The Boyne Boat Race returns on Sunday, May 3, with a full entry list and growing demand from clubs across Ireland. A total of 31 rowing clubs will compete in the 15.5km endurance race from Clogherhead, around the Boyne Bar, and up the River Boyne to Drogheda.
Bar Watch: Crews training at the Boyne Bar estuary in calm evening conditions ahead of race day
Organisers confirmed the event is now oversubscribed for the first time since its revival in 2014. Six additional clubs have been placed on a waiting list due to capacity limits. The race combines coastal and river rowing, presenting a unique challenge for crews navigating both open sea and inland waters in a single event.
Inver Colpa Rowing Club will field two crews at their home race. A mixed crew will be coxed by All-Ireland gold medallist Eavan Doyle, while a women’s crew will be led by Martin Murphy. Club representatives said both crews have trained extensively through winter and spring and are “proud to represent the club” on home waters.
Racing begins at 10:30 from Little Strand Beach in Clogherhead. The first boats are expected to enter the Boyne estuary by 11:15, with finishers arriving at Drogheda’s de Lacy Bridge from midday.
Inver Colpa Rowing Club thanked Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery for access to facilities at Marsh Road, where crews will land and post-race activities will take place.
Organisers are encouraging spectators to line the riverbanks and support both local and visiting crews throughout the day. Plans to expand the event are under consideration, with a new boathouse expected to increase capacity and potentially extend the race over a full weekend.
