ROWING: The board of Rowing Ireland was forced to withdraw a major proposal without a vote at the agm of the body in Dublin today. Delegates were being asked to adopt new articles of association with the purpose of bringing them into line with company law, but Ruadhan Cooke of Grainne Mhaol pointed out a new provision which would allow the board “in its sole discretion” to disaffiliate a club. He said this was “offensive”. The officers of the board apologised for the oversight, saying that there was no intention of introducing such a new power.

 RI president Anthony Dooley - who along with treasurer Gerry Farrell and secretary Frank Coghlan was elected unopposed - told the delegates that among the upgrades planned for the National Rowing Centre this year will be an adjustable start, which will be brought from the Olympic venue, Dorney Lake. Farrell said that Rowing Ireland spent €6,000 more than it took in in 2011, but was planning for a "small surplus" in 2012.

AWARDS: President’s: John McGeehan, Athlone

Vice Presidents’ – Connacht: Paddy Lally, Galway RC; Leinster: Eric Nolan (New Ross); Munster: Jimmy Fennessy (Clonmel); Ulster: Gordon Reid (Lagan Scullers’)

ROWING: Ireland’s Michael Maher had a fine win at the British Indoor Rowing Championships at Nottingham on Sunday. The Dubliner, who is part of the Rowing Ireland squad based at the National Rowing Centre in Cork, won gold by over three seconds in the men’s open lightweight category. Maher recently rejoined his long-time club, Commercial from Three Castles.

The British Indoors, which also incorporated the Euro Open, is a huge event. The organisers say it is the largest parrticipant indoor sporting event in the United Kingdom.

British Indoor Rowing Championships, Nottingham, Sunday (Selected Result)

Men’s Open Lightweight: 1 M Maher (Commercial, Dublin) 6:20.1, 2 I Aristotelis (Limassol Nautical Club, Cyprus) 6:23.2, 3 J McAvoy (Chislehurst) 6:26.0.