Newry

A week after the assessments in Newry, I find myself in Galway with Adrian to spend some time with coaches to discuss the perennial questions of training and technique. One hundred and ninety three people from 37 clubs entered the assessment in Newry. After Saturday's ergometer test, one hundred and twenty proceeded to the water assessment.

It was greatly encouraging to see so many juniors with the aspiration to be part of the national team, and to see that there is a rising standard in terms of ergometer performance. At this time of year, the ergometer performances provide validation of the winter training up to this point. Staying well and training effectively over the next four months are the key to having a productive racing season later on. Derek Holland provides valuable leadership in the junior programme by sending out well designed training programmes to all subscribing clubs. These clubs submit training scores across a number of programme elements, and receive back a national summary that motivates athletes to set ever increasingly ambitious goals. Looking across the years that Derek has implemented this process, we see continuous improvement in the training numbers and in the performances in assessments such as Newry.

Amongst the group training at the NRC there were some very encouraging improvements; Sanita's score of 6:37 was a six second improvement on her previous best and a truly world class score, Mark O'Donovan made a six second improvement on his previous best along with a number of the other athletes who pushed their markers forward. At this time of year this is very encouraging for the athletes and coaches. Kate O'Brien was impressive amongst the junior girls in breaking the seven mintue marker, and last year's single sculler Paul O'Donovan laid down a solid marker dipping under the 6:20 mark.

With such a large entry we took a decision to split the water assessment into two divisions. We were also mindful of feedback from last year where athletes were sitting on the water for some time in cold conditions. Overall the two division approach seemed to work well, although we're always open to feedback and improvement. A big thanks must go to those coaches, parents and supporters who willingly give their time to assist in running the event. Time and time again these people offer their help and it is truly appreciated. It would not be possible to run the event without this generosity and support.

In the first division, the junior men were led home by Paul O'Donovan, a quiet, well organised young man who will no doubt be keen to demonstrate his class in his final year of junior competition. Hilary Shinnick from Fermoy lead home the junior girls section with close attention from a number of other young girls from around the country. Mark O'Donovan was fastest male overall, with Sanita taking the female honours. Overall, it was an encouraging weekend at all levels. There's still a good opportunity to get some good training blocks in during the winter phase, so stay well and keep working is the key message to all.

Moving on to Galway, we're spending a weekend at the disposal of the coaches from clubs in the town. We've had some interesting conversations today around technique and training. We were keen to spend time with the coaches so that we could explore different aspects of the rowing stroke. Rather than just have us coach crews, we find it more useful to put time aside to discuss challenges involved in observation, feedback, and ultimately changing the way in which athletes row. I personally really enjoyed the interaction with a keen, curious, and commited group of coaches, encouragingly including a number of young coaches. It was a very positive discussion not just about technique and training, but one that also helps us understand how Rowing Ireland may be able to help coaches with their further development. It's been a very busy spell recently, but very encouraging to see the commitment and enthusiasm of athletes and coaches alike.