THE South West Rowing Schools Regatta is an ideal gateway for young people to discover a new sport, insists Michael Walsh.

Hosted by Rosscarbery Rowing Club this year, the popular event, sponsored by The Southern Star, will take place on Friday, May 1st, at the Lagoon in Rosscarbery, with the first race starting at 6.30pm.

The 2025 edition held at Kilkeran Lake, the home of Galley Flash Rowing Club, attracted over 30 schools, and participation is expected to be strong again.

From Eyeries National School in Beara to Scoil Eoin in Innishannon, schools from all across West Cork are set to take part and dip their oars into the wonderful world of rowing.

Chairperson of the South West Coastal Yawl Rowing Association, Michael Walsh believes it is vital that young people find a sport that suits them – and rowing can offer that alternative.

One of the Drinagh National School crews that took part in last year's schools' regatta.

‘It’s very important that young people are involved in sport and are exposed to as many as possible. Every parish and every club will have GAA teams, but not every child is suited to those types of sports. Rowing is a sport they can try out,’ he told The Star Sport Podcast.

‘If they like it, they can come along. It gives them another option to get involved. We’re living by the coast here in West Cork – everybody has access to it. We’re privileged to have so many fine clubs along the coast and to get people to use the natural facilities in their environment.

‘Last year, well over 200 children got a chance to try rowing for the first time. It’s non-competitive – they all get a chance to row. It’s a fun day out. They row a race and they all get medals.’

While it is a schools event, local clubs play a key role in promoting it. Castletownbere, Courtmacsherry, Dunmanway, Galley Flash, Kilmacsimon Quay, Kilmacsimon, Myross, Ring and Rosscarbery all help their local schools in the build-up to the schools regatta.

‘The clubs, in particular, see this as one of the best recruitment drives. Clubs need new members all the time. One of the big advantages of the schools regatta is that it exposes new people to rowing,’ Walsh explained.

‘Rosscarbery U18 rowers went around to schools in their area and spoke to fifth- and sixth-class pupils about rowing, how they got involved and what they are achieving. Some are now competing internationally in beach sprints, for instance. They were able to share their personal experiences. As a result, there have been a number of enquiries coming back to the clubs.’

Rosscarbery is an ideal venue for this year’s event and, if conditions hold, it promises to be an enjoyable occasion.

‘Rosscarbery is a natural venue. If we have a good tide, there’s even more water there. It’s a very safe venue from the schools’ point of view too – very little wind and very little tide.

‘It’s a lovely venue, particularly for beginners, and a massive asset to the local rowing club. They are able to use it all year round, in all weather. Very rarely is there a time when you can’t row there,’ Walsh added.

Seán Mahon, Managing Director of The Southern Star, added: ‘We are delighted to sponsor the South West Rowing Schools Regatta again this year. This is a brilliant event that encourages young people to get involved in sport. We all know how successful West Cork rowers have been in recent times, so maybe we’ll see future stars on the water in the Lagoon in Rosscarbery. Everyone is welcome to attend.’