Rowing Ireland lead coach Don McLachlan said this week that he is “very proud” of the recent efforts in Korea of Enniskillen oarswoman Leonora Kennedy and Monika Dukarska, who finished in 10th place overall.

“They are a very new combination in their first World Championships and to get 10th is a very creditable performance,” commented Don, who added that he is “really looking forward to a big winter of training to set them up for even better performances next season”.

Competing last Sunday, September 1 - on the final day of racing in Chungju - Leonora and Monika raced in the B Final of the Women’s Double Scull, when they were up against Korea, Ukraine, USA, Russia and Italy. The Irish crew accomplished fourth place and their performance saw them finish 10th overall at the prestigious World Championships.

First place on Sunday went to the USA, Russia came second and Ukraine third. Italy took fifth place and Korea was in sixth position.

Speaking yesterday, Wednesday, Leonora described the championships as “a really good learning experience” for them.

“It was my first senior World Championships, which is a big step up from any other international racing I’d done before,” commented Leonora.

She went on to say: “It was Monika’s first year of racing internationally, so there is a lot more to come from both of us. We were racing against multiple time Olympians, Olympic and senior world medalists.” Leonora explained that they moved on and learned from every race; she said they did what they could in the final, “so I’m proud of that”. She has no training for three weeks now, but is very much looking forward to getting back into training on her return.

“I am very grateful for getting the opportunity to compete in South Korea,” added Leonora, where she felt “the competition was fierce”.

She concluded that “the country and people were amazing” and it was one of the loveliest nations she has encountered throughout her rowing career. “They did themselves proud with the championships,” said Leonora, who is planning a visit to Fermanagh this weekend.