Portora Boat Club had a highly successful trip to foggy Leitrim on last Saturday, December 2.

Eight crews travelled to Lough Rynn, taking part in two 2,800m time trials organised by Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club with fours crews came home with wins.

A hat trick of successes were achieved by the women’s squad.

In the morning race a Women’s Masters quad stroked by Marcella O’Reilly competed against younger opposition in Club Quad Sculls, winning in an excellent time of 13mins 22 seconds.

This was followed up with an excellent win by Helen Flanagan in the Masters single sculls.

Flanagan beat a strong field including the British Champion from Portadown.

The Men’s Masters eight coxed by Siobhan O’Hare with super sub Barney Rix onboard finished second of four crews.

Further success was achieved in the afternoon.

The Men’s Masters also achieved a win at the younger Club level finishing first in the quadruple sculls event while a new combination finished second in Club double sculls.

In Masters events Marcella O’Reilly and Helen Flanagan secured their second wins along with Siobhan O’Hare and Carmel Dane, this time in Masters Quads.

Unusually Gerry Murphy finished in second place in a wide single sculling field while Rachael Wright and Sonja Cassidy sculled well in the Masters doubles, managing to beat a four person quad scull.

Outgoing Portora Women’s Captain, Helen Flanagan, was absolutely delighted with the performances last weekend: “My year as Captain has been fantastic and challenging. Our women’s squad has grown in number and we have achieved competitive success across Ireland and the UK.

“Today at Lough Rynn, we achieved three impressive wins and everyone who wanted to race was given an opportunity.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me over the last year. The future is very bright.”

Portora will continue to train hard over Christmas with the next race being on the Newry Canal at the end of January.