Three Irish crews competing at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships progressed to their semifinals after battling strong cross- and headwinds on the first day of racing today in Duisburg, Germany.
Single sculler Sophia Young was the fastest qualifier in the women’s event. The Men’s Double of Jack Rafferty and Jonah Kirby won their heat, and the Women’s Four of Holly Davis, Ayla O’Neill, Isabella Devitt and Sibeal Ní Fhlaithbheartaigh clinched second place in their heat to guarantee a place in the semifinals.
The fourth Irish crew faced a hurdle before even making it to the course.
“The team raced well this morning. Due to injury, though, we did have to make a last-minute substitution in the Men’s Four,” said Coach Clara O’Brien, Rowing Ireland’s High Performance Pathway Coordinator.
With Fionn McDonnell injured, Dominic Casey substituted in to row with James Murphy, Sean O’Neill and Shane McLoughlin; together they made the C Final. “I’m incredibly proud of their result and how all five of the athletes took on the last two days in these challenging circumstances. I’m looking forward to seeing them step on again in tomorrow’s final,” O’Brien said.
With racing concluded for today, the focus shifts. “There’s a few big days ahead so rest and recovery is the main focus now,” she said.
World Rowing is providing a livestream and commentary of all races, accessible through their website. Racing begins on Friday at 8:05am local time, with the C Final of the Men’s Fours scheduled for 8:35am. The semifinals for the Men’s Double is slated for 9:24am, followed by the semi for the Women’s Four at 9:36am. All times are local.
(Photos are courtesy of World Rowing)
