The National Rowing Centre was tranquil as the water on sun-kissed Inniscarra Lake yesterday with Ireland’s top rowers putting on a united front to launch the international regatta season and kickstart new Rowing Ireland chief executive Michelle McElligott Carpenter’s reign.

On Saturday, over 250 rowers will be taking to the water in either a single scull or a pair, and on Sunday, crews will be formed into double sculls and fours by Rowing Ireland HP management, based from Saturday’s racing.

New Rowing Ireland High Performance Director, Antonio Maurogiovanni believes his international experience from seven Olympic Games can help develop the sport across the country.

As the Irish assault in Racice last Friday began, another positive development for Irish rowing was emerging at home; it was announced that Antonio Maurogiovanni had been confirmed as Rowing Ireland’s new High Performance Director, succeeding Morten Espersen who resigned earlier this year.