JULY 2007

Culdaff sisters represent Ireland

Laura and Claire D'Urso, City of Derry Rowing Club, have been selected to represent Ireland in the Summer junior international meetings. The Culdaff sisters have been selected to row ahead of their age groups and have beaten off quality competition over a range of trials to secure their places.

Laura, 16 has won a number of Gold's at the Home Internationals over the last two years, but this call up sees her move on to a new level as a member of the elite squad for the 'Coupe de Jeunesse' - the European Junior Championships which will be held in August on Italy's Lake Varese. The 'Coupe' is the stepping stone to Senior international rowing and Laura will be taking her seat in the Irish Squad scull to do battle with the finest young rowers in Europe, a challenge that she is relishing. "The call up for the 'Coupe' is just brilliant, I have worked so hard in the boat and in training to test myself against the best in Ireland and now to move on to face the best French, German, Dutch and European crews will be a real thrill. Its going to be tough but that's what the sport is all about, I can't wait." Said Laura.

As Laura moves on to the European stage her place in the Irish squad for the Home International series has been filled by her younger sister, Claire, aged 14. Claire will be four years younger than most of the English, Welsh and Scottish rowers she will be facing in the Irish boat, a massive achievement for any Junior athlete. Claire's call up comes on the back of a string of racing successes this season and solid performances in the national junior trials as she has really got to grips with the sport and developed a true racing instinct in the colours of City of Derry Boating Club. The call-up came as a surprise to Claire. "I really never expected to be selected, I thought that I was too young for the squad and was just enjoying the experience of the trials. When word came through about the call-up I was just in a state of shock and couldn't believe it. Now I just can't wait to get going".

The news has been greeted warmly by City of Derry coach, Declan Doherty. "It's just great, they work so hard but are so quiet about it all that you would wonder if they really know how good they are. Ireland doesn't send a squad to the Coupe unless they think they have some special athletes, the future really is bright for these girls.

Laura and Claire will be competing for City of Derry this weekend at the National Rowing Championships in Cork, the highlight of the domestic rowing calendar, before reporting for international duty.

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