Cappoquin Rowing Club

Graiguenamanagh Annual Regatta

Graiguenamanagh Annual Regatta - more photos

The Graiguenamanagh Annual Regatta took place on the River Barrow at the foot of Brandon Hill in County Kilkenny. Rowing is relatively new to the town of just over 1,500 people, with the club established only 25 years ago, yet the regatta has become a favourite for Cappoquin Rowing Club.

It is an invitation event, with Cappoquin regular participants alongside Carlow, New Ross, Wicklow and Fermoy. A total of 83 races were held across heats, semi‑finals and finals. The regatta blends competition with fun racing, allowing clubs to mix crews and even combine rowers from different clubs. Adding to the novelty, the race schedule was not revealed until everyone gathered on the riverbank.

The course is challenging, with bends at both the start and finish requiring careful navigation. Racing began at 10 am with Allanah Martin in the Women’s Club Single Scull, where she finished second after a strong effort. A highlight was the Men’s Junior 13 Double Scull win by brothers Dylan and Sam Lalor, cheered on enthusiastically by their parents.

Cappoquin competed in over forty races during the eight‑hour schedule, even briefly running out of oars due to the number of crews on the water. Special thanks to Cillian Ahearne, Luca Madden, Cormac Martin and Brian Morris, who stepped into boats to support less experienced rowers.

Gratitude also goes to parents, supporters and to coaches and administrators Helen Aherne and Ailish Murphy for keeping everything running smoothly. The final race of the 2026 season saw Cathal Organ win the Junior 16 Single Scull.

Club Captain Frankie Aherne wishes all rowers a good rest and looks forward to preparations for 2027. Cappoquin Rowing Club, with Waterford Sports Partnership, will host an Adult Learn to Row Camp beginning Wednesday, 26 August 2026. For details, contact Thomas at 086 206 1083 or [email protected].

The 2026 CRC Summer Camp kicked off on Monday, 27th July, with a fantastic group of enthusiastic young people joining us for four days of intensive rowing tuition.

From the start, the energy was exceptional. Under the guidance of our experienced rowers, participants were introduced to all aspects of the sport, beginning with essential safety skills before progressing to technique and boat handling.

Day one focused on indoor rowing demonstrations and learning how to safely enter and manage a boat on land. Once confident, the group took to the River Blackwater, putting their new skills into practice using the Club’s excellent training boats — ideal for beginners and designed to provide a safe, supportive learning environment.

Perfect weather meant plenty of time outdoors, and gentle river conditions made the week even more enjoyable. As the camp progressed, the young rowers experienced the next step in their journey: taking to the water in Olympic‑class racing boats and gaining insight into the equipment used at elite level.

The four days finished with match racing — a fun, competitive finale where everyone showcased the skills they had learned.

We hope all participants enjoyed their time with us and look forward to welcoming you back in September as training begins for the 2027 racing season.

Club Captain Frankie Aherne thanked the experienced rowers who made the camp possible, saying: “We continue to be amazed at how willing and helpful you all are.”

Our final outing of the season takes place at Graignamanagh this Bank Holiday Monday, where all club members will have the chance to race over the sprint course. Best of luck to everyone taking part!

More photos from Cappoquin Rowing Club Regatta

Fun and sun marked the 157th Cappoquin Rowing Club Regatta, a standout day on the River Blackwater where members young and old enjoyed racing, some more competitively than others. A shaky start saw racing delayed by 30 minutes due to strong winds and an incoming tide, but once conditions improved, the regatta got underway.
By 9am, racing was in full swing with 37 races, some featuring five boat line ups. Umpire Paul McGrath kept everything running smoothly. Fermoy led the day with 12 wins, followed by Clonmel (10), Cappoquin (9) and Graiguenamanagh (3). Mixed and composite races added great fun and teamwork across clubs.
Cappoquin’s MJ13 boys Michael Hennessy and James Power opened the day with a superb win. Cathal Stanworth followed with an excellent second place in the MJ14 Single. The MJ14 Double produced a thrilling photo finish among five crews.
A brilliant return from alumni Michael McGrath, Stephen Quinn, John Murphy, Cormac Martin, Bill Murphy and Luca Madden lit up the Men’s Open Coxed Quad. The race of the day ended with victory for John Murphy, Luca Madden, Stephen Quinn and Malachy Hallahan, coxed by Maeve Madden, capped off with John’s celebratory river jump.
Our WJ16 composite quad (Cappoquin/Clonmel) delivered a fantastic win, showing the spirit of friendship and fun. Other Cappoquin victories included the MJ16 Coxed Quad (Ciaran Organ, Cathal Organ, Finlay Miles, Alex Carthy, coxed by Arianna McLaughlan). Bill Murphy won the Men’s Open Single, Bill and Stephen Quinn took the Men’s Open Double, and Ciaran and Cathal Organ claimed the MJ16 Double. Cathal finished the day with a superb battle in the final race.
The regatta reinforced that rowing is truly a sport for life. Club Captain Frankie Aherne congratulates all rowers, supporters and families on a brilliant regatta and season.

Regatta day at the Rock!

Huge thanks to our amazing sponsors for backing our races and raffle prizes, your support keeps this event thriving every year. We’re so grateful for the generosity of local businesses, families and individuals who make our regatta possible.

