DCUCanoe.ie

This years Kayak Intervarsities were hosted by NUIG in Galway. DCU went as defending champions having won last years competition hosted by UCD.

Me with the Varsities cup and the white-water cup that we won last year

Due to the early start to the polo, we were up bright and early for a 8.30am departure for Galway. In typical DCU Canoe club style we left closer to 9.30. Still we weren't that late arriving and shouldn't really blame that for not showing on time for our first game against UCD. Fortunately for us, UCD were sound enough to give us a replay later on in the day. Therefore our first match was against Maynooth and their Div 1 Kilcock players. Not to surprisingly we got beaten by eventual champions. Our second game was against UCD and we drew 2-2, putting us through to the quarter finals on goal difference to play UCC. UCC had a very strong team and despite a good performance we went out in the quarter finals for the second year running.

DCU in action against Maynooth

The Friday night party was in the college bar and than on to Karma nightclub! so it was a tired morning when everyone turned up to the Long Distance for an 8am registration time! we had participants in almost every class, but unfortunately the only medal position was Ashling Conway who secured a top 3 finish for the second year running, this time in the Women's HP class. Comic relief was provided by Ger, who capsized metres from the finish line!

Men's GP start in the Long Distance

After that it was of to Clifton for the Rodeo. Participating for DCU was Ronan Matthews, Ger Gleson, Ashling Conway and Ciaran O'Sullivan. The lads put in a good performance, particularly given Ashling and Ciaran had never done freestyle before. Ronan Matthews put in a good run and Ashling secured a unexpected 3rd place with the tried and tested fall over & swim combo! UL dominated the event however securing 1st in the women's event and all top 3 positions in the men's freestyle.

Ronan Matthews playing in Clifton hole

The final event was on the Sunday, and was the white-water race on the Boluisce in Spiddal. DCU's team was Ger, Ashling and Ronan. Unfortunately for us the river was low and rocks impeded on our ability to finish the race! The final shootout was made up of UCD, NUIG, TCD and GMIT Castlebar, with Paddy McGovern of GMIT wining ahead of UCD.

Paddy McGovern of GMIT on his way to wining.

Overall the event was won by the University of Limerick who put in strong performances in every event to take a thoroughly deserved victory. DCU came a disappointing 10th, but it was always going to be hard to defend our title with a number of injuries and absences to contend with. We'll be back in force next year though with the competition to be held in Cork.

Well its the competitive time of year again! Yes the intervarsities are only a few weeks away and DCU Canoe Club is calling all troops to the front line! There are plenty of disciplines to get involved in form polo, to the lovely.......long distance this one involves all participants if possible! Then there is the Rodeo and Whitewater Race! All times and days are on this here forum already YE HAW!!
I encourage all levels of kayakers to take part as it all adds up to experience and it is being held in Galway it's always good craic!
And of course with all things involved with he club, there will be good times in the bar afterwords on the Friday and Saturday!
And what better way to spend Valentines then to be celebrating the mighty efforts of DCUCC, who's to say we wont be taking the cup home again!
And either way as Oscar Wilde said, "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it."
So happy days!

Polo
Friday the 12th @11am

Long distance
Saturday 13th @8am

Rodeo
Saturday 13th @ 3pm. Venue to
be decided, either Tuam or Clifden.

Whitewater race
Sunday 14th @10am.

All times listed are registration times. Events will commence 30 minutes
after registration

Entertainment
Friday Night -College Bar, NUIG
Saturday Night -Warwick Hotel, Salthill
Venue for Prize Giving is yet to be confirmed.

anyone need accommodation for semester 2 ?? only 300 squids a month and only just across the road from dcu.

Hey guys,

If you're not going to go on a river trip you have said you're going on, can
you make sure to email or leave a post on the forum, even just out of courtesy.

Thanks ,

Carly