Athlone's Rian helps Irish crew finish fourth in the world

Athlone Boat Club is celebrating the remarkable success of one of its junior rowers, Rian Claffey, in achieving a fourth place finish at the World Rowing U19 Championships in Canada recently.

Rian was one of a four-man crew selected to take part in the prestigious World Championships, which were held at the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course in St. Catharine's in Ontario, Canada.

The Junior 19 Men's Quad team, with Athlone Boat Club's Fergie Hannon among the coaches, was made up of Rian Claffey, along with crewmates Sean Morris (Tralee BC), Jack Rafferty (St Michael’s BC) and Michael McGrath (Cappoquin BC).

The world championships got underway at St. Catharine's on August 18, and the team which included Claffey were very impressive on their way to the 'A' final, having executed their heat and semi-final to perfection. The team finished in third place in their semi-final to secure a coveted spot in the 'A' final, a major achievement for everyone involved.

Claffey, a former student of Marist College in Athlone, is no stranger to international competition. He claimed the Junior Men's Individual Scull title at this year's Irish Rowing Championships in Cork, in a race he led from the start.

His selection for this year's U19 World Championships was a major personal achievement for the young rower, as well as being a huge achievement for Athlone Boat Club.