Two A Finals, two gold medals. Zach Meegan and Shane Rafferty could not have done any better for the Ireland team at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Castrelo de Mino in Spain.
Britain have been outstanding at the European junior tournament, and their double of Harvey Orskov and Edward Andrews, who took silver on Saturday behind Meegan and Rafferty, were not going to give Ireland an easy time on the Sunday. They took the race to the Irish in the middle stages, but the Athlone/St Michael’s combination were ready. They raced well in the final two quarters and said they knew they had the British bested in the final quarter. Switzerland took silver and Britain bronze.
The Ireland junior men’s coxed four were contenders for a medal in their A Final. Christopher O’Donovan, Harry Feeney, Andrew O’Leary, James Young and cox Noah Giltinan were just three seconds away from a bronze in a close race won by Hungary, with Britain taking silver and France bronze.
The women’s four of Amy Barrett, Kelly Oforji, Alannah O’Donohoe and Ranya Praxmarer finished sixth in their final, as did Rohan O’Hara Nolan in the junior single sculls.
Britain have been outstanding at the European junior tournament, and their double of Harvey Orskov and Edward Andrews, who took silver on Saturday behind Meegan and Rafferty, were not going to give Ireland an easy time on the Sunday. They took the race to the Irish in the middle stages, but the Athlone/St Michael’s combination were ready. They raced well in the final two quarters and said they knew they had the British bested in the final quarter. Switzerland took silver and Britain bronze.
The Ireland junior men’s coxed four were contenders for a medal in their A Final. Christopher O’Donovan, Harry Feeney, Andrew O’Leary, James Young and cox Noah Giltinan were just three seconds away from a bronze in a close race won by Hungary, with Britain taking silver and France bronze.
The women’s four of Amy Barrett, Kelly Oforji, Alannah O’Donohoe and Ranya Praxmarer finished sixth in their final, as did Rohan O’Hara Nolan in the junior single sculls.
Coupe de la Jeunesse, Castrelo de Mino, Spain (Sunday, Irish interest)
Men, Junior
Four, coxed – Heat Two: 1 Ireland 7:07.45. A Final: 5 Ireland 6:54.68
Double – Heat One: 2 Ireland 7:08.67. A Final: 1 Ireland (Z Meegan, S Rafferty) 6:53.15.
Single – Heat One: 3 Ireland (R O’Hara Nolan) 7:51.81. A Final: 6 Ireland 7:51.34.
Women, Junior
Four – Heat Two: 2 Ireland 7:26.13. A Final: 6 Ireland 7:26.92
Thank you to Liam Gorman who gave brilliant coverage to two Gold Medal Winners at Jeunesse rowing event over weekend in Spain. Rowers work hard as you pointed out was quoted by Shane Rafferty (my Grandson). It made it so exciting to be mentioned, & (we bought quite a few Independent newspapers yesterday and today) but a great recognition for volunteers, coaches and all people who work for the good of others at SMRC.every morning and weekend. They nurture a love of rowing in many many boys and girls. Thank You. Jean Boyle