Paddlers deliver high performances on Lower Liffey

A number of Thomastown Paddlers travelled to compete in the annual Lower Liffey Race.

The course, from Salmon Leap Canoe Club in Kildare to the Canoe Ireland Training Centre in Palmerstown, began on flat water around the Leixlip reservoir before the 500mm portage and downriver stretch that takes in five challenging weirs.

The club had a very successful day out with many notable performances, while a number of medals taken home in most categories.

In the under-15 category Darragh Wilson had a great race, his first Liffey, finishing in second place. His racing future looks bright.

In Division Five, Brendan Sheehan showed his fitness off the back of his recent Sella Descent training as he led led the Thomastown crew home to the bronze medals. Xavier finished just behind in fourth place, an impressive result while competing in a slower Wavehopper boat. Dave Comerford’s River Liffey experience stood to him as he delivered a solid performance and respectable sixth place finish. His transition to K-Boat racing this year has been very successful.

In Division Four Thomastown had a clean sweep. Stefan Green showed his experience to take gold, followed closely by John Walpole in second and TJ Brennan in third who both raced very well, pushing each other all the way.

Millie Brennan has gone from strength to strength this summer, and showed her class with a first place finish in the women’s category.

Adam Pender returned to racing after time spent travelling, delivering a very respectable finishing time in a fast Division Three class.

Great performances from stalwarts Donnacha Brennan and Cathal Treacy in a closely contested Division Two. Donnacha finishing in first place Cathal finishing in third.

The Thomastown Paddlers look forward to their first time hosting the National K2/C2 Championships, one of the last major races in this season’s calendar. The event, a lapped course beginning at the boat slip, will be held in Inistioge on Saturday, September 28 at 2.30pm