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Culdaff oarswomen retain title
17.07.09
CULDAFF'S D'Urso
sisters, Laura and Claire, have retained their
national title in the Junior Double Scull at the
National Rowing Centre in Inniscarra, Co Cork,
And while Laura, 18, celebrates her selection to
represent Ireland in the Junior World Championships
in Brive la Gaillarde, France in early August,
Claire, 16, has now got the call-up to race in the
Home International Regatta in Nottingham. This sees
Ireland take on England, Scotland and Wales on July
25. Selection for the Home Internationals is the
highest level that Junior 16 rowers can achieve in
Ireland and Claire will race in the Blue Riband
Single Scull as well as the quad - meaning a hectic
weekend of racing across the two boat classes. The
D'Ursos row for City of Derry Boating Club and the
weekend win in Co Cork reflects only the third
national title City of Derry Club has won since 1922
and the first one to be retained by the club. The
D'Ursos' national and international honours reflect
their huge level of discipline and commitment. The
girls and their family travel from their home in
Culdaff to Derry six days a week to train on the
water for up to three hours at a time. This is in
addition to travelling across Ireland to race and
maintain their studies at Carndonagh Community
College. |
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Claire said their
training would not be possible without a wide range
of support and assistance. They thank Clonmany Youth
Club for the use of their gym through the winter and
the Mary Peters Trust for assistance with travel
expenses. But their biggest thanks is reserved for
their home club. "Declan Doherty at City of Derry
has been our greatest support. He initiated and
developed our interest and unlocked our potential,
which has brought us to the attention of the
national selectors. Without him and his team at
Prehen, none of this would |
have happened,"
explained Claire.
Meanwhile, the World Championships will see Laura
competing at a new level - a challenge she relishes.
"It is fantastic to be selected as the first women’s
crew from Ireland in so long, but we don’t know much
about the other crews so it's quite nerve-wracking,
but it's such an honour to pull on the green vest
and I just can’t wait." |
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