University College Cork’s, Andrew Sheehan kicked off the U23 World Rowing Championships for Ireland in the Men’s Scull earlier this morning. With temperatures touching as high as 40 degrees it’s a hot one over in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

In a competitive field of 23 scullers, Sheehan had to win his heat in order to progress directly into the A/B Semi, bypassing tomorrows Repechage. Going out strong the Cork sculler took the early lead in the second heat, with only the Italian sculler, Leonardo Tedoldi, sticking with his pace. Through the 1000m mark, Tedoldi just stuck his bow ahead but Ireland didn’t give up the fight, continuing to hold overlap right up until the final quarter of the race.

Nearing the line, Italy made a final push moving out to a lengths lead over Sheehan, and with only one boat to go straight to the A/B Semi it was Tedoldi’s to take. Finishing with a time of 7:11.93, Andrew goes into tomorrows Repechage in a strong position, where he will need to finish in the top two to make it through to the A/B Semis.

Tomorrow morning the remaining three crews from Ireland will race their heats with the hopes of qualifying straight into their respective A/B Semi-finals. 2023 Bronze medallists, Brian Colsh and Konan Pazzaia are back in the Men’s Double and will be hoping to improve on last years impressive result. Also making their return to the U23 world stage is Alison Bergin in the Women’s Single. Eyes are on the silverware again this year after a third place finish in Italy last year.

The Lightweight Men’s Double has had a change of bowman with University of Limerick’s Rory O’Neill swapping in for 2023 silver medallist, Hugh Moore. The new combination of Ciaran Purdy and Rory O’Neill are moving well and there’s no doubt that Purdy will be aiming for the podium again after last years performance.

Race updates will be available live on the Rowing Ireland social media and you can stay up to date with the racing on the World Rowing live commentary HERE.

Wednesday Results

  • BM1x Heat 2nd -> Repechage

Thursday Schedule (IST)

  • 7:30am – BM2x Heat
  • 8:55am – BLM2x Heat
  • 9:40am – BW1x Heat
  • 10:35am – BM1x Repechage