UCD Boat Club

UCDBC News Archive

09 - 10 Season:

Regatta season update

Rowing in Ireland is a sport of sharp contrasts. Relatively little time separates months of winter training, devoid of competition, and the hectic summer regatta season which sees clubs compete almost every weekend, with any luck in decidedly more clement conditions. The change of gears which must occur if a crew is to bring whatever success they enjoyed during the winter into the summer regattas, can expose weaknesses which went undiagnosed during the head season. Coach and crew must adapt to a world of the racing starts, powerful striding rhythms, and all the sinew straining agony of the sprint for the finish line. Often it is the case that a crew which showed speed early in the season fades to obscurity under the eyes of Persephone.

After a strong performance in the eight at the university championships, UCD’s rowers used Skibbereen regatta as an opportunity to develop technique and boatmanship by racing in other events. The senior pair of Finbar Manning and Dave Neale cruised to victory, exhibiting the impressive speed they had developed over the course of their involvement in the Irish under 23 squad. The senior quad, not a boat class which UCD have placed a great deal of emphasis on, raced competently, but was ultimately outclassed by more cohesive units from Commercial and Skibbereen. The novice coxed four added to their already impressive tally of wins by putting clear water on the field in the final of their event.

Following Skibbereen, UCD returned to Islandbridge for Neptune regatta. The difficulty of rowing efficiently at high rates is exacerbated during any race held on this stretch of water by the not insignificant task of schlepping several hundred kilograms of crew and craft, moving at full racing speed, around a bend not unlike those faced by Schumacher and co. in the harbour of Monaco. A number of notable absences meant that the depth of UCD’s senior squad was tested to such lengths that the well groomed blade work of Damir Rasidovic was recruited at the eleventh hour. The senior four rowed powerfully and with all the rhythm of a highly trained dance act comprising exclusively of peculiarly well coordinated dwarves with crew cuts and red waistcoats, to claim victory over an experienced Galway rowing club crew. The senior eight were less successful, the scratch line up simply short of speed against the efficient Galwegians. The novice eights final saw the 1st years facing their 2nd novice rivals in something of a grudge match. Off the start the less experienced crew managed to gain a slight lead, which they soon extended to about a third of a length. The Garda bend, however, did not work in their favour, and as the crews straightened up for the final stretch, the 2nd years had gained parity. At this point the strain of the early efforts began to show in the 1st year boat, and their exuberant alacrity gave way to laboured hardship. The celebrations in the 2nd year boat were the only reviews the 1st novices’ performance needed, yet unfortunately the temptations of summer debauchery have lured many of the crew away from the asceticism of rowing, so perhaps this is the first and last chapter of this rivalry.

UCD travelled to Dorney Lake to compete in London Metropolitan regatta on the back of a Trinity regatta which was as devoid of success as the Dresden premier of Schumann’s second symphony. Unperturbed, UCD’s senior four managed to claimed a prestigious and emphatic victory in the first of two days of racing. Success at a regatta as well attended and esteemed as London Met can scarcely be compared to victory at any Irish event short of national champs, so it follows that both coach and crew were suitably pleased with every aspect of the performance. The second day’s racing saw UCD face a crew from Oxford Brookes, which is said to be a strong contender for the Prince Albert trophy at Henley. UCD led the field for a large proportion of race, but unfortunately failed to capitalise on this, and Brookes took the silverware. Disappointed but far from disheartened, UCD’s senior four are confident that they have the speed to match and surpass any crew they raced at London Metropolitan, a not disagreeable position in which to find oneself in the weeks prior to Henley.

Dublin Metropolitan regatta, the last event UCD will race on Irish waters before the national championships, represented an important opportunity to maintain momentum. The senior four once again showed their speed, finishing ten seconds ahead of the next fastest boat in their final. Attention now turns toward this narrative’s thrilling denouement: Henley and the national championships. Seasons full of all the vicissitudes of fortune and fate, hours spent in the complex solitude of exertion, weeks of the turmoil and tumult of the weights room, all boil down to a couple of weeks. Success, and the efforts of the year become threads in a tapestry of victory, failure, and those memories not forgotten become discoloured by the black ink of the record books, reticent yet authoritative, summing up all endeavours in a sober account of this final throw of the dice. UCD will travel to Henley and nationals confident that they can distinguish their endeavours from all those years forgotten for lack of final glory.

