THE Southern Star South West Rowing Schools’ Regatta, hosted by the Rosscarbery Rowing Club, will take place in the Lagoon in Rosscarbery this Friday, May 1st, with the first race starting at 6.30pm.

The annual schools regatta, now in its fifth year, has helped to introduce young school kids to rowing, and also helped the youngsters discover one of the most popular sports in the region.

‘It’s very important that young people are involved in sports and are exposed to as many as possible. Rowing is a sport they can try out. If they like it, they can come along. It gives them another option to get involved in a sport,’ SWCYRA chairperson Michael Walsh said.

‘Last year, well over 200 children got a chance to try out rowing for the first time and get involved in it. 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.’

A total of 11 races will take place with schools from across West Cork taking part. All are welcome to attend.

• Keep an eye on next week’s Southern Star Sport for an eight-page special from the big regatta!