Drogheda’s Inver Colpa Rowing Club attended the Islandmagee Challenge recently. The men’s senior team set off early morning to make the journey to Whitehead, Co. Antrim, located on the picturesque coastline between Belfast and Larne.
The race was originally set to start in Brownes Bay and follow the Islandmagee peninsula south to finish in the town of Whitehead but the wind was stronger than hoped for so the course was changed for health and safety reasons and the start and finish line were set for Whitehead itself. Apart from the strong wind, conditions were excellent, with no rain and a relatively calm sea.
The men’s team was made up of Darragh Farrell, Andrew Cassidy, Andy Grennan and James McKevitt, and the team’s Coxswain and spiritual leader, Glenda Murphy.
There were thirteen boats in the race, split between two categories; traditional skiffs and all-Ireland one-design yawls. The Inver Colpa crew took off to a great start, with the four lads using their imposing strength to get out ahead of the other boats from the off.
From that point on it was down to tactical coxing from Glenda and the fitness of the crew to hold the lead.
Despite the surrounding beauty of the cliffs, birdlife and lighthouse, all focus was on winning the race.
Having trained all summer and following the disappointment of the Row around Rockabill Race the previous month, the four men put in a herculean effort to lead the race from start to finish. They left everything out there, Andy Grennan in particular. Inver Colpa clocked the fastest time in their category, but also the fastest time overall.
Whitehead is a beautiful town, a traditional holiday destination dating from Victorian times, with pretty seafront houses and a promenade. All involved in the event were invited back to the yacht club for food and drink. Although the team are all finely tuned athletes they relaxed and enjoyed all that the yacht club bar had to offer, well earned after the day’s endeavours.
Following a minute’s silence to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth’s recent death, the winners medals were presented. Inver Colpa received the trophy, an engraved decanter. The trip home to Drogheda was long but the spirits were high.
The club look forward to returning to compete in the Islandmagee Challenge again next year and defend their title. The club plans to enter two boats in 2023 with both men’s and women’s teams.
Inver Colpa extend their sincere thanks to Whitehead Rowing Club for all their hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable day.
