The National Assessments took place last weekend in Newry. UCD were proudly represented by a number of elite rowers.

Ireland’s top heavyweight, Sanita Puspure, was one of a host of athletes to set personal bests in the ergometer (rowing machine) tests on Saturday, clocking an excellent six minutes 46 seconds.

Her fellow triallist at this weight, Eimear Moran, yesterday paid tribute to the friendly rivalry which has helped the Offaly woman also come in with a time (six minutes 54 seconds) – well under the seven minutes which was formerly the benchmark.

In sublime, sunny and calm conditions on Newry canal yesterday, it was the turn of lightweights in the five-kilometre time trial. Siobhán McCrohan (23) came home fastest of all, beating both Puspure and Claire Lambe, however Claire finished top ranked overall in the trials when weighting was given to her status as an under-23 athlete. In fact, the UCD Sports scholarship athlete is just 20, and has three seasons to look forward to at underage level.

Siofra Bennett, Dave Neal, Anthony English, Cathal Clifford and Cian Clifford also competed in the Irish trials on behalf on UCD.

The absence of Colin Williamson (ill) and Sean Jacob (family bereavement) greatly weakened the heavyweight men’s ranks. Lightweight oarsman Michael Maher was the fastest over the distance, with Niall Kenny top-ranked given his under-23 status status.

The next stage of the trials is invitation only and open to Seniors, U23s, and Juniors who have demonstrated their standard at the February assessment. These trials are compulsory for all rowers wishing to be considered for the World Championships, World U23s, European Championships, Junior World Championships, and Coupe de la Jeunesse.