LAST Saturday, (February 23), CAIBC travelled to the annual Lagan Head of the River Race.
The first race of the day, a 2800m course, was completed despite the rough conditions at the starting area.
The men's J18 4x- came first in their category and indeed the race, finishing in front of 112 other crews.
The men's Novice sculler, Rya
n Dinsmore, gained an unexpected, but not undeserved, victory in his category, as did the men's J15 4x+, who competed superbly in their first race, beating the likes of MCB and Portora.
The J16 4x+ had a strong row, but were defeated by RBAI and came second in this event.
In the afternoon, the second race of the day was held, but this was a longer 5000m course. Conditions had improved slightly through the day, and the men's senior 4x- had a good row but were unable to convert their efforts into a win.
However, with no less than 3 wins in various categories over different ages, it was one of the most successful Lagan Heads of River that the club has competed in.
On Sunday February 24, three Inst oarsmen were selected to travel once more to Belfast to participate in a Talent Development Camp organised by the Irish Amateur Rowing Union. Keith Bailey and Neasa Folan, renowned coaches in Ireland, were on hand to coach the boys to row in the way that Irish Rowing desires.
Ben McMullan, Milo Stynes and Calum McBurney were some of the lucky few who were invited, and all gained a vital insight into how J18 athletes are selected for the Irish squads to participate in the Homes Regatta and the Coupe de la Jeunesse.
These boys will also hopefully be invited to the Newry Canal to get a feel for how athletes trial for the squads, by competing in single sculls or pairs over the 5000m course.
CAIBC would like to thank Dr Hull, William and Andrew Wright, Neasa Folan, Keith Bailey and organisers of the Lagan Head of River for all of their assistance over the weekend.
