# ROWING: The eFlow Go Row League moves on to the beautiful setting of Castlewellan Lake in Co Down this Saturday for the Queen’s University regatta.

The battle to be the top women’s single sculler will be a highlight. Helen Walshe of the Three Castles club in Wicklow won the Division One title in the first round of the eFlow League in Skibbereen, but she must overcome some world-class talent if she is to continue her run. Holly Nixon, the silver medallist at last season’s World Junior Championships, and former senior world champion Sinead Jennings (sister of Olympic marathon hopeful Catriona) are both entered in a top-class field of 29 rowers.

The men’s Division One single sculls should be hugely competitive. Colin Williamson and Rory O’Connor of the host club, Queen’s, take on the country’s best junior athlete in Paul O’Donovan of Skibbereen, and outstanding UCD oarsman Dave Neale. Beijing Olympian Cathal Moynihan is also among the entry of 37 competing for the Division One title.

Queen’s will be hot tips to take the Division One men’s eights’ title on the day. They have three crews of the six entered, and their main rivals at Skibbereen regatta, Grainne Mhaol, have decided not to travel. The hosts also have a great chance in the women’s Division One eights, although Skibbereen will have their own hopes of topping off their long journey with a win. First-round victors UCD are take a break for this round.

One of the big advantages of the eFlow Go Row League format is that it pits ambitious juniors against proven seniors. In the Division One men’s pairs, Coleraine men Chris Black and Joel Cassells, whose target this year is a medal for Ireland at the World Junior Championships, will be out to win the Division One title at Castlewellan. Among their opponents is the St Michael’s crew of Kevin O’Connor and Sam Lynch. Lynch is a former double World Champion.

Skibbereen topped the rankings after the first round of the eFlow Go Row League. The next two rounds are hosted by Dublin Metropolitan regatta (May 26th) and Cork regatta (June 23rd).

#ROWING: Skibbereen stand on top of the first eFlow Go Row League Table today. The club, which won the league last year, leads from NUIG and Cork Boat Club after the Skibbereen Regatta.

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.”