North East Regatta 2nd May 2026
Four lads loaded up, to head to Aberdeen
Riggers, blades, hats and sunscreen,
The drive uneventful, ready to race
Boats rigged, bow numbers on, everything in place
First up the Open four, not practiced for a while
The paddle to the start brought on a small smile
The opposition had youth and home water on their side
A loss by a canvas retained IRC pride
Pairs next, with no break, straight back in a boat
Winning Open 2-, the chances remote
Even through 500m, pushing them to the line
Straight course, I think not, second this time
Masters pair more realistic, needing to win by a lot
A fast start, a good lead, a loss I think not
Counting elephants seemed endless, on and on
But an IRC win, over ABC’s Richard and Ron
The single were next, dread all around
Andrews, Latham, and Hopkins progressed through the rounds
One by one they exited, only Andrews was left
Pipped on the line in the final, utterly bereft
With hindsight and a pie, the mood was upbeat
IRC well represented, an enjoyable rowing meet
Post race analysis had positives and the odd moan,
BUT,
We will be back Aberdeen, to take more medals home
Words by Ciaran McManus