Ireland's junior rowing team are racing in Poznan, Poland, where the 2016 Coupe de la Jeunesse will take place this weekend. The Coupe de la Jeunesse is an international rowing regatta for rowers under the age of 18, and rowed over 2000m every year. Ireland have 4 crews entered in the event: a men’s quadruple, men’s four, women’s four and women’s pair. The 11 nations that Ireland will be up against are Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
Three of Ireland's Rowing Ireland Olympians who are headed for Rio next week have competed in the Coupe in recent years, with this event being a great stepping stone for future success for many athletes. The 14–strong rowers from all around the island of Ireland will travel to the World Rowing renowned course at Lake Malta in Poznan this morning (Thursday), after a week-long training camp at the National Rowing Centre in Cork. Pat McInerney, Lead Junior Coach has said “The Coupe team are drawn from a wide range of clubs and have had a very good training camp at the NRC. We are looking forward to seeing them compete in Poznan on what for many is their first step towards International Rowing.”
The Irish Team is as follows:
Men’s Four: Aaron Johnston (Portora BC), Sam Armstrong (Portora BC), Ross Corrigan (Portora BC), Patrick Kennelly (Presentation College RC). Coach: Pat McInerney (St. Michael’s RC and Rowing Ireland Junior Coach)
Men’s Quadruple: Barry O’Flynn (Cork BC), Niall Beggan (Commercial RC), Barry Connolly (Cork BC), Stephen O’ Sullivan (Shandon BC). Coach: Fran Keane (Presentation College RC, Cork)
Women’s Quadruple: Margaret Cremen (Lee RC), Lucy Taylor (Belfast RC), Hannah Scott (Bann RC), Fiona Chestnutt (Bann RC). Coach: Dan Buckley (Lee RC)
Women’s Pair: Amy-Kate Mason (Cork BC), Tara Hanlon (Cork Boat Club). Coach: Fran Keane (Presentation College RC, Cork)
Team Manager: Michelle Carpenter (Commercial RC/Shannon RC)
