JULY 2008

Culdaff sisters national rowing champions

Laura and Claire D'Urso took the gold medal in the Under 18 Double Scull event at the national finals which were held in Cork earlier this month. Claire also lifted the trophy in the Under 16 Single Scull Championship.

The wins mark the first ever junior national titles for City of Derry Rowing Club, and the club's first ever women's win. The last time the club took a national title was in 1969, when the men won one of the adult events.

The sisters, are both still students at Carndonagh Community College. Claire, who is only 15, says she was delighted that it was a family achievement. "It was such a nice feeling winning with my sister. Our parents were there on the day supporting us, as they always are, so it was a very, very special day for the family.

Laura and Claire went on to deliver equally impressive performances at last week's European Junior Championships (Coupe de Jeunesse) in Cork. Laura, along with teammate Lisa Dilleen (Galway) won two gold medals in Under 18 Double Scull. Claire competed in the Under 18 Single Scull, despite being young for the category, and placed 5th in a very close race.

Laura and her rowing partner Lisa won their 2000 metre race by a full three lengths, or ten seconds. "I didn't think we'd win it by that much. Neither of us were as confident as all the people around us. We thought it would be much more difficult than it turned out to be".

Both Laura and Claire take their inspiration from their sport-loving mother Marie, who is an avid golfer while it was their father Gaetano, who hooked them on rowing. Laura recalls, "I remember when I was little, sitting and watching my father train on the rowing machine at home. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to give it a go, and I guess I've never stopped since.

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