Tribesmen Rowing Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary this St Patrick’s weekend by hosting one of Ireland’s premier rowing events on the River Corrib.
More than 1,200 competitors are expected to race in the annual Tribesmen Head of the River (THOR) on Saturday, 14 March.
The 4km time trial starts at the lake and finishes just before Galway’s Quincentennial Bridge.
Men and women of all ages will compete in eights, fours and quad sculls, with several high-quality matchups expected.
More than 100 international athletes and supporters are travelling to Galway for the event.
Masters Charge: Women’s masters crews race on the River Corrib during the Tribesmen Head of the River in Galway, where international entries compete in Ireland’s traditional winter head regatta Photo: Martin Byrne
Entries from Boston in the United States, along with London, Prague and Lyon, underline the event’s growing international profile.
The race traditionally marks the close of the winter head-racing season before crews move to sprint and Olympic regatta racing during the summer.
Regatta chairman Patrick Boyle said the event remains a highlight of Galway’s sporting calendar.
Junior Push: A junior four powers through the River Corrib course during the Tribesmen Head of the River in Galway, the 4km time trial that marks the close of Ireland’s winter head-racing season.Photo: Martin Byrne
“The Head of the River is a highlight of the sporting calendar in Galway,” he said.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary by welcoming crews from across Ireland and overseas to compete on the Corrib.”
He added that the club was grateful to Galway City Council and commercial sponsors whose support ensures the event remains safe and competitive.
Regatta secretary Deirdre Larkin acknowledged the role of local clubs in delivering the event.
“We would also like to acknowledge the support of all the rowing clubs in Galway — without their support, we could not run the event,” she said.
A new perpetual trophy will be awarded this year to the fastest Women’s Masters crew.
The prize is sponsored by the Tribesmen Masters women’s panel, four of whom won gold medals at last year’s World Championships in Banyoles.
The event also delivers a boost to the local economy as athletes, families and supporters travel to Galway for the weekend.
Spectators are encouraged to watch racing from Dangan Slip, with races scheduled for 11 am and 3 pm.
