Winning her first international medal in the LW1x event, Margaret brought home the silver for Team Ireland at the European Championships on Sunday.
Margaret, racing for the first time at an international event in the single scull, was the fastest off the blocks in the first 500m of the final. However, Alena Furman, racing under a neutral flag, challenged Margaret through the middle and took the lead through the 1000m mark. Margaret crossed the line comfortably in second place, claiming the silver medal position for Ireland.
Speaking to World Rowing after her race, Margaret said, “It was difficult conditions, but I’m really happy that I got to come and race. It was my first time ever racing the single at a World Rowing event, so it was definitely good experience. I’m usually in the double, but my partner was sick. We’ll be training for the Lucerne regatta in a few weeks. It’s nice to race the single here, but I missed her at this regatta. Even going around the boat park on your own, you’ve no one to second-check.”
Battling the tough conditions and tough competition in Szeged, the Women’s Double scull of Alison Bergin and Zoe Hyde finished in 5th place in the A final yesterday. Racing into the strong headwind, the double was fast off the start, keeping within the pack for the first 500m. However, it was Norway to cross the line first, winning their first-ever women’s medal at the European Championships. Jake McCarthy finished in 6th place of the A final in the LM1x, and Paul O’Donovan racing for the first time in the heavyweight category finished in 2nd place of the M1x B Final and 8th place overall.
Team Ireland’s next focus is the Final Olympic and Paralympic qualification regatta which will take place in Lucerne from the 19th-21st of May, where they hope to qualify more boats for Paris 2024
