24/07/2026
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.