Medallions

Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

11 hours ago

Henley Royal Regatta
Enniskillen Royal Boat Club’s two first eights have pre-qualified for Henley Royal Regatta, a remarkable achievement ahead of the world-famous event, which runs from Tuesday 30 June to Sunday 5 July 2026. The boys’ eight of Evan Donaghy, Ryan Topping, Christian Timoney, Andrew Cuthbertson, Luke Bailey, Lorcan Sreenivasan, Cillian Donaghy, Austin Cassidy and cox Abbey Wilson will compete in the prestigious Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, one of the junior events on the Henley programme. 32 crews will compete in this event after qualification is finished on Friday.

The girls’ eight of Claire Walsh, Isabella Wright, Naomi Robinson, Clodagh Donaghy, Zara Welsh, Emily Black, Meabh Murphy, Hannah Armstrong and cox Jessica Thompson will compete in the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy, joining a field of 24 crews once the qualification process is complete.

Pre-qualification for Henley is a significant marker of form and consistency, reflecting the strength of the crews’ performances throughout the season. For Enniskillen Royal Boat Club to have both first eights earn places at this level underlines the depth of talent, commitment and preparation within the squad.

The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup and the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy are among the most competitive junior events at Henley Royal Regatta, attracting leading crews from across the UK and overseas. The ERBC crews will now turn their focus to producing their best racing on one of the sport’s most iconic stretches of water. The course is 2112 m in length.

The 2 crews have been working towards Henley 2026 since they stared to row in Year 9 and this is the pinnacle of their junior rowing careers.

It will be a very special week for the Donaghy family as Clodagh Donaghy who is only 15 will race in ERBC’S Girls' eight, her brother Cillian will be racing in ERBC’s Boys' eight and their older brother Odhran who also rowed at ERBC as a junior will race in The Silver Goblets and Nickalls' Challenge Cup with Taurus BC

Mr Holland, Head Coach at ERBC is incredibly proud of the rowers who have worked so hard to get to this point and he is looking forward to a great week of racing at Henley Royal. The Draw will take place in Henley Townhall this Saturday afternoon when both crews will find out who they will face in the First Round. It is a knock out competition, Mr Holland says that they will take each day as it comes knowing that each stage is going to be tough no matter what. ... See MoreSee Less