The Irish National Time Trials were held at the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen and there were a number of top performances from the local Erne Paddlers club.

Indeed, 44 competitors in all took part, including CANI and Irish Sprint squad members along with representatives from 10 clubs throughout Ireland coming from as far spread as Dublin, Mayo and Belfast.

Erne Paddlers were involved in organising the event and safety, on what was a blustery and changeable day.

The first part of the event was the 200 metre time trials for the K boaters. Paddlers where able to paddle multiple times over the 200-metre course, having their best time recorded. It was a case of having to throw ‘caution to the wind’ in paddling that bit harder in the tippy craft.

In the end honours went to Eugen Gino Baban of CANI in the Masters Men K1 with a very impressive 38 secs, whilst other CANI sprint squad members also recorded very quick times in their groups including Jordan Calder U18 in 42 secs and Zoe Thompson U14 in 48 secs.

Also, setting good times were members of the Erne Paddlers juniors Jamie Hogg and Dylan Swift.

The 5K Time trial was run shortly afterwards affording competitors the opportunity to spend that bit more time on the water. A few more categories were added to this event including for the first-time SUP boards.

This was a challenge indeed with wind and flow but Harry Harrington, Erne Paddlers, came out on top, pipping Simas Dobrovolkis.

It was great to see the ladies who had taken part in the Blueway 10k challenge last year, Erne Paddlers Marion Beattie and Tammy Swift, getting into race mode and competing for the first time in this time trial, and looks like more racing to come from them through the year!

However up for grabs were the four Irish National Time Trial glass trophies for the senior male and female, and the junior male and female categories. Presenting the awards was Ann Cairns who was Ireland’s first ever female to compete in the Olympics in canoeing.

On the day, fastest boy was Joe Brown, Kilcullen CC, fastest girl Aine White, Cellbridge CC, fastest man David Horkan, Moy CC and fastest woman Clodagh Ni Giolla Rua, Cellbridge CC. Congratulations to all who took part and would thanks to sponsors Mantas Jarusas of Braca Paddles and Waterways Ireland for their support.