More than 150 crews and supporters descended on Union Hall on Sunday for the second round of the 2026 Celtic Ross Hotel South West Rowing Championship.
Hosted by Myross Rowing Club, the regatta attracted crews from rowing clubs across West Cork and Kerry, with racing beginning at 9am on the sheltered waters of Glandore Harbour.
The lane draw featured competition across all age groups, from Under 12 and Under 14 crews through to senior, intermediate, masters and veteran categories. Several clubs fielded boats in almost every division, underlining the continued strength of coastal rowing in the region.
Harbour Arena — Traditional rowing crews spread across the waters of Glandore Harbour during a sun-drenched day of championship racing at Union Hall. Photo: Andy Gibson
Rosscarbery Rowing Club alone entered 19 crews, including representatives in every underage category, while crews from Ballinacurra, Courtmacsherry, Castletownbere, Dunmanway, Galley Flash, Kilmacsimon, Kilmacabea, Ring and other South West clubs contested a busy programme of racing throughout the day.
Regatta Spirit — Competitors, families and supporters gather on the shoreline at Union Hall during a busy day of South West Championship racing. Photo: Andy Gibson
Andy Gibson's photographs capture both the competitive and community aspects of the event. Tight racing between colourful fleets played out against the backdrop of Union Hall's waterfront, while families, supporters and young rowers gathered along the shoreline and harbour walls to watch the action unfold.
The South West Championship remains one of Ireland's most active coastal rowing series. The championship combines traditional fixed-seat rowing with strong local club participation and a pathway for junior athletes entering the sport.
Conditions in Union Hall proved ideal for racing, with calm waters and summer sunshine producing a packed day's competition and a festival atmosphere around the harbour.
For many competitors, particularly in the younger age groups, the regatta represented another important step in the championship campaign as clubs continue to accumulate points through the South West series.
