On a day with a mix of bright sunshine and heavy showers, the honours in the four Colours Races on the Liffey were divided two-each between Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. Trinity College Dublin won the novice races, Dublin University Ladies Boat Club won the Sally Moorehead Trophy while the Dublin University Boat Club won the Dan Quinn Shield. UCD won the senior races, retaining the Gannon Cup for senior men and the Corcoran Cup for senior women.
The novice men’s race for the Dan Quinn Shield was perhaps the best of the day. Trinity slipped into a small early lead. UCD came back and led by half a length. However, as they passed the Four Courts, Trinity had won back the lead and they defended it to the very tight finish. Trinity were bigger winners in the novice women’s race. They had a sweet start and stretched their advantage to the finish line.
Ciaran Cope, Novice Crew member, Dublin University Boat Club commented, “It was an incredible experience, rowing through the bridges which we pass every day, the crowd along the bank. The hard work everyone put in in the lead-up - the coaches, Caroline and all the lads, it was unbelievable seeing it pay off. Rowing can be an unforgiving sport at the best of times, but a colours win will always make it worth it. DUBC is at the heart of it all, with the seniors cheering us off as we left the slip, it showed the cohesion the club has and how a win is not just for the boat, but for the entire club. A fantastic experience, not only for myself but for the people who I can call my closest friends.”
Lily Hassett, Novice Crew Coxswain, Dublin University Ladies Boat Club commented, “Competing in the novice colours race this year was a great privilege and experience beyond compare. The colours race is such a special event, and having family, friends and the wonderful DULBC girls supporting us down the Liffey made it even more unforgettable. The race showcased how strong we are as a crew through the trust, determination, and resilience in the lead-up and within the race. It could not be done without the support of our coaches and members of the DULBC community powering us on to the end. Coming through the finish and winning made all the early mornings and long training sessions worth it and has formed an inseparable bond between the whole crew. I am very proud of the crew’s performance and extremely proud to be their coxswain.”
Colours Races Results:
Gannon Cup (Senior Men): UCD (David Crooks, Mikey Campion, Mika Ryan, Luke Dunleavy, Paul Flood, David Somers, Sam Daly, Fintan Earley; cox: Shauna Fitzsimons) 6:45.1 bt Trinity 6:46.5
Corcoran Cup (Senior Women): UCD (Tara Phelan, Niamh Campbell, Lauryn Roche, Aisling Barry, Ellie Scott, Dervila O’Brien, Sarah Daly, Alison Daly; cox: Orla Kelly) 7:44.9 bt Trinity 8:06.1
Dan Quinn Shield (Novice Men): Trinity 7:18.8 bt UCD 7:20.5
Sally Moorhead Trophy (Novice Women): Trinity 8:46.3 bt UCD 9:25.0