Bann's Irish Championship success continues

The powerful Bann WJ 18 quad raced a superb semi-final to finish second between Skibbereen and Cork.

The other semi-final was won by the much fancied, internationally coached Methody crew. An exciting final awaited, and the Bann crew of Lauren Taggert, Emily Hutchinson and her twin sister Rebecca, and Lori Shirlow knew they now had an excellent chance of a medal.

The Skibbereen and Cork girls opened a gap and left Methody and Bann scrapping for the bronze medal. The boats raced neck and neck for the finishing line and to the delight of coach Geoff. Bone and the numerous families and supporters who had travelled all the way down from Coleraine, Bann pipped their great rivals to clinch a superb bronze.

Meantime a huge Bann talent in the form of Sarah Allen was making spectacular progress in the WJ16 single sculls.

Sarah won her quarter final, beating Waterford into second place, and then had a tremendous win in her semi-final, beating the race favourite Litvack rowing for College RC.

This set Sarah up for the race of her life in the final where Litvack won the event and Sarah finished an incredible fourth. Sarah can feel very proud of already being the fourth best single sculler in Ireland and her result really augurs well for Bann in future years.

In this same WJ16 sculls final Emily Hutchinson showed great character after numerous heats in finishing a highly credible sixth in Ireland.

Bann’s seniors Lori and Lauren, had the opportunity, in their last races together for Bann at WJ18 level, to win another medal in the WJ18 double scull.

In their semi final they had drawn the two favourites in Commercial and Skibbereen. The girls qualified in third after another neck and neck race, whilst in the other semi-final their great rivals Methody had an easy victory. This set up a fabulous final, with Skibbereen winning from Commercial, and the Bann girls again defeating Methody to win another bronze for Bann.

Bann’s head coach, Seamus Reynolds, selected two sixteen-year olds-to compete in the MJ18 double against top flight 18-year-old pairings.

In fact, nearly every Irish International sweep rower seemed to have entered this category, but in Joel Cassells and Chris Black Bann had entered two truly exceptional athletes.

Joel was competing for his fifth Irish Championship medal, and Chris was only one behind. This is real record breaking territory and Joel and Chris had recently won both J18 gold and silver medals in the July championships.

The Bann pair won their semi-final against bitter rivals Lee RC and St. Josephs, and in a very fast final won bronze behind Pres. and Skibbereen to complete their set of gold, silver and bronze from the Irish Rowing Championships.

Coach Geoff Bones said that all his senior squad had raced very well and they should all be very proud of their performances.

He also mentioned how pleased he was with the competitiveness of Sarah Allen, and that he was looking forward to more success and medals from Bann next year.

He again thanked all the parents, supporters and coaches who had made the long journey down to Cork.