2023 World Rowing Masters
The city of Tshwane, South Africa, came alive from the 21st to the 24th of September as it played host to the 2023 World Rowing Masters Regatta.
Team Ireland made a remarkable start to the regatta and set the tone for an eventful weekend of rowing, with Anne Lockwood of Belfast BC, Paul Gallen of Athlone BC, and Angela Hartnett of Tribesman RC bringing home the first gold medals of the day in composite international crews. The Men’s H 4x team of Tony Corcoran, George Gilpin, Stephen Lockwood, and Paul Gallen also tasted victory, adding to Ireland’s growing list of achievements on the opening day of the regatta.
Friday saw more remarkable performances, with Lee Valley’s Tony Corcoran securing a victory in the Men’s I 1x category, and Stephen Lockwood once again demonstrated his skill by claiming a well-deserved bronze medal in the Men’s H 1x category on Saturday.
Sundays racing allowed for exceptional performances in the mixed events. Starting with the Mixed 4x of Paul Gallen, Deidre O’Hara, Tony Corcoran and Ann Wopat (USA) who were the first of team Ireland to top the podium, this was followed by a win in the Mixed H2x for Anne and Stephen Lockwood, the event also saw a strong performance by the father-daughter duo of John and Harriet Price.
There were some great races over the weekend by Deirdre O’Hara of Galway RC, who competed in the Women’s F 2x on Friday and in the Women’s E 2x on Saturday alongside fellow Galwegian Angela Hartnett. William Cloherty of Galway RC and Tideway Scullers also had a fantastic regatta with a notable performance in the Men’s D 1x on Thursday.
A huge congratulations to all athletes and organisers.
