poznan at the end of May.

Ireland, who sent a team of eight, had a successful regatta, finishing seventh out of 24 countries with the women’s pair winning gold on both days and the lightweight women’s scull securing silver.

Gary, Paul and Denise travelled to Varese in Italy on Wednesday to take part in a week-long training camp in preparation for the international racing season.