Friday 12th of May saw St Marys TY students enter their first ever Rowing Regatta. After participating in the ‘Get Going Get Rowing’ Programme with Rowing Ireland and having only one on the water session we entered the regatta to experience a new sport and to challenge ourselves.
Schools from all over the country including Limerick, Galway and Skibereen attended the regatta and the nerves were high before our teams took to the water for the races. St Marys had 5 teams of 4 rowers. We had huge success in the first races with every one of our boats coming either first or second and therefore getting a starting place in the semi finals! The semi finals were tough and we were delighted to have 2 crews make it to the finals! The final pitted two St Marys crews against Limerick Ladies and Pallis Princesses. St Marys Aces started exceptionally well and took the lead, however they were put under pressure by a highly synchronised Pallis crew, who at the half way point just pulled ahead. Limerick Ladies pulled alongside the St Mary’s crew and they were neck and neck with 10 strokes to go. At the finish points 270 metres down the river it finished with Pallis in 1st place, Limerick in 2nd and both the St Mary’s boats in joint 3rd!
It was a wonderful day, fun filled and successful! Congratulations to all the crews and who knows maybe a future rower will emerge from our first ever regatta – we certainly have the talent!
