Cork Head of the River to kick-off domestic calendar

The Irish domestic rowing calendar gets underway this weekend with the Cork Head of the River. It’s the first of eight “heads” to be held around the country between now and April 1, when events change to full regattas. The main difference here being that HORs are simply timed events where boats are let off one at a time over longer distances, while a regatta comprises of side by side racing and considerably weightier glory for title-holders.

The Cork Head of the River takes place on Saturday at the Marina in Cork City, with the action kicking off at 9.30am. Around 330 crews are entered in the event with entries from Waterford, Dublin, and Galway.

Each of the Cork clubs have a part to play in the running of the time trial; Cork, Lee, Shandon, Lee Valley, Presentation College, UCC, and Monkstown, but on the day the city clubs will be providing their slipways for use by competitors before they head towards the starting point at the Custom House. Last year’s men’s eight’s category was dominated by Cork crews, but this year Commercial RC (current Irish champions) are sending a strong eight and it may be a chance for the Dublin squad to take overall honours.