A brilliant day on the water, great racing and an even better community behind it.

2026 SPONSORS
The Vault Café
Mary Murray Grocery & Fuel Merchant
The Toby Jug
Knockaun Farms Ltd
Helys Pharmacy
Cliffes Bar
The Tavern Bar
Flynns Hardware Cappoquin & Dungarvan
Tirlán
The Sportsmans Bar
Kellehers Supervalu Cappoquin
The Flynn Hotel Group
J F Williams & Co Sols
Brian Gleeson Property
TFC Oils Ltd
Jack Houlihan Carpentry
Cappoquin & Youghal Post Office
Noonan Refrigeration
Jim Bray Direct Build
Margaret McLaughlin
J & A Catering
Denis Long Transport
David O Riordan Construction
Glow Up Dungarvan
Denn Feeds
Hallahans Pharmacy
Clonmel Travel
Cappoquin Logistics
Aidan Walsh Undertakers
Beauty @ Number 7
Crown Duo Japanese Head Spa
MLM Beauty
The Burger Station
Vinyl Vibes Dungarvan
Cork Quartz Worktops
Niamh O Donoghue
Premium Car Wash
Beauty Bits by Olivia
Alix Barry Photography
Lizzie Briens
Cllr Niamh O Donovan – 086 0818265
Kenirys Centra Tallow
Mountain View Fitted Furniture
Beechers Centra Lismore
Kearneys Catering
Mary Butler TD
The Classroom Bar
Dungarvan Leader
Aura Leisure Centre
Cotter Bldg Serena
OC Safety Services
JJBL Electrical Engineering
Martin Scaffolding
STS Group
Spillane Electrical
Disc & Print
Kenneally Steel
Peter Tiernan Consultancy
Franks Fryer
Howard Integ Solutions
Hallahans Bus & Coach Hire
Access Data Installations
Mace Ballyrafter Houlihans
Mari Mina Pharmacy
Graphic Print
Kilkenny Cabinets
Baldwins Ice Cream
Kellehers Electrical
The Rooms @ Walshs
Liam Ahearne Ironworks
Steven Mangan Plumbing & Heating
Dermot McGrath Electrical
LAWPRO
Cairde Credit Union
Haleon
James Hickey
John Dunford Hedge Cutting
Micko Shea
Mossy Joyce Butchers
Eco Power Heating & Plumbing Solutions
East Cork Oil

CRC REGATTA TOMORROW
Cappoquin RC is hosting its Annual Regatta on Sunday, 19th July. Racing starts bright and early at 8am at “The Rock”, Cappoquin.
Expect a full day of action on the water, a fun raffle and tasty refreshments will be served at the boathouse after the event.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

National Rowing Championships 2026
In blistering heat, the Irish National Rowing Championships kicked off on Friday, 10th July at Inniscarra Reservoir, with crews from across the country battling for national titles.
Malachy Hallahan opened Cappoquin’s campaign in the Men’s Jnr 18 1x, placing 23rd out of 51 in 7:53.3, a strong effort in tough conditions.
Saturday morning Bill Murphy lined out in the Men’s Intermediate 1x after a demanding year balancing Leaving Cert study with training. He posted 7:44.2, just missing the semi finals but delivering a performance to be proud of. The event was won by O’Connor (Neptune), with Sheridan (St. Michael’s) taking silver and former Cappoquin rower Michael McGrath (Galway University) claiming bronze.
Saturday afternoon saw three Cappoquin crews, Ciaran & Cathal Organ, Conor & Billy Houlihan, and Alex Carthy & James Quinn contest the J16 2x, one of the biggest events of the Championships with 58 entries. Ciaran and Cathal placed 4th overall in the time trial (7:34.7), earning a spot in Semi final Heat 2. With only 90 minutes’ recovery, they returned for the A Final in brutal headwinds, fighting hard to secure bronze in 7:37.4 behind St. Michael’s (7:29.3) and Lee (7:31.4). A superb achievement after dominating the category all season.
Sunday morning Bill Murphy and Stephen Quinn combined in the Men’s Intermediate 2x, finishing second in their heat (8:09.3) to reach the A Final. Commercial claimed the title in 7:47.8, with Galway University second in 7:51.1, featuring former Cappoquin rower Michael McGrath in the bow seat. A strong showing from Bill and Stephen in a highly competitive field.
Sunday afternoon saw our final crew take to the water, with Malachy Hallahan and Finlay Miles competing in the Mens J18A 2x, a fiercely contested event featuring 45 entries. They delivered a solid performance, finishing 27th overall. A great effort from both athletes, well done.
A huge congratulations to all Cappoquin athletes for representing the club with pride, resilience and commitment throughout the season.
Upcoming:
• Junior Summer Camp – Starts Monday, 27th July (Ger: 085 2560346)
• Cappoquin Regatta – Sunday, 19th July, 8am–2pm. All clubs, supporters and sponsors welcome.

Learn to Row Summer Camp — Cappoquin Rowing Club
📅 Monday 27th July – Thursday 30th July
⏰ 10am – 1pm daily
💶 €80 per participant
👦 Ages 11+ (perfect for beginners)

Four fun, active days on the River Blackwater, learn the basics of rowing, meet new friends, build confidence enjoy the water in a safe, supportive environment.

Enquiries: Ger Wyley
📞 085 256 0346