by Jon Simmons.
The Canoeing Ireland Junior and U23 5K Series was this year again a great event, and after a break away last year due to Covid-19 there was a really energetic atmosphere around the event. With everyone buzzing to be back competing over such an exciting distance.
The age categories for the 5k series are the following – U23, U18, U16, U14 and U12 for both Boys and Girls. There is also a 2.5k Series for complete novices. All competitors earn points throughout the series, with the competitors who earn the most points after all four races will be declared the winners of their age category for the event.
The 5K Series this year was scheduled to take place at the following venues
- 5th February Salmon Leap CC,
- 12th February Malahide,
- 26th February Malahide,
- Finishing the series at Salmon Leap CC on the 5th March.
Sadly due to weather conditions the series had to be cancelled at Malahide and was moved to the canal at Pike Bridge, Maynooth for safety reasons. A big thank you to Waterways Ireland for allowing us to use this venue at such short notice.
Across the series there was some truly exciting racing and some great times achieved by all throughout the series and it was very positive for the future of our sport to see so many new faces out on the water. In total there was 51 Junior and 5 U23 athletes competing throughout the whole 5K series.
This year we had some new and exciting sponsors to add to the event and we must say a special thank you to Jantex Paddles, Paddle Sports Ireland, Icon, Nelo and Esmark Finch. These sponsors help provide the exciting prizes for the event and strive to see flatwater racing grow here in Ireland.
Please see attached the Winners of the 2022 series:
Thank you to everyone who helped provide rescue, timing and a new and improved entry system for this year Canoeing Ireland 5K Series. A special thank you to Eamon Cummins for his amazing camera work throughout the whole event no matter the weather.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next year.
