Sponsored by
Marvellous day for canoeing on Kilkenny's Nore
MORE than 100 kayakers took to the River Nore for the annual Thomastown Marathon, which was hosted by Thomastown Paddlers Canoe Club.
There were three courses varying in distance to suite every athlete's ability. All the courses finished at Inistioge, boat-slip with the longest distance racers starting 23 kilometres up-river in Bennettsbridge.
A true test of strength and stamina, two members of the Paddlers club certainly didn't disappoint when they took on this challenge. Michael Brennan had a flawless run through the course to secure a fine win in Division Two while junior member Anthony Forristal, who is also vying for international selection, finished a close second in the same class.
The majority of competitors at Sunday's race took part in the 10km course which began at the bridge in Thomastown. From here paddlers made their way through the very scenic Nore Valley towards Inistioge village. Fastest on the day from the Thomastown club was Martin Walsh who finished fifth in the Division Four class, completing the 10km course in a time of 52 minutes. Junior members Eamon Forristal and Hugh Tulloch also competed in this division.
In the senior General Purpose (GP) class, Thomastown members also scored highly with Declan O'Hanrahan and Dermot Forristal finishing third and sixth in the men's section. Angela Craven, Marie Barry and Jackie Walsh were third, fourth and fifth respectively in the women's event.
Once more it was in the junior GP section where the Thomastown club excelled. Eoin Doyle had another good win in the under-18 boys' class, while Alex Broderick and Richard Kelly finished first and third respectively in the under-16 section. Cit Broderick again proved to be too much for all her rivals as she notched up another win on her quest for a clean sweep in the girls' under-16 division.
The Thomastown club also organised a 1km novice race for paddlers and newcomers. Four members of the Thomastown club, all of whom are under-10, competed in this race. Aaron Varley, Troy Walsh, Isobel Strudwick and Senan Forristal all paddled extremely well and picked up medals at the prize presentation following the event.
The Paddlers now turn their attention towards the International Liffey Descent, which will be held on September 4. Twenty club members will tackle the world-famous 18 mile event.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
