by David McClure
Ireland stormed to overwhelming success at the recent Euro Open. The Open took place in Nottingham, England with team Ireland taking the resounding majority of medals.
Southeast Freestyle spent the week previous preparing for the event and worlds in October, with over 20 Southeast paddlers attending. With the support of Irish coach David McClure and world champion coach ‘Jacko’ Jackson, Ireland is on the up and up. Eoghan Kelly lead prelims with new age moves never before seen in C1, Rory Kearney brought home gold in junior men with style, Leah Hough brought home gold in junior women with ease and David McClure took home gold in K1 men’s with over 2000 points. Day 2 of the event brought out more gold for Ireland, Jack Ledwith ran away with men’s boatercross. To finish there was an incredible inflatable race down the whitewater course with some wild and weird inflatables on show, but over a 100 paddlers taking to the course on inflatables is a sight to behold.
This is a great warm up for the members of the team who compete in the World Championships in the USA in early October.
Full results –
Junior Women elite
1st Leah Hough
Junior Men elite
4th Dan Clohessy
Senior Women elite
4th Beibhean Butler
C1 Women elite
3rd Beibhean Butler
C1 Men elite
3rd Eoghan Kelly
K1 Men elite
1st David McClure
Squirt Women
2nd Alex McClure
Intermediate Junior men
2nd Fergus Murphy
4th Hugo Phelan
Novice Junior Women
1st Coline Kearney
2nd Naomi Hunter
3rd Mia Minchen
Novice Junior Men
1st Harry Ogilive
3rd Henri Kearney
South East Freestyle were 2nd in the club championships
