WATCH: Ryan Spelman says “It’s an honour to race it in Ireland” at upcoming Coupe de la Jeunesse

WATCH: “It’s an honour to race it in Ireland”- Ryan Spelman on Coupe de la Jeunesse selection

The Coupe de la Jeunesse is coming to Ireland for the fourth time next month since its inception in 1985. The Irish crew will be hoping to put home advantage to good use and come away with their maiden triumph. The event, which is open to rowers who are 18 at the years end or under has only ever been won by Great Britain (14 times), Italy (11) and France (8).

The competition will take place on Inniscarra Lake along the River Lee in Cork this month from July 27-29. The event was last held ten years ago in Cork where Great Britain came out victorious.

We caught up with Limerick rower Ryan Spelman of St Michael’s Rowing Club in Limerick – who was selected as part of the Irish team – to get his thoughts ahead of the regatta.

He spoke of the challenges of preparing a crew made up from different parts of the country with regards to meeting for training and meetings. However, he acknowledged the pride he feels at getting the chance to represent his country and is looking forward to the event.

“It’s very difficult for club crews like us to meet up as we are all over the country but it works out for our crew because two of us row in O’Brien’s bridge in Clare and two row in Blessington up in Dublin.”

“It’s an honour to race it in Ireland, a good bit of fun. It’s nice to represent your country in the home event.”

“Keep the pressure down and focus on what I have to do and that’s to row like I usually do. Train like we usually do and try to get no injuries!”

Check out the link to the full interview with Spelman below on our YouTube channel.

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Raffaele Rocca