Discover SUP hosted the second running of The Eye Race, the final event in the 2023-2024 Irish Winter SUP Race Series, on April 13th, 2024. The race, which took place in the waters of Howth Sound and Ireland's Eye, Dublin, was a true test of endurance, and 16 stand-up paddle board racers from all over the island of Ireland competed.
Despite an ominous forecast that predicted high winds from the West and intense gusts, the race management team spotted a window and made a wise decision to move the proceedings earlier in the day. This schedule change had a knock-on effect of putting everyone on the challenging side of the local tidal streams, meaning the final leg of the course would have wind and tide against the racers.
12 racers lined up on the start line, divided into two classes: Class 1 for boards 11’6” - 14’ over a 10.5km course and Class 2 for boards 11’6” and less over a 5.5km course. From early on, the Class 1 Males were led out by Ross McGarry, who developed a commanding lead over his nearest rival, Patrick McCormack.
In the Class 1 Females, Mary Dowling led out Carla Milne; however, midway through the race, Milne found some extra speed and strength to reel Dowling in and swap positions. In the Class 2 Males, Colm Kenny, who has had great success across the series, was seriously challenged from early on by Olan Savage, a new racer to the series and The Eye Race.
Discover SUP hosted the second running of The Eye Race Photo: Annraoi Blaney
As the race progressed, the wind speeds changed significantly, developing a severe chop and leading to retirements even if they were through gritted teeth. However, seven racers crossed the finish line, pushing hard against the wind and tide. In the end, McGarry held onto his commanding lead unchallenged to win the Class 1 Males. After a retirement by Milne, Dowling paddled on to reach the race time limit to take victory in the Class 1 Females. In the Class 2 Males, Savage crossed the line just over 6 minutes ahead of Kenny to take first place.
The Eye Race was held in very challenging conditions Photo: Annraoi Blaney
Eoin Kernan of Discover SUP, and Race Director, commented after the race, “The success of this second running of The Eye Race is absolutely down to the team around me. In very challenging conditions, we were able to deliver an enjoyable and safe race, which was commended by the racers."
The race was held in the comfort of Howth Yacht Club, where a prize-giving for both The Eye Race and the overall series was held. Kernan also invited everyone to come and check out Howth, a great location for SUP from both a racing and touring perspective, with Discover SUP.
RESULTS
Class 1 - Female
1 - Mary Dowling - 02:15:00
RET - Carla Milne
Class 1 - Male
1 - Ross McGarry - 01:00:51
2 - Patrick McCormack - 01:19:41
RET - Steven Bishop
RET - Martin Rowe
RET - Patrick Murtagh
DNS - Darren Cox
DNS - Morgan Bushe
Class 2 - Female
RET - Karen Concannon*
DNS - Sinead Murphy
Class 2 - Male
1 - Olan Savage - 53:33
2 - Colm Kenny - 59:42
3 - Iain Hall - 01:17:58
4 - Ciaran Shorthall - 01:39:15
DNS - Declan Gordon*
*Unofficial class participant due to board size
RACE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Race Director - Eoin Kernan
Safety Officer - Colm Murphy
Safety Team - Daniel Mikus
Safety Team - Marin O’Carroll
Safety Team - Paul Phelan
Beachmaster - Jay Gavin
Start / Finish Line - Harriette Lynch
Start / Finish Line - Elaine Rowan
