Bann crowned Irish champions

The young men in red have set the pace all season leaving their opponents in their wake, but they knew this was the one that mattered. And their one big aim was to bring the title back to Coleraine.

Skibbereen, who had impressed in the semis, and Portora pushed Bann hard in the final, but Bann had a clear margin over both at the finish.

The travelling masses from Coleraine surrounded the winning crew at the presentation.

Jennifer Campbell, mother of olympic sculler Alan Campbell, said her son had made the breakthrough at this event in 1999, winning the junior 16 single scull and told the young lads that this is only the start for them.

“It was a turning point for him,” she said. “He said ‘if I can beat all of Ireland then I can take on the world’ and there's no reason why these young rowers can't keep progressing.”

Peter and Richard Chambers, also stars in the Britain team, were quick to text their congratulations to Bann coach Samus Reynolds.

This is Bann's first ever gold in the Irish Championships in the MJ18 eight category in 146 years and only the 10th ever gold in 146 years.