University championships

The pinnacle of the Irish collegiate rowing calendar, the university championships, took place on Saturday at the national rowing centre in Cork. The event, which was formerly held at the picturesque Castlewellan Lake in County Down, sees the strongest university crews from across the country compete for various trophies. The Wylie cup, which is awarded to the university which shows supremacy across novice, intermediate and senior men’s eights, is among the most sought after trophies in the Irish racing season. UCD claimed the Wylie cup in 2008, but Queen’s university Belfast took the title last year despite a resounding UCD victory at senior level. Unlike in previous years, this year’s event was raced over a rather more demanding 2000 metres than the 1500 metre course in Castlewellan.

The first Wylie cup event of the day was the novice eights final, which saw UCD’s well drilled second novice crew claim a comfortable victory over their DUBC counterparts. With one win already secured, UCD’s intermediate crew took to the water in the knowledge that victory would mean that the Wylie cup would be UCD’s. The crew had yet to race together in its line up, but they rowed to a convincing victory over their closest rivals UL, with DUBC and Queen’s behind them. Two wins out of the three eights events meant that UCD had won the Wylie cup, but the senior eights race, the final race of the day, remained. UCD faced Queen’s top senior boat, who finished 9th in the London head of the river earlier in the season. UCD did not have a poor race, but Queen’s finished just over a length ahead, with Queen’s second boat finishing third and UL forth.

The weekend’s racing leaves the season well poised, with UCD showing dominance in novice and intermediate eights, while the challenge of surpassing Queen’s remains a goal at senior level. The coming weeks sees a plethora of regatta racing, where UCD will hope to build on their performances thus far and take home plenty of silverware in the process. Neptune regatta in Islandbridge takes place on Saturday the 17th, I encourage anyone interested to come down and support UCDBC.

Dublin H.O.R.

UCD Boat club enjoyed more success at the 66th Dublin head of the river last Saturday. The event, run by Old Collegians boat club, saw UCD claim the pendants for both novice and senior eights events. The senior eight completed the course 7 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals, Commercial, in a time of 12 minutes 46 seconds. After a less than perfect start, UCD’s senior men eventually managed to establish a solid rhythm which allowed them to pull away from the field after losing some ground in the first kilometre. Dublin head has been a successful event at senior level for UCD in recent years, this year’s victory completing a hat trick of wins to match a similar trend in Gannon cup results.

The second year novices, who finished well ahead of their nearest novice rivals, were placed 5th overall in a time of 13 minutes 48 seconds. They rowed with great efficiency from start to finish, and their success was well deserved. The first year novices were unlucky to fall foul of equipment failure during the course of the race, and as a result they were unable to challenge any of the other novice boats.

The next event on the schedule is London head of the river, the most prestigious head race of the season. UCD’s second novices are due to compete in the event, which often has an entry of as many as 400 eights. Technique, tenacity and fitness will be tested to breaking point over the 6.8 kilometres of the winding Tideway course. The crew are expected to benefit a great deal from the experience of competing in such a challenging and prestigious event.

Gannon cup and Dan Quinn Shield 2010

UCD rowed to a convincing victory in the 62nd Gannon cup on Saturday. The whole event played out on relatively calm waters beneath blue skies which belied the unusually early date of this year’s colours races. Tensions were high as the crews lined up before a crowded O’Connell bridge, both eager to take the early initiative. UCD, rowing on the south station, managed to nullify the early advantage which their DUBC rivals enjoyed on the inside of the first bend. As the race went on UCD relaxed into a fluent rhythm and extended their lead to over four lengths by the time they reached the finish line at St. James’ Gate. This victory is UCD’s third in three years, and will without doubt rank among the most emphatic in recent colours race history.

Unfortunately, while the Gannon cup shall reside in UCD’s trophy cabinet for another year, the same cannot be said of the Dan Quinn Shield. Nevertheless, the race was quite a spectacle, with the lead being exchanged on a number of occasions. Ultimately DUBC’s novices managed to find an extra gear in the crucial closing moments, and UCD were unable to respond. Despite this, it is clear that there is enough potential within the squad to change fortunes in future events. In many seasons it is the case that early defeat provides the impetus which leads to subsequent victories.

With the Gannon cup behind us, focus will now return to head racing, which will take the form of Dublin Head on the 20th of March, and London Head on the 26th.

