|
UCD Boat Club |
UCD Boat Club News
UCD Elite Athlete Academy Application Deadline: We would also like to remind you that the application deadline for the existing UCD Rowing Sports Scholarship is the 30th APRIL and the application form is available here. Applicants can and should apply to both scholarship programs. If you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Naoise Grisewood, Tel: +353 87 9805902, Email: ngrise@yahoo.com Update: 2010 Seville training camp The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said that the best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. Over the past three years UCDBC have deviated slightly from this advice, leaving the winter gloom of the Emerald Isle and venturing forth to the tranquil waters of the Guadalquivir. It is hoped that when UCD’s oarsmen return from Seville, they will do so well prepared for the rigours of the approaching season.
Butler Cup 2009 One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the boat club’s social calendar, the Butler cup, will take place on Saturday the 19th of December 2009. First and foremost, the day represents UCDBC’s new novice’s first acquaintance with the exhilaration of head to head racing. The preliminary rounds are scheduled to begin at 2:00pm. Racing will continue throughout the day, impervious both to precipitation and inebriation. As is tradition, a number of mixed eights will take to the water, between the early rounds and the finals, ostensibly for the purposes of showing the competing novices how things should be done. These races are open to anybody who can brave the elements and the likelihood of embarrassment. The winning crew will be presented with the President’s drum, and the losers will scorned for a thousand years. Off the water, events will have a decidedly festive flavour. Mince pies and hot whiskey, among other refreshments, will be in plentiful supply. The boathouse will be adorned with the gaudiest decorations which we can lay our hands on, and the winter cold will be kept at bay by both warm conversation and, perhaps more importantly, several patio heaters. As night falls a mass exodus towards the city centre will ensue, and all those fortunate to survive will arrive at Hartigan’s, where the fun and ritual humiliation can flirt with the boundaries of propriety. I encourage all to join in on the festivities.
Update: Season 2009/10 The 2009/10 season has had rather a tentative start. Inclement weather saw the cancellation of Neptune head, as well as more than a few training sessions. However, despite the lack of action on the water, there has been a great deal of activity within the club. Peter Grogan and Andrew Neale, former members of Offaly rowing club, are the latest recipients of the UCD sports scholarship. Both already possess impressive records in the sport, and they have high hopes to continue this success at their new club. In addition to the arrival of new oarsmen, this year also sees great changes in the coaching staff. Returning as head coach is ex-Olympian Pat Gannon. Pat’s involvement with the club in past seasons saw great success, and it is hoped that his expertise and enthusiasm can once again bring victory to UCDBC. Joining him are Martin Feeley and Pat McDonagh, both former Olympians and skilled coaches themselves. All three have been working closely with crews at every level, and it is expected that their involvement will bring about vast improvements in the technical proficiency and sporting acumen of all those they coach. On the social side of things, the boat club ball was held in the Gresham hotel on 30th of October. The night was a veritable triumph, and all concerned enjoyed themselves. Tom Doyle was the proud winner of the sculler of the year award, which, added to his sixth place finish in the Dublin sculling ladder, confirms his standing as UCD’s premier sculler. Sean O’Neill was named rower of the year, and was honoured to accept the award. Aristotle once said that success is not an act, but a habit. Over the coming months UCD’s oarsmen will strive towards excellence in all aspects of the sport and, provided the Maelström abates, will take to the water in the New Year, hoping to create a winning habit.
Gala Day 2009: Attention Boat Club Alumni!!:
2009 - 2010 Club Elections: Best of luck to them! Lastly, I would like to thank all the coaches, committees and volunteers I worked with this season. Your help made a tough job a lot easier. Signing off! NG 2008/2009 News Archive available here. |
As the first closing date for CAO applications draws near (Monday next, 1st February), we are encouraging rowers with exceptional sporting experience or potential to apply for one of the places in UCD's Elite Athlete Academy. The UCD Elite Athlete Academy has been set up to support the most ambitious, skilled athletes who are aiming for the pinnacle of their sport. In addition to the benefits awarded to UCD Rowing Sports Scholars, this elite group will receive greater medical support, academic mentoring and financial support. Further information can be found from 
The University College Dublin Boat Club invites all its alumni and their families to our annual Gala Day.
The event will include a BBQ, crew photographs, and a challenge race between the Men’s '08 and '09 Novice crews.
Additionally, we will be holding mixed team match racing in eights and fours. Teams will be randomly selected from different categories’ ranging from Novice to O.C, male and female. If you are interested in entering this event please send your name and status (Novice, Intermediate, Senior, O.C.) to: