Donegal rowers set for Home International Beach Sprints event

Some of Donegal’s best rowers are looking forward to representing Ireland at the Home International Rowing (HIR) Beach Sprints this weekend in Bournemouth, England. 

Eva Shovlin, a 16-year-old rising star from Loughros Point Rowing Club (LPRC), will take on the Junior 19 (J19) Women’s Single category. 

Making her beach sprint debut, Shovlin earned her place on the Irish team after excelling at the national trials in June, where she also secured a spot at the prestigious Coupe de la Jeunesse. 

Following the HIR she will represent Ireland again n Los Alcazores, Spain at the beginning of November to compete at the Coupe de la Jeunesse beach sprints alongside fellow Donegal rower Grace Masterson from Donegal Bay Rowing Club.

In the Senior Mixed Double category, Michael O’Boyle and Lucy Bracken, also from LPRC, will race as a duo. 

Both are stepping into senior competition for the first time, but O’Boyle brings the experience of an international medal, having clinched bronze at the Coupe de la Jeunesse Beach Sprints in Italy last year. 

Méabh McNamara, of Donegal Bay Rowing Club (DBRC), is the most seasoned of the Donegal rowers. Competing in the U-23 Mixed Double alongside Alexander Graham-Smythe from Commercial RC in Dublin. 

McNamara brings a wealth of international experience, with several medal-winning performances for Ireland under her belt and recently claiming bronze in the Irish Championship’s in the womens single. They will be a crew to watch out for!

At the helm of the Irish team is Shaun Molloy, team manager and head coach from Loughros Point. 

LPRC hosted the Irish Championships in 2023, The Irish Beach Sprint Trials in 2024 and is currently one of two Irish rowing clubs in the bid to host The Home International Rowing Beach Sprints 2025, hopefully bringing the event to Donegal.