Jake and Fintan to race at Skibbereen Regatta

FRESH from winning a bronze medal at the recent Piediluco International Regatta Jake and Fintan McCarthy will be in action for Skibbereen Rowing Club at its annual Grand League regatta at the National Rowing Centre on May 4th and 5th. 

Each year the entry continues to grow due to the gaining popularity of rowing. This annual regatta accommodates athletes from junior 14s to senior athletes, and it gives a unique opportunity for younger and developing athletes to race alongside their international rowing heroes. 

This regatta is going from strength to strength with 770 crews entering in 2018 a big jump from the 670 crews entered in 2017 which equates to approximately 2,000 competitors. 

Also at the start line, as well as Jake and Fintan McCarthy who raced in the lightweight men’s double for Ireland at Piediluco, will be Finn O’Reilly. He will hope to showcase why he has been pre-selected for the U18 Irish squad competing at the Coupe de la Jeunesse this summer in Italy. Finn got his first international call-up last month after a long and tough selection process. 

There are many events to cater for the younger rowers that have taken up the sport in recent years with many boat categories for junior 14 and junior 15 athletes. 

The Grand League Regatta series was established by Rowing Ireland in 2010 and has since become the premier domestic league in Ireland, contributing to the development of athletes. It provides rowers at all levels with the opportunity to perform and develop their racing prowess in a fair and competitive environment and for these athletes there is no greater reward.