Paddlers power their way to good results at 2023 Liffey Descent

The 2023 Liffey Descent, in its new May date, delivered a great day’s racing and some impressive results for the Thomastown Paddlers Canoe Club.

The 62nd edition of the iconic race traced the traditional route from the K Club in Straffan Co Kildare along 30km of the River Liffey to finish at the Garda Boat Club in Islandbridge Co Dublin. Along the way the 10 weirs, enhanced by great water levels, awaited competitors and spectators alike.

The energy at the start line was palpable, with paddlers eager to put their winter training to the test.

With close to 500 entrants taking to the water, spectators were sure to see the tight racing and carnage that the challenge of the Liffey Descent always provides.

This year gave some record pile-ups at Straffan weir, only a few hundred metres from the start line, where a large crowd lined the bridge and encouraged arriving boats as they navigated the scene below. Always an exciting day for those following the race, Lucan and Wrens Nest proved as ever to be great vantage points.

At the finish line the TPCC support crew waited eagerly for the club’s athletes to cross the finish line.

The Paddlers had a smaller than usual team out competing but, nonetheless, they performed brilliantly.

Donnacha Brennan led the way, finishing second in the Senior Men’s K1 - beaten only by formidable French paddler Nicolas Lambert to the gold. His brother Mickie Brennan, known more for his running attributes of late, was sixth when competing in the Men’s K1 category, which also had first-timer Brendan Sheehan in its ranks.

In Junior Men’s K1, 17-year-old Adam Pender had a fantastic outing over the 30km course, taking bronze when finishing third. It was a good day also for first-timer Tadhg Ryan, who was fourth.

Brothers Senan and Tony Forristal teamed up to take on the Senior Men’s K2 race. They showed how well they know this river, having a flawless run to finish in sixth position.

The Liffey Descent showcases all that is great about the sport, and it was brilliant to see the smiles and laughs afterward.

Congrats to all the organisers, rescue crews and paddlers who took part. The event proved to be a big attraction for some of the club’s younger members, who were spotted up at the race supporting their TPCC clubmates and soaking up the experience before they take to the water for the Junior Liffey Descent, which will be held on Saturday.