Gannon Cup Race Day Details:
There will be an Alumni Reception in the Clarence Hotel starting at 1:30pm tomorrow (Sat 6th) before the first race. Buses will be collecting spectators from the Taxi Rank at O'Connell Bridge for the Corcoran and Gannon Cup races.

More details are available on the Gannon Cup website: www.gannoncup.com

UCD Elite Athlete Academy & Rowing Scholarships Update:
UCDBC would like to thank all those who applied for a place in the UCD Elite Athlete Academy. As was expected, the standard was extremely competitive and the Academy received over 140 applicants across all sports. The Academy's executive have shortlisted the applicants and notifications on callbacks to the 2nd round interview stage, to be held in March, will be forthcoming.

We would remind all parties that the application deadline for the existing UCD Rowing Sports Scholarship program is still open and due to close on the 30th APRIL. As this scholarship is only for Rowing applicants, your chances of a successful application are greater. Some general information is available here, the application form is available here and if you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Club Captain: Pat Courtis, Tel: +353 87 7955198, Email: patrick.courtis@ucd.ie or Scholarship Rep: Naoise Grisewood, Tel: +353 87 9805902, Email: ngrise@yahoo.com

Lagan H.O.R.

The first competitive event of the season ended with mixed result for UCDBC. The event played out over the course of two heads on the river Lagan in Belfast. In the first head, which was raced over a 2700 metre course, the second novice coxed four finished third overall in a time of 11:59, good enough to claim victory in their category. The senior pair of Dave Neale and Finbar Manning also won their event, although it is clear that we are yet to see the best this powerful pairing has to offer. Tom Doyle also sculled well in the inter single sculls event.

In the second head, raced over 4200 metres, UCD’s senior eight finished third behind two Queen’s eights. The performance was a slightly erratic one, with some patches of strong fluid rowing being marred by inconsistency. Despite the disappointing outcome, much can be gained by the experience of racing. Although Lagan 2010 head will go down in the records as a defeat, it has provided both coach and crew with an insight into the areas which must be given focus in training, and perhaps future victories will rise from the lessons learned. The second novice novices added to their win in the coxed four by claiming victory the novice eights event. Their performance is indicative of the strong work ethic which exists with their squad.

UCDBC now turn their attention towards the Gannon cup. The absence of any Trinity men’s crews at Lagan gives this year’s colours race a unique flavour: when the UCD and Trinity eights line up beside each other at O’Connell bridge on the 6th of March, it shall be the first meeting of the two crews all season. Tensions are sure to mount in both camps as these old rivals once again prepare to go head to head in this decades old event. For all the latest information visit: www.gannoncup.com

Gannon cup 2010 preview

Regardless of the circumstances which surround the race, the Gannon cup, and equally the Dan Quinn Shield, is invariably a tense encounter. However, the 2010 instalment of this prestigious event promises to ratchet up the stress levels several notches, as the sheer number of cancelled events means the two universities have yet to meet on the water. There is much to play for, as UCD aim to claim their third victory in as many years in the senior race, while the novice event will see UCD battle to reclaim the Dan Quinn Shield, having last year relinquished the trophy for the first time since 2005. The race will once again start from O’Connell Bridge, and is scheduled to take place on the 6th of March. For more information visit: www.gannoncup.com

UCD Elite Athlete Academy Application Deadline:
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 sports medical support, academic mentoring and financial support.

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.
                 
The arrival of the winter training camp sees UCDBC in a stronger position than previous years. The recent national squad trials saw impressive performances by Finbar and Dave Neale, and the end of year internal erg testing saw improvements throughout all squads. Training on the water has also improved a great deal since the somewhat inchoate efforts of early months. The inter and senior squads continue to focus on consolidating the various technical styles of the squads and focusing on the minutiae of the sport, while the novices are quickly building on their understanding of the rowing stroke.

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:
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: patrick.courtis@ucd.ie. Prizes will be awarded to the winning crews and we encourage you to participate. The BBQ will commence at 2pm and the match racing 3pm.

Attention Boat Club Alumni!!:
The club is trying to update/complete its contact list and improve our "Alumni" page. We would greatly appreciate it if you could fill in your details in the following form (also available on Alumni page)

 

2009 - 2010 Club Elections:
Out with the old and in with the new! Results of the committee elections for the 09/10 season are below:
Captain: Pat Courtis, Vice-Capt: Peter Murphy, Treasurer: Loic Bellettre, Secretary: Dermot Sheridan, P.R.O: Sean O'Neill, Events Officer: Conor Walsh

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.