After 18 months of lockdowns, boathouse closures and cancelled regattas, DUBC returned to Inniscarra to compete at the 2021 edition of the National Rowing Championships. First place finishes were achieved in 3 events, a tally not achieved by the club at a championship regatta since 1981.
The first victory of the regatta was on Saturday morning in the men’s novice quad. Chris Dehaene, Alfie Hales, Matthew McRedmond, Ruairí Doyle and Isabel Doyle took home the championship in style, defeating local rivals UCD and setting a new course record for the event in the process.
A few hours later, incoming Captain Tom Stevens took to the water to compete in the club single scull. Having set the fastest qualifying time for the final, he was the favourite to take home the win and he duly delivered. Taking advantage of the tailwind conditions, Tom bested the course record for the event by a remarkable 10 seconds.
Sunday morning saw the club eight take to the water, featuring a mix of novice athletes and more experienced rowers. Pushed all the way by UCD Boat Club, the eight sealed DUBC’s third championship victory.
DUBC also had two second-place finishes on the weekend. The intermediate coxed four came up just short behind a strong crew from the University of Limerick. The club coxed four were unfortunate not to win a fourth national championship, being edged out by less than half a second.
Congratulations to all the DUBC athletes who have shown historic perseverance and commitment to their training over the last 18 months, with much completed in isolation. Congratulations are due also to DUBC Head Coach, Paul Thornton at his first championships with the club.