The Irish International Currach Championships were held in Enniskillen last weekend.

Teams from Albany and Philadelphia in the US competed against teams from Donegal, Cork, Cambridge University and local interests were represented by the Portora Rowing Club in Enniskillen. There were further entries from Australia, Belgium and France in the male singles.

All the teams were using the traditional Navog 4 seater Currach.

NEW STYLE

All of the teams were experienced currach rowers but both Portora and Cambridge male and female teams were new to this style of boat.

Saturday's heats were not affected drastically by the terrible weather and torrential downpour. However, the expected crowds decided to stay at home and the elimination rounds decided the finalists for Sunday's finals.

On Sunday, the weather improved and the rain cleared.

A very hard and close contest ensued in all the following finals.

Most of the races were eventually won by the more experienced Albany and Philadelphia teams with two notable exceptions, the male singles won by Cambridge newcomer Chris Kerr.

The most unexpected result of the Regatta and well deserved success was the emergence of the local lads Matthew and Thomas from the local Portora Rowing Club.

The organisers would like to thank Fermanagh District Council, Waterways Ireland, Belleek Pottery and The Irish Trust whose kind sponsorship and support made this possible and all were instrumental in ensuring that this successful event was held in Enniskillen this year.

Beautiful pieces of Belleek Pottery were presented to all the winners at a presentation dinner in the Clinton Centre later that evening.

The visitors included in their trip to Enniskillen visits to Enniskillen Castle, Belleek Pottery and the Marble Arch Caves.

Everyone commented on the beauty of the area and many expressed a wish a to return to the same venue for the 2008 Championships.