Last Saturday, the Erne Head of the River Regatta saw 131 crews gather at Enniskillen’s renowned Killyhevlin straight to compete on a stunningly calm, clear day.

With 76 men’s and 55 women’s crews, the perfect weather created an ideal setting for the four-mile race, which spanned from the Killyhevlin straight to the Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (ERGS) boathouse.

Local crews from Enniskillen Royal Boat Club (ERBC) turned in impressive performances, starting with the women’s events in the morning.

(Image: Ronan McGrade / Tel: 07871967665)

The J16 quad, featuring Zara Welsh, Naomi Robinson, Hannah Armstrong, Rhea Cartin-McCloskey, and cox Jessica Thompson, claimed a confident victory over Commercial Boat Club from Dublin, beating four other teams in the process.

The J16 four proved to be an intense race, as ERBC's team of Sienna Howe, Mya Morris, Meabh Murphy, Zara Lindsay, and cox Milena Remedios edged out Galway by only four seconds.

In the J15 quad, Emily Black, Isabella Wright, Abbie McCarthy-Magwood, Tori Davis, and cox Rachael Cathcart showcased impressive form, securing victory over four competing crews.

Another ERBC quad, composed of Brooke Davis, Grace Collins, Amy Williamson, Darcy Balfour, and cox Abbey Wilson, performed admirably to take second place, managing to hold off Galway.

The J14 quad of Clodagh Donaghy, Eva Fowler, Aimee Turner, Penny Huddlestone, and cox Amy Lipscomb also delivered a strong performance, beating Coleraine by a solid 20 seconds.

The closest finish in the women’s category came in the J18 fours, where ERBC’s Kate Huddlestone, Ruby Hamill, Eva Johnston, and Annabelle Kingston narrowly lost to Castleconnell by a razor-thin margin of 0.8 seconds.

In the afternoon, the boys took to the water with two notable wins and several commendable performances. The J16 four, comprising Christian Timoney, Ryan Topping, Austin Cassidy, Luke Bailey, and cox Abbey Wilson, secured a clear victory over St. Michael’s of Limerick, coming close to the J18 winners Neptune.

(Image: Ronan McGrade / Tel: 07871967665)

ERBC’s J15 quad—Cillian Donaghy, Joshua Inhat, Ollie Powell, Matthew Montgomery, and cox Rachael Cathcart—also claimed victory, beating Dublin’s Blackrock Boat Club. Meanwhile, the J18 B quad (stroked by William Bogle), the J16 quad (stroked by Jake Sembhi), and the J14 quad (stroked by Joel Crean) all delivered hard-fought races, each finishing with close results.

ERBC’s strong showing was rewarded with the coveted Best Junior Club prize, generously sponsored by Waterways Ireland.

The club’s two Olympians, Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney, were on hand to present the awards, making the moment extra special for the local rowers.

Adding to the weekend’s highlights, a specially organized eight featured seven Olympians, with ERBC rowers Luke Bailey and James McAleer completing the crew.

This memorable race not only showcased high-level rowing but also served as a unique fundraiser for ERBC, wrapping up a remarkable weekend on the water in Enniskillen.