St. Michael's is the only club entering wooden East Coast Irish Skiffs in to this year Celtic Challenge, a biennial rowing race across the Irish Sea, from Arklow Co. Wicklow to Aberystwyth in Wales, a trip of 150km, or 81 nautical miles.
While there is the competitive aspect to the race, it is also being used a fundraising opportunity. 50c of every euro raised will go straight to Our Ladies Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, with the remainder contributing to the development of the rowing club. In 2006 the club raised over €5,000 for Crumlin, a total they hope to surpass this year.
Each race crew will consist 3 crews of 4 rowers i.e 1 hour on, 2 hours off.- The crossing is expected to last for 18-24 hours (through the night!), so each rower is expected to row for up to 8 hours. St. Michael’s last took part in the Celtic Challenge in 2006, finishing in a time of almost 18 hours.