The 2009 regatta season kicked off with the largest Neptune Regatta in several years. The sheer number of entries meant that racing began on the Friday evening, and with 3 minute intervals between races on the Saturday. It was a day of mixed fortunes for the club with the Novice ‘A’ crew being disqualified of the 8+’s for crossing a buoy in the 1st round against the Defence Forces and the ‘B’ crew being beaten by Trinity’s ‘A’ crew. The Novice 4+ was more successful and won their category with a strong performance against Kilorglin RC.The Inter 8+ also had an early exit when they were beaten by Neptune’s Inters in the 1st round but again performed better in the 4+’s, reaching the final where they were beaten by St. Mick’s.
Similar results followed for the Senior 8+; having seen off an Old Collegians/Skibbereen composite and UCD’s Intermediate crew, the Senior 8 lined up against Queen’s University for the final. A clash of blades off the start gave Queen’s an early advantage and left UCD chasing it for the remainder of the race. Despite having the advantage of the Garda bend, UCD were unable to get back on terms and finished a length behind. The Senior 4+ was more successful and defeated Belfast Rowing Club in the final, having beaten Neptune and Shandon in earlier rounds.
The next events for the club will be the National Squad Trials which take place next weekend at the National Rowing Centre and the Colours Races which take place on Thursday 16th in the Docklands.
