ROWING Irish Rowers qualify for final at European Rowing Championships

Ireland's lightweight women's double scull of Claire Lambe (UCD) and Siobhan McCrohan (Tribesmen Rowing Club) rowed a very competent race to put themselves into tomorrow's final today, the second day of the 2010 European Rowing Championships in
Montemor O Velho, Portugal.

With the Germans and Greeks already qualified, the Ireland duo now join them along with Portugal, Italy, and Spain.

Earlier this season, Lambe was eighth at the under 23 World Rowing Championships as part of a lightweight double scull with another partner, whilst McCrohan, who is no
longer eligible for under 23 was sixth at the third and final FISA World Cup event held in Lucerne. Both had teamed up to come sixth at the first FISA
World Cup event held in Bled, Slovenia. Coming back together now for the final event of the international season they look an interesting prospect for the future.

On the men's side Niall Kenny (NUI Galway) and Mark O'Donovan (Skibbereen Rowing Club), rowing in a lightweight men's double scull, were fifth in their semi-final and now go into the B final to determine places 7- 12. Kenny and O'Donovan, silver medallists at this year's World Under 23 Championship in the quadruple scull, have already progressed further than all the other Under 23 crews from other countries in this event including this year's silver medallists.

Rowing Ireland Performance Director Martin McElroy, said today, "The coaching team are very pleased with the preparation and performance of the crews here this weekend.. As young athletes they've been exemplary in their training and attitude towards the competition. The only thing that talks at this level is performance and these athletes are building a very positive momentum for Irish rowing."

He added, "We've had to rebuild our international team and system from less than zero. We've had nothing but positive support from the sports councils, north and south, and the Irish Institute of Sport. They understand where we're trying to get to."