In recent rowing notes, a Cork contemporary highlighted some interesting observations from the Cork and Limerick regattas.
Firstly, the Shannon R.C. Challenge Cup race was rowed on an ebb tide, which some competent judges believed gave the boat on the northern station an advantage of a couple of lengths. This was supported by the previous year’s result when Athlunkard won from the No. 1 station, which was now occupied by Limerick Boat Club. They defeated the highly fancied Dublin University eight, winners of the Leander ‘Grand Challenge Cup’ in the same season.
During the Quin Challenge Cup race between Limerick Boat Club and Athlunkard Boat Club, the latter had the race under control until their coxswain made a mistake by allowing the boat to run into the current, causing them to slow down while still rowing hard. Limerick won the race due to the sound judgment of their helmsman.
Regarding the matter of “fouling” at Cork, it seems that Athlunkard was wrongly blamed. The Athlunkard Boat Club was not responsible for the foul, and the blame should have been directed elsewhere. Mr Butterfield, the race judge, has cleared the A.B. Club of any wrongdoing and stated that if an objection had been lodged, the leading crews, not the A.B.C., would have been disqualified. Athlunkard chose not to object and showed sportsmanship in the situation.
The Cork critic commented on the re-rowed race for the Thomond Cup at Limerick. He suggested that Cork B.C. had a tough time as they had to rerow the race, which led to their subsequent defeat. However, it was clarified that the first-day race was declared “off” due to a false start, and all crews, including Cork B.C., faced the same physical strain from the previous day. The winners of the race were deemed the best crew, securing their victory on merit.
In a notable event in Sydney, James Stanbury emerged victorious by defeating George Twiss, the world’s sculling champion, by two lengths on Saturday.
These rowing notes offer valuable insights into the competitive world of rowing and shed light on the performances of various clubs and crews at the Cork and Limerick regattas.
Manchester Courier – Saturday 22 July 1905
