ROWING: Rowing Ireland, the governing body for Irish rowing that represents over 70 clubs around the country, today launched the eFlow Go Row national grand league at the Dublin Municipal Rowing Club, Islandbridge.

The grand league is a series of four major regattas taking place across the country over the coming months. Almost 1,500 athletes, 300 crews and 350 boats will participate in Dublin Metropolitan, Queen's University, Cork and Skibbereen regattas. 

Rowing Ireland and eFlow were joined by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring at the launch.

The prepared address for Minister Ring said he was very pleased to formally launch the eFlow Go Row grand league. “I am sure that competitors and enthusiasts alike are looking forward to the major events taking place across the country this year. 

“Rowing Ireland has worked hard to develop rowing as a competitive sport in Ireland and over the last five years, has received funding of over €4.6m from the Irish Sports Council, not to mention the €6.1m from my Department under the Sports Capital Programmes, towards the development of the National Rowing Centre in Cork.

“I understand that work has already commenced on the enhancement of facilities at the National Rowing Centre for the provision of an eight-lane course with electronic timing and a finishing tower.  I wish Rowing Ireland every success with the national league this year and the best of success to our prospective Olympic Rowers at the next qualifying event in May.”

In his prepared address, Frank Coghlan, the acting chief executive of Rowing Ireland said: “Rowing Ireland is delighted to have such a prestigious sponsor as eFlow supporting our flagship regatta events.    

“Participation in rowing in Ireland has been growing strongly over the past number of years and sponsorship of this nature is vital in allowing Rowing Ireland to continue its work in developing the sport and in supporting over 70 clubs and 3,000 rowers throughout the island.  

In his prepared address, Simon McBeth, Director of Communications and Customer Relations, eFlow said the company was delighted to support the league which marks the beginning of eFlow’s sponsorship of Rowing Ireland.

“The upcoming grand league is aimed at promoting rowing and encouraging greater participation in the sport throughout the country.

“Immense talent exists within Irish rowing clubs and teams. eFlow is proud to show our support in developing and nurturing this talent through the eFLow GoRow grand league and through supporting community clubs throughout the country.”