The annual Cork Boat Club scatter regatta took place on St.Stephens Day morning at 11am.  Past and present members took part in the annual race and Blackrock Harbour was packed to capacity with spectators.

 As usual the crews were selected at random from a hat.  Crew ages varied from 50 + to 11 years old and comprised of veterans, international oarsmen and women and raw beginners all blended into various crews for what can only be described as complete and utter mayhem.  Scooby Doo even made an appearance in the 5 seat of one of the eights.

The annual scatter Cork Boat Club scatter regatta started at the city end of the railings (near the shanty) and finished directly opposite Cork Boat Club.

The winning crew was coxed by an 11 year old, Stroked by David Walsh (David raced in the 2007 World Rowing Championships), 7 Conor MacSweeny (son of the late great Denis MacSweeny), a number of intermediate men and junior women and two veteran oarsman; namely Mick Calnan and Terry McGrath.  Another MacSweeny, Cian was the bow man in the winning 8.  Judging by the cut of both Cian and Conor MacSweeny, it was quite obvious that the festivities of Christmas Day had not yet worn off.

 Jackie Calnan mulled wine and mince pies were available for all over 18 competitors and spectators a like.

Following the scatter regatta a soccer match took place at The Ursuline Convent.  Teams were made up of rowing club members from, Shandon Boat Club, Lee Rowing Club, Presentation Rowing Club, UCC rowing club, Cork Boat Club and even some of the spectators that had no involvement with rowing.

The Cork Boat Club bar was open from 7pm for a fundraising Disco and Acoustic music session.  Cork Boat Club are currently trying to raise enough money to purchase badly needed training equipment for it’s junior members so every cent spent in the bar was another cent towards achieving their fundraising goals.

New members are always welcome by the club and you only have to take a look on the river any weekend to appreciate just how many people are actively rowing at the moment.  From 7am to 3pm every weekend the river is thronged with oarsmen and oars women of all ages.  Several hundred oarsmen and women can be seen training on the river lee any weekend.

Cork Boat Club is always looking for sponsors new members.  They can be contacted via their website www.corkboatclub.com