About

It's really down to the business end of the rowing season now for the boys and girls of Portora Boat Club. Our girls J8+ returned from competing at Henley Women's Regatta, where they rowed superbly in their quarter-final to beat St George's school by a length in a time of 5min 03secs, the fastest of all the quarter-finalists. Unfortunately they were beaten in turn by 1-3/4 lengths by a strong crew from Kent School, Connecticut in their semi-final. All in all though, lots of positives and a great experience for the girls and definitely something to build on for the forthcoming Irish Championships. The crew, made up of girls from Portora, Mount Lourdes and the Collegiate did their Club, their coaches, their parents, their schools and Fermanagh proud. Last Friday our senior boys 8+ took part in a time trial at Henley, hoping to achieve one of 11 available spots out of 25 crews, all competing for the right to be in the draw for the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta the following week. They more than achieved their goal, setting the fastest time of all by some 10 seconds. As a result they entered the draw proper and faced King's College School, Wimbledon on Wednesday evening. This was Portora’s first appearance at Henley Royal Regatta since 1986. The boys, roared on by a handful of parents and Portora rowing stalwarts raced to victory, establishing a lead of around a length and holding on to win by 2/3 length. This set up a second round draw against Gonzaga College High School, D.C., U.S.A., the reigning U.S. champions. The Portora crew gave their all in a hugely gutsy performance but went down by 1/2 length to bow out for this year. Hopefully Portora will be back again next year, bigger and better! While all of this has been going on the junior crews from J14 to J16 have been busily training in the lead up to Cork and the 2015 Irish Championships. A group of Dad's from the Parents' Support Group have undertaken to cycle the length of Ireland to help raise some much needed funds. They intend to arrive in Cork in time for the start of the 2015 Irish Rowing Championships. They, and most of all the rowers, would greatly appreciate your support. Hundreds of miles have been cycled in practice through wind, rain and shine, even giving up being pampered by their families on Father's Day to slog over 80 miles in the wind and rain in preparation for the Grand Depart from Malin Head on Sunday 5th July! It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up with Givey. Once you are signed up an additional 25% of your donation will be received by the Boat Club as Gift Aid. Just click on the 'Give' button and follow the on-screen directions to donate. Thanks in anticipation. Finally, thank you so much to everyone who has already donated to this site to date. It's fair to say that every pound raised will help to allow the club to continue to provide opportunities and experiences for our athletes which they simply would not get in any other sport. Portora Boat Club